And then comes school

PreS-Gr 3--This book stands out among back-to-school titles, as it describes the last days of summer leading to the first day of class. Lyrical prose softly paints a sensory picture of these days, as in, "the breeze carries the scent of ripening apples, and tall sunflowers, full of seeds, begin to droop." The family is relaxed and calm without any of the back-to-school rush typically associated with this time of year. A special first day outfit is picked out, pictures are taken, and with eager excitement, the main character sets out for school. As with the previous books in the series, Brenner uses a repeated pattern of "When" and "Then" to tell the story: "When the day before school finally arrives…Then run and play on this last day of vacation." Hill's soft watercolor illustrations follow the family's end-of-summer activities, perfectly matching the text. The family presents as white, but there is a diverse array of children and teachers at the school. VERDICT This is an ideal transition from one season to next, especially for children just beginning their school years. It is also a great example to use in narrative writing units.--Heidi Dechief

Summer comes to a close as a family prepares for the first day of school. The sights, sounds, smells, and feel of the season's end come through on each page of this picture book. Brenner's lyrical verse follows a soothing pattern: "WHEN…the leaves of trees seem tired by noon," "THEN, with fingers stained deep purple, watch as / the berries bob and boil into glistening jam." "WHEN pumpkins take on an orange tinge," "THEN bring in baskets / of flowers and fruits / and veggies." Meanwhile, a light-skinned family helps a child get ready for the first day of school. A list of school supplies is sent home, a first-day outfit is chosen, and then the big day arrives. Hill's mixed-media illustrations pair perfectly with the text, adding movement and depth as the sun sets on a game of flashlight tag and as a rush of students heads into the school and settles into a new classroom. While the story might help prepare anxious readers for the new year, it mostly plays up the mood and energy surrounding the wind down of summer, making for a rather original take on the subject. Background characters, including the students at the end, are diverse; one student uses a wheelchair. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A back-to-school book refreshingly focused on the sensory feel of the familiar season. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.