The School Readiness Starter Guide

Looking for books to help your child feel confident and excited about starting school?

As both a teacher and a parent, I've seen firsthand how powerful picture books can be in helping children prepare for this important milestone. The stories we share can build confidence, encourage resilience, support emotional regulation, and open the door to meaningful conversations about starting school.

I've put together this FREE School Readiness Starter Guide, featuring seven of my favourite picture books that I've used both at home and in the classroom to support children's transition to school. Each book has been carefully selected because it helps develop an important school readiness skill.

For every book, I've included:

• The key school readiness skill it supports.

• A thoughtful question to ask after reading to deepen your child's understanding and encourage conversation.

Inside you'll find:

• Ready for School – Hannah Davison

• Starting School – Leah Corbett

• The Kissing Hand – Audrey Penn

• Let's Go, Flo! – Rebekah Ballagh

• Beautiful Oops! – Barney Saltzberg

• The Dot – Peter H. Reynolds

• Have You Filled a Bucket Today? – Carol McCloud

  
  

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or educator, I hope these books become favourites in your home or classroom too, helping children build confidence, resilience, kindness, and a love of learning before their first day of school.