Jake Starts School by Michael Wright

This second Jake book by Wright follows Jake as he starts on his first day of school.  Jake happily gets ready for school but is very surprised by how many kids are at the school, how huge the door is, and by his teacher too.  He grabs his parents around the knees and refuses to let either of them go.  So there is no other choice, all three of them have to attend class together while Jake holds on.  But Jake can’t do much while holding onto his parents, and though it takes awhile, he is finally able to let go.

Wright has taken the classic first-day-of-school-book and turned it into a screamingly funny picture book.  His characters are long-faced and often quizzical.  They emote wonderfully and often there are small touches that add even more humor.  The text is rhyming, once more evoking traditional picture books, but again Wright merrily decides to add gas passing and popular gags to the text.

This book is not ideal to use with kindergarten children heading to their first day because it really is not aimed at easing fears.  But first and second graders will howl at the humor and adore this book.  Recommended for ages 6-8.