I Have To Start At School Today

I have to start at school today.
“You’ll have such fun!” my parents say.
I know they think I’ll be okay,
But what if things don’t go my way?

Starting at a new school is BIG deal at the best of times, so what if you also had to deal with a cross rhinoceros, a selfish bear taking up your chair and a weird baboon with a loud bassoon? Luckily, Grandma is on hand to reassure that there’s no need for fright because what if it just all goes…right?

Simon Philip’s spirited rhyme is perfectly paired with bright, bold, fabulously expressive illustrations from Ged Adamson, creator of Shark Dog.

Illustrated by Ged Adamson

Published by Simon & Schuster Children’s UK, July 2020

ISBN: 9781471164651

Look inside…

Reviews

“This book perfectly encapsulates the imagination a four-year-old has of what frightening things they might encounter on their first day at school…Every small child will be able to connect with the little girl and find their own journey of reassurance as the clear message of this picture book shines through – instead of all the things that could go wrong, what if it all goes right?”

— Joanna Hewish, ReadingZone

“This is SUCH a fun book, written in Si Philip’s catchy rhyming verse and filled with a blend of humour and reassurance. The play on sibling relationships is one that many will understand, and there’s a page where the mum takes a photo of her daughter before school whilst shedding a tear… relatable! Ged Adamson’s illustrations are vibrant and amusing.”

— Jo, TheLittleLiterarySociety

“Author Simon Philip and illustrator Ged Adamson let their imaginations run wild as they pool their talents on a laugh-out-loud picture book which aims to reassure little ones that their fears about school are outrageously and hilariously over-cooked. With his trademark, lively rhyme and keen eye for what makes a young mind tick, Philip harnesses a child’s far-fetched imaginings about starting school and turns them into a riotous romp full of animal magic and madcap antics.”

— Pam Norfolk, Lancashire Evening Post

“There are so many things that are right about this book…Simon’s rhyming style of writing is the best I’ve come across. It flows and sings across the page brilliantly.  I Have to Start at School Today poses the important question but … what if it all goes right? an incredibly important life skill for children. This is an important, supportive book that doesn’t sacrifice anything at all in terms of fun, entertainment and visual appeal. An absolute winner from Simon and Ged.”

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