Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Home > Books

Topic: Class Transitions

Picturebook

Who am I? I ask myself. What makes me a ME? I think hard with all my might, And look around to see.

What makes you a you? Are you like a sports car – lightning fast? Or maybe you’re like a tree … Do your arms stick out like branches? No? Then perhaps you’re like a snail – very slow (especially when it’s time for school!).

A funny and thought-provoking look at what makes us us, from Ben Faulks (known as Mr Bloom from CBeebies) and David Tazzyman (bestselling illustrator of You Can’t Take an Elephant on the Bus ). Guaranteed to feed the imagination, this celebration of being who we are is perfect for inquisitive (and inventive!) little minds.

Picturebook

Meesha loves making things . . . but there’s one thing she finds difficult to make – friends. She doesn’t know quite what to do, what to say or when to say it. But one day she discovers that she has a special talent that might just help her navigate social situations – and maybe even make new friends. A warm and affectionate look at the joys and difficulties of making and keeping friends, relating to others, and finding your place in the world.

Picturebook

A beautifully illustrated, wittily observed picture book about kindness, empathy and friendship from the award-winning Rebecca Cobb.

Hello Friend! tells the story of one big-hearted and enthusiastic little girl who is insistent on making friends with a certain little boy. And why wouldn’t he want to be friends with her? She’s very good at sharing – even if it’s a sandwich that he doesn’t like. And she’s certain that playing outside is their favourite thing to do, even if he is not so sure. But while he doesn’t seem keen on many of the things that she loves to do, there is one thing he’s very keen on after all . . . being friends.

Picturebook

Sunnyville is perfect. It twinkles with total loveliness. Until Rhino drops a toffee wrapper! “What? It’s only one!” he says. Soon things are messier, noisier and a WHOLE LOT grumpier! Can anyone save the day?

The perfect book to teach kids that a little care for your local environment and taking time to think of those around you, makes for a joyful world for all.

Picturebook

Travel along the story path and discover an enchanted world where fairy princesses battle with monsters from the deep and vampire cats zoom through the galaxy on silver unicorns.

This innovative twist on the classic quest tale allows young readers to choose their own characters, settings and plots at every turn. With a simple, easy-to-follow structure and bold, quirky imagery by award-winning illustrator Madalena Matoso, this is an imaginative storytelling experience for children of all ages.

Who will you meet? Where will you go? What will you do next? It’s all up to you…

Picturebook

Set in a preschool for mini monsters, this fantastic new series stars four lovable characters who are learning valuable lessons about friendship and how to get along.

In Can I Play? , Sparkle is getting ready to put on a magic show with her best friend, Arthur. But when Scout tries to join in, Sparkles loses her temper and cancels the show. She soon learns that some games are much better with all your friends!

Picturebook

Here’s a heart-warming ode to friendship, compassion, and kindness told in rhyming verse and accompanied by charming and colorful illustrations. The message is clear — friends come in all different sizes, shapes, and colors. Some may look and dress differently than you, speak another language at home, may use a wheelchair to get around, or simply be shy. It just doesn’t matter — making a new friend is AWESOME!

Children will love this story about the joys of bonding, sharing, playing, and working together. And parents and other adults will appreciate a message that builds character and fosters empathic skills in children.

Picturebook

In this inspiring, award-winning story of self-expression and creativity from Peter H. Reynolds, illustrator of Ish and the Judy Moody series, Vashti thinks she can’t draw. But her teacher is sure that she can. She knows that there’s creative spirit in everyone, and encourages Vashti to sign the angry dot she makes in frustration on a piece of paper. This act makes Vashti look at herself a little differently, and helps her discover that where there’s a dot there’s a way… With wit, charm and free-spirited illustrations, Peter H. Reynolds encourages even the stubbornly uncreative among us to make a mark – and follow where it takes us.

Picturebook

We all make mistakes – grown-ups and children alike. But little kids sometimes have trouble dealing with their mistakes, whether it’s a piece of artwork they’ve torn by accident, or juice they’ve spilled on their favorite drawing. In this book, every page begins with a ‘mistake’ that ultimately unravels, lifts out, or pulls up to become a surprising work of beauty. Kids see firsthand as they go through the book that any smudge, smear or stain can lead to something absolutely marvelous – with a little imagination. Inspiring and inventive, this interactive board book teaches a valuable lesson: ‘When you think you have made a mistake, think of it as an opportunity to make something beautiful!’

Picturebook

Follow The Colour Monster on a brand new adventure, as he navigates his way through his first day at school!

Anna Llenas’s popular Colour Monster is back, and this time he’s heading off to school! But what exactly is school? A spooky castle filled with terrifying animals? A place in the sky, amongst the rainbows and clouds?

From music lessons, to lunchtime, to making new friends, the Colour Monster’s first day of school is filled with exciting new adventures.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Your Review

Stone Girl Bone Girl

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