WELCOME TO DINOSAUR SCHOOL

Even a dinosaur can be nervous about the first day of school.

Jewel, a little teal stegosaurus who walks on two legs, would rather stay in bed than go to school, but her two dads are here to buoy her each step of the way. Jewel’s dread is endearingly obvious as she trudges her way to the kitchen for breakfast and reluctantly polishes her scales. Jewel and the other students are met at the school gate by their teacher, who introduces the young dinos to the classroom. Their teacher shows them their personalized hooks for their school bags, the lava pits where they’ll play, and the ever important bathroom. Once lessons begin, Jewel sits next to super-tall Roary, who loves school. Roary saves Jewel a seat during lunch and plays with her at recess. During art class, Jewel’s enthusiasm grows, and at the end of the day, she proclaims that school was great—but she’s a bit confused that she has to go back again. Readers will easily relate to Jewel’s initial nervousness and feel encouraged by her progress. Colorful cartoon illustrations feature typical classroom scenes of delightful and busy young dinosaurs with oversized heads and eyes. One student uses a wheelchair. Pre-read this book before sharing, as the meter is not always consistent. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A dinosaur friendship story that will turn first-day jitters into first-day joy.