Copyright Date:
2021
Edition Date:
2021
Release Date:
05/04/21
Illustrator:
Walker, David,
Pages:
1 volume (unpaged)
ISBN:
0-374-31474-8
ISBN 13:
978-0-374-31474-3
Dewey:
E
Dimensions:
17 cm
Language:
English
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews
Paul and Walker continue their If Animals series with this look at animals attending school.Just what would an all-animal school look like? How would students and teachers behave? Previous series outings each had their strengths and weaknesses, and this one, unfortunately, seems to combine all of the latter. While the array of fauna is a plus, the students are just labeled with the adult name—Beaver, Lemming, etc.—missing the opportunity to teach kids the names for animal young that made If Animals Kissed Good Night (2008) stand out. Worse, though, is the fact that many of the animals don't stand out as exemplifying their behaviors, instead merely highlighting what happens at school: Elephant stacks cardboard blocks in a tower, Mouse plays with shapes, Bear "hog[s] the triangles," and Beaver is the reluctant student whose parent drags him to school. "Fox would rush to the story nook, / and bark-bark, âGoat! Stop eating that book.' " Well, at least Goat is doing what goats often do, even if Fox is acting a lot more like a herd dog than a predator. Onomatopoeia is emphasized throughout, and young listeners will likely enjoy chiming in on the sound effects, though the rhythm and rhyme are inconsistent. Walker's illustrations are softly colored and delightfully adorable.Lacking the perfect pairings of animal and behavior, this one just doesn't stand out. (Picture book. 3-6)
A must-have for any nursery! If Animals Went to School is a beloved board book in the bestselling If Animals Kissed Goodnight series that imagines what creatures from all across the animal kingdom might do in the classroom - making it the perfect gift for teachers and educators as well as a great read aloud at home. What if animals did what YOU do? Beaver would practice counting with sticks. Goat would snack on the storybooks. And at recess, Goose would glide down Giraffe's neck slide! Across the animal kingdom, every creature would learn, play, and make new friends. Featuring playful rhymes and adorable art, little ones can see how creatures, great and small, learn together. Families will giggle along as they imagine the critters that inhabit places near and far. This is a wonderful gift for baby showers, birthdays, new parents, or any occasion! Don't miss the other books in this adorable series: If Animals Kissed Good Night, If Animals Said I Love You, If Animals Celebrated Christmas, If Animals Gave Thanks, If Animals Tried to Be Kind, If Animals Trick-or-Treated, a nd If Animals Went to Work.