RECESS, written and illustrated by Lane Smith. Abrams Books for Young Readers. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"We should probably get back to learning. 
How about math?

If Jeri has 34 bananas and Jon takes 2
bananas and Jorge takes 3 bananas and 
the class iguana eats 4 bananas, how many 
people can yell "Bananas!"?

Let's find out ... "

Breakfast with friends yesterday was our celebration for not having to go back to school; we are all retired and loving it. The arrival of this book in the mail today made me wish I was back in the classroom, book in hand, as we welcomed the new year. 

The first days are long. Kids and teachers tire easily. They are in need of short 'recesses' to give them the distractions needed to stay at the day's work. While things that happen at school can be 'pretty fun', there is a need for a break. 

"That's why there's recess."

If you had to wait for the scheduled recess on those first days, you might have great difficulty. What if you could just take a few minutes to shake your hands, your legs, even your booty? A signal to STOP, and back to work. The day continues with math, which can be a lot of fun. Also, boring. Why not yell Bananas! really loud. Enough ... recess is over once again. You do know where this is going. If you live a school life with early years kids (or even older ones), you will have great fun sharing this book. I guarantee you will read it again and again. 

Lane Smith is a very astute writer. He knows what kids are looking for in their books, and he comes up aces time and again. You would think that this book is going to explain recess and the way it works, would you not? You would not be more wrong. Instead, it is a book that encourages laughter, movement, silliness, and a real sense for what books can do for community spirit and growth in a classroom early in the year. These are the kind of books we want to be sharing with our kids to help them see the joy that is found in reading, and what can happen when they learn to read for themselves. 

Each bleak spread is followed by a joyous exploration of movement and simple activity. Kids don't even have to leave their seats while following directions for taking a recess from their 'work'. The accompanying multi-media illustrations stun with their energy, use of color and textures, and expressive faces. Lane Smith knows those children who are quiet and uncomfortable with making their voices heard. When their teacher shares this book, they need not worry!