A new school year has lots to offer in the way of new reads from HarperCollins Publishers - there's something for everyone!
Hale, Bruce.
Clark the Shark.
June 2013.
HarperCollins Publishers.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.
Clark the Shark learns a valuable lesson at Theodore Roosterfish Elementary School - there is a time and a place for everything. The lesson is learned after Clark becomes just a little too enthusiastic about everything at school - talking louder than everyone, munching on everyone's lunch, playing too rough at recess. When his friends start to steer clear of him, Clark is suddenly left wondering why. His teacher, through her use of rhyme finds a way to appeal to Clark to consider his actions and think of others at the same time. Clark takes the idea and runs with it, eventually gaining back his old friends and helping out a new student at school as well!
The book is a lot of fun and a great story - would make for a great book if there seems to be animosity that exists in your own classroom! However, although being geared for children between 4 and 8, I'd hesitate to use this with the younger crowd, as some of Clark's actions might set a minor fear in their minds about what could possibly happen to them at school. Wouldn't want to scare children before they experience the whole school-idea!
Drummond, Ree.
Charlie Goes to School.
June 2013.
HarperCollins Publishers.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.
This is a great book to use when introducing children to the concept of home-schooling, especially if it's new to your family and something that you intend to try out! It briefly touches on the idea of home-schooling and what a home-schooled child might expect of the learning process. The book would also be great for children starting preschool or kindergarten for the their first schooling experience, as it really makes learning look fun and appealing! A great read for a new school year!
Rockwell, Anne.
First Day of School.
June 2013.
HarperCollins Publishers.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.
I'd say this book perfectly sums up what children look for as they head back to school - a little bit of excitement twisted into a little bit of nervousness! It shares the excitement of new haircuts, new supplies, new clothes, but allows readers to connect with the nerves that are often experienced on that first day of a new school year - uncertainties about teachers, being in a class with friends. It is a perfect combination to help children transition into a new school year while reassuring them that even if they aren't in a class with their best friends, they can still be friends!
This is a definite must-read before the new school year begins!
Dean, James.
Pete the Cat: The Wheels on the Bus.
June 2013.
HarperCollins Publishers.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.
What a wonderful, refreshing, new take on a classic children's song! And a great way to start out the new school year! I'll definitely be using this new title as an intro on the first day of school in my classroom - especially considering what a hit the "Pete the Cat" series has been in the past two years with the preschoolers! Much of the song is the same, with just a few newer parts/phrases that fit the traditional Pete the Cat style... can't wait to see if it's a hit!
Scotton, Rob.
Splat and the Cool School Trip.
June 2013.
HarperCollins Publishers.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.
Not necessarily a back-to-school book, but a fun story none-the-less! When Splat joins his classmates from Cat School on a field trip to the zoo, he's super excited about seeing the penguins. However, as the class detours to see the giraffes and elephants, Splat's own pet, Seymour, upset from being left behind, opts to find a way to zoo and causes some trouble of his own, resulting in Splat not being able to see the penguins. However, Seymour decides to take matters into his own hands and saves the day for Splat in the end! A fun read!
Farley, Robin.
Mia Dances Back to School!
June 2013.
HarperCollins Publishers.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.
When Mia attends back to school night before the start of school, she becomes very disappointed to find out her two best friends are in a class without her. Mia is upset and decides she does not wish to attend school if she can't be in a class with her friends. However, with her mom's insistence, Mia does attend the first day of school and slowly learns that she'll still have her best friends but now there's an opportunity to make new friends. A loving, caring teacher makes this difficult transition easier for young Mia. Great choice for a child struggling at the beginning of the school year after being separated from a close friend(s).
Yankovic, Al.
My New Teacher and Me!
June 2013.
HarperCollins Publishers.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.
When Billy, a lively imaginative boy is paired with Mr. Booth, a very strict teacher, for the new school year, things are bound to be interesting! The first day results in near disaster experience, but the two quickly realize that they obviously have a LOT to teach EACH OTHER over the course of the upcoming school year. The book is an easy read and fun with lots of rhymes, however, it's more appropriate for upper-elementary aged, as some of the language may be a bit too advanced for younger children to comprehend. Otherwise, a great read and lots of fun!
If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!
Biggs, Brian.
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