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School stories and first-day books

Starting school is one of the biggest changes in a young child's life. These stories follow children and creatures through first days, new classrooms and new friends: Hatty getting ready for a small country school, Pearl the shy seahorse at Seashell School and a whole school bag that comes alive after the bell.

Reading about school before it starts helps children know what to expect and feel braver on the day. Try one each night in the week before term begins.

For ages 3 to 6

For ages 6 to 9

For ages 9 to 12

The Quantum Cookie ExperimentSci-fiFree

Reading tips

Read a first-day book the week before school and talk about what will happen.
Ask "who could you say hello to?" to practice making a new friend.
On the morning, mention the character: "Pearl was brave, and so are you."

Helpful guides for parents

Getting Ready for Kindergarten: How Books Help Children Start School

Questions parents ask

When should we start reading first-day-of-school books?

About a week before school starts is ideal, then again on the night before.

What age are these books for?

Mostly ages 3 to 9, from preschool and kindergarten through the early grades.

Are there educational books for school topics too?

Yes. See our educational books, which follow what schools teach in the UK and US.

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