Bella Goes to School
by Ian Whybrow
MacMillan Children's Books 2010
Great fit for 1st grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- first-day-of-school
- anxiety and reassurance
- family support
- friendship
- confidence
- growth mindset
- school readiness
About this book
Bella is nervous about starting school—she can’t write yet and her shoelaces are tricky—but with gentle encouragement from Mummy Rabbit and a good friend, she discovers she’s ready to learn. This warm picture book captures common first-day jitters with kindness and humor. Simple, reassuring text and friendly artwork make it perfect for preschoolers and Reception-age children. Families will appreciate its positive message about trying new things and growing confidence.
Setting: a contemporary primary school and home in the UK
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bella Goes to School right for my child?
Yes — Bella Goes to School is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.8, which is typical for 1st grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include first-day-of-school, anxiety and reassurance, family support.
How long does it take to read Bella Goes to School?
At a typical 1st grade reading pace, Bella Goes to School takes around 8m to finish. The book has 600 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Bella Goes to School have an AR quiz?
Yes — Bella Goes to School has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Bella Goes to School?
Bella Goes to School has an AR reading level of 1.8, which places it at a 1st grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.