Notes: shortened version…
As a part of our Mister C series, the first four books are aimed at children between (but not limited to) four to eight years of age. These books have been designed to be read by both parents and teachers with children, while sitting comfortably to read and enjoy the images together. Significant age-appropriate questions are raised about starting school and address not wanting to go to school, along with varying emotions, worries and new ways to look at starting school that the child(ren) may be experiencing, through ‘real-life’ stories.
By empowering children to speak their own minds, while in the care of their families and teachers, children are able to express themselves and learn from their experiences; while also feeling listened to and supported through their transition of starting school. Through these books, examples and questions are raised about primary school; parents and teachers are able to show connections, share their own experiences, while also acknowledging how children may be feeling about wanting and attending school.
Below is some more information and recommendations for parents/teachers: Mister C book series (one to four). Thank-you for purchasing one or all of our books to share with your children at home, in the classroom or an early education centre. 📚
Notes: Extended version…
Book one:
‘I Don’t Want To Go To The Big School On The Hill’
Starting school
Through personal experiences of raising my own three children, and having a background as a registered nurse working with both families and older persons, starting school can be a stressful and emotional time, for not only children but also for parents. Both of my two older daughters wanted to start school, and had always looked forward to the next growing-up steps and attended school with little stress. However, my youngest son, Carter (Mister C) did not want to go to school. A near-miss incident involving my son occurred around the time of his Kindergarten orientation, that soon lead to our path and journey through research and assessments; all the while trying to find age-appropriate picture/story-books to assist in our situation.
With little success on finding current and appropriate literature, Mister C jumped around one afternoon and said, “Well, Mummy, let’s create our own story-book about me not wanting to go to the big school! Maybe my friends and other children might like it too?” As a result, this first Mister C book of the series of four books, covers many questions and ideas that have been raised by Mister C, about starting and attending primary school. These ideas have been weaved through a caring and heartfelt storyline that is family focused, with some fun rhyming along the way. This story is intended to assist children chat about and address any worries about all things relating to school.
About ‘I Don’t Want To Go To The Big School On The Hill’
Book one synopsis (2020): ‘Mister C has just turned five years old, and is transitioning from day-care to kindergarten. Mister C is struggling with the idea of going to the big school on the hill; he asks many questions and talks about his worries about going to school with his parents. The answers are discussed through conversations with his Mummy and Daddy. This eventually settles Mister C’s mind and stormy emotions; he then feels ready to go to the big school on the hill.’
Book two:
‘My Great Day Going To The Big School on The Hill’
The first day attending school
As a parent, I have always tried to ensure my children were happy, prepared and able to address most of their worries and questions, before attending their first day at big school. I had hoped their first day would go smoothly and each child would come home saying, “I had a great first day!” Luckily, both girls and Mister C attended wonderful kindergarten orientations and were well prepared. Mister C was still hesitant about going to school, but working with the skilled kindergarten teachers, he had a mostly fun and productive first day. No matter how much preparation had been done, something minor would often occur (be it a clothing mishap or a minor issue with a drink bottle or school bag); as a parent (and from learned experiences), it’s always important to go with the flow and adapt to the ever-changing environment (even by the minute!), in which children and primary schools are so closely entwined.
About ‘My Great Day Going To The Big School On The Hill’
Book two synopsis (2020): ‘Mister C is now five and a bit. It is his very first day of Kindergarten! Mister C is excited, but a little nervous about starting at the big school on the hill. The story follows Mister C and his family, through his first day; from a very early morning start, to a school clothing mishap; to making new friends and having fun. There’s lots of questions and answers about what to expect at school; along with many laughs, a few tears and some heart-felt moments…’
Book three:
‘My Most Terrible Day Going To The Big School On The Hill’
A bad day at school
As an adult, I have had my fair share of bad days (like most of us). Most of the difficulties were out of my control, and it was how I was able to navigate the unwanted obstacles (mentally and physically), that lead to my success in getting through the particular bad day or event. Even though children are resilient, they still experience bad days too; through my experiences as a parent and a registered nurse, it is how we are able to work through these bad experiences, that empowers us as both through childhood into adulthood to navigate our way later on in life. This third book of the series, addresses three bad things that happen in Mister C’s most terrible day. With help, guidance and support, Mister C was able to navigate his bad day; he felt supported to address the issues making him feel sad and then he was able to go back to school the following day, with solutions and ideas to tackle the next obstacle that came along in his day.
About ‘My Most Terrible Day Going To The Big School On The Hill’
Book three synopsis (2021): ‘Mister C is now five and seven months, he is midway through his first year of Kindergarten. Mister C has had a most terrible day, and doesn’t want to go back to the big school on the hill. The story follows Mister C and his family, who are able to work through and talk about the specific things, that have made it a bad day for Mister C. This third Mister C book series is a heart-felt story; join Mister C and his family again for a story that is filled with hope, empowerment and a few giggles along the way…’
Book four:
‘There’s Something In The Clouds Above The Big School On The Hill’
New ideas at school
As Mister C (and the girls too) attended school and new classes relating to such topics as social sciences, spirituality, morals and ethics, naturally, there were going to be new questions and ideas about these interesting (and big) topics to discuss at home (or in the car home- as occurred for our family). The girls were both curious about all things science and spiritual, but more so for Mister C (must be the big imagination); where there would be many conversations about all the big topics early on. Mister C would have many vivid dreams about heaven, the moon and what he calls the ‘Maker’ (his figurehead in the clouds); some chats would have us all in stitches and others, well, we would be scratching our heads in wonder. It is imperative that children are able to freely express themselves and feel comfortable in their surroundings, to discuss topics that are of interest and of importance to them. As parents, it is vital to listen (closely) and provide other relevant views and opinions, without insulting the child’s original ideas. As children grow and develop, they will form their own ideals, values and morals, that are often based on previous familiar background values and morals.
About ‘There’s Something In The Clouds Above The Big School On The Hill’
Book four Synopsis (2021): ‘Mister C is just two weeks away from turning the big six and has nearly finished his kindy year at the big school on the hill. This fourth book in the Mister C series, follows Mister C and his family who encounter some deep ideas talked about in the new class Mister C attended at school, of which has greatly interested him. Mister C comes home with many questions relating to the class and together with his family, are able to chat about these new ideas. Join Mister C again on another enchanted and heart-warming story; you never know what you might find along the way…’
Book Five:
‘A Word From Mister C A little Book Of Stories Part One’
Mister C stories to share
This little book of stories, as a part of our Mister C series, is aimed at children between (but not limited to) four to eight years of age. These books have been designed to be read by both parents and teachers with children, while sitting comfortably to read and enjoy the images together. Significant age-appropriate questions are raised about starting school and address not wanting to go to school, along with varying emotions and experiences that the child(ren) may be facing, through ‘real-life’ stories. By empowering children to speak their own minds, while in the care of their families and teachers, children are able to express themselves and learn from their experiences; while also feeling listened to and supported through their transition of starting school and life events. Parents and teachers are able to show connections, share their own experiences, while also acknowledging how children may be feeling about wanting and attending school. For more details and information please go to our website: meandmisterc.com
About ‘A Word From Mister C A little Book Of Stories Part One’
This little book of stories published by Me and Mister C, is a compilation of favourite words spoken by Mister C (concurring with their blog: meandmisterc.com ─ A Word from Mister C). This fifth book is considered a storytelling foundation, that has led to the creation of four published books for Ing and her son, Mister C. These thirteen short stories depicted in this next book, follow Mister C not wanting to go to school, starting school, some engaging situations while attending kindergarten, the beach, fun with his sisters and many more. Join Mister C again for another real-life and heartfelt journey…
Book Six:
‘Is The Tooth Fairy Really Real?’
Lost teeth and the Tooth Fairy
This book, as a part of our Mister C series, is aimed at children between (but not limited to) four to eight years of age. This book has been designed to be read by both parents and teachers with children, while sitting comfortably to read and enjoy the images together. Significant age-appropriate questions are raised in this book, along with addressing varying emotions and new ways to look at life events and situations that the child(ren) may be experiencing, through this ‘real-life’ story.
By empowering children to speak their own minds, while in the care of their families and teachers, children are able to express themselves and learn from their experiences; while also feel listened to and supported through their transitions of navigating life. Through this book, examples and questions are raised that focus on teeth, fallen teeth and what may happen; along with discussions of certain age-appropriate legends. Parents and teachers are able to show connections, share their own experiences, while also acknowledge how children may be feeling about such situations. For more details and information please go to our website: meandmisterc.com
About ‘Is The Tooth Fairy Really Real?’
This new book series created by Me and Mister C, follows Mister C as he tries to navigate all things relating to a wobbly tooth. Mister C can’t make up his mind about what he believes to be real or not. He asks many questions about teeth and the mystical legend of the Tooth Fairy. Mister C is determined not to give up his special tooth. With love, support and guidance from his family, Mister C is able to work out what he really wants to do. Join Mister C for another heartfelt real-life journey; why not take a peek and see what surprise is install, as the Tooth Fairy REALLY does visit his house…
Suggestions for parents and teachers as this book is read with children…
Sit down in a comfortable spot with your child(ren), examples can be, beanbags, pillows, outside on a rug, at the table, on the child’s bed if at home; somewhere in which the child(ren) feels safe and comfortable.
Read the book calmly and slowly, ensuring to stop and chat about each image next to the story text, explaining what the image is conveying to the child, while relating it back to your own and the child(ren)’s situation and experiences.
Spend time searching for the nominated pet animal in the book. It is intended the child(ren)’s interest will also be maintained, by seeking out the nominated pet in every image of the book (e.g.: chook, dog).
Spend some time discussing any questions or ideas that the child may raise while reading the story-book, ensuring these ideas are acknowledged, addressed and discussed before moving on to the next page.
Suggested follow-up ideas and activities…
Have parents, teachers and or significant others such as grandparents, sit down and chat with children (at home or school orientation programs) and discuss their past experiences in attending school, through various times and what has changed since they were at school. What was good and not so good about going to school? Answer any questions (big or small) there and then, to try to alleviate what may be worrying your child(ren) during this time.
Make a list of liked foods with your child(ren) and what can and cannot be packed in lunch boxes for school, then try to assist children with drawing a packed lunch box or even packing their own lunch box and having it together at lunchtime before starting school.
Ask your child(ren) to draw how they are feeling about going to school, it can be any medium and image that takes shape. Work with your child(ren) and draw some arrows (or stars etc.) around the finished artwork, writing down some (brainstorming) ideas, on why your child(ren) feels this particular way (happy, sad or worried for example). Once the task is finished, sit down and discuss what was created and what emotions were realised- this can be done at a later timeframe or the following day.
Other available resources…
National educational websites
https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/
https://www.dese.gov.au/australian-curriculum
https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/going-to-a-public-school/primary-schools/starting-school
Other suggested books to read
‘Starting School’ by Jane Godwin (Amazon, 2013).
‘I Don’t Want to Go To School!’ by Stephanie Blake (Amazon Books, 2007).
