How to go to Big School

By Sarah Ayoub & Mimi Purnell

Reviewed by Mia Macrossan

When it’s time to learn new things and grow is when you go to Big School is the beginning of this charming, warm-hearted picture book aimed at all those newbies going to school for the first time. Double page spreads show the important stages of the first day of school: filling the school bag, packing the lunchbox, getting to school, saying goodbye – followed by all the activities of a school day. There are gentle suggestions suitable school rules and behaviour e.g  how to show respect, how to speak, how to ask questions and more. The book celebrates the learning that children engage in at school finishing with a happy goodbye to new friends and looking forward to tomorrow.

The rhyming text is simple and descriptive,  ably supported by inclusive colourful illustrations that show a variety of students and learning situations. This book is a useful tool for those working in early childhood education and for parents of children starting school. It is bright and attractive as well as informative and reassuring. A perfect introduction to first day at the Big School.

HarperCollins AU 2025

Sarah Ayoub

Mimi Purnell

Also reviewed in StoryLinks: