SCHOOL IS MORE THAN A BUILDING!

In this picture book, a young boy lists the ways that school is special.

As this well-crafted celebration of an ideal school begins, readers ages 5 and up are greeted by a smiling, freckle-faced boy who will take them through the pages to show that “school is more than a building!” All of the adults are friendly and helpful (teachers, a librarian, a nurse, and a janitor). School is a place where “my teacher comforts me when I’m having a bad day,” and “there is always someone who will listen.” School is where the boy can enjoy his friends and learn, get exercise, eat healthy food at lunch, express his creativity and individuality, and feel safe. The playful black font is well spaced and easy to read. Watercolorist Donner’s expert, full-page, cartoon-style illustrations, vivid against the bright, white space, feature characters with different skin tones and adults in a young to older range. (One teacher and child appear to be of Asian heritage, and there are White and Black kids.) Donner is the author/illustrator of several children’s books, including The Day the Lines Changed (2020), about life during the Covid-19 pandemic. In a note here, she explains how school closures highlighted the importance of children being in the classroom for their “health and well-being.” Parents might pair this with Shannon Olsen’s tender picture book, Our Class Is a Family (2020), for similar reassurance about school as a place of acceptance and community.

This warm, engaging tale depicts what school should be for every child.