Maes First Day of School
By (Author) Kate Berube
Abrams
Abrams Books for Young Readers
1st July 2018
United States
Children
Fiction
Childrens / Teenage personal and social topics: School, education and teachers
813.6
Hardback
32
Width 216mm, Height 267mm
As Mae's first day of school approaches she decides she IS.NOT.GOING.School is scary! What if the other kids don't like her Or what if she's the only one who doesn't know how to write Or what if she misses her momMae's anxiety only buildsas she walksto school.But then she meets Rosie and Ms. Pearl. Will makingnew friends show her that they can conquer their fears together
Berube's story takes its protagonist's fears seriously, and even though young readers are likely to anticipate the story's outcome, its respect for their emotions is clear . . . A sweet affirmation of jitters and comfort in numbers. * Kirkus Reviews *
Berube (Hannah and Sugar) is an astute and funny portraitist of childrens anxieties, and the first day of school is tailor-made for her talents. * Publishers Weekly *
While children reluctant to start school may feel unspoken anxiety, this reassuring narrative gives the characters time to express the specific fears, consider them, and dispel them. Rather childlike in its simplicity, freshness, and direct approach, the appealing mixed-media artwork uses strong lines to define the characters and settings, while color washes brighten the scenes and crayon-like marks add texture. A reassuring, gently amusing picture book for children anticipating (or remembering) their first day of school. * Booklist *
Best of all, the story doesnt trivialize Mae and Rosies fears and takes time to affirm the bravery necessary to take a big step such as going to school for the first time. * School Library Journal *
Kate Berube is the author and illustrator of Hannah and Sugar, which was hailed as a marvelous picture book debut with an achingly authentic story of fear conquered in a starred review by Publishers Weekly. She lives in Portland, Oregon.