1, 2, 3, Off to School, written and illustrated by marianne dubuc. Kids Can Press, 2021. $18.99 ages 4 and up

"At Foxtrot School on the hill, 
it was time for gym class. 
Running, jumping, cycling - 
the foxes were on the move! 

Bravo! That's one more 
point for Pippin's team!

Heads up, everyone! 
Follow the rules!"

As a happily retired teacher for a number of years, I still find myself feeling some angst as the calendar turns from July to August. While July always seems to pass too quickly, that sense of time running out is exacerbated by the arrival of the final month of summer vacation. The wheels start turning early, with thoughts of new kids, new learning, and readiness for a brand-new year. 

Pom is not yet ready for school. She has another year to wait. Still, she has an abiding interest in what will happen there and wants to pay a visit. Her animal friends have told her about their schools, and she wants to see what kindergarten looks like for herself. 

"And so Pom set off for school, 
ready to discover all its secrets."

First up is the Nutcracker School, whose students are mouselings, and very busy. Her second stop is Hopalot School where rabbits are learning the many rules of their new environs. On to Cattail Academy and a chance to see froglets enjoying the arts, and a snack or two. Her next stop is Foxtrott School; it provides foxes with instruction in a variety of sports. Pom is beginning to feel a touch tired, and certainly hungry after her morning stops. 

Luckily, her next visit is to Honeycomb School where lunchtime is in progress. There are many friends to sit with while waiting for something good to eat. After a satisfying lunch, Pom feels much the same as so many do - sleepy.  Her stop at Sleepytime School is absolutely appropriate; she enjoys a sweet dream in the company of many resting sloths. Refreshed, she moves on to Lookout Heights School where squirrels are learning a lot about trees and nature. Another few quick stops and her school day comes to an end. 

What fun Pom has had, and what stories she has to share with Momo when she gets home. Having learned many new lessons along the way, Pom knows she will be ready when she attends kindergarten next year. 

The delightfully detailed spreads offer a chance for little ones to stop and take in the action and learning they are sure to be a part of when the first day of school arrives. Full of wonder, action, and fun, this book offers a chance for readers to pore over its many small scenes. It warms the heart and will help to ease the tension that comes with new endeavors.