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
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!
Don't Worry Felix
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 ...
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?
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
Bernie Thinks in Boxes
A beautiful story about thinking differently and navigating change in a neurotypical world.
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!
My Shadow is Pink
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.
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?
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.
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. Written, illustrated and read by Nicki Greenberg.
Middle & Upper Primary students
The World We Can Build
This fun, child-centred romp through a local neighbourhood belies a powerful picture book about accessibility, and what it truly means to be disabled.
All The Ways To Be Smart
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.
Respect
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.
Resilience
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
