Too Absolutely Small for School

[Note: I wrote this review for Librarians' Choices 2004. So the recommended reads hasn't been updated since then.]

Child, Lauren. 2004. I AM TOO ABSOLUTELY SMALL FOR SCHOOL. Cambridge, MA.: Candlewick. ISBN: 0763624039.

Lauren Child's vivacious characters Lola and Charlie return for their third adventure together in I AM TOO ABSOLUTELY SMALL FOR SCHOOL. Lola is convinced that she is too small to start going to school. Besides that, she is "too extremely busy doing important things at home" to bother with school. Yet through Charlie's persuasive encouragement, Lola soon embraces the concept of starting school where she'll learn to read, write, count, and have the opportunity to make new friends. For each excuse Lola has to not go to school, Charlie is there to give her a good reason why school is important--and most importantly not that scary.



I AM TOO ABSOLUTELY SMALL FOR SCHOOL is a humorous and reassuring look at the common fears many children have about starting school. Child's text and illustrations are unique and charming. Lola definitely has a voice all her own!

CONNECTIONS
Lola has an imaginary friend named Soren Lorensen (illustrated in the last few pages of the book). Ask readers to take turns sharing about any imaginary friends they have or used to have.


Ask children to talk about any fears they have or might have had when they started school.

Lola is very lucky to have such a great big brother. Ask children to share what they love about their big brothers or sisters.

RELATED BOOKS
Other books by Lauren Child featuring Lola and Charlie
Child, Lauren. I AM NOT SLEEPY AND I WILL NOT GO TO BED. ISBN 0763615706
Child, Lauren. I WILL NEVER NOT EVER EAT A TOMATO. ISBN 0763611883

Other books by Lauren Child
Child, Lauren. BEWARE OF THE STORYBOOK WOLVES. ISBN 043920500X
Child, Lauren. CLARICE BEAN, THAT’S ME. ISBN 0763609617
Child, Lauren. WHO’S AFRAID OF THE BIG BAD BOOK. ISBN 0786809264

Other books about starting school
Curtis, Jamie Lee. IT’S HARD TO BE FIVE. ISBN 0060080957
Henkes, Kevin. CHRYSANTHEMUM. ISBN 0688147321
Henkes, Kevin. LILLY’S PURPLE PLASTIC PURSE. ISBN 0688128971
Henkes, Kevin. OWEN. ISBN 0688114490
Henkes, Kevin. WEMBERLEY WORRIED. ISBN 0688170277
Schwartz, Amy. ANNABELLE SWIFT, KINDERGARTNER. ISBN 0531070271
Wells, Rosemary. MY KINDERGARTEN. ISBN 0786808330