Transitioning into child care or preschool after a life based at home is a big step in your little one's life, and one of the ways that you can ease their fears and encourage excitement is by reading stories.
Raising Children Network recommends that you share picture books about starting child care and making new friends, so here are nine books to enjoy together before spending time apart.
1. Maisy Goes to School
by Lucy Cousins
Maisy is a bit of a celebrity in the children's book world and she provides a familiar face for those starting preschool. With bright colours and fun activities on every page, this confident little mouse makes early education look appealing. If your child loves this one, then there are plenty more Maisy First Experiences Books to explore.
2. The Kissing Hand
by Audrey Penn, Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak
This book is a well-deserved modern classic, with millions of children, parents and educators discovering the secret of the kissing hand.
In a nutshell, Chester Raccoon does not want to go to forest school. Then Mrs Raccoon shows him a special way to feel her presence all day long. She kisses his palm, and whenever Chester feels lonely, all he needs to do is press his hand to his cheek and remember how much Mummy loves him.
3. Bye-Bye Time
by Elizabeth Verdick and Marieka Heinlen
Elizabeth Verdick has written books about listening, sharing, manners, napping and more, but when it comes to child care drop-offs, Bye-Bye Time is a great way to teach little ones that farewells aren't forever. With a focus on comforting rituals, like kisses and hugs, a deep breath and a wave, this book has its heart in the right place.
4. Charlie and Lola: I Am Too Absolutely Small For School
by Lauren Child
In true Charlie and Lola style, the title of this book is a little bit quirky and so are the characters. Lola says she's 'Too extremely busy doing important things at home' and has plenty of reasons not to go to school. Soon, though, Charlie weaves his big brother magic and convinces Lola that school is a good thing – both for Lola and her invisible friend Soren Lorensen.
5. Preschool Day Hooray!
by Linda Leopold Strauss and Hiroe Nakata
What's a day in preschool like? Come inside and see! With vibrant illustrations and upbeat activities, this optimistic book takes your child through the preschool day and gives them lots to look forward to. Finger-painting, puzzles and toys… Hooray indeed!
6. I Love You All Day Long
by Francesca Rusackas and Priscilla Burris
Some little piggies go to market, but in this sweet book, Owen the piglet is off to school, and he's not exactly brimming with enthusiasm.
"Do I have to go?" he frets. Although the answer is, "Yes", Owen's mum promises that no matter what he's doing, she'll love him all day long – from drop-off to pick-up and every moment in between, which makes this a reassuring read for nervous little kidlets.
7. Monkey Not Ready for Kindergarten
by Marc Brown
It's a week until Monkey starts kindergarten and he's going bananas! Monkey is worried about food, friends and red crayons, but fortunately, his family know just how to prepare their worrywart for kindy. They get Monkey a new backpack, read books about school, make his lunch and generally get set for the Big Day.
8. Llama Llama Misses Mama
by Anna Dewdney
Strange new teacher.
Strange new toys.
Lots of kids and lots of noise!
What would Llama like to do?
Llama Llama feels so new…
With reassuring rhyming and a doe-eyed main character, this book begins with Llama missing Mama very much and ends with his frown being turned upside down for a feel-good finish.
9. Wombat Goes to School
by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley
The creators of Diary of a Wombat introduce youngsters to Mothball, a wombat who eats, sleeps, scratches and then discovers a hole that leads to a school. With iconic illustrations and some important life lessons for wombats, this book is for ages 3+ and is a great way to give preschoolers a sneak peek at big school.
