Start this School Year With a Great Story
“In 2026, 1 in 5 (20.3%) children aged 8 to 18 said they read daily in their free time.”
— National Literacy Trust, Children and Young People’s Reading in 2026
That figure is a useful reminder that a reading habit cannot be taken for granted. Summer reading should not feel like another test. One story that suits a child’s interests can be more useful than a long list chosen for them.
These books cover first-day nerves, pets, friendship, music, make-believe, self-control and larger questions about life. The selection is mainly for younger children and shared family reading. Each title offers a different reason to open a book before classes begin.
Why These Are the Best Books to Read Before School...
The aim of this list is not to rank books by difficulty or length. These ten titles were chosen because they offer:
A clear central idea that is easy to talk about
A range of multiple themes
Chances to build curiosity or empathy
Stories that can work for independent or shared reading
A practical link to the start of a new school year
A Quick Guide to These Back to School Books
Use this table to match the story with the reader.[Text Wrapping Break] It gives parents, teachers and young readers a quick view before they read the full synopses.
|
Book |
Main Idea |
|
Bertie’s Story |
Pet care and responsibility |
|
The Soap Thief |
Humour, action and perseverance |
|
Daisy’s Amazing Auras |
First-day confidence and creativity |
|
The Stationery Pirates |
Imagination and problem-solving |
|
Showsy Growsy’s Musical Fracasee |
Music, inclusion and cooperation |
|
Sebbie’s and Dino’s Dream Adventures |
Imagination and self-control |
|
The Molden Days |
Big questions and gentle humour |
|
Paradise |
Friendship, animals and belonging |
|
Blue Dolly |
Dance, humour and friendship |
|
The Tales of Cocowonga Island: 2 |
Helping others and accepting differences |
10 Austin Macauley Books to Start this School Year
These inspiring books for the new school year offer humour, imagination and a lot of useful ideas. The right choice depends on what the reader enjoys and what they may need before the first day.
1. Bertie’s Story by Jane Hirst
When Bertie arrives at a dog’s home his life begins to change in ways he could never have expected. He soon forms a really close bond with another dog and before long...Seven little puppies become part of their life. Based on true events, Bertie’s Story introduces young readers to the responsibilities that come with caring for a dog.
2. The Soap Thief by Barbara Craig
A family camping trip takes an unexpected turn when a cheeky weka steals a cake of soap while a young boy is washing in the river. Determined to get it back, he sets off after the mischievous bird only to find himself facing one obstacle after another. It all began as a simple chase but soon becomes an amusing adventure and a story he will certainly have plenty to tell his sister about.[Text Wrapping Break] But whether the weka is willing to give up its unusual prize is another matter.
3. Daisy’s Amazing Auras by Lenore Stanley
Daisy wakes up excited and ready for her very first day at preschool. She knows Annie will be waiting at the gate to introduce her to the teachers and she is looking forward to making new friends. But Daisy also has something rather special to share...she can see beautiful, colourful auras.[Text Wrapping Break] A little touch of imagination and her first day becomes an experience to remember.
4. The Stationery Pirates by Elizabeth Wing
Cap’n Jack and the crew of the Ruby have their sights set on the pearls and gold hidden away on a Dangerous Island...but reaching the treasure will not be easy. This path takes them through the Snake Valley, Hungry Tree Grove and the Dead End Walk with some surprises waiting for them along the way. To make matters worse, Cap’n Bad and his rival crew are after the treasure too.
5. Showsy Growsy’s Musical Fracasee by Allyson Louise
Showsy Growsy is planning a sing-along but she has very definite ideas about who should be allowed to join in. Then Bubbledegook and Bubbledegeek arrive and bring plenty of noise, music and confusion with them. As everyone tries to have their say, their different ideas turn the day into a lively musical adventure.
6. Sebbie’s and Dino’s Dream Adventures by Laura Colledge
After Sebbie’s mother closes his bedroom door for the night...something magical happens. His cuddly dinosaur comes to life. Together, Sebbie and Dino crawl beneath the bed and find themselves in an extraordinary world full of sweets and chocolate. With so many tempting treats around them, Sebbie soon has to decide when enough really is enough.
7. The Molden Days by Ian Coulson-Thorpe
Far away in the mysterious “molden days” live the Moldies...A strange group who may just know something about the meaning of life. They dance beneath the moonlight, mumble to themselves, scratch their heads and approach the biggest of questions in their own unusual way. Their adventures make ideas about happiness and what truly matters.
8. Paradise by Rachel Fortes
For Buddy, a shaggy stray dog, a tropical island called Paradise is more than simply a place to live - it is home. Surrounded by friends, he spends his days enjoying island life and the adventures that come with it. From time to time, other dogs leave Paradise to begin new lives with families around the world, but Buddy continues to cherish the place and companions he loves.
9. Blue Dolly by Caroline Tetley
Every Wednesday night, when the kitchen lights are low...Blue Dolly, Pink Teddy and Rocky have their secret dance sessions. The three friends fill the kitchen with laughter and plenty of fun. There is always the possibility that someone might find out what they are up to, which makes their adventures even more exciting.
10. The Tales of Cocowonga Island: 2 by Steve Mansfield
As the sun begins to set, the world of Cocowonga appears once again, bringing with it Freddie the Spaghetti Tree, Snippy Longclaws, the Furball friends and many more unusual characters. This time, their seaside adventures take an unexpected turn when Little Millie finds herself in trouble in the water. Luckily, Sammy the spider are there to come to her aid.
How to Choose the Right Book for Each Student
Lists of books every student should read often assume that every child enjoys the same subjects at the same level. A useful list should make room for interest and mood preferences.
Use the reader’s current needs as a starting point:
For a new reader, try Daisy’s Amazing Auras.
If you're an animal lover, consider Bertie’s Story or Paradise.
Action and Humour, try The Soap Thief or The Stationery Pirates.
If you like music, consider Showsy Growsy’s Musical Fracasee or Blue Dolly.
For a child who asks a lot of questions, consider The Molden Days.
The best choice is not always the hardest book. Let the child choose between two or three suitable titles. That small amount of control can make the reading feel personal rather than assigned. Most choices here suit younger children. Families looking for books for teens should use the same method but look for longer plots, more complex language and themes that match the student’s maturity.
A Simple Seven-Day Reading Reset Before School
A small routine can make reading for students feel manageable before their first day.[Text Wrapping Break] There is no need to finish all ten books.
Day 1: Pick one title by interest, not by length.
Day 2: Read for 10 to 15 minutes or finish one short section.
Day 3: Retell the main event in your own words.
Day 4: Write down one new word, question or any funny moment.
Day 5: Choose one decision made by a character and think about it.
Day 6: Talk about the book with your parents, friends or siblings.
Day 7: Set one realistic reading goal for the new term.
The goal is to rebuild a comfortable routine.[Text Wrapping Break] A short daily session is easier to repeat than a large target set at the last minute.
Five Questions to Ask After Reading
These questions can make a few minutes of book reading into a useful conversation without making it feel like homework:
What did the main character want?
Which choice changed the story most?
Which part made you laugh or think?
What would you have done differently?
Is there one idea you could take into the new school year?
Start the School Year With a Great Story
A useful back-to-school book does not need to be long or difficult. It needs a clear reason to appeal to the reader. The best books to read before going back to school are the ones that leave students curious, confident and ready to talk at the same time.[Text Wrapping Break] Use the guide above, choose one Austin Macauley title and set a small reading goal.[Text Wrapping Break] One positive story can give the new term a warmer beginning.
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