2012 Back-to-School Roundup

by Scott Menchin & illustrated by Scott Menchin

An amusing turnabout that is sure to have readers in stitches…as long as they are not chasing their own tails instead. Full review >

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by Maryann Cusimano Love & illustrated by Satomi Ichikawa

Those nervous about attending school for the first time will not find much comfort here, though teachers might like the... Full review >

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by Rosemary Wells & illustrated by Rosemary Wells

While more didactic, William Mulcahy and Darren McKee’s Zach Gets Frustrated (2012) teaches children to deal with their... Full review >

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by Esmé Raji Codell & illustrated by Sue Ramá

While this introduction may help a few pre-preschoolers, there are better options out there Full review >

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by Stephanie Calmenson & illustrated by Sachiko Yoshikawa

Poor Mr. Bungles—readers’ enjoyment practically guarantees that he will face yet another bad day sometime in the near... Full review >

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by Roz Chast & illustrated by Roz Chast

This lacks much of the humor of Marco’s first outing (Too Busy Marco, 2010), does little (or nothing) to allay children’s... Full review >

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by Hyewon Yum & illustrated by Hyewon Yum

Yum has perfectly captured the emotional ups and downs of both parent and child in a visually expressive work that will... Full review >

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by Eileen Spinelli & illustrated by Anne Kennedy

This lesson on gossip and rumors goes down like a spoonful of sugar. Full review >

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by Emma Dodd & illustrated by Emma Dodd

Kids nervous about their own first day may just fall asleep wishing for their own Foxy visitor. Full review >

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by Bruce Degen & illustrated by Bruce Degen

Would that every teacher could be this cool; Ms. Frizzle would be proud. Full review >

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by Dave Keane & illustrated by Dave Keane

Not just for the first day of school; this is sure to appeal year-round. Full review >

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by Barbara Barbieri McGrath & illustrated by Tim Nihoff

Cutesy, but ultimately lacking in substance—there is little here that will draw children (or teachers) for a second reading. Full review >

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