Starting school: books to read with a new class

In this much-loved picture book, a little mouse walks through the woods and encounters a fox, an owl and a snake.

A bold, celebratory book all about children finding their inner voice. Join a group of friends as they experiment with the sounds they can make in this uplifting and energetic story.

This reassuring and stunningly illustrated book tackles the subject of temporary separation – a situation which all children are likely to experience, be it Mum going to work or first day at Nursery.

Dodo goes for a little stroll through the jungle – and doesn’t notice the tiger creeping behind him. A very funny book that tells one story with the words and another in the pictures. 

An ingenious picture book that uses the power of the imagination to create a fun interactive experience for children aged two upwards

Little fingers will love to follow the very hungry caterpillar as he munches his way through the pages of this classic, colourful, interactive picture book.

Follow a father and his family as they go out in search of a bear.

A book of fun, short poems on all kinds of themes, with accompanying actions. A useful resource for adults to help little ones develop their fine motor skills while supporting their social and emotional development. 

Create your own story with this brilliant interactive book full of detailed, colourful illustrations.

Connie is donning her new red boots for her first day of school. On the way to school, Connie notices something strange inside her boot. Is it a dinosaur? A shark? A funny, reassuring story about dealing with nerves and worry.

Everyone’s good at something, but what am I good at? A gentle story that will echo young children’s worries, while providing reassurance. A joyous celebration of individuality.

A child joins a new school and gets a whirlwind tour from a very confident pupil. Along the way, she realises that he doesn’t need a tour guide right now – he needs a friend. 

A picture book about how grumpy Daniel starts to notice the sweet things in life and improves his mood. 

Join a colourful array of monsters as they head to school for a fun-filled day, in this energetic rhyming picture book.  

A young child moves to a new area and decides to build their own friend. When another child lends a hand, the pair gradually realise that they have made a real friend after all. 

A beautiful, sensitive picture book about what happens when we feel anxious.