Starting school or nursery

See also:

• Books to help children learn numbers and basic maths before starting school
• Get Ready for School book bags

Let’s Go To Nursery!, by Caryl Hart & Lauren Tobia

“It’s Billy and Bee’s very first day and, at the start, they feel a little shy. But soon they find out there are games to be played, friends to be made, and songs to be sung.

“A reassuring introduction to nursery that will ignite discussion and help very young children tackle all kinds of new experiences.”

I’m Starting Nursery, by Marion Cocklico

“A practical and fun first experiences book for toddlers about starting nursery - with parent and carer tips.”

Alfie at Nursery School, by Shirley Hughes

“Alfie loves Nursery School - and so does Annie Rose. She can’t wait to go there with him - in fact she’s so desperate to join in that she gets Alfie into a very sticky situation in this collection of nursery school tales. Join Alfie as he navigates playground games and special concerts in this heartwarming book.”

I Am Too Absolutely Small for School, by Lauren Child

“Although Lola agrees with her brother that it would be useful to learn how to write, read and count, she can’t go to school because her invisible friend’s too nervous to go. This title in the Charlie and Lola series deals sympathetically with children’s fears surrounding the first day at school.”

Going to School, by Rose Blake

“Explore a day in the life of a little girl at school in this book that takes you from breakfast to bedtime. Meet her classmates and try to spot what each friend is up to in every lesson throughout the book. Can you guess what they want to be when they grow up?

“This book provides a gentle introduction to the school day for little ones, with an unfolding visual narrative that young children will have fun making out for themselves.”

My First Day, by Amber Stewart & Layn Marlow

“Puddle is a little duckling. He’s not sure he’s ready for his first day at school. In fact he’s really worried. But Mummy packs enough love and support into his school bag to carry him through the day.”

Little Owl’s First Day, by Debi Gliori & Alison Brown

“It’s a big day for Little Owl. His first day at school. Little Owl doesn’t want a big day though. He’d rather stay at home and have fun with Mummy and Baby Owl. But at school he gets to build a rocket, learn to fly and even make a tiny new friend. Maybe big days spent with friends can be lots of fun after all!”

Miffy at School, by Dick Bruna

“Join Miffy at school, where she learns to draw, write, read and sing. But Miffy’s favourite thing is when the teacher reads the class a story.”

Prince George goes to School, by Caryl Hart & Laura Ellen Anderson

“Prince George is starting school! There will be new faces, new friends, lots of new things to learn - as well as new challenges, like taking turns! How will the young royal enjoy his latest epic adventure?”

Stanley’s School, by William Bee

“It’s another busy day for Stanley and friends. At Stanley’s School, Little Woo, Sophie, and Benjamin enjoy storytime, playtime, measuring, and painting - all in one day!”

Whiffy Wilson, the wolf who wouldn’t go to school

“Whiffy Wilson doesn’t know how to hold a pen and has never looked in a book, but fortunately his friend Dotty is on hand to show him that school is fun. Soon, Whiffy is in his element, and when he gets a gold star for all his work he realises that school is the best thing ever!”

How To Get Your Teacher Ready For School, by Jean Reagan & Lee Wildish

“Follow a class of adorable students as they make sure their teacher is ready all year round. Written in a tongue-in-cheek instructional style, this book is a playful and heartwarming celebration of teachers and school, and an empowering book to help calm back-to-school nerves!”

Mr Men go to School, by Adam & Roger Hargreaves

“Little Miss Tiny is going to school and some of the other Mr Men and Little Miss with a few things to learn are joining her! How will Mr Muddle get on with maths and will Mr Messy create a work of art in painting?”

I Love My Teacher, by Giles Andreae & Emma Dodd

“A colourful, fun-filled picture book all about school! Put your coat on the hook, play with friends and join in all the day’s activities. Start with show and tell, reading and writing, then playtime, making things and singing. Teacher makes sure every school day is the best!

“This sweet and simple story follows a typical school day - from morning hellos to hometime.”

Stuff to Know when you Start School, by Hélène Hilton

“Learn all the super-important life skills you need to become a big boy or girl with this ultimate guide to being a toddler and starting school.”

Billy and the Big New School, by Catherine & Laurence Anholt

“Billy’s due to start at a new school, but is full of worries. A few days before the new term, he rescues a baby bird and nurses him back to health. In doing so, he realises that he too can face big challenges.”

All You Need to Know Before You Start School, by Felicity Brooks & Marina Aizen

“This work follows five animal friends who have just started school to provide a gentle and humorous introduction to the school day, from getting dressed in the morning to home time. This is all carefully interspersed with early years educational concepts such as shapes, colours, opposites, numbers, weather and seasons, senses, nature words and letter recognition.”

Betsy Goes to School, by Helen Stephens

“Betsy is excited about doing new things. Today is her first day at school, but when she arrives with Daddy and Rufus the dog, it’s very noisy and she doesn’t know anyone. Betsy doesn’t want Daddy to go and she holds on to his buttons.

“But who is the little girl playing tea parties by herself in her very own pretend café? A new friend for Betsy perhaps?”

First Day at Bug School, by Sam Lloyd

“At the bottom of the garden where no one really sees, a secret school is hidden amongst the grass and weeds. Welcome to Bug School. Don’t be nervous on your first day - it’s lots of fun. Learn creeping with the spiders, singing with the crickets, count spots with the ladybirds and hop, skip and jump in P.E. with the fleas.

“This is a rhythmic, bright celebration of school, starring some very cute bugs indeed, sure to allay first-day-at-school fears.”

Hugless Douglas goes to Little School, by David Melling

“Douglas is very excited to be going to little school. There is so much to do - and lots of hugs to be given out!”

I Am Too Absolutely Small for School, by Lauren Child

“Although Lola agrees with her brother that it would be useful to learn how to write, read and count, she can’t go to school because her invisible friend’s too nervous to go.

“This title in the Charlie and Lola series deals sympathetically with children’s fears surrounding the first day at school.”

Starting School, by Janet & Allan Ahlberg

“A classic picture book which offers advice and enjoyment for the whole family before school starts. From first day nerves to finding your peg, this reassuring read is full of humour and fun for children and parents alike.”

Never Take a Bear to School, by Mark Sperring & Britta Teckentrup

“Bears are clumsy. They don’t sit still. They’re much, much bigger than teachers - and they eat SUCH a lot of lunch!

“Yes, taking a bear to school is a BAD idea. But will this little boy find the courage to face the first day of school alone? With so much to do, like painting, dressing up, storytime, and making new friends, he just might! And Bear? He’ll always be waiting at the end of the day, with a great big hug!”

I Don’t Want to go to School, by Stephanie Blake

“Once upon a time there was a mischievous little rabbit. Maybe you know him. When his mother said ‘tomorrow is your first day of school, little rabbit!’, he replid ‘no, not going’.”