Don’t Go To School!
by Máire Zepf & Tarsila Krüse
(Futa Fata)
Winner 5-8 Age Category - Literacy Association of Ireland 2017
Shortlisted Gradam Réics Carló 2016
Shortlisted Children’s Books Ireland - Book of The Year 2016
Honour List Recipient IbBy Ireland 2018
Children's books are excellent in providing a loving and caring way to address concerns, and as the new school year approaches, parents may feel anxious about the changes it could bring. Don't Go To School! is a lovely little book for parents and children going through this new stage.
The book follows the story of Benno, a young bear who is excited about his first day of school, but his mammy… is not.
The roles of mother and child are turned upside down, and we accompany mammy and Benno throughout their school day (playful tantrums and kisses in pockets included!)
The colourful and expressive illustrations make it perfect for young readers about to start school, promoting connection and reassurance sprinkled with light humour.
Celebrate the start of the school year by giving the gift of fun with Don't Go To School!
Reviews
“In this gentle, funny debut tale of helicopter parenting taken to its logical extreme, Benno, a dapper young bear, is excited about his first day of school, but Mom is having a tough time. Is that scenario a stab at reverse psychology aimed to help quell kids’ fear, or a social comment aimed at hoverers? Well, both. “Stay here with me, Benno!” she cries, then tries to get him to leave the playground because “I don’t know anyone here!” Krüse’s art, in bear-friendly shades of honey and moss, is as warm and balanced as Zepf’s story.”
“Don’t Go to School! is both touching and entertaining – I so enjoy reading a back-to-school book where the traditional narrative has been turned on its head. Another big fan is Miss 4, who starts school next year. I am sure that we’ll be reading this story again and again in the lead-up to the big day. The choice of animals rather than people adds to the book’s gentle appeal: the cast of furry friends (koalas, pandas and bears) is simply gorgeous. And each page features brightly coloured backdrops (Benno’s family home, a local ice cream parlour, lollipop trees in the school playground.) Readers big and small will find treats aplenty when they explore the illustrations more closely.”
