Starting playgroup
I’m not ready! by Jonathan Allen
The nervous little owl from I’m not cute is so determined to postpone setting off for playgroup, he even tidies his toys. Sound familiar?
Maisy goes to nursery by Lucy Cousins
There are lots of familiar activities to talk about in this Maisy book. Her website is worth a visit too.
Goat goes to playgroup by Julia Donaldson
Nick Sharratt’s simple illustrations are just right for this rhyming snapshot of playgroup life. Perfect.
Going to playschool by Sarah Garland
Sarah Garland paints real life with young children; The toys on the floor, the drinks spilling over, the slightly tired grown-ups. It’s been around for 23 years and still in print – says it all.
Spot loves nursery by Eric Hill
A super little board book.
Hugless Douglas goes to little school by David Melling
There’s an awful lot of hugging in this one!
Starting school
Topsy and Tim Start School by Jean and Gareth Adamson
This little book may help, even though Topsy and Tim look nothing like their namesakes on CBBC.
Starting school by Allan Ahlberg
A reassuring read for children who are just starting school. From first day nerves to finding your peg, this classic picture book takes a warm hearted view.
Who did it? by Malachy Doyle
A cross between Cluedo and Where’s Wally, but for the under 6s this Who Did it? game for young children features a class full of children who take turns to get into trouble.
This book belongs to Aye-Aye by Richard Byrne
The twin rabbits in this picture book are just so badly behaved, and I’m not sure what sort of an animal Aye-Aye is, but he is the stuff of legend. Read it and laugh.
Tiddler by Julia Donaldson
Julia Donaldson’s fishy hero is late for school every day. This brilliant rhyming tale is great for slightly older children.
Back to school tortoise by Lucy M George
“Go on, you know you’ll like it really, little tortoise.” Another animal returning reluctantly to school after the summer holidays discovers he’s glad to be back after all.
Too sleepy! by Sue Graves
With just one short line per page, this is a nice little book for children who have just started reading. I hope they get dressed a bit quicker than Archie, who was “too sleepy”.
Spot goes to school by Eric Hill
Spot has been going to school since 1984 and he’s still making a mess! No wonder he is so popular with young children.
A big day for Migs! by Jo Hodgkinson
It’s the first day of school and Migs is feeling apprehensive in this sweet little book.
Dinosaurs in my school by Timothy Knapman
You simply won’t believe the mess they make! Pesky old dinosaurs.
Alfie and the big boys by Shirley Hughes
Alfie’s chance meeting with a boy from the school next to his nursery calms his fears about going to big school.
Lucy and Tom go to school by Shirley Hughes
Have you got the uniform yet? Lucy has, all laid out on her bed.
Mouse’s first night at moonlight school by Simon Puttock
Mouse is so shy, he hides behind a curtain – but Miss Moon takes care of him.
Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton
Hilarious illustrations of Splat’s first day at school – don’t miss it!
Big Bad Bun by Jeanne Willis
Worm burger at lunch, for a vegetarian? Tony Ross’ illustrations are fabulous and Bun is neither as big nor as bad as he sounds.
Sidney goes to school by Sharon Rentta
In case you haven’t met him, Sidney is a blue elephant who has been known to ride a bike. He resolves his problem with a naughty chimp by making friends with him. Just what the doctor ordered.
Betsy goes to school by Helen Stephens
“Betsy is excited about doing new things. Today is her first day at school, but it’s very noisy and she doesn’t know anyone.” All is resolved when Betsy meets a new friend.
Bella goes to school by Ian Whybrow
If you want a nice gentle introduction, you can’t go far wrong with this sweet picture book about Bella the rabbit. She’s a “good learner”.
Boris starts school by Carrie Weston
Keep an eye out for Paddington Bear in this story about an endearing but shaggier bear at school.
Come to school too, Blue Kangaroo! by Emma Chichester Clark
Poor Blue Kangaroo has an unexpected overnight stay in this charming cautionary tale about taking a precious toy to school.