Changes

At the start of a new school year , parents often ask for recommendations for books that would help make things a little easier for those about to start school for the first time or for slightly older children making the transition to Junior School. This vibrant and cheerful picture book contains much in both text and images that would be useful and encouraging for anxious children and equally anxious parents.

This book tells the story of a day in the life of one little girl as she goes to school. It starts with breakfast and works through a typical day including different types of lessons, play, lunchtime and meeting friends. The overall feel of the book is friendly, encouraging and positive. Although it never refers to a ''first day'' it would no doubt be reassuring for those about to start school for the first time. I thinks think that the structure of the day and the images of the children would also make this suitable for slightly older children worried about moving up to the next stage too.

The illustrations are busy and full of detail. The way in which the reader is encouraged to participate and guess what each child's interests are through visual clues is both clever and well done. Inevitably this would prompt lots of discussion. We are even able to find out what each child's dream job is at the end of the book which is a lovely touch. Rose Blake has managed to create images that feel inclusive and there is mention of a geography lesson with flags of different countries of the world displayed. She also refers to the joy of reading and escaping to different places through stories. It would be easy to involve a child in the book as the author includes questions in the text such as, ''What is your favourite story?'' and ''What do you like to eat at lunchtime?'' As a mum , I did particularly like the moment when the little girl is collected at the end of her very happy and busy day and mum asks what she did that day she replies, ''Not much.'' Oh, so familiar!

[[Lucky Wish Mouse: Starting School by Clara Vulliamy]] is a lovely, gently reassuring picture book that you may also like to try. Alternatively, if you are looking for a slightly anarchic look at first school days have a look at [[The Witch's Children Go to School by Ursula Jones and Russell Ayto]]. We also enjoyed [[Cactus Annie by Melanie Williamson]].