Back to school & bedtime stories for kids
18 Jan 2023
Welcome to another school year! Sharing stories about school life and first day nerves can help children of all ages with new routines, building confidence and making friends. Supporting educators, families, librarians and carers in encouraging young minds to grow and learn, Story Box Library has put together a selection of titles.
Find selected stories below, or via our School Life story theme filter. Parents, teachers and librarians can also use recommended Activity Time ideas to inspire creativity and fun, after watching the story read. Find Activity Time resources via the ‘Activities’ tab on each story page.
To promote Story Box Library ‘School Life’ titles at your public library or school, download the printable A4 ‘Shelf Talker’ poster here.
For 24/7 access to Story Box Library, active subscribers can download the StoryBox app onto Apple and Android devices. Click here to find out more and download the StoryBox app!
Free bedtime stories for kids
Helping children of all ages with bedtime routines and good sleep habits, the ‘Sleep with Kip’ series is available to watch free on Story Box Library. Built into a fun and exciting narrative with practical tools for kids and parents, explore the ‘Sleep with Kip’ series here.
Foundation & Preschool students
What to Say When you Don’t Know What to Say
I'm not brave enough today. Maybe next time.
You're hurting my feelings right now.
Want to join in?
A warm and whimsical guide to negotiating life's little moments and big emotions with empathy, kindness and words from the heart.
The first day of school is always an exciting one, and Fiona the Pig is VERY excited indeed! Singer Clare Bowditch reads us this funny and heartwarming story from talented author and illustrator, Leigh Hobbs and wonders if you enjoyed your first day at school as much as Fiona did?
Activity Time: Create a set of morning routine cards.
Meet Wynn, Izzy, Sumedha, Alfie and Hugo. They are here to tell you all about the joys of taking their first big step as they share the wonderful picture book, Starting School by Jane Godwin & Anna Walker.
Activity Time: Prepare your lunch box at home.
Little Cat And The Big Red Bus
Little Cat goes to school on the big red bus with her big sister. But one day, Little Cat's big sister is sick and Little Cat must go to school on her own. Unfortunately, on the way back home, Little Cat falls asleep on the bus and no one notices.
Lower Primary students
Everyone’s favourite cockroach is back, and this time he’s going to school! Charming, hilarious and just a tiny bit disgusting, this is a back-to-school tale with a twist, from the all-star cast behind Your Birthday Was the BEST!
Activity Time: Get creative with Show and Tell.
Classroom Ideas: Explore how a positive approach can be used when facing obstacles, using our ‘Growth vs Fixed Mindset’ template.
Arthur is a dog with a secret. More than anything in the world he loves to play his violin, but he’s too scared to do it in public because, well, what if he’s bad? What if people laugh? What if he makes a fool of himself?! WHAT IF? A great story to open up discussions around taking risks, being brave and following your dreams.
Harriet can't be that horrible, or can she?
Join Harriet's misguided world of mayhem and meanness. The children don't like to play with her - and who can blame them? - but when a new student, Athol Egghead, gives her a new chance at first impressions, Harriet discovers that having a friend is marvellous.
Jack is good at maths and art, but terrible at spelling. Spelling makes no sense to him! He decides to worry about the test later, but what will happen if he leaves it too late?
Middle & Upper Primary students
Writer and comedian Chris Taylor brings to life Leigh Hobbs' frightening but loveable set of characters. Packed with loads of drama, conflict and suspense, Chris' telling of this story is guaranteed to deliver many laughs for children and adults alike.
A gorgeous story from author Lisa Shanahan, about a loud, adventurous and excitable girl who discovers her very unique talent whilst accepting she can't be good at everything.
On the surface, we follow the journey of two brothers as the younger recounts his summer adventures, experiences and lessons learned. Venturing deeper into the dreamlike and surreal story, our imaginations are beset with the colours, images, and feelings that saturate every page.
A classically yucky tale from one of our most unique and animated children's authors, Danny Katz. In his life before writing, Danny was a performer - and it shows in his enthusiasm.
