JESS SANDERS’S latest book How to have the Best School Year Ever is the ultimate guide for children (and their grown-ups) when it comes to starting school, returning to school, and even resetting the school year. Read on for a Q&A.
What inspired you to write How to have the Best School Year Ever?
I know that the start of a new school year can be both exciting and nerve-racking for little ones – especially if it’s their very first! I didn’t always have the best experience at school, and I remember what it was like to be nervous about attending school.
I wanted to speak to that experience, offering reassurance, gentle advice, and a little scaffolding to help children step into school with confidence. I also wanted to weave in all the important life lessons from my ‘Life Lessons for Little Ones’ series – so How to Have the Best School Year Ever was born!
Did you draw from your work as a social worker or life experience to craft some of the tools and resources in this book?
Absolutely! This book focuses on setting, maintaining, and persevering with goals. Goal setting has always been a big part of my personal and professional life. To me, a goal should reflect what’s important to us – not what others expect of us. When we truly believe in a goal, it becomes a source of motivation and direction, and it reminds us that we can’t be great at everything (and that’s okay!).
I’ve noticed that many young people today feel immense pressure to be good at everything, and they often find it hard to stick with things they’re not immediately good at. This book aims to normalise failure, celebrate effort, and help children persevere with the goals that really matter to them.
What are some of the key tips you share in the book – and why do you think they matter for children at school?
In the book little ones are reminded that part of learning, is making mistakes. They are also encouraged to set goals and challenge themselves to try new things. I believe it’s important for children to challenge themselves in healthy ways, and to embrace failure or tough days as a part of the process.
What was your collaboration process like with illustrator Andrea Onishi?
My publisher, Affirm, worked directly with Andrea throughout the process, so we didn’t always get to connect one-on-one. However, I absolutely loved watching her bring my words to life through her art. Andrea has captured the colour, energy, and excitement that come with a new school year so beautifully. She’s also done an incredible job depicting the wide range of emotions and experiences that children have during this time – her art in the book is vibrant, heartfelt, and full of feeling.
Do you have any advice for younger readers who might be having a tough time at school and for the parents or teachers supporting them?
My advice for young readers is to remember that everyone learns and grows at their own pace and that you can’t be amazing at everything, or friends with everyone! What matters is that you keep showing up, trying your best, and being kind to yourself and others along the way.
For parents and teachers, I think it’s about meeting children where they’re at. When children feel heard and supported, they’re able to be resilient and discover what makes school meaningful for them.
Who is this book for? And what do you hope readers take away from it?
This book is for every child who attends school. Whether they’re buzzing with excitement or feeling a little nervous, there’s something here for them to connect with. It’s also a great book to revisit throughout the year – to help little ones stay on track, or to offer reassurance when they feel left out in friendships or behind in their schoolwork.
I hope children take away the message that it’s completely normal to have ups and downs during the school year. School is a place to learn and grow – and that means making mistakes along the way, and that’s okay!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jess Sanders is a social worker, educator and best-selling, award-winning author. Jess has a passion for creating resources that provide children with the knowledge and tools to understand tricky topics. Jess regularly presents to young people, parents and educators on topics such as grief and loss, body acceptance and self-care. Every project she pursues is born from the question, ‘Why does it have to be this way?’.
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