The Best Starting School Books for Children
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So the summer holidays have arrived, and for many of us, it’s an opportunity to spend six weeks away from school runs, manic mornings, packing lunchboxes and trying to find that one school shoe that is never where your child left it. School can be exhausting, so the summer holidays provide some welcome rest for parents and children alike.
If your child is starting school for the first time this Autumn, you may be feeling apprehensive about what’s to come. Preparing your child for starting reception, moving to a new school or simply changing to a new teacher can be a challenging time. Children can feel a range of emotions about starting school and for parents, it can be hard to know how to support them.
Starting School Books
Books about starting school can be hugely beneficial. They’re a great opportunity to sit down with your child and have conversations about school, whether that’s what to expect from the school day, what they will learn or talk about emotions and making friends. Having some time out of your day to read the back-to-school books together can encourage a dialogue, allowing your child to open up about their feelings.
There are LOADS of books about starting school, so it can be tricky to know which one is right for you and your family. Thankfully, I’ve done my research to bring you the best books about starting school and have created a list of starting school books for each eventuality, from books about starting reception, to books about worry separation anxiety or even having a new teacher.
Here are the best starting school books you can buy today.
Best overall starting school books
Going to School by Rosie Blake
RRP: £11.99 | Suitable for: 3-6 years | Format: Hardback
With stunning illustrations and lots of things to spot on each page, this stunning hardback book is a great introduction to the school day, showcasing everything from travelling to school, to hanging up your coat and what happens when the bell rings. Allowing your child to become more familiar with what to expect.
First Day at Bug School by Sam Lloyd
RRP: £5.99 | Suitable for: 3-4 years | Format: Paperback
With fun rhymic text, this book shares the experience of a bug on his first day at school. With a subtle introduction to school routine without focusing too much on their own experience, it can help reduce any anxieties children may have as they prepare for their first day.
Mouses’ Big Day by Lydia Monks
RRP: £5.99 | Suitable for: 3-5 years | Format: Paperback
You may already be familiar with Lydia Monks from her popular What the Ladybird Heard series, but the Twit Two Series are specifically for supporting preschoolers with their transition to school.
Here we meet Mouse, who is scared about starting school. We follow his journey as he meets new friends and quickly learns that school can be loads of fun!
Best back-to-school books to read with your child
Starting School by Daisy Upton (Five Minute Mum)
RRP: £7.99 | Suitable for: 3-5 years | Format: Paperback
If you haven’t heard of Five Minute Mum – where have you been? Previously a TA and now an award-winning author, her newly released title is the ultimate guide for kids transitioning from nursery or home to a school setting. With easy-to-read pages, great illustrations and helpful tips for children and their parents, this funny and informative book makes learning about school great fun.
Best back-to-school books for early readers:
Isadora Moon goes to school
RRP: £7.99 | Suitable for: 5-7 years | Format: Paperback
The Isadora Moon series is great for early readers, with short chapters and beautiful bright pink illustrations. This book focuses on Isodora’s emotions as she has to choose between two different schools. Ideal for those transitioning from infants to juniors.
Show and Tell Rob Biddulph
RRP: £7.99 | Suitable for: 3-7 years | Format: Paperback
We are MASSIVE fans of Rob Biddulph in this house. This particular title introduces children to the class 2L on show and tell day, and comes with an important reminder that its often the smallest of actions such as kindness that can have the biggest impact. Some great illustrations that are full of diversity too.
Best funny starting school books:
How to hide a lion in school by Helen Stephens
RRP: £7.99 | Suitable for: 3-7 years | Format: Paperback
Lions can’t go to school – so when Iris starts a new class the Lion tries any way possible to sneak in unnoticed. Children will laugh out loud at his hilarious attempts to hide in the classroom, but alas, the teacher finds him and he’s sent home. But when the school bus breaks down, can the lion save the day?
Pirates don’t go to school
RRP: £6.99 | Suitable for: 3-6 years | Format: Paperback
If it’s humour you’re looking for, this silly tale of a pirate who convinces his father to let him start school is sure to be a hit. With loads of laugh-out-loud moments, this young pirate soon learns just how much fun school can be.
Best starting school books about separation anxiety
Mooncat & Me by Lydia Corry
RRP: £7.99 | Suitable for: 3-6 years | Format: Paperback
One of my daughter’s favourites, this beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Pearl who has just moved to a new town. Starting a new school, she’s worried about not knowing anyone and making new friends. With the help of a giant white cat as her confidante and comfort blanket, Pearl soon learns to face her fears.
Love by Corinne Averiss
RRP: £9.99 | Suitable for: 3-6 years | Format: Hardback
Another of our favourites and worth getting the stunning hardback if you don’t mind paying a bit extra. Tess is nervous about starting school, experiencing feelings of separation anxiety and worrying that her mum won’t return to collect her. Her mum introduces the concept that love is like an invisible string, connecting people together even when they are far away. One to cherish and an absolute must-buy!
Best starting school books about emotions:
I am absolutely too small to go to school
RRP: £5.99 | Suitable for: 3-6 years | Format: Paperback
Lola is absolutely too small to start school – she will NOT wear a uniform, nor will she eat school dinners in the lunch hall. With the help of her brother Charlie and her imaginary friend Soren Lorenson, Lola soon learns that lots of the things she was worried about aren’t scary after all!
Worrysaurus
RRP: £5.99 | Suitable for: 3-5 years | Format: Paperback
We love books by Rachel Bright, with stories that help children understand their emotions in an empathetic and friendly way. Worrysaurus the dinosaur really wants to go for a picnic but his anxieties are holding him back. What if it rains? What if he gets lost? Thanks to advice from his friends, he soon learns that he can be brave and overcome his fears.
Starting School Books about Inclusivity:
Welcome to our table by Laura Mucha
RRP: £12.79 | Suitable for: 4-7 years | Format: Hardback
Whilst not strictly a book about school, this is a great read for children moving to a school setting, introducing them to different cultures, faiths and traditions and the diverse range of people they may meet along the way.
All are welcome
RRP: £5.99 | Suitable for: 2-5 years | Format: Paperback
Another book about diversity, this book is all about a school where everyone is welcome.
Follow the children through a school day and see children in patkas, hijabs, baseball caps and yarmulkes playing side by side. Diversity is a strength and this book showcases that so so well.
Best back-to-school books about new teachers:
Mega Magic Teacher Swap
RRP: £6.99 | Suitable for: 3-6 years | Format: Paperback
When friends Mai and Rose return to school after the holidays, they are feeling sad about having a new teacher and create a magic spell that can put them back with their favourite Mrs Bee.
The girls soon learn however that change can be. good thing, embracing their new routine. A great choice for those nervous about transitioning to a new year group.
About the Author
Can you trust us?
You won’t find any AI-written content here. As a Mum of two daughters, I’ve been sharing our honest reviews of products and services at Real Mum Reviews since 2013. I pride myself on providing detailed, thorough and impartial reviews that aim to answer the questions that parents really want to know when making those all-important purchase decisions. Whether the item has been gifted to us or paid for directly by ourselves, we promise to provide honest, impartial and genuine verdicts. We share our experience including our views on the pros and cons of each product we test.
As a book-loving family, with solid relationships with a wide range of UK publishers, we’ve been lucky enough to be able to try and test a wide range of picture books, fiction and non-fiction titles over the years, making us well-placed to recommend books that are sure to be a hit with your children. I also write regular shopping content for sites such as Mumsnet and the Evening Standard, so well versed in researching topics, seeking customer feedback and ensuring the titles I recommend are well-rated by parents across the UK.
