Starting school, kindy, daycare or kōhanga reo

The early years of a child's life are filled with milestones, but one of the biggest changes to their social environment will be when they start at a new school, kindergarten, daycare, or kōhanga reo. There will be a lot of new people to meet, new routines to get used to, and of course a whole lot to learn! Here are some books that may help your whānau prepare for the big first day.

Updated July 15, 2024
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Wellington City LibrariesChildren's team at Wellington City Libraries
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Never, not ever!
Alemagna, Béatrice
Paper Book
Pascaline (a bat) DOES NOT WANT to go to school. It doesn't matter who else is going! She knows exactly what she doesn't want. 'Never, Not Ever!', she shrieks loudly on the first day. So loudly, in fact, that something amazing happens - and it changes everything. Charming and laugh...
I am too absolutely small for school : featuring Charlie and Lola
Child, Lauren
Paper Book
"The children's relationship is refreshingly noncombative, with Charlie as the protective and affectionate older brother who is appreciative of, rather than annoyed by, his sister's quirkiness." -- School Library Journal (starred review) Lola is not so sure about...
First day
Daddo, Andrew.
Paper Book
The must-have picture book for every child starting school, with a clever twist all parents will relate to! Are you ready? It'll be fun! You'll make new friends. New BFFs! You might have to be a bit brave ... It's the first day of school, but who is the most nervous about the...
Little Owl's first day
Gliori, Debi
Paper Book
_______________ From the author of the bestselling No Matter What comes a reassuring tale about starting nursery or school. It's a big day for Little Owl. His first day at school. Little Owl doesn't want a big day though. He'd rather stay at home and...
The invisible string backpack
Karst, Patrice
Paper Book
This companion book to The Invisible String--which has sold 1.5 million copies to date--offers a complete socio-emotional toolkit for back-to-school--and your whole life! It's Mila's first day of school, but mixed with...
I am ready for school! : a book about transitions
Krensky, Stephen
Paper Book
Prepare your little one for their first day of preschool or kindergarten with this uplifting board book from the Empowerment series from Stephen Krensky and award-winning illustrator Sara Gillingham. I fit just right in every chair. With toys...
Maddie's first day
Matthews, P. E.
Paper Book
First day of school, new experiences and making friends play centre stage for this book for the pre-school age. It is Maddie's first day of school and she has everything ready - her uniform, shoes, socks and hat. But there is one special thing that Maddie can't leave behind -...
School's first day of school
Rex, Adam
Paper Book
"An essential purchase that is simultaneously funny, frank, and soothing. A perfect first day read-aloud."― School Library Journal, starred review A heartwarming and clever first day of school tale, from New York Times bestsellers Adam Rex (The Legend...
First day
Wild, Margaret
Paper Book
An endearing picture book about six young children on their first day at school - delightfully illustrated by Kim Gamble. A story book for parents to read with young children about to begin school, or for older children to read when they are remembering their first days at school.
The pigeon has to go to school!
Willems, Mo
Paper Book
Mo Willems, #1 New York Times best-selling creator and three-time Caldecott Honoree, presents everyone's favorite Pigeon trying to escape . . . SCHOOL.   Why does the Pigeon have to go to school? He already knows everything! And what if he doesn't like it? What if the...

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