Happy School Year! - Hardcover

Milord, Susan

3.13

38 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 043988280X ISBN 13: 9780439882804

Publisher: Scholastic Press, 2008

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The first day of school has never been so exciting as in this simple, subtle, warm and welcoming story of six frightened children finding connection at school.

All over town, children are waking up . . . choosing clothes . . . eating breakfast . . . getting ready for the first day of school!
But for six kids, the day is more scary than special -- it's cause for hiding under the covers rather than leaping out of bed. It's only after they arrive at school and discover the wonderful surprise waiting there that they know: It's going to be a HAPPY SCHOOL YEAR!

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From School Library Journal:

PreSchool-K—There are many picture books about the first day of school, and this one, though pleasant enough, adds nothing new to the topic. The story follows a variety of generic children from different ethnic and family backgrounds as they wake up and get ready for the big day. Some are eager while others are apprehensive. Finally, the students and parents assemble in "an enormous room" surrounded by caring teachers and staff and wish one another a "Happy School Year." The text is simple and the pacing is a little slow. Milord spends eight pages before she even announces that it is the first day of school. The book mentions some common concerns, but they magically float away when the principal delivers her welcome. DePalma's simple acrylic cartoon illustrations match the tepid, nonthreatening tone of the text. Pastel colors and smiley faces abound. This book might help soothe an individual child who is apprehensive about the first day of school, but it does not have enough story or humor to hold the attention of a group. Try Katie Davis's Kindergarten Rocks (Harcourt, 2005) for a good read-aloud.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT
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From Booklist:

All over town, children are waking up. In just a few short, rhythmic lines per page, this brightly colored title describes how different children in a community prepare for their first day of school: some kids spring out of bed, while others burrow under the covers. Some eat breakfast alone; others talk with their families about the day ahead. Some arrive at the school yard and hold back tears; others rush to meet friends. Finally, the new students assemble with their teachers and principal to share in a first-day celebration of cupcakes and good wishes for the new year. Throughout, Milord’s smoothly cadenced language focuses on small sensory and routine details that many children will find reassuringly familiar. DePalma’s bright acrylics highlight the diversity in the multicultural student body and match the story’s buoyant tone. A note about first-day celebrations closes this festive story that reinforces the sense that what happens in each family, and with each child, is both common and special. Preschool-Grade 1. --Gillian Engberg

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