Education / 30 June, 2026 / Ellie Thompson
Starting school is a big milestone for young children and their families. While every child develops at their own pace, helping them feel confident and excited about this next step can make the transition much smoother.
Reading is one of the most effective ways to support young children with the transition to primary school. Books about starting school can help children understand what to expect and build confidence through relatable characters and stories.
If your child is preparing to move on from nursery to Reception, these wonderful books can help spark conversations and ease any worries about the change ahead.
Starting school can bring lots of different emotions, and this colourful story helps children to recognise and understand them. When the Colour Monster begins his first day at school, he experiences a mix of excitement, curiosity, nervousness, and joy.
The engaging illustrations and simple storytelling provide a gentle introduction to school life while encouraging children to talk about their own feelings.
It’s a fantastic choice for supporting emotional literacy and helping children to understand that it’s perfectly normal to have mixed emotions about starting school.
Featuring the much-loved characters Charlie and Lola, this charming story follows Lola as she worries about being too small to start school. Through Charlie’s reassurance, she gradually discovers that school might not be quite as scary as she imagined.
Children often have similar concerns before starting primary school, making this book highly relatable. It opens opportunities for parents and carers to discuss any worries their child may have while highlighting the exciting experiences that school can bring.
The eighth title in the popular series by Emma Chichester Clark sees Lily and her beloved soft toy, Blue Kangaroo, starting at a new school. Lily thinks that Blue Kangaroo is worried about going, but, secretly, he can’t wait to explore and try new things.
The reassuring story is perfect for children starting school as it helps children to understand that they can enjoy new experiences whilst still holding onto the comfort of the things they love.
This practical and engaging story follows children as they prepare for their first day at school. Covering familiar routines, classroom activities, and social experiences, it helps children understand what a typical school day might look like.
By making school feel familiar before children arrive, books like this can help reduce uncertainty and build excitement. It also provides a great starting point for discussing everyday school routines at home.
Published in June 2026, this beautifully illustrated picture book offers a reassuring and positive introduction to starting Reception. Through simple, child-friendly language, it explores key aspects of school life, including making friends, following routines, and trying new activities.
The book celebrates children’s growing independence while helping them understand what to expect during their first weeks at school. It’s an excellent addition to any school-readiness bookshelf and a wonderful conversation starter for families preparing for this exciting transition.
Sharing books is about much more than developing early literacy skills. Stories help children explore emotions, understand new experiences, and build confidence in a safe and supportive way.
Alongside reading, families can support school readiness through everyday activities such as encouraging independence, practising routines, developing communication skills, and creating opportunities for play and exploration.
Every child’s journey to school is unique, but with plenty of encouragement, conversation, and shared stories, they can approach this exciting next step feeling confident, capable, and ready to learn.
Article by Jenny Shaw, Education Expert at Busy Bees.
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