SuitabookKing of the Classroom
Derrick Barnes and Vanessa Brantley-Newton
- Reading
- Read it before a nursery transition, pausing over the morning routine and arrival. Afterwards, invite the child to choose one hoped-for classroom activity and one way to show kindness.
- Themes
- Starting nursery: A boy prepares for his first nursery day, travels to nursery after receiving parental encouragement, receives a warm welcome and joins classroom life. The transition is portrayed as important but manageable, with encouragement and welcome helping the child engage positively.
- Kindness and friendship: The child has opportunities to form friendships and show special kindness during classroom activities. Kindness is presented as a valued way of participating and connecting with others.
- Worth knowing
- The story gives sustained attention to confidence, belonging and helpfulness. Its very positive first-day outlook may be useful alongside space for a child to describe feelings that do not match the hero’s cheerful experience.