Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1--A hazy morning sun reaches over misty mountains, shining down on a dino town stirring with anticipation on the first day of school. Jewel, a tiny teal dino, rises feeling uneasy about the big day ahead. Papa greets her, spatula in hand, ready to whip up pancakes, and Dad helps her dress for school. Before long, the family of three steps outside into the bustling dino herd trekking toward school in a scene reminiscent of Richard Scarry's Busy, Busy Town. Waving goodbye to her dads, Jewel joins her Jurassic classmates in a tour of her new classroom. Personalized backpack hooks, individual carpet leaves, and labeled notebooks welcome each little dino as valued members of the class. Lunch is an herbivore's delight, with fruit and veggies to chomp and slurp before an afternoon of lava pit playtime, rock painting, and dino story time. At dismissal, Jewel runs to Dad, announcing that her first day of school was great, and he assures her that her second day will be even better! Jewel is bewildered. "You mean…I have to go back?" Cobden's sweet, rhyming story is upbeat, showering positivity and plenty of exclamation points onto the first day of school. Schauer's digital cartoon illustrations are vibrant and dynamic, matching the story's high energy. Jewel having two dads is presented matter-of-factly and seamlessly integrated into the story without spotlighting it as a point of discussion. VERDICT Young dino lovers will enjoy sinking their teeth into this cheerful and inclusive story before stomping off for the first day of school.--Emily Brush
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Even a dinosaur can be nervous about the first day of school. Jewel, a little teal stegosaurus who walks on two legs, would rather stay in bed than go to school, but her two dads are here to buoy her each step of the way. Jewel's dread is endearingly obvious as she trudges her way to the kitchen for breakfast and reluctantly polishes her scales. Jewel and the other students are met at the school gate by their teacher, who introduces the young dinos to the classroom. Their teacher shows them their personalized hooks for their school bags, the lava pits where they'll play, and the ever important bathroom. Once lessons begin, Jewel sits next to super-tall Roary, who loves school. Roary saves Jewel a seat during lunch and plays with her at recess. During art class, Jewel's enthusiasm grows, and at the end of the day, she proclaims that school was great--but she's a bit confused that she has to go back again. Readers will easily relate to Jewel's initial nervousness and feel encouraged by her progress. Colorful cartoon illustrations feature typical classroom scenes of delightful and busy young dinosaurs with oversized heads and eyes. One student uses a wheelchair. Pre-read this book before sharing, as the meter is not always consistent. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A dinosaur friendship story that will turn first-day jitters into first-day joy. (Picture book. 4-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
