It's back to school time around here, which reminded me of one of my favorite books about school, Smartypants (Pete in School), written and illustrated by Maira Kalman. Released in 2003, I've read it many times since and love the humor and absurdity. I also adore the snarky side comments Kalman includes in her illustrations.
This book is for everyone who has had that "don't call on me" moment. Avoid eye contact! But when Pete comes to school (forbidden, of course!), he can answer every single question! As a student, are you really going to let a dog get the better of you intellectually? I think not.
My library is featuring back-to-school books in their displays:
Another of my back-to-school favorites is First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg. I won't go into details, but I will tell you that there's a surprise ending. Horn Book has a list of good back-to-school books here.
What's your favorite book about school? Make it a great school year, everyone!
I love Maira Kalman, and will look for this Smarty Pants book, Jane. How fun. As for favorites, there are many, but I really enjoy the Pete The Cat one about going back. Thanks for the links, too!
ReplyDeletePete the Cat is very popular. Thanks for chiming in here, Linda. Happy back to school to you!
ReplyDeleteHi Jane, you already mentioned First Day Jitter, one of my all time favorites. Some others are Miss Bindergarten, Oh the Places You'll Go, and Chrysanthumum.:)
ReplyDeleteHi, Juliana, Miss Bindergarten & Chrysanthumum are great choices. I never thought of Oh the Places You'll Go as a back-to-school, but it certainly could be!
ReplyDeleteFirst Day Jitters is my favorite!
ReplyDeleteI love it--and I think it helps kids develop empathy
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