Tag Archives: school

Feb15

Spot Goes to School by Eric Hill

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IMG_8247Spot Goes to School by Eric Hill, paperback lift-the-flap book, first published in 1984 by William Heinemann Ltd, this edition was published by Puffin Books in 2013.

This was the very first Spot book I can ever remember reading, and there was a lovely feeling of nostalgia when I first read it to my own children. I think every child likes Spot books. Lift-the-flap books are lots of fun, and Spot and his friends are quite lovable.

In this Spot adventure, he is off to school for the first time. All his friends are there, and they sing, and play and build and paint. It’s so much fun Spot doesn’t want to go home.

Great for young children, from about two years, this book was also enjoyed by my seven year old. The lure of lift-the-flaps is high, and I had to make the kids take turns, but the flaps add some extra fun to the story. The illustrations are big and bright, yet simple. The text is also large with simple language, good for children beginning to read. Spot is a firm favourite for us.

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Feb9

Pooh’s First Day at School by Kathleen W. Zoehfeld

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IMG_8113Pooh’s First Day at School by Kathleen W. Zoehfeld and illustrated by the Disney Storybook Artists, paperback picture book, 32 pages, published by Funtastic Ltd in 2007.

Christopher Robin is starting school tomorrow, but the school is outside the 100-acre-wood, and only Christopher Robin gets to go. Roo and Tigger want to go too, but Piglet and Eyeore aren’t so keen. Since they can’t come with him, Christopher Robin sets up a classroom just for his friends, with singing, drawing, building, counting and even a snack of honey. He tells his friends all about school, and shows them it will be lots of fun.

This is a nicely illustrated picture book featuring the familiar characters from the 100-acre-wood. My kids love Winnie the Pooh and this book is no exception. They liked seeing some of their favourite characters enjoying a day at school. Even though Piglet was a little scared to go to school, and Pooh didn’t think he was smart enough to go, they both enjoyed the experience, as Christopher Robin shows them that school can be fun for everyone.

Feb8

Usborne First Experiences: Going to School by Anne Civardi

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IMG_8110Usborne First Experiences: Going to School by Anne Civardi and illustrated by Stephen Cartwright, paperback picture book, published by Usborne Publishing Ltd in 2005.

This book is part of the Usborne First Experiences series which is designed to introduce young children to new things, taking some of the anxiety out of these new situations. Going to School follows twins Percy and Polly Peach on their first day at school.

Getting ready for the day, going to school, meeting the teacher and the other children can all be a little daunting. Polly is a bit shy, but that’s okay because her mum can stay for a while to help her settle in, and there are lots of fun things to do at school, like painting, craft, music and playing in the playground. The day goes quickly and soon it is time to go home, going to school was pretty good after all.

This is a simple story showing that school can be a fun and safe place where children can make lots of friends. While reading this book, children can try to find the little yellow duck that is hiding on each page too. This adds an extra element of engagement for young children when reading this book. Another good book to read to children just about to start preschool or school.

 

Feb6

Harry and the Dinosaurs go to School by Ian Whybrow and Adrian Reynolds

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IMG_8109Harry and the Dinosaurs go to School by Ian Whybrow and  illustrated by Adrian Reynolds, paperback picture book, published by Koala Books in 2006.

We have been a fan of Harry and his Bucketful of Dinosaurs for some time now, dinosaurs always attract my kids! This Harry installation is a lovely picture book that tells the story of Harry’s first day at school.

Harry is excited to be starting at school, but Stegosaurus isn’t so keen. He meets his new teacher, but the poor dinosaurs are left out in the hall with the coats. School doesn’t seem so much fun without his dinosaurs, but there is a boy that is much sadder than Harry. With the help of his dinosaurs, Harry befriends the boy and helps to make his first day better.

My kids love this book, and my preschooler often asks for it at bedtime. The story is simple, and the kids can relate to it. I also really like the illustrations. Starting school can be a bit scary, but making new friends makes going to school heaps of fun. This is a great book to help ease some of the nervousness of children who are about to start school for the first time.