Going to Big School
Laura Sieveking and Danielle McDonald
Scholastic

Told alternately from the perspectives of Ava and Jack, this is an account of their first day at ‘big’ school.
Ava, is excited, enthusiastic and has butterflies fluttering in her tummy, Jack, in contrast is shy and nervous; he has moths flapping around in his tummy. On arrival in the noisy playground, Ava is eager to get involved whereas Jack hangs back, upset by the busyness. Happily however, the kind reception teacher, Miss Moloney notices Jack’s shyness and whispers to him that everybody – she included – has first day nerves.

As we follow the two children through their first day we see how they react differently – at story time, 

fruit time, during a colouring session, at lunchtime and during the afternoon of free play: there’s no sense that one set of reactions is right or wrong (better or worse). By hometime, Ava’s actions have helped Jack feel more relaxed 

and they both depart as happy friends, eagerly looking forward to tomorrow.

The author includes things that by their very newness, might be a challenge for young children – a big, round hat and a lunchbox with clips so stiff they require the help of a buddy to open, both of which are shown in Danielle McDonald’s bright, inclusive illustrations. Whether or not children are moving from a preschool setting or going straight into a reception class, this book will reassure them that the going to big school milestone will be unique for them all, and that everything will be fine.

Come To School Too, Blue Kangaroo!
Emma Chichester Clark
Harper Collins Children’s Books

This is the ideal book for children about to start a new school and with its brilliant, wonderfully warm art and enchanting telling, it remains my very favourite starting school story.

Blue Kangaroo’s owner, Lily is off to a new school and decides to take Blue Kangaroo too. Ready with new bags, both child and toy anticipate the big day: Blue is excited about school – the fun things to do, the friends waiting to be made and new experiences. Lily on the other hand is worried that Blue might be frightened about getting lost, or feel too shy to talk to anybody.

Having been greeted warmly by her teacher, Lily is soon happily engaged in the busy school day, 

and Blue watches thoughtfully from the windowsill as Lily enjoys painting, playing and joy of joys – story time. 

Come hometime, Lily is so excited about her day that the almost inconceivable happens: Blue Kangaroo is left at school all by himself . However, his sadness quickly gives way to happiness because now he can do all the things Lily did during her fantastic school day including reading Quentin Blake’s dancing frog story. 

He also leaves a surprise for everyone to discover the following morning.

It’s so clever the way the author makes Lily express her anxieties and fears about starting school by putting them onto the unworried Blue Kangaroo.