cover image My First Day of School

My First Day of School

Michelle Medlock Adams, illus. by Lizzie Walkley. Ideals, $6.99 (20p) ISBN 978-0-8249-1657-2

A redheaded boy named Sam narrates his first day at school in this upbeat board book from Adams (Happy Birthday to You!) and Walkley (God Made the Sun). Beyond acknowledging that “This school looks kind of big to me,” Sam scarcely betrays an ounce of nervousness, instead befriending, playing with, and learning alongside his classmates, presumably preschoolers. Walkley’s soft, brightly colored illustrations have a sunniness to match Sam’s attitude. Adams maintains a steady rhythm, but her rhymes may be too chirpy and forced for some readers (“My classroom’s great. We have a pet./ My teacher says his name is Chet”). Nervous school goers, though, may take heart from Sam’s confidence. Ages 2–5. (July)