My first day at school by Meredith Costain and Michelle Mackintosh

Windy Hollow Books, 2013. ISBN 9781922081254.
(Age: 4-6) Recommended. My First Day at School follows what four very different children experience as they go to school for the first time. The reader becomes very familiar with the emotions and encounters of Zach, Amira, Ari and Zoe as they become used to what it is like becoming big school children.
This is an excellent introduction to a first day at school and would be ideal to read to young children before they go to school. There is a depth to the information that would be very helpful in familiarising children with what school is like. In a verse story, Costain describes the feelings of each child; Zach who is eager to leave his parents, Amira whose friends help her join the class, Ari who finds all the rules disconcerting and livewire Zoe who has trouble being quiet. Some of the things that may worry children, like going to the toilet and time for snacks, are explained clearly and children would be left with a sense that school can be a very happy place for all types of children.
The illustrations by Michelle Mackintosh complement the text and show the diversity of the class. They are often humorous and as such will be enjoyed by the young child.
This is an ideal book for parents, grandparents and carers to read to children just about to venture out on the new experience of going to school or even for those who are returning to the classroom.
Pat Pledger