Children starting school comes with mixed emotions doesn’t it?
One part of you is thrilled to see them grow-up and reach another milestone with all the hope and excitement of a new school year but then there is the tinge on melancholy as you realise just how fast they are growing up.
Whether it is the first time your child goes to school or the first time they go to a new class we have picked out some books that we adore and hope you do too.
All The Ways To Be Smart
Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys
This book has such words of wisdom that in fact it is perfect all year round, but the new school year is a good reminder. Smart is not just ticks and crosses, smart is building boats from boxes. Painting patterns, wheeling wagons, being mermaids, riding dragons …
We love this author-illustrator collaboration. If it were up to us, every child would have access to this book.
The Pigeon Has To Go to School
Mo Willems
You may be looking for something funny and silly to take away any anxiety for your child (and you!) and this new book from Mo Willems is perfect. I mean why does Pigeon need to go to school? Maybe at long last Pigeon realises that maybe he doesn’t know best? Start your school year with a giggle and choose Pigeon.
All Are Welcome
Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman
We have featured this book before because it is simply wonderful. A fantastic celebration of diversity, and community, we honestly can not think of a better way to start the first lesson on the first school day of the year. Hopefully, teachers can access a copy of this gem.
Of Thee I Sing
Barack Obama and Loren Long
We have had customers in tears when they read this book at a book fair because it is beautiful. In this tender, beautiful letter to his daughters, President Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to thirteen ground-breaking heroes and their ideals. From the artistry of Georgia O’Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, President Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children. This book doesn’t just have to be for younger children either and may be a great book for the first day of upper school too.
Hello Friend
Rebecca Cobb
We picked this fabulous book out as is made us smile and is sure to be great book for children who are starting school or even nursery. A rather enthusiastic girl is determined that her friend will enjoy all the things that she enjoys, although it does not seem that he is all that keen and actually a little taken aback by her resolve. Despite some initial reluctance we are delighted to see, through the fantastically simple and effective illustrations of Rebecca Cobb, that he actually is delighted to have such an outgoing and persuasive friend. Aren’t we all at times? Sometimes it is lovely to have someone who bring us out of our shell, and what a lovely message to share with children; how we can be different and yet compliment each other so well as friends.
We hope you found something for your child, or yourself, in this collection and we wish you all the best for the new school year and hope to see many of you on our travels.