I cherish my teacher summers. I spend time with Bella as I relax, reflect, reset, and read. Grateful to publicists and publishers who graciously share new releases especially stories that I can share with teachers and students in the new school year. All the titles featured in this post recently published on June 25, 2024.
The Yellow Bus by Loren Long
With both words and art, Long gorgeously chronicles the life of a yellow school bus. When readers are first introduced to Yellow Bus, she is fulfilling her natural function of transporting children to and from school. Over time, her purpose is continually redefined. She shuttles elderly around town, serves as shelter for people, and becomes a jungle gym for farm goats. Years later, Yellow Bus sinks to the bottom of a river where fish, frogs, and turtles swim in and out of her.
While her audience changes, the Yellow Bus’s feelings remain constant, for Long repeats the same tender words-“And they filled her with joy.” These words remind me as a reader to feel happiness for the bus rather than sorrow. Illustrated mostly in black and white, Long strategically uses color to emphasize the bus and its “passengers”. The overall tone of the narrative is gentle yet Long gives it energy with onomatopoeia describing the sounds the bus or its inhabitants make.
In art, text, and message, The Yellow Bus is masterpiece. As I think about school year approaching in the fall, the story teaches us to be thankful to start over and begin a new journey. Long also reminds of the importance of connection and relationships. In the author’s note, readers discover Long’s inspiration for the story and the process behind his artwork. Thanks to Macmillan Children’s Publishing for sharing a copy.
The First Week of School by Drew Beckmeyer
Monday, the first day of school, begins normally with parents dropping off their kids. In a classroom, there is an artist, an inventor, a group of sport-loving kids, a teacher, and a bearded dragon named Pat. There is also an empty seat where nobody sits in…yet. After recess, readers are given clues that this won’t be a typical first week. On Tuesday, a spaceship is flying in the sky and Nobody, an alien, beams down outside the school; however, Nobody remains hidden to everyone except for Pat. On Wednesday, wearing a white shirt and a red cap, Nobody claims the vacant seat. Over the next few days, the students experience some internal struggles which Nobody sees causing him to take action. On Friday, the class has changed for the better, and the alien returns home with memories that nobody else remembers.
So many reasons to gush over this imaginative and intriguing back to school picture book. While the plot will have massive appeal to kids of all ages, I can’t wait to share this story with intermediate students. Finding back to school books with characters their age isn’t always easy. Kids will be not only be hooked by the Beckmeyer’s playful narration and honest internal conversations of the characters but also his detailed artwork that covers the entire page and will mesmerize kids for hours. I especially loved Nobody’s sweet relationship with Pat who appeared to be the only one who truly saw Nobody. Thanks to Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for sharing a copy.
Hello, Crayons! And Other School Friends by Hannah Eliot Illustrated by Anna Clark and Daniel Clark
This rhyming board book is perfect for a child who is beginning preschool, prekindergarten or kindergarten. With her peppy text, author Eliot gives voice to a variety of school supplies who share their purpose The Clarks, a husband and wife team, bring life to the tools with their adorable and expressive artwork. Both the text and the illustrations will excite kids about starting school. I particularly love the last page which emphasize the concept of teamwork. Thanks to Simon and Schuster’s Children’s Publishing for sharing a copy.
Even Better Than Sprinkles by Linda Skeers Illustrated by Heather Fox
Having a friend who will be the back half of a unicorn, name a pet after you, and join in when you are singing off-key is a rare gift. But what happens when you accidentally-on-purpose blow out her candles before she makes a wish? Can your friendship survive?
Skeers’ lively text speaks directly to young readers. As a teacher, I appreciate how she presents through a child’s perspective, how one selfish act can negate all the good. Skeers also reveals that after some reflection, an apology is necessary to undo harm. And not just a verbal “I’m sorry” will do; a handmade card with lots of glue and glitter. Fox’s energetic artwork perfectly complement the text. Her dynamic illustrations of the two girls show their pure joy being together, their moments of pain, and finally, their happy resolution. Even Better with Sprinkles is a great back to school read aloud to support kids with handling conflicts with friends. Thanks to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media and Random House Studio for sharing a copy.
“People love dogs. You can never go wrong adding a dog to the story.”
Jim Butcher
#IMWAYR is dedicated to dear Etta, my original book beagle. Blessed that Etta is part of my story.
Beagles & Books 