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Christian Robinson
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Adam Rex
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School's First Day of School Hardcover – Picture Book, June 28, 2016

by Adam Rex (Author), Christian Robinson (Illustrator)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,151 ratings
Teachers' pick
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A New York Times bestselling author (The True Meaning of Smekday) and illustrator (Last Stop on Market Street) team bring you a fresh look at the first day of school, this time from the school's perspective.

It's the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone's just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself. What will the children do once they come? Will they like the school? Will they be nice to him?

The school has a rough start, but as the day goes on, he soon recovers when he sees that he's not the only one going through first-day jitters.

Previous page
  1. Reading age
    5 - 6 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    40 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    1 - 2
  5. Lexile measure
    580L
  6. Dimensions
    9.32 x 0.45 x 11.65 inches
  7. Publisher
    Roaring Brook Press
  8. Publication date
    June 28, 2016
  9. ISBN-10
    1596439645
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1596439641
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 1—Step aside, other first day of school books: there's a new school in town. After construction and a summer of tender loving care from the janitor, Frederick Douglass Elementary's first day finally arrives. And what a day it is: hordes of children with all their feelings, mess, noise, new concepts, and even a fire alarm (which the school finds deeply embarrassing). Worried but curious, impetuous, and vulnerable, the school works as a perfect proxy for nervous child readers. Rex's warm and goofy text is brought to life by Robinson's vivid collage illustrations. His signature round-headed, tulip-handed figures are diverse and appealing, from the supportive janitor to the "little girl with freckles" who slowly warms up to school at the same time that the school is warming up to the children. VERDICT A+: an essential purchase that is simultaneously funny, frank, and soothing. A perfect first day read-aloud.—Sarah Stone, San Francisco Public Library

Review

Recipient of 7 starred reviews!

"Robinson (Last Stop on Market Street) gives the school just a hint of visual personification in his flattened, paint-and-collage artwork, as Rex (Moonday) deftly juggles well-placed jokes and keen insights into feeling comfortable in one’s own skin―or bricks, as the case may be."―Publishers Weekly, starred

"Using his signature, simple style, Robinson alternates scenes of the building and its interiors with shots that show the boisterously diverse kids' first day.A unique point of view makes this school book stand out."―Kirkus Reviews, starred

"Sure to become a staple for first days of school everywhere."―Horn Book, starred

"This charming reversal of first-day-of-school nerves will delight little ones
and help put their own anxieties at bay."―Booklist, starred

"An essential purchase that is simultaneously funny, frank, and soothing. A perfect first day read-aloud."― School Library Journal, starred

"A delightful, perspective-tweaking back-to-school picture book."―Shelf Awareness, starred

"Anthropomorphization of the whole building is a new and promising approach for school-shy youngsters, and it’ll make the already school-positive want to give their beloved building a hug."―Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Roaring Brook Press; Illustrated edition (June 28, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1596439645
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1596439641
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 5 - 6 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 580L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 1 - 2
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.1 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.32 x 0.45 x 11.65 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,151 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Adam Rex

    Adam Rex

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    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

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  2. Christian Robinson

    Christian Robinson

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    Christian Robinson is a 2016 Caldecott Honoree and also received a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor for his art in Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña (Putnam, 2015); de la Peña himself took home the 2016 Newbery Medal, awarded by the Association for Library Service to Children for the "most distinguished book for children."

    Leo: A Ghost Story, illustrated by Robinson and written by Mac Barnett (Chronicle, 2015), was named a 2015 New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year. His Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker, written by Patricia Hruby Powell (Chronicle, 2014) received numerous awards and accolades including a Sibert Informational Book Award Honor and a Coretta Scott King Award Illustration Honor from the American Library Association; a Boston Globe-Horn Book Nonfiction Honor; a Parents Choice Gold Medal for Poetry 2014; and a place on the Wall Street Journal's 10 Best Children's Books of the Year List. Robinson, based in San Francisco, is also an animator and has worked with The Sesame Street Workshop and Pixar Animation Studios.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
1,151 global ratings
A wonderful book with major re-readability; you'll want to buy, not borrow, this one.
5 Stars
A wonderful book with major re-readability; you'll want to buy, not borrow, this one.
By @mr.adamrex and illustrated by the incomparable @theartoffun, this sweet, fun and witty picture book is about a new school's first day of school from the POV of the school. Two fabulous details on from just one spread: "At three thirty, Janitor came to pick up the school." I MEAN!! What kind of wordplay sorcery is Adam playing at? So good! Also: the READ poster on the wall!! (Christian! I spent so many years of my childhood staring wistfully at those posters at school!) If that's not enough (though it is) to make me love this book, there is also a freckled girl as a side character and she's not the worst (as so often freckled characters are made to be, much to my speckled chagrin). Ever since I first read this book, I've thought of it at least once a month (and often more) while I ponder my own writing for kids.
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Top reviews from the United States

LynnAnne Lowrie
5.0 out of 5 stars Very cute book
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2023
Verified Purchase
Such a cute book with good humor. I read it to my sons as they began kindergarten. My son says it is “truthful,” as the school’s feelings reflect what a lot of kids feel when they begin school.
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MrsHannah
5.0 out of 5 stars Better for mid elementary
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2022
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First off, this is a great little book. The artwork is vivid and engaging. The theme is good. I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS.

As a word of guidance… When buying classroom books online, it’s a total gamble as to the story. So my recommendation is to use this for 3rd-4th graders. I teach special education k-3, and I don’t think I’ll be able to use the book. The story is just… higher than the artwork makes it seem. It’s about expectations, first impressions, etc. Good message, but kids need to be able to sift between the lines to enjoy it. Even 3rd graders may need to discuss it to get it. (Which makes it a great read aloud, parents!!!)

Hope that helps, and hope you enjoy the book!
16 people found this helpful
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Heidi Grange
5.0 out of 5 stars An amusing new look at the first day of school.
Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2016
Verified Purchase
Trust Adam Rex to right a story with a building as the main character. School is newly built and awaiting the first day of school. When Janitor tells him that children will be coming to fill him up, he isn't sure he likes the idea. As the day goes by the school deals with children who don't like school and a little girl who doesn't want to be there. He watches children at lunch and on the playground. He learns about shapes in kindergarten and is embarrassed when his fire alarm goes off. Once the day is over though and he has a chance to think about it, he realizes that he does indeed like the children and wants them to come back. I love the use of perspective here showing the first day of school from a point-of-view that I've never seen in a picture book before. This is not only a fun book to share on the first day of school, but it's a great book to use in talking about point-of-view. Robinson's illustrations are adorable and remind me a great deal of the schools I've attended over the years.
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David C. Howell
5.0 out of 5 stars A Clever and Effective Way to Reassure First-Time School Goers
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2016
Verified Purchase
My wife and I bought this book as a gift for our grand daughter, who was about to begin kindergarten. Since she has been enrolled in a structured day care program for several years, the idea of going off to school was less daunting for her than it might be for other youngsters. Nonetheless, my grand daughter and I both thoroughly enjoyed the story as I read it to her. As adults, we know that the first day of school can be a scary event for young children. Instead of talking about the experiences of those children, the author cleverly tells the same story through the "eyes" of a new school about to open its doors to children for the first time. What a great idea, as the child does not have to relate to any other youngster in particular, thinking to himself/herself, "but that's not me." Instead, the very school itself can be the child's alter ego, and the notion that even the school is jittery on the first day of class can be reassuring when the child walks into his/her building for the first time.
10 people found this helpful
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Openbookreviews
5.0 out of 5 stars School's First Day of School
Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2019
Verified Purchase
Teachers and parents are always in need of some great back-to-school books. One of my new favorites is Adam Rex’s picture book called School’s First Day of School.

The challenge with back-to-school books is that they can get pretty blah and repetitive. They all have the same plot. Students are starting a new school year and everyone is nervous. School’s First Day of School follows this same premise, but with an Adam Rex twist! The entire story is told from the perspective of the school, and the school is named “School!”

It’s just adorable!

School is a brand new school, and she is nervous to have the students arrive. She confides her nerves to her best friend the janitor. The janitor offers her some support and encouragement before she begins her new year.

In the beginning, School does not like the kids that have arrived at her school. They are noisy, and they make such a mess. But as children so often do, they slowly start to win over School. Through the love of one little, freckled-face girl, School’s heart beings to open up to those she shares her walls with.

In the end, School may just learn to be happy that she is a school.
9 people found this helpful
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aswal
5.0 out of 5 stars Exactly what you want to read the first day of school!
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2016
Verified Purchase
This is adorable! Perfect for first days of school. I am an elementary school Media Specialist and each year I like to read a new book to create excitement for school or the library. This is perfect because have you ever thought about the first day from the school's perspective? What great discussions we are going to have after reading this! I especially love the fire drill scene. Empathy is a big theme in the story as well as embarrassment and pride. Of course award winning illustrator Christian Robinson's pictures are delightful also. I read a lot of picture books but they don't all make me giggle out loud with joy as I'm reading like this one. My students are in for a treat and I can't wait!
10 people found this helpful
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Deb
5.0 out of 5 stars Cute atory
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2022
Verified Purchase
Great for younger kids. I was under the impression it would be fun to read to my sixth graders…too babyish. But it would’ve been great when I taught 2nd. Keeping it because it is cute!
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Kristen
4.0 out of 5 stars Cute
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2020
Verified Purchase
Such a cute story. Another way too look at the first day of school.
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Top reviews from other countries

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Benedetta
5.0 out of 5 stars Meraviglioso!
Reviewed in Italy on November 26, 2023
Verified Purchase
Libro ideale per i primi giorni di scuola! Utilizzato per gli inserimenti in una scuola dell’infanzia. Illustrazioni molto carine, nonostante sia in lingua inglese è molto facile da tradurre
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars My Grandson found this book very exciting too get ready ...
Reviewed in Canada on April 26, 2017
Verified Purchase
My Grandson found this book very exciting too get ready for his "First Day of School

My Grandson found this book very exciting to get ready for is First Day of School coming in August.

'
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Sophie Peron
5.0 out of 5 stars Super livre
Reviewed in France on July 8, 2018
Verified Purchase
J'adore le point de vue de la rentrée vécue par l'école elle-même! Les dessins sont très beaux également!
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alison
5.0 out of 5 stars Cute book for kindy small children
Reviewed in Australia on February 17, 2023
Verified Purchase
Have been recommended this book by an online account for kids learning. Very cute book, love the short helpful sentences per page. Pictures are super cute too.
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Lisa
5.0 out of 5 stars Arrived fast and in wonderful shape - thank you!
Reviewed in Canada on September 13, 2019
Verified Purchase
Love the book. Great perspective lesson and respect and responsibility lesson too!
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