Accessible books to help children adjust during back-to-school season - News - Living Paintings

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Accessible books to help children adjust during back-to-school season

11th August 2026

On the left, two tactile images: 1) Thomas the Tank Engine, a blue train; 2) Spot the Dog, a yellow dog with big, floppy ears. On the right, a young boy with vision impairment feels a tactile page from Harry and the Dinosaurs go to School as he mimics a dinosaur's roar.

Back-to-school season can be challenging for everyone. But for children who are blind or visually impaired, there are many unique obstacles they have to overcome. Not to worry – Living Paintings is here to help! Here are some fantastic audio-tactile book recommendations, perfect for this crucial stage of life.


A tactile image from Bug School. It has a green caterpillar with glasses and little legs, a yellow snail with an orange spiral shell, and a sunny-looking bee. There is also the Bug School, which the bee stands in front of.

First Day at Bug School

A perfect story to reassure young children, First Day at Bug School tells of all the fun activities you can do at school.

From singing to sports and everything in between, it’s a celebration of the exciting opportunities offered to children at school.

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A tactile image of three dinosaurs. From top to bottom: one red, one green with a yellow belly, and one blue with yellow spikes along its spine.

Harry and the Dinosaurs go to School

First-day nerves are familiar to all children, so Harry and the Dinosaurs go to School, the latest book release on this list, is an ideal choice.

It’s Harry’s first day at school. He and his dinosaurs are very excited and perhaps a little bit nervous. Harry’s not so sure he’s going to like school, but the dinosaurs come to the rescue and Harry and his new friend learn just how much fun school can really be!

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A boy reading a tactile version of My Monster and Me, adapted into an accessible picture book for blind and visually impaired children.

My Monster and Me

Written (and audio described!) by winner of Great British Bake-Off Nadiya Hussein, My Monster and Me  deals with panic in the form of a big, yellow monster.

Taking from her own personal experiences with a panic disorder, Nadiya’s heartfelt story gives parents and children the tools they need to talk about worries and anxiety, to ensure that no child suffers in silence.

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A feely picture of a girl and a boy on a bench surrounded by their worries from the childrens picture book Ruby's Worry. Adapted into a tactile version for blind and visually impaired children.

Ruby’s Worry

A perceptive and poignant story that’s a must-have for everyone, Ruby’s Worry follows Ruby, a young girl who loves being herself until she finds a worry.

This is the perfect book for discussing childhood worries and anxieties, no matter how big or small they may be, which is so important when your child is entering a new year of school.

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A tactile image of Spot the Dog's head.

Spot Goes to School

That ever important first day of school is universal. We’ve all experienced it. Spot Goes to School is a wonderful title for young readers where Spot starts school and finds himself having lots of fun.

A highly interactive book with tactile images peppered throughout. It’s perfect to help with starting school nerves.

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A tactile image of Thomas the Tank Engine. He is a mostly blue train with splashes of red. He has a round grey face with big eyes and a warm smile.

Thomas Goes to School

It’s always comforting to see familiar characters go through what we’re going through, so Thomas Goes to School is a great choice. Thomas finally gets the chance to be the star pupil at a local fete.

It’s an exciting story, which blind and visually impaired readers will love, with raised images including Thomas the Tank Engine, a playful clown and the much-loved Conductor!

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All these titles and more are available to order FOR FREE from our postal library. Borrow your copies today!

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