SCHOOL'S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Today is the first day of school for me, and for many other educators and students all over the country. So I thought this would be the perfect day to write about this picture book! 

Rex, Adam. School's First Day of School. Illus. by Christian Robinson. New York: Roaring Brook, 2016. Print. 

You'll know author Adam Rex from FRANKENSTEIN TAKES THE CAKE and COLD CEREAL. 

If you read LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET or LEO: A GHOST STORY, you will recognize the artwork of Caldecott Honor Winner Christian Robinson.

I have read this book several times, and I am not done rereading it. In taking a look at it for this post, I appreciated it even more. 

Its charm starts with the cover. This is a little town I'd like to visit. Everyone gathers around the school, the bus is approaching, and families are excited. 

When you open to the title page, see how the story starts with the construction of the school. (But don't go too fast past those endpapers! Enjoy them!) We see only the shell, but it's taking shape. As author Adam Rex writes, it is being built "Brick upon brick". 

Upon its completion, readers see the front of the building, almost as if we are walking up to it on that first day ourselves. 

We get closer to the entry, and in this spot, readers hear the voice of the school for the first time. In this picture book, the school is the main character. Those of us who work in a school understand this. Our buildings have personality and feel like they are indeed full of life. 

We meet the Janitor, who dutifully wipes the windows and converses with the school. The school and the Janitor have a connection. The school is a child needing reassurance, and the Janitor, who spends so much time in the building, provides it.

We see the gym, wide and expansive. And a stage! 

And then the children arrive, on bikes, skateboards, in a bus, and by foot. Stare at this double page spread for awhile. There is so much to notice. 

We see children at playtime on the jungle gym. Here the children reveal the purpose of the equipment to the School. And isn't this so true about our own schools? The building comes to life with children as they use the space. 

Eventually there is discord on the playground, hurting School's feelings. And a reluctant student also causes School to be discouraged. But as the day progresses, there is remorse, joy, and laughter (see spilled milk in cafeteria). And a natural progression of a day. 

School learns shapes, and enjoys art class. And when the day is done, School debriefs with Janitor, telling him all about his day -- just like a child would, running home to tell Mom or Dad about everything. School reveals its hope and expectancy at the end. And a gratitude to be School. 

Reading this book made me more thoughtful about my own school. It comes to life with children. And has a personality to it. That's undeniable. 

I'll share this book with readers in my library during the first week of classes, and I wonder what connections they will make. I know they will be profound. 

This title will be added to the "Back-to-School" sections of libraries and bookstores, and to many, many lists heretofore -- but though it will be part of a group, SCHOOL'S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL  stands out. 

There's more to this one. 

That's why I will probably reread it again tonight, after a great first day of school. 

Happy first day everyone! 

Back-to-School Prep (and a Few Books)

In the Library: 

Well, we're in mid-August and the year kicks into gear this coming week! Like many librarians, I am excited about seeing everyone again and playing a part in all of the awesome learning that will happen in our spaces! But I am also wondering how I will get everything done! This will require dedication (and TWO planners)! 

I accomplished a lot last week! I thought through what was coming up, and made lists about what needed to get done first. When is the best time to do something? What comes first? What is MOST important? Looking back, I figured it out for myself. Much of what I did was part of the important (and invisible) work that librarians do: mission statements, goal-setting, planning, etc. But I also fixed up my office space: it needed a bit of a touch-up decor-wise. Although I don't spend a lot of time here, having a quiet space that is nice to look at makes me happy! Also, the library is reasonably ready for teachers (and district visitors) next week. It's rather like having the entire family over for Sunday dinner for the first time! (Although I am not cooking actual food -- just great learning!) Some new posters and signs went up, although I have ordered a few more.) 

And, lastly, my bulletin boards are done (thanks to an AMAZING parent volunteer)! With guests coming into the building this week, this is important! (Also, it gives me a chance to showcase new books). 

This coming week I will get my schedule set up, talk with teachers, and map out campus and curriculum needs. The most important thing that will happen this week is that I will reconnect with everyone! I anticipate discussions about summers, families, and books! 

How will it all get done? I know it will take time, diligence, and focus. But motivating me forward is the sheer love of learning, books, libraries, and more importantly, my goal to support every learner in my school. 

On my bookshelf:

Recently I read: 

This is a middle grade fantasy with a storytelling quality that stands out -- complete with "witches", magic, moonlight, and love for family.  A nice witch named Xan rescues abandoned children and sends them to better lives --while feeding them starlight. But then comes baby Luna and everything changes. It's a fairy tale wrapped up in a story about a girl coming into her own. Devote several hours to it. The imagery is powerful! 

Marie Tharp loved maps as a child. She traveled a lot with her father, and this fed her passion for exploration. She pursued her dream of becoming a scientist, and then set on a goal to map the seafloor. Told in first person, this nonfiction picture book is engaging as well as informative, and it will no doubt inspire more research into the life of this amazing scientist!

JOURNEY and QUEST are the first two in this trilogy by Aaron Becker. How many times have I walked someone over to these books and seen their eyes light up when they look at the stunning illustrations? Countless. And how many times have I said "Wow!" when we read the wordless story together? Innumerable. RETURN (the last book in the trilogy) was released this week, and it will take readers to more joy and wonder. I can't wait to share it with readers. 

I highly recommend each of these three books! 

Thank you for reading my blog! And if you are a librarian or teacher, I wish you a fabulous year!