As students head back to school, we offer a round-up of books to start a conversation about nerves, bullying, learning styles--and just to have a good laugh.
The fun twist in First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg, illustrated by Judith DuFour Love (Charlesbridge), is that even teachers get nervous when school starts. David Shannon sends up school rules with a heavy dose of humor in David Goes to School (Blue Sky/Scholastic); his blackboard shenanigans and cafeteria line cuts offer parents a chance to review proper etiquette.
Two more master picture book–makers take the sting out of bullying: the star of Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes (Morrow) loves her name--until her classmates make fun of it. Her family and teacher help Chrysanthemum realize she's not alone. Bully by Laura Vaccaro Seeger (Neal Porter/Macmillan) demonstrates that standing up to a bully may be all it takes to deflate him. For kids following in the path of an older sibling, Ten Rules You Absolutely Must Not Break If You Want to Survive the School Bus by John Grandits , illustrated by Michael Allen Austin (Clarion), proves that big brother doesn't know everything.
A pair of biographies celebrates unorthodox learning styles: On a Beam of Light by Jennifer Berne, illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky (Chronicle), with insight into the mind of Albert Einstein; and Chuck Close: Face Book by Chuck Close (Abrams), who used his artistic talents to navigate disciplines he found more challenging. Holly Goldberg Sloan's novel Counting by 7s (Dial) stars a heroine whose intelligence sets her apart from her classmates.
For pure fun, Al Capone Does My Homework by Gennifer Choldenko (Dial) concludes the trilogy begun with her Newbery Honor book Al Capone Does My Shirts. Catherine Lewis's Thrice Told Tales, illustrated by Joost Swarte, puts the famous Three Blind Mice to brilliant use in demonstrating examples of effective writing (Atheneum). These last three are reviewed below. --Jennifer M. Brown, children's editor, Shelf Awareness