In the next few weeks in our household we are going to have a school starter. (AGHHH!!)

Whilst I am mostly alright with this concept, I will admit to being both amazed he is old enough for school already and a bit apprehensive about making packed lunches 5 times a week and negotiating a new world of school pick up and paperwork.

In preparation for this milestone and the orientation days that come before it, we are starting to read together lots of books featuring schoolish things and today we are sharing our favourites.

Starting School by Jane Godwin and Anna Walker

In this beautiful picture book 5 multi-cultural children are off to school for the very first time. They enjoy making friends, learning new things and discovering all that school involves. This book touches on how the children feel about starting school and will help children be comfortable about making this step. It also covers the things they might need, what they might eat and even what they might enjoy doing.

We think this book captures Australian school life perfectly, right down to getting your hair pulled and playing on the monkey bars. It really is a fantastic tool to introduce boys or girls to the idea of school.

Spot Goes to School by Eric Hill

Spot starts school and finds singing, playgrounds, painting and story time.

This is a great introduction for little kids as to the adventure school might be. With plenty of interactive lift the flaps it makes school sound like lots of fun.

First Day by Andrew Daddo

This children’s picture book captures a modern first day of school right down to taking pictures of your school starter on your iPhone.  It covers the anticipation and nerves of a first day and that both parent and child may have to be a bit brave. This book will tug at your heart strings and we love how the school starter assures her mum that tomorrow will be easier. A lovely read aloud.

Wombat Goes To School by Jackie French

In between sleeping, scratching and chasing carrots, Mothball the wombat manages to go to school. This is a funny sequel to the Wombat series by Jackie French and it touches gently on schoolish things like crossing ladies and lunchtime. This is a perfect book for pre-schoolers and Prep/Foundation age children.

I am Too Absolutely Small for School by Lauren Child

Lola is a bit anxious about school, she thinks maybe she is still too small and doesn’t really have time to go. She wonders whether she will have people to talk to at lunchtime and whether learning to read might be too hard. Her wise older brother Charlie assures her it will all be fun.

Lola is both outspoken and brave. We also love her imaginary friend Soren Lorenson who is also nervous about starting school.

Superkid by Claire Freedman & Sarah McIntyre

Superkid saves the day, he cleans your room, he saves you from bullies, and he even saves you from Pirates and Sharks.  There is a great message about every child’s potential to be a hero in this book. We think this is a really cute book full of colour, rhyme and very entertaining. A great read aloud for ages 3+

The Terrible Suitcase by Emma Allen and Freya Blackwood

It’s the first day of school and all the children have a special backpack, except one – she has a terrible suitcase. A story about how imagination can make magic out of anything. This Children’s Book Council of Australia award winner is a magical tale celebrating imagination and making the best of things. It is beautifully illustrated – this is a really gorgeous book.

Do you have a little one starting school next year? How are you getting both them and YOU prepared? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Main image courtesy of Shutterstock.com