stories for the adventure that is school (or any other big life-changing adventure)

Savannah is off to pre-school this year, and William and Ivy start Kindy. In honour of these major life moments, here's a small collection of books that are lovely to read in the first week or two of school. I hope you find something that feels right for your new (or returning) school kid.

dreaming big and being brave

makes learning to read feel achievable

celebrates individuality

encourages risk taking when making friends

about venturing into a new world—and coming home

about the joys of new perspectives

about loving who you are, right now

I’m going to read Off to School Baby Duck to all three of our new school kids via Marco Polo this week too. It’s a cute story of a baby duck who is scared to go to school but, predictably, has a good day. It was a favourite for their fathers long ago—mostly out of print now, but full of nostalgia for our family.

I hope the first week of school* goes smoothly if you have a little person you love who is starting that big adventure!

* School in Australia runs on the calendar year, but even if you’re well and truly settled into the routine now, I’m sure you’ll enjoy those stories.