June 1, 2021
The transition from a relaxing summer to the first day of school isn't so bad when you realize that school is cool. Assorted happy animals are relaxing on the beach, enjoying the summer day, when they stop short and realize that the first day of school is tomorrow. The rhyming text addresses readers in second person while the animals go through the motions on the page, starting with worrying about what school will be like and whether they'll fit in. The narrator encourages and guides "you" through your first day of getting ready, getting to school, finding your teacher, and saying goodbye to your caregiver before learning, playing, trying new things, and expanding both mind and social life in the different settings and activities you'll encounter at school. The text--two rhyming couplets per spread--is upbeat and fast paced, and the bright, cheerful illustrations depict animals of many kinds with smiling faces getting along joyfully. Children nervous about starting school will have something to look forward to after reading this ode to the institution. Pair this one with other books on being kind and inclusive so that the school community can actually reflect the ideal presented here. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An enthusiastic, aspirational stage setter. (Picture book. 3-6)
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