Hello School!

With child-friendly simplicity, Burris (Five Green and Speckled Frogs) offers a gentle overview of the first day of school for a class of young, ethnically diverse children. Enthusiastic phrases printed on small banners on each spread mark the transitions from one activity to another, from start-of-day introductions and circle time through snack time, counting, nature studies, recess, and more until finally, the kids “say our goodbyes.” On each spread, text bubbles show the students’ reactions (“It’s cookie time!” “My daddy’s a cookie monster.” “Hmmm, which one should I pick?”); these scraps of enthusiastic dialogue help keep the story firmly rooted in the students’ immediate experience, as do the creative details in the uncluttered illustrations. Even the view from the school window resembles a child’s drawing, with its stylized, pointy sun and tree covered in oversize red circle apples. Lively and reassuring, this is a strong choice for helping new students set first-day expectations. Ages 3–5.[em] (July) [/em]