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13 books to get kids ready for school and nursery

13 books to get kids ready for school and nursery

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Starting nursery or school can be intimidating for little ones. So, help them along with their learning with this selection of books.

Welcome to Dinosaur School by Rose Cobden & Loretta Schauer (2022)

For children about to start school, this adorable rhyming story is a must-have for their bookshelf. Jewel the dinosaur is feeling nervous about her first day of school. She’ll be meeting lots of new dinosaurs, eating lunch in the school’s noisy dining hall, and sitting in her HUGE new classroom. But as her first day gets underway, Jewel realises that school isn’t really that scary at all.

Learn with Peppa: Count with Peppa (2023)

Help your little one on their number learning journey with this fun audiobook. This interactive story focuses on counting out loud as well as grouping and sorting numbers to help build children’s confidence. As well as Peppa and her family, this audiobook includes lots of other characters from the hit series so is perfect for engaging long-time Peppa fans aged three and up.

Wise Before Five illustrated by Ekaterina Trukhan (2020)

By the time a child reaches the age of five, they have changed more in those early years than they will at any other point in their life! This vibrantly illustrated guide is packed with everything a five-year-old should know (alongside introducing more complex ideas to support further learning) – including early year concepts such as the alphabet, shapes, and numbers, as well as topics such as feelings, daily routine, mindfulness and road safety.

Hey Duggee: 123 (2020)

Learning your numbers is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Well, it will be with the help of Duggee and the Squirrels. Whether they're starting nursery or school, this super fun sticker book will help children practise their counting. It includes over 55 stickers as well as activities for little hands to complete. A great one to use after school.

Five Minute Mum: Starting School by Daisy Upton (2023)

Starting primary school is a big moment and can feel very overwhelming. Author and former teaching assistant Daisy Upton has written this gentle and funny guide to help support children and their parents. From getting school uniforms and arriving on the first day to making new friends, this is the ultimate guide for new school starters! Plus, there are lots of fun five-minute games and activities to help children feel more confident and excited about taking that big step.

That’s Not My Name! by Anoosha Syed (2022)

Mirha is very excited about her first day. She can’t wait to learn and make lots of new friends. But a lot of her classmates, and even her teachers, keep mispronouncing her name. They call her ‘Mina’, ‘Maya’, ‘Meera’ – and Mirha is too shy to correct them. She goes home wondering whether she should just get a new name. Mama comes to the rescue though and reminds Mirha how special her name is and to not be afraid to ask others to say it correctly. This uplifting picture book is essential reading for all little children about to start school.

Actiphons Level 1 Book 1 Swimming Sally (2021)

Flummoxed by phonics? Have no fear, the Actiphons series is here! Created by two parents who wanted to make learning to read a fun and engaging activity for their own daughter, this ingenious new series combines phonics with sports. Each book focuses on one letter sound and combines fun activities and movement to reinforce that sound. The series follows the order children learn phonics at school so it’s a great way to build on their learning throughout the year.

Practise with Peppa: Wipe-Clean First Writing (2016)

Develop and practise first handwriting skills with Peppa Pig and friends in this colourful wipe-clean activity book! Children can trace over key handwriting patterns, then move on to forming first numerals and letters, including both lowercase and capital letters, before attempting some simple words.

M Is for Mindfulness: An Alphabet Book of Calm by Carolyn Suzuki (2019)

Introduce young children to mindfulness with this beautiful alphabet book. A gentle introduction to the concepts of mindfulness, such as the importance of being aware of your body and its sensations, thinking of emotions as something that will pass, and being aware of the present moment. The perfect book for little ones facing the challenges of starting school for the first time!

Peppa Pig: George’s First Day at Playgroup (2011)

For little ones starting nursery with big brothers and sisters already settled in, this book will resonate. It is George's first day at playgroup and Peppa doesn't really want him there. But when all of her friends want a little brother too, will Peppa change her mind? This fun, interactive and heartfelt book is ideal for encouraging Peppa Pig fans to get excited about their first day!

Topsy and Tim Start School by Jean & Gareth Adamson (2009)

The prince and princess of new experiences, Topsy and Tim cover the fundamentals of day one at ‘big school’. Children will instantly recognise these trustworthy characters, feeling reassured that their favourite duo has gone through the same routines that they too will face at school. Most importantly, Topsy and Tim teach children that school can be really fun – with new friends to be made and exciting new things to learn!

Shapes, Colours and Patterns: A Learn with Ladybird Wipe-clean Activity Book (2023)

In this bright and fun activity book, little ones can join a group of animal friends as they learn all about colours, shapes, and patterns. Written by primary educators, this book is a great introduction to some of the key geometry skills taught at school and nursery and will help give children an extra bit of confidence in their first few weeks.

Practise With Peppa: Wipe-Clean First Counting (2015)

Help support your child's number and counting skills with Peppa Pig and friends in this colourful wipe-clean activity book! Children will practise counting from 1-20, use numbers in a sequence, draw in the missing objects on the pages to make the correct number of items and other activities that make learning seem effortless and fun! Ideal for young readers who are starting school and developing their early number skills and pencil control.

Get ready for school

Whether your little one is starting school for the first time or is already on their education journey, we have a whole selection of books and activities to help support them. If you want to explore more educational books and learning resources, please visit Ladybird Education.

Learn more

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