Getting School-Ready: Top 3 Book Recommendations

Helen is a mum of two and a member of our fantastic Parent Panel*, a diverse community of Bright Horizons parents sharing their experiences of raising happy, thriving and confident children. In this blog, she shares her top three book recommendations for helping children feel prepared for starting school.

With my second (and final!) child about to finish their Bright Horizons journey as they head off to school in September, I’ve been returning to some favourite books to help make the transition feel a little easier. There are lots of options out there, but here are my top three…

Best for bedtime reading: Why Do I Have to Go to School? by Katie Daynes

Usborne books are often my go-to for big life moments, and this is yet another brilliant lift-the-flap book that explains all sorts of things about school. It covers why children have to go to school, what happens when they get there, why they go every weekday, and the best things about school. The illustrations are charming and there are more than 30 flaps to peek behind. I think it’s perfect for preschoolers and has led to some light-hearted, positive chats about what my little one can expect once they get there.

Best for familiarity: The Colour Monster Goes to School by Anna Llenas

Children who attend Bright Horizons tend to already be familiar with The Colour Monster, as the character is used within the nursery setting to help children explore different emotions. I think the familiarity of seeing this friendly monster head off on the same journey is reassuring and encourages curiosity. The book follows The Colour Monster’s first day of school – he’s a bit unsure at first but once he meets the teacher and his classmates, and gets involved in some activities, he ends up having a very fun day. Helpfully for parents, this book also reminds children about going to the toilet and washing their hands before lunch!

Best for in-depth prep: Five Minute Mum: Starting School by Daisy Upton

The strapline says ‘the ultimate guide’, and it’s exactly that – and bonus points for being written by a former Teaching Assistant. It covers a huge range of topics, from why children go to school and what they might wear, to what happens in the classroom and out on the playground. Naturally, there are lots of unknowns and children will have many questions – this book includes really helpful information and tips about sitting on the carpet, assemblies, making new friends, lunchtime, asking for help and breakfast/after-school clubs, to name just a few. Lots of pages have simple activities to try with your little ones at home, which is a great addition. It’s too long to read in one go, but it’s an excellent one to dip into a few pages at a time.

I know my littlest one is ready to start school (albeit with a few nerves), but I’m not sure Iam! It’s bittersweet saying goodbye to the preschool years, but I’m excited for all that this next chapter will bring.