Once upon a time, back-to-school came after Labor Day, and maybe in some world it still does. A favorite depiction of this event comes from this post card given out by Bianca Diaz who won an Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Honor award for The One Day House by Julia Durango this year. If you’re like me and have a special child who will be starting to school for the first time, I have a couple of book suggestions that will help in the celebration of this big step. You may think I’m early, but you have just about enough time to get these before school starts – in August!
The first is Kindergarten Luck written by Louise Borden and illustrated by Genevieve Godbout. Good things happen on a gloomy morning when Theodore finds a lucky penny face up on his way down the stairs. It brings the sun out and is just what he needs to take him through the whole first day of kindergarten. The illustrator’s bright colors and author’s cheerful take on school are a good match for the first-time student who will surely figure out where the real luck comes from and will be pleased with what Theodore does with the lucky penny.
The second is Edda: A Valkyrie’s First Day of School by Adam Auerbach, an Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor Award winner. Now who wouldn’t want to know how a Valkyrie manages to fit in at school? Probably, it’s not surprising that things like waiting in line and sitting still don’t come naturally or that friendship is a challenge. Both books are great fun and can lead to conversations about what to expect on this big adventure called school.
If you’re in a generous mood, go ahead and add The One Day House to your list. It’s not about starting school but is a nice community story with Bianca’s delightful illustrations. Also, please don’t breathe a word about these recommendations to Benjamin who just might be getting one or two on his upcoming birthday.