New Year, New Books! Our Favourites to Kickstart the Year!

Welcome back, teachers! As you rejuvenate during these holidays, gear up for an invigorating new school year filled with learning and growth. In this blog, we delve into a curated selection of books that promise to kickstart your classroom's journey with themes of resilience, friendship, and courage. Perfect for getting your students excited and comfortable about the year ahead, these reads are not only fun but packed with valuable life lessons.

Cultivating a Love for Reading with Engaging Books


Reading is an exciting way to introduce students to the new school year's possibilities. Our handpicked books focus on resilience, adapting to change, forging friendships, and overcoming fears—essential themes for back-to-school.

Bring Stories to Life with Vooks


Discover Vooks, a dynamic platform where books come alive through animation and sound, making reading an interactive adventure. Explore our top pick for a welcoming classroom vibe, "Our Class is a Family," available on Vooks to help your students feel right at home in their new setting.

First Day Favourites for Young Learners (Kindy - Year 3)


Engage your youngest students with stories that build confidence, emotional understanding, and social skills:

  • Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen

  • Hammerhead by Kelly Oriard & Callie Christensen

  • Can U Save the Day? by Shannon Stocker

  • Curious George's First Day of School by Margret & H. A. Rey's

  • Be Big! Beatrice's First Day of First Grade by Katie Kizer

  • Mae the Mayfly by Denise Brennan-Nelson

  • Creatures Full of Feelings By Kelly Oriard & Callie Christensen


  • Kindergarten Bus by Mike Ornstein

    Beautiful Hands by Bret Baumgarten

  • Sweet People Are Everywhere by Alice Walker

  • The Tagalongs by Megan Marie Myers

  • Ronnie and His Grit by Ronnie Lott & Leslie Harter

  • What's My Superpower? by Aviaq Johnston

  • Little Girl Big Dream: The Story of Olympian Samantha Peszek by Leslie Harter

  • The Digger and the Flower by Joseph Kuefler

Advanced Reads for Older Students (Year 4 - Year 6)


Challenge and entertain your older learners with books that address more complex themes of change, self-confidence, and perseverance:


  • Roald Dahl Collection by Roald Dahl

  • Wonder by R.J. Palacio

  • Holes by Louis Sachar

  • A Glasshouse of Stars by Shirley Marr

Additional Resources for Classroom Reading


Expand your classroom library and make every book accessible with digital read-alouds from platforms like Epic! and Audible. Here are a few more books to consider for your reading list:


The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds

The Best Part of Me by Wendy Ewald

First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg

Enemy Pie by Derek Munson

Why These Books Matter


As the new school year begins, nothing is more crucial than fostering a sense of excitement, resilience, and community. These books do more than just instil a love for reading—they help students navigate the emotions and experiences of starting anew. They are tools for teaching, sources of comfort, and gateways to personal growth.


Ready to transform your classroom with these inspiring reads? Dive into our selection and discover how each book can enrich your students' educational journey. Don't forget to check out Vooks for an animated experience that brings stories to life!


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