Just So Stories

Well it is for our Qlder kiddos, and, naturally, for some there will be nervousness, trepidation, curiosity and surprises. I can’t think of any teacher I’ve ever known who has not done their utmost to make first days, and first weeks, as smooth and welcoming as possible. For little ones, as first-timers, it can be a bit stressful (though, in my experience, more so for the parents who seem to have more separation anxiety than the Littles) so it’s always a bonus to have new stories to share. Here are two that will shine on your Little’s first day, whether as at-home prep or at-school hello.

Ready, Set, Big School – PlaySchool & Jan Stradling/Jedda Robard

Harper Collins Australia

December 2023

• ISBN: 9780733342875
• ISBN 10: 0733342876
• Imprint: ABC Books AU
• $

Here is another in the Mindfully Me story series, which is both apt and timely for this time of year. Many of our little Preppies/Kinder/Foundation kiddos will be very familiar with Play School, the enduring appeal of which has been such a bonus to both parents and educators for so many years now.

The little newbies to big school will very much enjoy seeing their favourite characters in the same setting, and many will have seen the partner episode with it’s helpful strategies for this momentous transition. Better still, pair it with your reading of this book and find out, just as Big Ted, Jemima and crew do, how fun school can be.

This is a super lead-in for any little human making their giant leap from childcare/creche to their formal school journey and it will be a super addition to any home or class program. Huge recommendation for any Smalls about to embark on this special adventure.

The Crayons Go Back to School – Drew Daywalt. Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers.

Harper Collins Australia

November 2023

• ISBN: 9780008560850
• ISBN 10: 0008560854
• Imprint: HarperCollins GB
• $24.99

One thing you can be certain of is that the Crayons never fail to entertain. And in this fun book, their dialogue focuses on what they like best about school. I love that the Crayons demonstrate that we all have differences, and that’s perfectly hunky dory.

(I now think of myself as Jumbo Toddler Crayon) Like all the Crayon books, the text is relatively simple and, indeed, quite sparse but the highly expressive illustrations from the amazing Oliver Jeffers speak volumes. There are loads of activities to accompany the entire series, so you wouldn’t be short of follow-up ideas, and certainly I’d be putting on my best crayon hat and making sure we did some fun art after reading if I were to use it. All in all it’s another top-notch offering from this talented pair with a big 🖍️🖍️🖍️🖍️🖍️ rating.