Starting school is a big deal. Everything is new and exciting, and for some a little scary too.

It would be great to have some idea as to what is going to happen on this very important day in every little person’s life. This is where The Wild Guide to Starting School comes in!

From waking up, what to wear and what to take, to feelings before and at the all important drop off.

This and much more is explained by critters big and small who have all been right where the reader is. There is guidance on what to do at school too, with very good advice for what is okay and what is not.

eg. Do NOT eat your teacher!

A normal day is mapped out for the new entrant in fun, colourful pages right up to bedtime, signing off with a friendly good luck.

This guide is told by and based on Australian animals, but it is all relevant to kiwi kids. There are many books on the First Day of School, but this one stands out – Funny, cute, colourful and most importantly helpful. I’d love to see a NZ version.

Author / Illustrator team – Laura and Philip Bunting

Picture Book

(2021, Starting School, Animals, Australia, Critters, Birds, First Day of School, Funny, Humour, Self Esteem, Confidence, Guidance, Heads up, School)