Starting school is a huge milestone, and it’s completely normal for both you and your child to feel a mix of excitement and nerves in the lead-up. One of the easiest ways to ease those first-day jitters is by reading about it together first.
We’ve pulled together the best picture books about starting school, grouped by the kind of first-day feeling they help with, whether that’s calming nerves, sparking excitement, or just making the whole idea feel a bit more familiar.
If your child is starting Kindergarten next year, Term 4 is actually the best time to start reading these together, right around orientation day. It gives them a chance to ask questions and get used to the idea well before the big day arrives.
Aussie Favourites
Starting School by Jane Godwin and Anna Walker
Tim, Hannah, Sunita, Joe and Polly are all off to school for the first time. This gentle, beautifully illustrated book follows five very different children through their first days, covering everything from making friends to trying new things.
Maddie’s First Day by Penny Matthews and Liz Anelli
Maddie has everything ready for her first day, her uniform, shoes, socks and hat. But there’s one very important thing she almost forgets: her blanky. Illustrated by former Newcastle-based illustrator Liz Anelli, this is a sweet, locally-flavoured pick for families in our region.
Ozzie Goes to School by Jocelyn Crabb and Danny Snell
Ozzie lives with his dad in a shipping container by the sea in the Top End of Australia, and he’s not afraid of much, not snakes, not even crocodiles. But there’s one thing about starting school that gets him. A great pick for reassuring kids that it’s okay to feel nervous even if you’re brave in other ways.
My First Day at School by Meredith Costain and Michelle Mackintosh
This one follows four very different children through their emotional journey on day one, from teary goodbyes to the joy of making new friends. It’s honest about the tricky parts as well as the fun.
My First Day of School by Rosie Smith and Bruce Whatley
A beautifully illustrated take on the first-day story, told through animal characters. A lovely option if your child responds better to animal stories than ones with human kids.
First Day by Andrew Daddo and Jonathan Bentley
Structured like a first-day checklist, breakfast, getting dressed, meeting new friends, this book walks kids through the practical steps of the morning routine in a fun, reassuring way.
Wombat Goes to School by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley
Mothball the wombat stumbles into the local school and discovers that lunch boxes have very few carrots and that sports sheds make excellent nap spots. A funny, laid-back pick that takes school seriously without taking itself too seriously.
Grug Goes to School by Ted Prior
A long-running Aussie favourite. Grug, the friendly little bush creature, heads off to school for the first time in this simple, gentle story that’s been reassuring Aussie kids for generations.
The Starting School List by Kitty Black
A practical, checklist-style story that walks through everything on the road to day one, from buying shoes to packing a bag. Great for kids (and parents) who like knowing exactly what to expect.
How to Go to Big School by Sarah Ayoub and Mimi Purnell
A fresh, warm 2025 release covering the practical and emotional sides of starting school, with plenty of local flavour for Aussie families.
Going to Big School by Laura Sieveking and Danielle McDonald
Another recent Aussie release, this one leans into the excitement of the milestone as much as the nerves, with bright, engaging illustrations.
Jessica’s Box by Peter Carnavas
Jessica is starting school and worried she won’t make any friends, so she packs a box of things to help her, just in case. A gentle, honest story about friendship worries that many kids (and parents) will relate to.
My First Day by Nic Naitanui and Fátima Anaya
A 2025 release from AFL star Nic Naitanui, following a first day at school through a sporty, upbeat lens. A nice pick for footy-mad families and sport-loving kids.
For Nervous or Anxious Starters
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!
Mo Willems’ Pigeon is back in a hilarious story perfect for those about to start school or nursery. The Pigeon does NOT want to go to school. He already knows everything (well, almost everything). This one is genuinely funny and takes the pressure off the topic, which makes it a great choice for a child who’s feeling anxious rather than excited.
Spot Goes to School
A gentle lift-the-flap favourite for younger or more sensitive kids starting school or preschool. Spot’s first day turns into a fun adventure with his friends, which helps take the scariness out of the unknown.This book is the ideal tool for parents preparing themselves and their children for the concept of school, and all the fun that can be had there. Young
Breathe Like a Bear: First Day of School Worries by Kira Willey and Anni Betts
A simple mindfulness-style story that gives kids a calming breathing technique to use when they’re feeling nervous, useful for the morning of day one itself, not just as a bedtime read beforehand.
Giant-Sized Butterflies On My First Day of School by Justin Roberts
A reassuring read that names the “butterflies in your tummy” feeling directly and shows kids they’re not the only ones feeling that way.
Classics and International Favourites
Starting School by Allan and Janet Ahlberg
A classic for good reason. This picture book covers first-day nerves, finding your peg, and settling into the routine of school life, all with the Ahlbergs’ trademark warmth and gentle humour.
Look, There’s a Hippopotamus in the Playground Eating Cake by Hazel Edwards and Deborah Niland
A cheeky, imaginative Australian classic that isn’t strictly about starting school but captures playground adventures and imagination in a way that’s perfect for building excitement about what’s ahead.
A Day at School With the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
A gentle introduction to the school day structure for younger readers, using one of the most familiar characters in children’s literature to make the unfamiliar feel friendly.
All the Words I Need to Know by Jane Godwin
A first-words style book built around starting school vocabulary. Handy for building confidence with classroom language before day one.
For Younger Readers and Hands-On Learners
Peppa’s First Day at School (Peppa Pig)
A simple, reassuring read for younger or first-time Kindergarten starters who already love Peppa and her friends. Good for the “everyone feels a bit nervous, even Peppa” message.
Learn with Peppa: Starting School Wipe-Clean Activity Book
If your child needs something a bit more hands-on than a straight read, this wipe-clean activity book covers starting school themes through Peppa’s world, with practice tasks that double as fine motor skill practice.
For Kiwi Families
The Great Kiwi School Day by Donovan Bixley
For readers across the Tasman, or Kiwi families now calling Australia home, this one is written and set specifically around a New Zealand school day, with search-and-find illustrations and plenty of authentically kiwi classroom detail. A genuinely local (NZ) alternative to the more generic first-day books, and a nice one to have on hand if your child has just moved from New Zealand.
Where to Borrow or Buy These Books
Most of these titles are available through your local library, and a lot of our readers use the Libby app to borrow ebook and audiobook versions across multiple library memberships, handy if your local branch doesn’t have a copy on the shelf.
If you’d rather have your own copy to read again and again in the lead-up to school (and beyond), check availability through your preferred Australian bookseller before the school year rush hits, as these titles tend to sell out in January.
Getting Ready for Big School: A Few Practical Tips
Reading together is one piece of the puzzle, but there’s more you can do in the lead-up to Kindergarten. Practising the school run, labelling uniforms early, and visiting the school playground before Term 1 starts can all help take some of the mystery out of day one.
For a full rundown of what else to prepare, have a look at our guide, Starting School: 50 Tips from Newy with Kids Parents To Prepare You and Your Child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Children in NSW can start Kindergarten if they turn five by 31 July of that school year, though many families choose to wait until the following year if their child’s birthday falls later in the year.
Term 4 of the year before, around the time of Kindergarten orientation, is a great time to start. It gives your child time to ask questions and get used to the idea gradually, rather than being introduced to it all in the final week of the summer holidays.
Yes. Most of the books on this list work just as well for a first day of preschool or daycare, since the themes of nerves, new friends and new routines are universal.
Your local library is the easiest option, and most NSW libraries also offer ebook and audiobook borrowing through the Libby app if the physical copy isn’t available.