As children return to the classroom in September, books about mental health, class transitions and coping with change are more important than ever. We’ve handpicked a list of picture book recommendations to share with children returning to school – grouped into themes of community, resilience, rules, being yourself, starting a new class, feelings, friendship etc….
Class Transitions Booklist
Moving up a class can be a big deal for many children and transition days are a wonderful opportunity for teachers to break the ice and get to know a new class. With transition day just around the corner, we’ve handpicked a list of picture book recommendations to share with children to prepare for move up day or a class transition – grouped into themes of being yourself, starting a new class, community, togetherness and friendship as well as books that provide inspiration for transition day art projects and icebreakers.
A perfectly-pitched tale of fun and friendship, from master storyteller Michelle Robinson and illustrator extraordinaire Tom Knight.
Kevin the cucumber is so cool – everybody knows it! Whenever anyone gets hot and bothered, Kevin is always there to cool them down.
But when Kevin starts to feel like his friends are leaving him out, something happens that has never happened before:
KEVIN.
LOSES.
HIS.
COOL!
Will Kevin’s friends be there for him when he needs them most?
Rhyming text by Michelle Robinson is full of energy and rhythm. Bright, bold illustrations by Tom Knight bring the brilliant story to life.
This laugh-out-loud story is a super fun way for children to think about emotions – whether it’s their own or someone else’s.
A brilliantly bonkers story about an octopus who lives on the roof, by two award-winning and bestselling picture book creators.
When a giant octopus arrives, the children LOVE their new friend; it makes the perfect slide and is fantastic at football! But some of the grown-ups aren’t so pleased. Will they drive it away . . . or will they realise just how helpful an octopus can be?
A warm and witty rhyming story about welcoming newcomers. Sunglasses at the ready – this book has zingy fluorescent ink on the cover and inside illustrations.
A hilarious and original story about a little mouse with big ideas!
The bold little mouse declares “I am a tiger.” and manages to convince a raccoon, a fox, a snake and a bird not only that this is true, but that they are not what they think they are. When a real tiger turns up, can the persuasive and fearless little rodent manage to persuade the tiger that he is a mouse!
With vibrant artwork by award-winning illustrator Ross Collins, and delightful characters created by rising star Karl Newson, I am a Tiger is a story that will amuse and entertain everyone, from the smallest mouse to the biggest tiger.
The only rule for attending this party is . . . you MUST bring a hat. But what if you don’t own a hat? Will bringing a monkey wearing a hat be enough? Find out in this tale that builds to a gloriously surreal and hilarious ending.
Never break the rules. Especially if you don’t understand them. The boys hide from a giant red rabbit and outwit a crowd of scary eagles, but when their games become ever darker and sinister they learn that breaking the rules can be dangerous.
Quirky, witty and brilliant, Marshall Armstrong is new to school and he definitely stands out from the crowd; but will he find it easy to make friends? A highly original take on a perennially popular theme from an exciting talent.
Scribble and Swoop are the best of friends – until the day they have a TERRIBLE QUARREL! Which friend will be the first to say sorry? And can an apology fix their precious friendship?
The perfect story for teaching young children the importance of meaningful apologies.
© BooksForTopics 2015-2024
review
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?
yes
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Any other comments
Any other comments
