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Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
First Day of School by Sapna Panjabi is a children's picture book that follows Charlie the Bear as he attends school for the first time. Charlie feels nervous about leaving the comfort of his home by the lake and being away from his loved ones—his mommy, daddy, and big sister Katie. To help ease his discomfort, his mother suggests that he use the watch he received for his fifth birthday to connect with them. Whenever Charlie feels scared, he can say 'I love you' into the watch and press a button to send signals to his mommy. With his magic watch in hand, Charlie bravely goes to school and doesn't feel alone, as he can sense his mother’s love with him throughout the day.
First Day of School is a heartwarming story that captures the common fears and anxieties children experience when starting school. Many children will relate to Charlie’s struggles and find comfort in the idea that love and connection persist even when separated from their parents. The narrative emphasizes the importance of family support and introduces a creative coping mechanism that empowers children to face new experiences with courage. Sapna Panjabi’s storytelling is engaging, featuring rhyming words and simple language that makes it easy and enjoyable for early readers. The book is also filled with colorful illustrations by Shey Kolee that bring the characters and story to life. The warm and inviting colors make reading comforting for young readers. Overall, First Day of School is an uplifting tale that encourages children to embrace new beginnings while feeling reassured by the love of their family.
