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Summary

On the first day of school, someone (or something) is very nervous. It isn’t a student. It isn’t a teacher …. it’s the newly-built school itself! A janitor has told the school that many children will soon fill the building. The school feels rather frightened at the prospect. Will there be enough room? What will all those students do? On the first morning, more children than the school could have imagined pour into the halls and classrooms. They explore everywhere, opening all the doors and lockers and drinking from the water fountain. They run up and down the halls and play happily on the jungle gym. The school thinks “This isn’t too bad!” But then it cringes when it hears one student say, “I HATE school!” Then the school notices one very small girl who doesn’t want to enter the school at all. Her mother has to carry her. “Why, I must be simply terrifying!” the school thinks sadly. A little later, his fire alarm rings. It’s a fire drill! Everyone leaves the school, stands outside and stares at the building. The school is confused and feels quite embarrassed. As the day goes on, however, the school cheers up as it sees the children enjoying new friendships, listening to stories, making pictures, learning about science and playing on the jungle gym. When it is time to leave, everyone wants to return the next day. And the school is very happy about that! This imaginative, fun picture book offers an unusual and soothing perspective on the first day of school. ** Recommended for ages 3 to 6 years. ** Reviewed by Sally Hengeveld, librarian, Stratford Public Library.