It’s time to get ready for a new school year. These are 8 wonderful picture books to help children get ready and excited. They are read aloud in Chinese and ranked from very easy, easy to intermediate level.

#1 David Goes to School (word count: 59)

This is a funny and extremely easy book to work with children at school. They love the character David and all he does! One can read this story without knowing a word in Chinese.

#2 I Don’t Want to Go to School (word count: 161)

If a child is a little apprehensive about going back to school, the two characters in this book feel exactly the same. But over time, they discover that school is quite fun. There are a lot of repetitions of simple sentences in this book. It is a very suitable book to practice speaking for beginners.

#3 Superkid (word count: 283)

This boy looks ordinary but in secret, he is a superkid. He’s super-fast, super-brave and he is always there to save the day. This book conveys an empowering message about every child’s potential to be a hero, helping others.

#4 John’s Turn (word count: 327)

Every week at Friday Assembly, one student gets to perform for the whole school, an activity called “Sharing Gifts.” This week it is John’s turn. This is a very tender and beautiful book to celebrate our individuality. One can be anyone he/she wants to be.

#5 My Teacher is a Monster. No, I am not. (word count: 330)

A young boy named Bobby has the worst teacher. She’s loud, she yells, and she is a monster! One day… he runs into the teacher in the park! Over the course of one day, Bobby learns that monsters are not always what they seem. Children love this silly idea that a teacher can be a monster (or is she really?)

#6 Chu’s First Day at School (word count: 354)

Panda Chu is worried about his first day at school. But the teacher has a friendly face and everybody introduces their names and favorite things to do. Until it is Chu’s turn…At the end of the day, Chu is quite happy about his first day.

#7 Lion Lessons (word count: 385)

This funny book is about how to take lessons to be a lion. There are seven steps to becoming a proper lion, including Looking Fierce, Roaring, Prowling Around, and Pouncing. Have you tried to take lion lessons? Would you be able to get a lion diploma?

#8 The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes (word count: 750)

Beatrice is perfect in every way. She always does her bed, wears the right socks, makes the perfect sandwich and does her juggling without any mistakes. Until one day, she made a mistake, a big mistake. Afterwards, people don’t call her the girl who never made mistakes anymore. They just call her Beatrice.

Book a Story Time with us

Reading stories is a great way for children to be immersed in a language. Join our interactive online storytime to read stories and play interactive language games in Chinese. Each session is online and lasts for 30 minutes. The maximum number of children is 4 per group to give learners enough talking time. This is particularly suitable for children from 5 – 12 years old.