Guest Blog from Parrot Street Book Club
We’re huge believers in the power of books to help children think and talk about the things going on in their lives. Heading back to school after the summer break and starting with new routines can bring a huge mix of anticipation and nerves for the entire family.
Books that reflect school life can be a powerful tool to help kids navigate this time of transition. Through them children can meet characters who face the same triumphs and hiccups that come with the classrooms, teachers, playgrounds and friendships that they will soon be experiencing.
In this list, you’ll find eight school-inspired chapter books that are ideal for easing into a new term and sparking conversations about what’s to come over the coming weeks and months.
Short illustrated chapter books for younger readers
For children just beginning their journey with chapter books, illustrations play a big part in keeping the story lively and approachable. These books are designed with shorter chapters, plenty of humour and engaging pictures that help bridge the gap between picture books and chapter books.
Ross Montgomery (author), Marisa Morea (illustrator)
This charming and funny short chapter book features full-colour illustrations throughout and is a perfect introduction to chapter books for young readers.
William the lamb just can’t stand still. His feet are always tapping, ready to dance, and he loves nothing more than bursting into song. But his talents aren’t always appreciated at Sheep School. Cast out of the flock, he wanders miserably away only to witness the rest of the sheep being captured by the Big Bad Wolf. Can William find a way to put his artistic skills to use to save the day?
Dragon Towers: Theo and Wanda Rule!
Pip Bird (author), David O'Connell (illustrator)
This is the first in a hilarious and imaginative series featuring black and white illustrations throughout.
Ten-year-old Theo LOVES dragons, so when he’s invited to dragon school it’s a dragon-y dream come true. At Dragon Towers every child is paired with their very own dragon best friend, and every dragon has their own special magic power. Theo can’t wait to find out what type of dragon he has. But when he meets his dragon Wanda she doesn’t seem to have any powers at all…
Woodland Explorers Club: Shyla’s Wood Wide Web
Ewa Jozefkowicz (author), Gillian Flint (illustrator)
This is a gently illustrated series is inspired by Forest School and sees the Woodland Explorers solving mysteries and protecting the animals of Willow Wish Woods.
The Woodland Explorers are learning about fungi and how it connects trees underground in a huge network known as the Wood Wide Web. When Shyla is given her grandmother's binoculars, she discovers mushrooms growing in a circle, called a pixie ring. Suddenly her eyes are opened to a whole new world - and magical woodland creatures show Shyla how to spread the word about protecting the forest.
Jorge Cham
This illustrated story covers school, space and everything in between, blending entertainment and education. We could tell you all about it but perhaps it’s best to hear from Oliver himself:
Hi, I’m Oliver! I know what you’re thinking: what does an 11-year-old kid know about the universe? Am I a famous scientist? No. Am I a super-genius? Not really. I’m just trying to figure out the usual stuff: new school, new friends, how to avoid my annoying sister. But there’s one thing that DOES make sense: science! Outer space is totally my thing and I can tell you EVERYTHING you need to know…
Longer books for more independent readers
These titles offer more depth and detail for readers aged 8 and up. They’re great fun to read aloud but many children will choose to enjoy them independently.
Misadventures of Mina Mahmood: School Trip
Farhana Islam (author), Simran Diamond Singh (illustrator)
This is the first in a funny and heartwarming series for readers aged eight and up. With illustrations throughout, it’s ideal for reluctant readers or fans of books like Tom Gates and The Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
Mina, Reema and Mobeen can’t wait to go on their school trip, an overnight stay at Shiremoor Oaks Adventure Centre . . . until somebody spooks them with stories about Bertie Blackteeth, who haunts the woods. With Bertie Blackteeth lurking and the school bully seeming to have become the teacher’s pet, this trip will test their friendship, courage and love of potato chips to the limit.
Pamela Butchart (author), Thomas Flintham (illustrator)
Pamela Butchart is the queen of funny books for newly independent readers. Her school-based adventures, starring the brilliant and instantly relatable Izzy, offer guaranteed laughs and hours of entertainment.
When Izzy and friends get a new teacher, they are immediately suspicious. Why does she have two computers set up on her desk? Why does she speak Spanish when they're supposed to be doing maths? Why does she have a pink wig and sunglasses in her car? And WHY DOES SHE HAVE A DRAWER FULL OF DIAMONDS? Because she's an international jewel thief, of course, and MUST BE STOPPED!
The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science
Kate McKinnon (author), Alfredo Ca ceras (illustrator)
This is a quirky STEM-inspired adventure for readers aged 8 and up. It’s a New York Times bestseller from debut children’s author and comedy superstar Kate McKinnon, perhaps best known in the UK as Weird Barbie.
And after getting kicked out of the last etiquette school that would take them, Gertrude, Eugenia, and Dee-Dee Porch expect to be sent away for good… until they receive a mysterious invitation. Suddenly, the girls are under the tutelage of the infamous Millicent Quibb – a mad scientist with worms in her hair and oysters in her bathtub. Dangerous? Yes! More fun than they’ve ever had? Absolutely!
Sheena Wilkinson
This is a charming historical mystery set in an Irish boarding school. It has strong Enid Blyton vibes but comes with a modern awareness, plenty of diversity and an uplifting narrative. Ideal for fans of Mallory Towers and Robin Stevens’ Murder Most Unladylike series.
It’s a new term at Fernside boarding school, and Robin can’t wait for fun in the dorm, playing games and maybe even winning the coveted Form Shield. But for new girl Linnet, Robin’s younger cousin, there are just too many new faces and strict rules. When the adorable puppy Rudy disappears, it is Linnet who is determined to find him even if it means dragging Robin and all her new friends headfirst into danger…
Starting a new term can feel like a big leap, but the right book can make it feel a little easier—and a lot more fun!
Parrot Street Book Club began as a children's book subscription service, producing monthly book and activity boxes for subscribers. More recently, they’ve expanded and become a specialist online children’s bookshop stocking high-quality chapter books, graphic novels and bookish gifts.