Author: Adam Rex & Christian Robinson
Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa, Putnam Six Bookstore
The book may be a few years old now, but its focus comes around every single year: the first day of school! It’s natural for kiddos to feel nervous, but has anyone ever thought if the school building gets nervous too? Author Adam Rex and illustrator Christian Robinson team up in the 2016 children’s book School’s First Day of School, a funny read that explores what the school itself goes through on the special day too.
Frederick Douglass Elementary is a new school and has only met one friend, Janitor, over the summer. But then teachers start arriving and soon after, more students than the school could have imagined. Suddenly they’re drinking from its water fountains and opening its doors and playing on its playground. Not to mention those pesky, pointy pushpins everywhere! Plus, it takes it quite personally when it overhears kids say they don’t like school. All of this change is a lot for the school to adjust to. As the day goes on though, the school learns new things, like squares and rectangles, and gets to know the students, including both of the Aidens in kindergarten. And you know what? By the final bell, the school is already looking forward to the next day when the students will come back.
The illustrator of this book has won numerous awards for his prior works, including the prestigious Newbery Medal and Caldecott Honor. There are so many small details that will make kiddos laugh, and the story itself has some wonderful jokes to match. Whether your student is a brand-new kindergartener or a more experienced third grader, School’s First Day of School is a perfect book to read in August. It’s entertaining, but also comforting and reassuring. It’s alright to be nervous for this big change – but don’t worry, the school is right there with you!
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of School’s First Day of School today!
