Author: Stephanie Blake:
Translator: Whitney Stahlberg
ISBN: 978-0-375-85688-4
Publisher: Random House

 Click Here To Purchase I Don't Want to Go To School!

When I picked up a copy of Stephanie Blake’s I Don’t Want to Go to School! I couldn’t help chuckling as it reminded me of my first day at school many moons ago. To say that it was traumatic experience would be an understatement. It probably was the cause of my ongoing hatred for school until well into my college days. It should be noted that this book was originally published in French under the title Je veux pas aller à l’école.

As mentioned in the newsletter I received from Random House, Stephanie Blake’s passion for writing and illustrating began in childhood, when she created books for her brothers and sisters. She is also an enthusiast of the Dr. Seuss, Ludwig Bemelmans, and William Steig books and is the author and illustrator of dozens of books in France. I Don’t Want to Go to School! is her American debut.

As is the case with most young children, going to school for the first time can be quite scary. Simon, the rabbit, who is the principal character of this children’s book is no exception, until he experiences what a great time he could have drawing, playing at recess, eating chocolate mousse for lunch, resting, and playing drums. Initially, his unequivocal reply was “no way I don’t want to go to school!” However, after a day of enjoying himself, he is hesitant to go home.

This is a delightful book that will appeal to young ones illustrating that school is not such a bad thing after all. The simple and bouncy dialogue is lively and to the point, keeping the story tightly focused on the uncertainty of attending school for the first time. Children are reassured that although they may initially be hesitant, they will nevertheless enjoy the experience and furthermore, there is nothing to fear.  

The gentle illustrations of the book suit the principal character particularly the night scene when Simon is not sure if he is scared or not. And the final scene is priceless where we see Simon reading and when his mother comes for him and says it’s time to go home and his reply, “No Way!”

Moreover, what really stands out is Blake’s uncanny knack of instilling in her principal character full-blown emotion and animation- something that young readers can easily relate to.

 Click Here To Purchase I Don't Want to Go To School!