Back to school! Stories for the new school year in 2026
05 Jan 2026
The new school year is always filled with excitement - and nerves, of course! To assist parents, carers and teachers in helping children settle into new school routines and environments, calm first day nerves, and make connections with others, we’ve put together our best school-themed stories and activities. Watch stories in the classroom or encourage children to enjoy at home with family members, and use Activity Time ideas to inspire creativity and fun. Explore stories below. (Educators can also access our Starting Back at School Resource Collection here.)
Foundation & Preschool students
The Wild Guide to Starting School
Written by Laura Bunting
Illustrated by Phillip Bunting
Read by Nazeem Hussain
The familiar and much loved animals from previous Bunting tales—Mopoke, Kookaburra, Liarbird, Koala, Quokka and a few new friends—guide you from starting the day just right (mmm, GumFlakes) to first-day jitters, meeting teachers, making friends, lunchtime, home time and all the things in between!
Written by Yohann Devezy Katharine Alice
Illustrated by Zoe Bennett
Read by Tab Sejoe
Felix has a problem. It’s a big, red, round problem. A worry balloon that follows him everywhere he goes ... As his heart thumps, stomach twists and toes wiggle, it grows and grows and stops him from doing what he wants to do. But when Felix learns a special trick, things start to change ...
Written and illustrated by Leigh Hobbs
Read by Clare Bowditch
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?
Written by Zanni Louise
Illustrated by Gillian Flint
Read by Zanni Louise
Tiggy's story is one that many children will relate to: worrying about being in an unfamiliar place, making new friends and learning new things. The beautiful part of this inspiring story by the talented Zanni Louise and Gillian Flint is that it encourages children to worry less and to believe in themselves. With themes of friendship, imagination and creativity, this story nurtures bravery and resilience.
Written by Jane Godwin
Illustrated by Anna Walker
Read by Storytellers of Starting School
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. Available to watch for free during January 2022, for audiences outside of Australia and New Zealand.
Written by Jane Godwin
Illustrated by Anna Walker
Read by Emily Barrett
Everything changes, nothing stays the same… This is certainly true for the Australian family in Jane Godwin's gentle tale of rhythm and routine as they work their way through a year of their lives together.
Written by Lisa Shanahan
Illustrated by Gus Gordon
Read by Colin Lane
On Pet Day, there are hermit crabs, parrots, mice, puppies, ferrets and ducks - but Lily brings her dragon. Funny man Colin Lane shares this story of mayhem with a rather special guest.
Little Cat And The Big Red Bus
Written by Jane Godwin
Illustrated by Anna Walker
Read by Anna Walker
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
Let's Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent and Respect
Written by Jayneen Sanders
Illustrated by Sarah Jennings
Performed by Jenae Tien
This engaging and beautifully illustrated story will spark empowering conversations around body boundaries, consent and respect. Written in a child-friendly and easily understood manner, the text offers familiar scenarios for children to engage with and discuss.
Written by Jess Horn
Illustrated by Zoe Bennett
Read by Ava Brownlee
A beautiful story about thinking differently and navigating change in a neurotypical world.
Written by Maggie Hutchings
Illustrated by Felicita Sala
Read by Laurence Boxhall
Everyone’s favourite cockroach is back, and this time he’s going to school!From show-and-tell to arts and crafts, this little stowaway can’t wait to try it all…and maybe become the new teachers’ pet! 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!
Written and illustrated by Scott Stuart
Read by Scott Stuart
My Shadow is Pink is a beautifully written rhyming story that touches on the subjects of gender identity, self acceptance, equality and diversity. Inspired by the author's own little boy, 'Shadow's' main character likes princesses, fairies and things 'not for boys'... he soon learns (through the support of his dad) that everyone has a shadow that they sometimes feel they need to hide.
Written and illustrated by Leigh Hobbs
Read by John Higginson
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.
Written by Sally Rippin
Illustrated by Stephanie Spartels
Read by Sally Rippin
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?
Written and illustrated by Aura Parker
Read by Lille Madden
Twig is a beautiful story about starting school, friendship, fitting in and celebrating differences, from author and illustrator Aura Parker, and read by Lille Madden.
Written and illustrated by Nicki Greenberg
Read by Nicki Greenberg
She's cranky. She's strict. She's just plain … weird. Miss Kraken is definitely not the teacher the kids were hoping for. But she might have a surprise or two up her sleeves.
A hilarious tale of bad behaviour and unexpected consequences.
Middle & Upper Primary students
Written by Sally Rippin and Eliza Hull
Illustrated by Daniel Gray-Barnett
Read by Eliza Hull
This fun, child-centred romp through a local neighbourhood belies a powerful picture book about accessibility, and what it truly means to be disabled.
Written by Davina Bell
Illustrated by Allison Colpoys
Read by Jessica Rudd
It's not just about knowing all the answers There are so many ways to be smart. From knowing where you're going to picking what you're wearing, every one is smart in their own special way.
Written by Zanni Louise
Illustrated by Missy Turner
Read by Emma Watkins
Respect is valuing another person, which makes them feel cared for and understood. You can respect others, your world and yourself. When we take time to listen and understand, respect grows. Respect brings people together. There are many ways to show respect.
Written by Zanni Louise
Illustrated by Missy Turner
Read by Adam Wallace
Resilience is bouncing back from difficult moments. Resilience is reaching out for help when things feel too big to handle. Resilience is recognising how you feel and knowing what to do with that feeling. You are often more resilient than you realise.
Written and Illustrated by Leigh Hobbs
Read by Chris Taylor
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.
Written by Lisa Shanahan
Illustrated by Binny Talib
Read by Isabella Clarke
Hark, It's Me, Ruby Lee! is 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.
Written and illustrated by Shaun Tan
Read by Lindy Burns
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.
Written by Danny Katz
Illustrated by Mitch Vane
Read by Danny Katz
The Sandpit from Little Lunch is 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.
