11 books for little ones starting school

The classic Topsy and Tim books offer reassurance to families as they navigate through the key milestones of childhood. In this story, the twins embark on their first day at school and discover plenty about the routines of the day – from playground fun to school dinners! The original Topsy and Tim artwork may have been brought up to date, but the instantly recognisable brother and sister still hold a trusted place in the heart of parents, carers and those working in education settings.

Mama and Daddy help MJ get ready for her first day of school – and, through a little kindness and caring, MJ shows that she is queen of the classroom! MJ's experiences and acts of kindness in this adorable picture book will show children that starting school doesn't have to be daunting, and that experiences like these are what you make them. Warm illustrations with bright colours make the classroom environment seem inviting, helping to calm the jitters that many children might be feeling before their first day of school.

In this first day of school book, big brother Charlie is on hand to convince his anxious sister Lola that going to school is a worthwhile exercise in this sweet, hilarious picture book for children about to start school. Lola is full of excuses as to why she doesn't need school, but quickly realises that she could be missing out on lots of fun. Child's unique illustrative style helps to bring this quirky picture book to life - the use of mixed media and collage ensuring that no two pages are the same. This is certainly a book to be read again and again - with new things to discover on each reading.

Teachers may not collect actual dinner money like they used to, but so much else in this timeless picture book still rings true. Helping children navigate their way through their first day of school in a fun, but highly informative way, this book is perfect for calming any first day jitters. It also reassures little ones (and their grown-ups) that as their first week passes, they will get more and more used to their new routines and what's expected of them at school. As with all of the Ahlberg's picture books, the illustrations are a delight.

Finding a book with familiar characters who are embarking on the same experience as your child can be a great way to address a big milestone. In this reassuring story, Harry and his dinosaurs are all feeling a little nervous about their first day at school. We love how the dinosaurs all have their own personalities and anxieties - many of which will be familiar to little ones in the same situation. This is a positive and uplifting story with engaging illustrations - great for sharing with preschoolers.

There are many reasons not to take a bear to school: they are big; they are clumsy; they eat so much food at lunchtime! This stylish book reminds children that it's normal to feel apprehensive about starting school - but that with so much fun to be had during the day, they will soon realise they don't need their bear - or other comforter - at their side. A funny, adorable book with pitch perfect text and illustrations.

Books that talk about first experiences are ideal to use as conversation starters with children. This wonderfully simple book does just this - it poses questions about school from a little one's perspective and the conversational style makes it feel very natural. There's a diverse range of children represented on each page, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to see themselves in this story. And the additional material at the end also encourages parents, carers and teachers to have further dialogue with little ones before they start school.

This gentle, comforting story is ideal for children about to embark on their first day at school or nursery. Little ones may feel anxious about being separated from the family when they're about to start something new, but as Little Owl soon realises in this story, spending your day with friends can be such great fun! The illustrations are natural and expressive, bringing the text to life just perfectly.

Follow Spot on his first day at school! The beloved children’s character has lots of fun in this engaging book, encouraging wee ones to see school in a positive light. A lift-the-flap board book, this story will be sure to delight young readers.

Starting school is exciting, but it can also be a nerve-wracking time for your wee ones. This story is a great one to share with pre-schoolers who might be a bit nervous about the big transition! With engaging illustrations, this book makes a great conversation starter about dealing with harder emotions such as fear and anxiety.

With gorgeous illustrations, this lovely story is perfect for starting conversations about kindness, empathy and friendship. This book is also ideal for littles ones who might be a bit shy, helping to reassure them that lots of people at school will want to make friends with them!