by Máire Zepf
Illustrated by Tarsila Krüse
August 2017
Sterling Children's Books
Hardcover
Fiction
Review copy provided by publisher
Goodreads Summary
Benno is really excited about his first day at school. But there’s one problem: MOMMY!
A laugh-out-loud twist on a familiar theme.
What can a little bear do when he’s all ready for his first day of school—but his mother isn’t? “DON”T GO TO SCHOOL!” she wails. “STAY HERE WITH ME!” Mommy sulks, she’s shy, she even throws a tantrum. Can Benno convince her that everything’s okay? He comes up with an ingenious idea to help her adjust—one that many a mom and dad will recognize. This humorous story will reassure and delight nervous children, while parents feeling a little sad to see their babies grow up and march off to school will empathize with Mom!
My Thoughts
There are many books about the anxieties of starting school for the first time, but this is the first book I have read where it is the parent who is anxious and doesn't want her child to start school. Author Máire Zepf uses hilarious juxtaposition and turns the tables describing what, I am sure, some parents might feel as their little ones begin school. "New things are scary sometimes, Mommy..." little Benno says to his mother to help calm her fears. He practically drags her to school to meet the teacher and she is nervous because she doesn't know many of the other parents.
In the end, Benno convinces his mom that everything will be fine and gives her a pocket full of kisses.
The text font and illustrations are simple with endearing characters on every page. The colors are somewhat muted and dark with some patterning mixed in which I liked very much.
I really enjoyed this take on a "starting school" book and think many kids and parents will enjoy its humor as they engage in discussions about starting school.
I would like to thank Sterling for hosting a giveaway of Don't Go to School. Enter in the rafflecopter.
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This would be a great book to video myself reading and send the link to my families before school starts.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great twist on the back to school story. I think it will help to make those with butterflies about beginning school to realize it's normal.
ReplyDelete