Preparing to Start School: Easing Nerves and Worries

Whether they’re heading to school for the very first time, moving to a different class, or starting somewhere brand new, some kids are more anxious for these transitions than others.

It could be that heading into an unfamiliar environment is causing worry, or maybe it’s nerves about making new friends or leaving old ones behind. Whatever the reason (and maybe there isn’t a clear one at all), the titles on this book list are a fantastic springboard to discuss the worries and anxiety that can come with changes at school and beyond, as well as helping keep open channels of communication about mental health and building resilience.

Afterall, there’s no better way to broach complicated subjects with young kids than to introduce those subjects through entertaining and informative books.

Hope on the Horizon by Onjali Q. Rauf, illustrated by Pippa Curnick and Isobel Lundie

In this inspiring and practical handbook, bestselling children’s author and Human Rights campaigner, Onjali Rauf has created a guide to being kind, showing empathy and making the world a better place.

Ages 9+

Buy a copy of Hope on the Horizon here.

Perfectly Weird, Perfectly You: A Scientific Guide to Growing Up by Camilla Pang

A unique guide to growing up perfectly weird and perfectly happy, by Dr Camilla Pang who was diagnosed with autism age 8 and was the youngest person and first writer of colour to win the Royal Society Science Book Prize for her book, Explaining Humans.

Ages 9+

Buy a copy of Perfectly Weird, Perfectly You: A Scientific Guide to Growing Up here.

The Koala Who Could by Rachel Bright and Jim Field

A funny rhyming story about dealing with change and overcoming worries, from the bestselling creators of The Lion Inside.

Ages 3+

Buy a copy of The Koala Who Could here.

What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say by Davina Bell, illustrated by Hilary Jean Tapper

A warm and whimsical guide to negotiating life’s little moments and big emotions with empathy, kindness and words from the heart.

Ages 2+

Buy a copy of What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say here.

My Superpowers by Jessica Urlichs

A stunning picture book that demonstrates non-cognitive skills, including persistence, focus, imagination, organisation and more.

Ages 4+

Buy a copy of My Superpowers here.