Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1--Tomorrow is the first day of monster school and the "fire-breathing moths" in Yeti's stomach are conquering her cool. The anxious blue yeti plots ways to finagle out of going to school. Yeti claims that her pet goat ate her pencil, but her dad produces a bulk supply of extras. After Yeti intentionally loses her backpack in the refrigerator, her dad pulls it out, saying, "Looks like your bag has found its cool! We'll work on yours." Yeti's dad delivers an optimistic pep talk when he drops her off the next morning, drawing attention to her breath and encouraging open-mindedness about starting school. When Yeti apprehensively enters her new school, she notices that the other ghoulish pupils are worried, too; a purple unicorn wonders if they are too sparkly, a nervous vampire's teeth shake, and a ghost hopes they are invisible. Does the first day of school give everyone the shivers? Carter's colorful cartoon illustrations are bold and bright. Front endpapers depict Yeti's cherished memories before her first day of school and back endpapers depict the new memories she creates with her friends from school. "Howls, growls, and vowels," may echo from the pages of this story, as will the supportive message that there is space for anxious feelings on the first day of school. VERDICT Sensitive and only slightly spooky, this book makes Yeti's first day of school amusing and relatable.--Emily Brush
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Review by Horn Book Review
The first day of school is approaching, and Yeti is feeling nervous. She comes up with several excuses to stay home (a missing pencil, a lost backpack), but her dad steps in each time to reassure her and urge her to keep her cool. Once she arrives at school, she discovers that other students are anxious too, and that gives her the confidence to make friends and stay calm. Carter's digital illustrations lean into the humor of the situation, while the text is comforting. (c) Copyright 2025. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
What to do when you're not prepared--yet-i? Blue-skinned, furry Yeti starts monster school tomorrow. She's filed her fangs and perfected her growling and stomping. But so much could go wrong. When Dad asks if she's ready for the big day tomorrow, Yeti's got an excuse: Her pet goat ate her favorite pencil, so that's a no. No worries! Dad bought extras. Is Yeti's book bag packed? Oops, it's lost! Dad finds it in the fridge. At bedtime, Yeti's still wracking her brain for more excuses. Her hair's messy; she's low on lizard snacks; a tooth's ready to pop out. Understanding, supportive Dad suggests she think good things about how much fun school will be--and get some rest. After a sleepless night, Yeti confesses that she's still not ready. Dad explains that newness is scary, advises her to be herself, and points out that others may feel the same. Yeti's surprised when she meets some new students: They're also nervous and self-conscious. Yeti says hello to her new classmates--a brave act that emboldens the others, who soon feel more courageous themselves. After a successful day, guess who's "not ready" to go home? Though monsters may be the star of the show, Yeti's concerns are all too human, and Carter treats them with sympathy and sensitivity. The appealing, colorful digital illustrations depict creatures (some humanoid, who vary in skin tone) who are more cuddly than creepy. Empowering for kids and cryptids alike.(Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
