I Don't Want to Go to School

Most definitely an interesting read for those who are getting ready to go back to school although the title does make me a bit anxious on how it may rub off on some children who may end up reading it. The story basically follows the worries and wild imagination of a child who is afraid of his first day.

Fortunately his mother is calm and very reasonable as she tries to encourage him in wanting to go to school. Every worry that he has is countered with patience and wisdom so that the child is able to overcome his worries.

The book itself is rather kind of big and bulky just in size but in total width of pages it is a decent size for little hands. Furthermore it is made to look like it was written in just a regular journal with the left page often holding a realistic school supply that a child may end up using in school during the day, which also contributes as the child who is reading may have just set something down on their notebook.

As to the illustrations they were done in an interesting mix. Most of the minor characters just glorified stick figures and not much to talk about but when the focus is on human interaction or a particular character than is the true focused details drawn in. At the same time the illustrations are brightly colored to catch the eye.

Last there was one or two spelling mistakes that I found in the book but they don't take away from the actual writing. And although I am still unsure about the title of the book itself and the response it may have to glancing children the story is a pretty decent one and one that would make for a wonderful reading tradition before school starts although you may want to allow your child to replace the moose with their own animal if you want to go for an interactive story.

This book has many teaching moments. It talks about the fears that go through a child's head before they go to school and reassures them that everything is going to be just fine. I would read this to my class.

This book puts into perspective what children really think. And they arent afraid for no reason sometimes. It also shows that we as parents need to be more aware of our childrens feelings especially when it comes to school.