Why am I starting school?
Prepares your child for starting school with confidence.
Everyone has to start school, even a young orangutan living in the jungle.
Jupe doesn't want to go. Palm Tree Primary is big, noisy, and the days feel far too long. He doesn't like the uniform, he doesn't like the toilets, and he definitely doesn't like his new teacher, Mrs Elephant. But as the term unfolds, through wobbly first days, a proud moment on the bongos, and a school sports day, Jupe discovers that starting school isn't the ending he feared. It's the beginning of something good.
Written by E.M. Harris, Why Am I Starting School? blends a warm, funny story with three much-loved children's songs: 'The Wheels on the Bus', 'Once I Caught a Fish Alive' and 'The ABC Song', so children can sing along as they read.
The book includes a parent's guide with discussion questions for every chapter and practical advice on preparing a child for their first days of school, handling tears at drop-off, and helping them settle in.
Perfect for children aged 4 to 5 in the run-up to their first term, and for rereading throughout the school year.
From the Coping with Growing series: modern fairy tales for life's big moments.
Recommended by
This story is recommended by National Association of Primary Education.
Written with a child psychotherapist
The Coping with Growing series is written with Christine Porter, an experienced child psychotherapist, and shaped by other professionals and education advisors.
How to use this story
Listen or read together in the weeks before the first term, then again through the school year. Sing along with the three songs, and use the parent’s guide to talk about each chapter. The more a child listens, the greater the benefit may be.
A guide for parents
Read our guide: How to Help Your Child Start School With Confidence. You can also find helpful organisations on our Support page.
Questions parents ask
What age is Why Am I Starting School? for?
It is perfect for children aged 4 to 5 in the run-up to their first term, and for rereading throughout the school year.
Does it include songs?
Yes. It blends a warm, funny story with three much-loved children’s songs: The Wheels on the Bus, Once I Caught a Fish Alive and The ABC Song.
Is there help for parents?
Yes. The book includes a parent’s guide with discussion questions for every chapter, and practical advice on preparing for the first days, handling tears at drop-off and helping a child settle in.
Is it a book or an audio story?
Both. It is available as a Kindle book and as an Audible audio story.
