School is cool!

PreS--In this bright and colorful board book, an omniscient narrator follows different critters through preparing and attending their first day of preschool. The animals do projects, play outside, eat lunch, and play pretend, all while making brand-new friends. This book inclusively addresses the worries of most children in a fun and innocent way; for example, at one point the teacher writes on the board, "It's OK to say 'I don't know.' Everyone is here to grow." The story ends with the students loving preschool and cheering about the fact that it will last all year long. Colorful, graphic art depicts happy and excited animal preschoolers and an exciting and welcoming preschool classroom environment. This is the perfect introductory read for those just beginning preschool. VERDICT For public libraries or early childhood programs looking for works that eases nerves and makes school look like a place to learn and grow.--Kristen Todd-Wurm

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) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.