Last week the peeps at Penguin sent me this gorgeous book in the mail.
The night it arrived, I read it to Miss Pepper about six times.
The next day she took it to show and share at school and her teacher read it to the class a few times.
And since then we've read it a few more times together and she's taken it off and read it by herself a couple of times too.
It really is the most gorgeous book.
The words, the details, the pictures, the characters, the emotion....(yes I might have cried a bit the first time I read it).
And it is thorough! It covers so much of what we have experienced when our three have started school. And then it covers so much more than I ever thought of.
Like, it never occurred to me that going to the toilet at school might be a big and scary thing. Miss Pepper says she always knew where it was because we showed her, but that it is really confusing sometimes to work out which toilet is actually empty.
And I never thought of practising opening and closing a lunch box.
Or that there would be so many names. And personalities. And ways....
This book is filled to the brim with cute little preppy things.
Miss Pepper can relate to almost all of it. And the bits that she hasn't personally experienced, she can tell me stories about the kids who have.
Miss Pepper's teacher said she thought it was a really realistic picture of what starting school was like.
I think the teacher in the book looks like Miss Pepper's teacher and I was pleased to see a little girl in the book's class with long plaits down her back.
We think it would be great to read to children preparing for school and also to those already there.
If you think you know just the child to share this book with please leave a comment below.
We have three copies to send to three lucky people!
(Australian residents only. Sorry.)
Please make sure you include a way for me to contact you.
And we'll announce the winners on Friday. Yay!
Happy Tuesday lovely people.
You gotta be in it to win it!
xx
Looks like a gorgeous book Kate. Our own little Jazzy is starting prep next year and we'd love to read it to her. She is so excited about starting big school. Mandyx Email: peteandmandy@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteLooks great! I've got two boys at school already and one about to start next year. He's a little more shy than his big brothers so I think he would really enjoy this book!
ReplyDeleteWhoops! Email is inspiredgrowth@gmail.com - Thanks!
DeleteYes, they are cute books. We have two of her others (the one about the seasons and the one about family life). My son Rory started school this year so I'm sure he could relate to lots of things in the book. Email bygillybean@gmail.com.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kate.
Isn't it lovely? My middle child will be starting Kindy next year and he loves books, just like his mummy! Reading stories is pretty much the only time he isn't very "busy" running all over the place. And his broken arm hasn't slowed him down a bit! Spotted your book on the desk of my favourite bookshop in Fremantle. Looks fab. xK
ReplyDeleteMy email is kimanneli@hotmail.com
DeleteOh, I know a little boy who would just LOVE this book :)
ReplyDeleteMy third and last child will start school next year (sob!). I think this sweet book would be just perfect to begin reading to her now in preparation. My email address is andy_melissa8@bigpond.com
ReplyDeleteJane + Anna are a dynamic children's book duo - I adore all their creations! This looks superb...I wonder if they'll write a guide for parents, too? ;)
ReplyDeletex
I would love my older two to read it to Mr 3 to help in readiness xoxoxo email address: fitzbond@bigpond.com
ReplyDeleteLeora on facebook - My stupid phone won't let me leave a comment but I know a certain mad mini Moszkowicz kid that would love a copy!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a gorgeous book. I'll be facing my first year next year in like 13 years of having no little ones at home. Wish I could keep my little friend Mia home one day a week just to have some Mummy and Me time. Having said that, I can see that she really needs to be doing something and school should keep her nice and busy. Email: jenni@baggas.com
ReplyDeletePS still waiting for a certain other book to arrive in the mail after not being able to find it in any Hobart bookstore.....grrrr :)
DeleteDoes it deal with friendships amongst eveything else?
ReplyDeleteMy little one is settling in OK but it's already a bumpy ride with Queen Bees sadly.
But she has taken to reading and this sounds like a fabulous book.
Thanks for the chance.
This book looks adorable Kate, I love the illustrations just from your photos. It sounds very useful. I have a little man who is much happier helping out on the farm than he is in a school environment, this book might help. Thank you for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteOur beautiful little blue bird bookworm would love it. She's just discovering the joys of being able to read text.... she's been reading those pics forever!
ReplyDeleteI'm over anxious, can't make a decision, am working on how to not be so up-tight.
I've been reading about how to prepare them for the new school year.
Maybe I don't need this book. Maybe we'll all stay at home! Maybe I do need it!
Not only for the blue bird but for the wee two waiting in the wings soaking up every word and action, thought and feeling about everything. Oh! We'd love it! annsharwolfs@yahoo.com.au
I love Anna Walker, her pictures are awesome!
ReplyDeleteAnd I have a very timid nephew starting Kinder next year who would probably benefit from all the pre-reading he could get!!
Oh i love Anna Walker books and my little girl starts Prep next year and she is large parts excited and small parts anxious, I would LOVE a copy of this book to read with her. mel x
ReplyDeleteMy little chicken starts school first term next year, what a fabulous way to help prepare her!! Thanks for the chance!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Kate, this would be the perfect book for my little man starting prep next year, it sounds wonderful! x
ReplyDeleteThat looks like the perfect book for my youngest daughter who started kindy this year! The pictures look really sweet! She loves books and has her favourites! I'm sure she'll love this book too! My email is: sckitchens@bigpond.com
ReplyDeleteMy eldest daughter starts school next year and while she has adapted well to kinder this year I fear she is going to need a lot of nurturing when school starts. We'd love to have a copy of this book to read together.
ReplyDeletexXx Helen
(contactable through my blogger profile)
my littlest one is starting school in January and I am not sure how I feel about it. thank you for this lovely giveaway :-)
ReplyDeleteMy daughter starts prep next year and I'd love this for her! Next year when she attends school, I also return as a teacher there, so I really want to make it a special time for her as a learner and not as Mrs... Daughter! Even if I don't win, think this may be a great gift from Santa! belgibson80@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThis book reminded me of a favourite in our house and sure enough, when I found it (loved books are sometimes hard to find), it is made by the same clever girls.
ReplyDeleteCheck out "All Through The Year" if you can find it. It is the most beautiful explanation of months, seasons, growth and change from a southern hemisphere perspective. We have read it sooo many times and still love it.
Jane Godwin & Anna Walker are obviously a very talented pair!
Beautiful! What a lovely giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win a copy. You can contact me via my blog www.makesewbakegrow.blogspot.com.au
Thanks, Kate!
Nic. xx
Looks like an amazing book!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great concept! My oldest is starting school next year and whilst we are very excited we are also nervous about the unexpected....and that's just me! This book sounds like it would be invaluable...
ReplyDeleteHi Kate,
ReplyDeleteI always love to read your blog and adventures, and dream of having a farm life too!
I would love to win a book! I'm a primary school teacher and would love to share the book with colleagues to read during the kinder to prep transition so that it isn't a scary time but an exciting time.
Lauren :)
laurelihandmade@gmail.com
My boys are older now but just reading your comments made me realise that starting school is big and scary stuff! I wish I'd had this book when they started - this book is a lovely idea.
ReplyDeleteI recognised the images and we have another book by the same author, also a fabulous one.
ReplyDeleteMy little girl starts school next year and is making up lots of rules at the moment, such as " I am only going to school on days when you can wear a dress." and " I am only going to go if I am in Mrs G's class, not the other teacher".
I think this book might be a great one for us.
claireyhewitt@gmail.com
I have three girls too and the middle one is starting school next year, so this book would be wonderful. And a great book recommendation from Jenny too, thanks! We love your blog and look forward to new postings every week - whenever a dog photo turns up my girls get very excited :-)
ReplyDeleteThis book looks wonderful! My best mate's little girl starts school at the beginning of the year and I would love to gift them this book and then to have it passed down among our close circle of friends over the coming years as each of our children in turn approaches school age.
ReplyDeleteOoops! Email address is loechellisa@gmail.com
DeleteOh how perfect, my little girl would love this, we are just starting out on the school journey next year. Thanks for the opportunity. marniearmstrong@me.com
ReplyDeleteHi Kate, my daughter Pippa is starting school next year. She had orientation today and cried because she couldn't stay all day! I am sure this book would thrill her!
ReplyDeleteHi Kate, I can't enter as I'm in NZ but just wanted to let you know how much I am loving your Vantastic book. It arrived last week and I have read it cover to cover. Elaina xo
ReplyDeleteIt will be perfect for my nephew starting school in September, he lives in Hing Kong but I am in Melbourne and will be visiting later in the year! Can leave a comment on my blog
ReplyDeleteMy beautiful niece Pippi starts school next year - she is a bit nervous already but is being very brave. Lots of questions about the toilets! It's so great to see an Australian book dealing with this!! Pippi would absolutely love this book - she and I both have our fingers crossed that we are lucky enough to win a copy!
ReplyDeletewould like a chance to win this book. thanks!
ReplyDeletemy daughter vehemently told me today she is never going to school. oh dear.
in fact, i think i might need this book even if i don't win a copy.
jo
oops- email: zorconinternational@yahoo.com.au
DeleteMy grandson Jonah will be starting next year, and he is a little bit worried about all sorts of things! I would dearly love to win a copy!
ReplyDeleteI'm the president of our local kindy where my middle daughter goes this year, I would love for the kindy to have this in their library! Of course my girl and me would check it out thoroughly first!!! There's gotta be at least one perk to being el presidente :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to gift this book to my middle daughter. I have one in prep, one about to start prep next year and a third to follow. We could definitely use some encouragement for miss 4 to ease her mind and create a positive experience for her.
ReplyDeleteKym
Potts.family@optusnet.com.au
Hi Kate - I know a little man (a sensitive wee soul) who would love to be read this book, and then pour over the drawings. He starts school next year, and knows a little bit. Many of the subtleties, like you blogged about, haven't occurred to either of us! Thanks for the opportunity. Jo jofisher235@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing like an illustrated book to gently ease a newbie into a big wide world experience. My little one would love to read it, almost as much as I would like to read it to her!
ReplyDeleteHi Kate,
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book to add to our preschool library, I work on a mobile preschool, we travel to outlying villages each week to provide a preschool service in community halls or schools to rural and isolated children. It is this time of year when school readiness comes to the forefront of teacher's and parent's minds, yet we often forget the children are probably thinking about it too as we hype the BIG SCHOOL concept up so much, it would be quite a valuable resource. I will definitely be adding it to wish list in any case. Congratulations on your own book x
Kylie Hill
nrav1@idfs.net.au
Hey, thanks for sharing....I have a friend whose twins are starting school next year. The gorgeous little boy twin has Autism and LOVES books - I thought this may act as a fantastic social story and preparation for him for starting school. x
ReplyDeletelisagrimmond@yahoo.com.au
I've got one starting next year too, a little boy. He's at a little rural kinder which is part of a school and has already had to face the scary school toilets with school kids peering in. I think this book would be a perfect addition to his kinder reading corner for him and his friends to enjoy. Thanks! bridget.j.bentley@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteSounds amazing, and as a teacher, I too had never thought of some of those 'scary' things either. Thank you. And fingers crossed x
ReplyDeletethejadeleaf@gmail.com
nieces & nephews & primary school, oh my!!!
ReplyDeleteLooks lovely. If I won the give away I would give it to my friend's little boy who is starting school next year and is a 'worrier'. He loves books and I think would find something like this reassuring and good preparation for the big step.
ReplyDeleteHave been eagerly awaiting this new book from Jane and Anna - we are big fans!
ReplyDeletethis would be perfect for my little one, she starts school soon.
thehardings@iinet.net.au
This book looks beautiful. My little Teddy is starting school next year. I would love to read this with him a few (hundred times) in these last months before the big shift. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks for reviewing this book, Kate. Anna Walker has posted some photos on her blog to show some of the processes she used to create these beautiful illustrations. Such talent!! http://annawalker.com.au/blog/item/starting-school.html. Thanks for the opportunity to win one of these books - I have twins starting full time school next year - a book like this will no doubt help to ease this sometimes traumatic process!
ReplyDeleteI can't post on your beautiful blog, but I did want to write a comment to go in the running for that lovely book.
ReplyDeleteI have a beautiful little godson who would love this book. He is a bit wary of the big wide world and school is part of that. It would be a lovely gift, to feel normal for a bit and to own a very special book. And his Mum could do with a read too!
Love your blog, I've recommended she stock your intoxicating Caravan book (cant remember its name) in her gorgeous shop in Geelong. I'm hoping she has been in touch.
Laura (by email)
What a beautiful book :)
ReplyDeleteMy sweet little boy is starting prep next year, this would be a lovely present for his up and coming 5th birthday. Thank you erica (@) recycled - fashion .com
ReplyDeleteLooks like a lovely book - Being a teacher I'm sure I could find many uses for it each year! littlebettysews at optusnet . com . au
ReplyDeleteMy youngest started Preps this year *sigh* and she thinks she's got it all down-pat now! We do have a special wee friend though, Liam, who will be starting Preps next year. This would be perfect for him and he can prepare his tiny wee (prem) sister born 2 weeks ago when it gets to be her turn!!!
ReplyDeleteMy little Miss Izzy is just about to start her orientation, in readiness for her preppy life next year. She's my youngest, my fourth, my only 'pink one' (with three older, 'stinky boys'), so the experience of starting 'big School' will be very different for her I'm sure. I'm betting she'd love a book like this, to take away some of the scary aspects her journey into the unknown.
ReplyDeleteEmma at spunout dot com
Oh! My daughter starts kinder next year - this book would be perfect for us!
ReplyDeletejenbrock48@yahoo.com.au
My little Miss Five Grand Daughter started school this year.
ReplyDeleteShe loves reading and lives with her Mum. Her first year at school has been a real adventure for her.
http://lifeisapumpkin.blogspot.com.au/
I would love to read this to my fifth child, Annabelle, who is almost 4, but loves to hear about school as she gets to come along to drop offs and pick ups and she LOVES books!!! This looks like a gorgeous book that will be read many many times over as all good childrens books should!
ReplyDeleteHi Kate, What a delightful book to share at bedtime storytime. My eldest has just started prep this year, and her little sister is not too far behind! Thanks for the chance. nessiesews@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHi Katr. My 4 gorgeous grandsons would love to read this beautiful book at Nannys house!! Thanks for the chance to win and lots of love and sunshine.XXX Julie from Perth WA
ReplyDeleteHiya Kate.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a gorgeous book. My no.4 baby is off to school next year and I am feeling a little heart sick about it. I don't know what I am going to do without my constant little companion around me all the time. I would love the chance to read this book to him.
Thanks Heather
heatherw75@optusnet.com.au
My eldest starts school next year, and is so nervous. He doesn't want to turn 5 or for Christmas to come, as he knows that after these things 'big school' starts. I am off to buy this book for him, but I think it would be a great addition for his pre-school too (which is who I would give a 'won' book too). We are lucky to live in a small coastal town on the south coast of NSW. My son's pre-school is amazing in their preparation - lots of 'big school' visits to their library, watching assembly, classroom visits, have tuckshop lunch, etc. Along with talks from teachers and the principal for nervous parents like me! I adore Anna Walker & Jane Godwin - their books are beautiful!
ReplyDeletekristyjaneryan(at)Hotmail(dot)come(dot)au
DeleteWhat a lovely book, I have twin girls starting school next year. They are quite excited but I do think one of them will have some anxiety issues when it all comes about. A book like this, I hope would help with those issues. If I am not one of the lucky winners I think I will go out and purchase this one.
ReplyDeleteI know two little girls who are starting school next year, and very excited they are too!! Thanks for the give away opportunity.
ReplyDeleteLovely book. I think that this author and illustrator work so well together to make lovely books for children. My niece is going to school the year after next. Her birthday is coming up and I think that this would make the perfect gift. She had trouble getting the confidence to go to kinder by herself, this book would prepare her for what to expect when she starts school.
ReplyDeleteMy girlie starts school next year, she had been counting down since she was about 2! I can imagine her pouring over that book, anything to get her in the school mode
ReplyDeleteI have the perfect person to give this too. My best friends son will be going to school in about a year. So this would be the perfect starting point!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
Erin
erin.gain@hotmail.com
Watching paint, paper and scissors come together to create these little people on Annas blog was delightful and to have our own copy might just have me rolling around the floor with joy. My littles are a year and a bit away but being on the shy side this might just give them a good run up.
ReplyDeleteAs my Gand daughter will be starting school in a year we would love this book. Thanks for the chance. Cheers Lyn . baglady@baglady.net.au
ReplyDeleteMy little boy is starting school in a few months, and I'd love to be able to give him a bit of a preview of what to expect. It looks like a great book. Thanks for the giveaway! Jane. missadelaide@me.com
ReplyDeleteMy miss moo started school this year, after an agonising 6months of decisions about wether she was ready or not (she is painfully shy and has lots of anxiety), she has settled in well but still gets stressed some mornings and will cry when I leave, I think a book like this would help boost her confidence and show her that she's not the only one who struggles. Every child she get a book like this before starting school :) such a wonderful and beautiful way of expressing and describing this new step in life. Cara cara_poole@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteMy friends daughter starts school next year, it won't be long and she'll be starting orientation. She is very shy. This would be a lovely gift to say 'it's alright'.
ReplyDeleteMy son is in Prep this year. He is struggling in lots of ways - mostly the changes that happen and not knowing what's going to happen next. And yes the toilet is scary stuff at school! The book looks like a fantastic read for all kids!
ReplyDeleteMy grandson started school this year and there was a lot of adjusting to do. His sister is close behind him, I wonder if that makes it any easier? This sounds like an awesome book. There are some really talented authors around aren't there? My e-mail is vemvaan@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI am a casual relief teacher, usually teaching prep classes. This would be a wonderful story to share with the children I teach :-)
ReplyDeleteMy eldest daughter, Imogen, is starting Prep next year. I think next year will be a scary year for both of us as I let my first one go! We would love to have this book :) my email is rjcorrales10@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteOh I have a beautiful niece ready to start school it would be perfect thank you. xxx
ReplyDeleteLove your blog, Kate - and this book looks gorgeous! I have a little one starting school next year and she's a little nervous about it, so this lovely book might be just the thing we need. Thanks for running the giveaway! Michelle.arrow [at] mq.edu.au
ReplyDeleteThe book looks absolutely gorgeous, I am a Year One teacher and think that my littlies would love this at the beginning of each year. Thanks for the giveaway chance and your beautiful blog.
ReplyDeleteI know i cannot enter but having just found your blog on the day my wee grandson went to school for the first timeI thought I would comment any way. The book looks amazing . Wee, brand new, school children will love it.
ReplyDeleteLove the look and illustrations! Is it an Aussie book?
ReplyDeleteWe still love our "Possum Magic"my sons received as we returned to South Africa - I had to make pavlova and pumpkins scone and MARMITE sandwiches, not Vegemite :-)
Okay...I know I can't win it...but it does look lovely.
Oh yes, so many things to look forward to when beginning school and so many things that are scary! My mum was a kindergarten aide many years ago and she remembers 3/4 of the kids hadn't eaten lunch out of a lunch box let alone unwrap a sandwich. Scary and exciting times.
ReplyDeleteI'd keep the book for my boy (only four months old!) or give it to a friend who's daughter starts school soon.
nicp42@live.com.au
Thankyou kate, for the recommendation and for the giveaway. I know three little munchkins who would love to listen to this at bedtime so fingers crossed for them. Also, I am due to begin studying to be a primary teacher at the beginning of next year, so I am "professionally" interested in reading this one! Big love :) hayleyewhitehead@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteOh it looks lovely. My niece starts school next year, it'd be lovely to share this with her! (How nice of Penguin to send that to you...does that happen now you're a big fancy author ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the opportunity! We are avid readers in my home, so this would be very welcome!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the opportunity! We are avid readers in my home, so this would be very welcome!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity, my little girl has started school this year and she has had some teething problems, maybe this book would help.
ReplyDeleteOh this would be so great for poppy she's hanging to go to school. Great giveaway. Www.poppyfoxathome.com
ReplyDeleteMy Livinia starts school next year and is very excited- she'd love this book!
ReplyDeleteHi wew would love the book, we are Australian but live in Patagonia, Argentina. My son just turned 6 and started school this year but he is in first grade there is no kindy. He is learning to read and write in Spanish and English and is the youngest in his class. I am very proud of him and he would love this book to remind him how his cousins go to school in Australia. I can give you an address to send it to in NSW if you wish! Ta and thanks
ReplyDeleteLove your blog and inspirational farm living
Yamila x
It looks like a lovely book! My Pepper wont start school for 3 years but I'm sure it's not too early to start prepping! My email is thebell01@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteThis would be a great book for work - Early Intervention, every year we have kids starting school, the book would help with the transition preparation. The illustrations look gorgeous, and our kids all respond well to visuals!
ReplyDeleteSuch a massive transition. Definitely not any easier the second time (for mama anyway). My boy would love this book.
ReplyDeleteI'm very interested in getting a copy to use at work - preparing preschoolers for school. My students who have autism need very clear and precise information to prepare them for the transition to school and this book sounds perfect!
ReplyDeleteI'm bookmarking this so I can get it when our wee one is closer to school age, my hubby wants our babies to go to school for the socialisation, I want to keep them home! Hopefully the book will make me feel better too :)
ReplyDeleteI often have children going on from my family day care to school, this would be great to read to them
ReplyDeleteHi Kate,
ReplyDeleteLooking at the date of your post, I am going to assume that you have already chosen your winners. However, just in case you still have a copy, I thought I would comment as well.
I am currently working on a Christmas project for a school in Cambodia (I am an Australian resident). It is a school which provides free education to students who live in poverty. I volunteered there over Christmas in 2011 and then in 2012. I am passionate about what the school is achieving.
Anyway, so far I have received a very generous donation of library bags for every student at the school (over 100) from an Australian university. Another lady has also generously decided to fund the cost of sending these to the school.
I am now looking for books to give the students with their bags. So, again I thought I would see if you still had a copy to give away. :)
If so, the best means of contact may be through my 'event' page on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/events/202604043251579/).
Thank you!
Chloe