Olu's teacher A story about starting preschool

A Black child narrator named Olu is anxious about starting preschool in this relatable work from Campbell and Mba. On the "big and scary" first day, "my legs are shaking, and my tummy feels all wobbly." Despite parental reassurance about having existing friends in class, Olu is concerned about encountering the classroom's teacher: "What do teachers LOOK LIKE?... What if my teacher has big, sharp teeth like a T. Rex? Or breathes fire like a dragon?" Repeating the worried refrain "Oh dear, oh dear, ohhhh... MACARONI!" Olu is pleasantly surprised, upon arrival at school, by the familiar-seeming face of the teacher, portrayed with brown skin. Engaging digital illustrations capture activities including circle time as Olu becomes accustomed to the classroom's rhythm, and at day's end observes, "I've realized something: my teacher doesn't just look like someone I know. He looks like me!" Interspersed with moments of overcoming anxiety, it's a heartwarming ode to teachers and the significance of representation. An author's note concludes. Secondary characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 3--7. (May)

Early-childhood educator Campbell makes his picture-book debut with the story of a boy conquering back-to-school jitters. Olu, a young Black boy, is nervous about starting preschool. His mother reminds him that his friends will be there. "But what about the teacher?" Olu wonders. He peppers his parents with questions: "What do teachers LOOK like?" "Where do teachers LIVE?" "What if my teacher has big, sharp teeth like a T. rex?" Mom and Dad's reassurances don't stop Olu's tummy from wobbling all the way to school. But when he arrives at his classroom, his teacher isn't what he expected. Instead of a ferocious monster, he meets a hip, smiling Black man with a gold tooth who invites Olu to call him Jay. Jay shows Olu around, gives him some crayons, and encourages him to draw a picture; later, he tells the class a story about a princess and a dragon. Jay reminds Olu of someone…but who? Gazing in the mirror as he gets ready to go home, Olu realizes: "He looks like me!" Told in a realistic, appealingly childlike voice, this loving book emphasizes how important it is for children of color to have educators in whom they can see themselves. Mba's bright, homey illustrations set the perfect tone to welcome youngsters to the classroom. In a note for adults, Campbell offers tips for helping kids get excited about preschool. Both an encouraging first-day-of-school read and a tribute to the power of representation. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.