Back-to-school books to help children feel confident and ready

Starting school is a big milestone for children and their families. Whether a child is heading to kindergarten for the first time, moving up to a new grade, or getting ready to return after summer break, books can help make the transition feel exciting and familiar.

Sharing stories, exploring new routines and enjoying fun activities together can help children understand what to expect and feel more confident about the year ahead. From books that explain what happens at school to activity books that encourage early learning skills, the right book can help children feel prepared in a relaxed and enjoyable way.

Here are some of our favorite Usborne books to help children get ready for school, build confidence and celebrate the start of a new learning adventure.

Make back-to-school preparation fun with activities

The weeks before school begins are a great time to introduce gentle learning activities that keep children engaged while helping them practice important skills.

The Big Back to School Activity Book is filled with puzzles, coloring activities, drawing challenges and games inspired by school life. Children can explore familiar classroom themes while developing skills such as concentration, observation and pencil control. With plenty to discover on every page, it’s a fun way to build excitement for the new school year.

For children who enjoy hands-on activities, the Wipe-Clean Starting School provides opportunities to practice early skills again and again. Using the special wipe-clean pen, children can complete activities that encourage handwriting practice, matching, counting and problem-solving. The reusable format allows children to learn at their own pace and enjoy the satisfaction of completing activities independently.

Help children understand what school will be like

For many children, the biggest part of starting school is knowing what to expect. Books that introduce school routines in a friendly and reassuring way can help turn unfamiliar experiences into something children recognize and feel comfortable with.

The Very First Questions and Answers: Why Do I Have to Go to School? is a thoughtful introduction to some of the questions children may have before their first day. With interactive flaps and simple explanations, it explores why children go to school, what they might do there and why learning and making friends can be exciting.

Another helpful introduction is Going to School, which takes children through the different parts of a school day. From arriving in the morning to joining classroom activities and spending time with classmates, this book helps children become familiar with everyday school experiences. Reading it together gives parents and caregivers a chance to talk about routines, answer questions and discuss any feelings children may have.

Build early reading confidence with phonics stories

Starting school often means beginning an exciting journey into independent reading. Phonics stories can help children practice reading sounds and words while enjoying engaging stories they can feel proud of reading themselves.

The Phonics Story Collection: Fat Cat on a Mat and Other Phonics Stories brings together a collection of lively stories designed to support children as they develop early reading skills. With simple text, fun characters and carefully chosen sounds, these stories help children practice phonics while building confidence and enjoyment around reading.

For more phonics practice, the Phonics Story Collection: Mole in a Hole and Other Phonics Stories offers another collection of entertaining stories for beginning readers. Children can follow playful adventures while strengthening their understanding of letter sounds and blending words together.

Reading together, celebrating small achievements and allowing children to enjoy stories at their own pace can help create positive feelings about reading from the very beginning.

Encourage creativity and confidence with sticker books

Sticker books are a wonderful way to help young learners explore new experiences through creativity and imaginative play. They can also provide a gentle way to talk about what school might look like before the first day arrives.

The Little Sticker Dolly Dressing: Starting School lets kids use stickers to dress characters for different school-day moments. From choosing outfits for the classroom to preparing for activities and playtime, the scenes encourage conversations about school routines while offering plenty of opportunities for creative expression.

For kids who enjoy more detailed sticker activities, Sticker Dolly Dressing: Back to School brings the excitement of a new school year to life. With hundreds of stickers to use, readers can create outfits, complete scenes and imagine everything from classroom activities to after-school adventures.

The First Sticker Book: Starting School is another great choice for preschoolers preparing for their first school experience. With colorful scenes and reusable activities to explore, it introduces familiar moments such as meeting classmates, joining lessons and taking part in everyday school activities.

Find the perfect back-to-school book

From first-day-of-school stories to activity books, sticker books and phonics collections, Usborne has a range of books designed to support young readers as they prepare for the school year ahead.

Explore Usborne’s Starting School collection and find a book to help your child feel confident, curious and ready for their next learning adventure.