Happy School Year! [Hardcover]

Susan Milord (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

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!

Editorial Reviews

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

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Press (July 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 043988280X
• ISBN-13: 978-0439882804
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,478,027 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This delightful book will help alleviate 'first day of school' fears ..., April 14, 2009

By 

D. Fowler "Dragonfly77" (Vermont) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Happy School Year! (Hardcover)

Oh, boy. Summer is over and it is time to go back to school. Children all over town are waking up and preparing for this day. Some children have alarm clocks, some wake up when the sun shines in, while others are woken up by relatives. Time to get up, time to get up and get ready for school! There are many different sounds in the homes around town as children prepare. Dressing can be a funny time. One child put her shoes on the wrong foot. Have you ever done that?

When everyone gets to school there, are different emotional feelings. Some are happy, some want to cry and there is always the one child who "thinks about running away." The teacher is there to help everyone and she asks the students to make a wish as she lights the candle on a cupcake. "... we are all here to help one another. And I think you'll find friends along the way." School might not be all that bad after all. What would you wish for in your new school year?

This is a charming story with colorful, very busy art work. In southwest Vermont a First Day celebration/campaign started in 1997. This delightful story may help alleviate first day of school fears and help the student prepare for the school year. The bell is ringing . . . time for school to begin!