Ready or not, Woolbur goes to school

Leslie Helakoski

Book - 2018

Tomorrow is Woolbur's first day of school. Woolbur can fix his own wool, write his name, and color outside the lines. And most important, he never follows the crowd. Woolbur is ready for school, but is school ready for Wilbur?

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Subjects
Genres
Picture books
Published
New York, NY : Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers [2018]
Language
English
Main Author
Leslie Helakoski (author)
Other Authors
Lee Harper, 1960- (illustrator)
Edition
First edition
Physical Description
1 volume (unpaged) : color illustrations ; 29 cm
Audience
Ages 4-6.
ISBN
9780061366574
Contents unavailable.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

The fiercely independent sheep introduced in Woolbur starts school in this infectious follow-up. On the first day of class, Woolbur prepares excitedly: he accents the wild spikes of wool on his head with red yarn, and he dons his bumblebee backpack. "Let's go!" he exclaims. Woolbur tackles each new experience with aplomb. When classmates express doubt or anxiety throughout the day, Woolbur exuberantly chimes in with the refrain "Isn't it great?" ("'I can wait my turn,' said Woolbur./ 'But there are so many of us,' said Llama/... 'I know,' said Woolbur./ 'Isn't it great?'"). His enthusiasm catches on, leaving the friendly-faced animals of Barnyard Elementary smiling and eager to return. Mixed-media digital collage art captures the energy of the school day, as well as Woolbur's cozy environment at home, underscoring the story's upbeat, encouraging tone. Ages 4-8. (June) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review

PreS-K-Woolbur is a little sheep whose enthusiasm for life and all its unexpected challenges cannot be tamed, much like his wild wool hairstyle. He confidently asserts on the first day of school, "Let's go!" while his parents wonder if he's really ready. When he draws his name his own way, or paints outside the lines, his parents, teacher, and classmates often seem confused or worried, but he responds cheerfully, "I know, isn't it great?" This encouraging refrain makes him a terrific role model in the class when his fellow farm animals have trouble waiting their turn or when they worry that the cafeteria grass might taste different than it does at home. At the end of the day, he returns home on the bus and asks his Ma if she's ready for "A home-again kiss!" Harper's illustrations lend humor and authenticity to the feelings of Woolbur's classmates while showcasing his jubilant spirit. VERDICT In a long list of appealing back-to-school books, this one really makes the grade.-Jenna Boles, Greene County Public Library, Beavercreek, OH © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review

An excited Woolbur bursts out of bed on the first day of school, confident and ready to take the experience by the horns (an intention that perhaps inspires the exuberant hairdo he has created with red string). While Maa isn't sure Woolbur is ready, Paa doubts the school's readiness for Woolbur, and indeed, Woolbur is one character who is fairly bursting with personality, and he's not at all concerned with what others think of him. No matter how positively criticism is couched or what his classmates' complaints might be, Woolbur's response is the same: "I know.Isn't it great?" His creativity comes out in the way he writes his name and in his modern art piece, and he takes the school lunch and the noisiness and newness of the playground games in stride. The end of Woolbur's day brings things full circle to a sweet tuck-in by his parents. The watercolor-and-pencil illustrations feature much the same things many readers will find in their own schools, only tweaked slightly to accommodate the anthropomorphized, multispecies animal cast (the salad bar is labeled "grain," "hay," "clover," and "bones," and the school bus is a hay-filled wagon pulled by a tractor). Careful observers will see his classmates begin to relax and enjoy their days, his attitude contagious. Woolbur is an excellent role model of self-confidence and positivity. (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.