Fun Books to Help Children Settle into School

9/15/2021

I am a professional writer and editor with a passion for creative writing. With a marketing background, I love playing with language to deliver powerful messages and tell brands’ stories in an engaging way. I am a keen advocate for children’s reading and nurturing a love of books from an early age. Follow me on Twitter @MelBrannlund or email me at [email protected]

4 Fun Books to Help Children Settle into Primary School

Starting primary school is a big deal for children and parents, and can bring up a range of emotions. Even if a child has attended a nursery or preschool in the lead up to starting school, it can take a while to get used to the school environment and settle in.

Reading stories about starting school can ease the transition to primary school, helping children to process their feelings and work through any anxiety or uncertainty they might be experiencing, whilst teaching them about what to expect.

There are many books on the market discussing school, with plenty of reassurance and encouragement to build up children’s confidence. If you have a child that has recently started school, here’s some books that are useful tools for helping them settle in:

1. Harry And The Dinosaurs Go To School - Ian Whybrow

Author Ian Whybrow was a former teacher and has written over 100 children’s books, including the best-selling Harry and The Bucketful of Dinosaurs series. In this story, Harry and his Dinosaurs are a bit nervous about starting school, but Harry soon discovers how much fun learning can be.

With beautiful illustrations helping to tell the story to early readers, this book is uplifting and reassuring for children, easing any nervousness and helping them feel positive about going to school.

2. Whiffy Wilson: The Wolf Who Wouldn’t Go To School - Caryl Hart

Before becoming a full time writer, Caryl Hart was the web editor for a company that provides online learning for schools. Whiffy Wilson: The Wolf Who Wouldn’t Go To School is part of a series of books, following Whiffy Wilson - a fun, cheeky wolf.

Whiffy doesn’t want to go to school and would rather stay at home watching television. His outlook is transformed when his best friend, Dotty, takes him under her wing and shows him what to do at school and to learn through playing. This is a fun, comforting story to help children feel excited about learning.

3. Starting School - Janet and Allan Ahlberg

British couple Janet and Allan Ahlberg are synonymous with great children’s books. Their lovable picture books have repeatedly been featured at the top of ‘most popular’ lists for libraries, and are a firm favourite with children and parents alike.

This timeless picture book is both informative and humorous, reassuring children who are nervous about going to school by teaching them what to expect from their first few weeks at school.

4. Meesha Makes Friends - Thomas Percival

Thomas Percival is a much sought-after children’s author and illustrator, having written and illustrated for big names including Harper Collins, Simon & Schuster and Bloomsbury. This book follows Meesha, a girl who struggles to make friends, but is able to overcome this obstacle and navigate social situations with confidence by using her special talent.

This story is a great way to help children cope with difficult situations and emotions, encouraging them to explore their feelings and find their place in the world around them. It is an empowering book which promotes positive mental health and wellbeing for young children.

Big changes, such as starting school, may seem scary for some children, but by sharing some fun and engaging stories with them you can help to reassure them, face any fears they are feeling, and build their confidence for a great start to their school life.

Books For Reception Aged Children

The Green Bean Collection board books have been carefully created to support reception children and prepare them for their learning journey at school. With Green Bean’s Colours, Numbers, and Shapes, children can learn the fundamentals that will get them off to a flying start at school.