KATHRYN WANLESS has a bachelor’s degree in linguistics from University College London and a master’s in children’s book illustration from Cambridge School of Art. She loves both words and pictures in equal measure. She has taught in Europe, the UK, and the US, including six years spent in the wonderful world of preschool education. She now resides near Stamford in the UK where she teaches art and invests much of her spare time acting in a local Shakespeare theater company. This is her debut book as both author and illustrator. Visit her at kathrynwanless.com.
What Do We Do in Preschool?
Text and illustrations © 2026 Kathryn Wanless
Published in 2026 by Red Comet Press, LLC, Brooklyn, NY
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
Library of Congress Control Number: 2024948446
ISBN (HB): 978-1-63655-163-0
ISBN (EBOOK): 978-1-63655-164-7 25
First Edition
Manufactured in China
Red Comet Press is distributed by ABRAMS, New York RedCometPress.com
red comet press • Brooklyn
author's Note
As a teacher with experience working in preschool education, I am aware that for many children and parents alike, starting preschool can be an anxious time. However, I have observed that the vast majority of children soon settle in and thrive with all the wonderful opportunities for learning through play.
I was excited to write a book that would enable families to talk through what happens during the preschool day—both to ease anxiety and to promote reading and conversation at home.
In a world where childhood is increasingly shaped by the influence of technology, I have highlighted the vital importance of play for children’s development and wellbeing. This book is a tribute to all those who work in early-years education, and to all the families navigating the delights and challenges of those sweet but brief years. –Kathryn
Ways to use this book
An Introduction: Give them a sense of what they can expect by reading this book with your child before they arrive on their first day. Ask about what they would like to play with today.
Bedtime: The perfect time for reading stories. Use the illustrations as prompts for conversation about their day. Did you paint today? What did you have for snack time?
Share: Take the book to school and share it with the teachers. It makes a perfect read-aloud, and building positive connections between home and preschool helps children to settle quickly.
