ALA Booklist (Fri Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2003)

The creators of Lunch Money (1995) offer more hilarious poems and drawings about elementary-school life. With clever, boisterous rhymes and experimental forms, Shields presents common experiences that will speak to a range of ages: one poem deals with first-day-of-school jitters; another focuses on a boy preparing his science fair project (hypothesis: The world would be a better place / If my brother vanished without a trace). Many of the best selections explore, in sunny, spot-on language, the emotions a school day can bring: jealousy of other classmates; the joy of finding a friend; the desire to be alone (In the middle of this riot / I'd like to find a place that's quiet. / A little space that's shaped like me. / A little place that I can be). Meisel's bright, paint-and-pencil art extends the humor with expressive characters and swirling chaos. Laugh-out-loud fun with plenty of substance to lighten up poetry units, with some good selections for reading aloud to younger children.

Horn Book (Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 CST 2004)

From the mores of the playground to the daily routine of the classroom, these funny, rhyming poems distill the essence of school life into comic verse. Science fair projects, detentions, giggle fits--all the ups and downs entailed in elementary education are here. Humorous illustrations underscore the poems' good-natured irreverence.

Kirkus Reviews

Twenty-two poems present a mostly lighthearted look at the trials and tribulations of elementary school. Young readers will certainly empathize with the children who create a diabolical science project to make a little brother disappear, feel terrified of giving an oral report, get an attack of giggles, or worst of all, are afraid to ask to go to the bathroom. Sprinkled among all the laughter are several thoughtful pieces about friendships and self-understanding. There is also a pointed lament about the fundraising activities that seem to go on all year. Although a few of the rhymes and rhythms are awkward, most of the poems have an easy, singsong rhythm and a nice mixture of predictable and clever rhymes. Meisel's sprightly cartoons provide just the right accompaniment. This one might bring on an attack of giggles. (Poetry. 6-10)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

In a larger size and with full-color art, Almost Late to School and More School Poems by Carol Diggory Shields, illus. by Paul Meisel, covers some of the same ground in less slyly subversive poems. The rhymes here list the terrors of giving an oral report and complain about detention (""""I'm sitting in detention,/ And I feel like I've been framed./ Sitting in detention,/ I'm the one who got the blame""""). Meisel's loose line and watercolor wash matches the breezy tone.

School Library Journal

Gr 1-5-A companion book to Lunch Money: And Other Poems about School (Dutton, 1995). The 22 energetic selections reflect the typical day-to-day activities and problems including being late for school, the first day, having to go to the bathroom, fund-raising, and other events. Shields utilizes a variety of forms including a concrete poem, poems for two voices, and a jump-rope rhyme. Meisel's vibrant cartoon illustrations are lively and fun and capture the poems' humor and insight. Students will relate to the situations presented and the emotions that are expressed. A welcome addition, whether as a read-aloud or for children to enjoy independently.-Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.