STARTING SCHOOL by Janet & Allan Ahlberg
Author: Allan Ahlberg
Illustrator: Janet Ahlberg
A Charming and Comforting Guide to the first school term. STARTING SCHOOL is a timeless picture book that gently guides children through their very first term at school; from the nerves of day one to the excitement of holiday celebrations.
Janet Ahlberg’s vibrant and detailed illustrations capture all the little moments of classroom life: hanging coats on pegs, story time in the reading corner, noisy assemblies, lunch breaks, and even the much-anticipated nativity play.
What makes this book stand out is its scope. Rather than focusing only on the first day, it follows a whole term, helping children see that school quickly becomes familiar, fun, and full of new friends. The story doesn’t shy away from showing real feelings - sometimes children are sad, shy, or grumpy - but these are always balanced with moments of laughter, joy, and reassurance.
Celebrated as a classic this story is both honest and comforting. Its warmth, gentle humour, and realistic detail make it the perfect companion for little ones preparing for their school journey.