'Schu's debut picture book salutes the school community and the positive role it plays in kids' lives. . . Jamison's watercolor, acrylic, and digital-collage illustrations employ a sunny palette, well suited to the text's upbeat tone. . . . Schu emphasizes the school as a community, where growth, celebrations, transformations, and work all occur, providing a reassuring introduction to this near-universal experience.' Booklist (starred review)
'Librarian and book advocate Schu invites readers into a school community in which all voices are heard, each person learns, and everyone—and everything, including the plants in the school garden—grows. . . . This introduction to school communities shows children what happens inside a classroom via a vision of school at its best—one that leaves readers with a sense of belonging and inclusion.' Publishers Weekly
'A soaring panegyric to elementary school as a communal place to learn and grow. . . the central message here is that school is a physical space, not a virtual one, where learning and community happen. . . . A full-hearted valentine.' Kirkus Reviews
'This book is so beautiful! I can see the love, joy, inclusion, and empathy on every single page. What a gift this is for kids, educators, and families.' Supriya Kelkar, children’s author of Brown is Beautiful
'John Schu's story serves as a letter to schools and addresses how its members are still a community, whether they are together in the classroom or not.' Tiny Beans
'Well suited for both independent reading as well as a read aloud. . . . Full spread illustrations showing the whole community mix with smaller, more intimate portrayals of kids and adults hard at work, providing strong movement throughout the story. This is a solid choice for classrooms and libraries looking for updated beginning of the year or school stories.' School Library Journal
'This book is a celebration of schools and the hugely important role they play in children's lives and local communities.' The Bookseller
'Debut picture book author John Schu and illustrator Veronica Miller Jamison present a school that I would happily teach in or send a child to. […] This splendid celebration of a school is assuredly one to share with newcomers on their very first day. The illustrations, created in vibrant watercolour, acrylic and digital collage media match the upbeat tone of the writing, both combining to convey a vital message.' Red Reading Hub
'The overriding message that continues throughout the book is one of an inclusive and friendly welcome. […] Strongly recommended.' The Letterpress Project
'A gorgeous book in bold and vibrant colour tones which showcases the community that is a school. […] It’s a warm and moving celebration of the power of school and the community within it. It is the perfect book to read with your child if they are starting school in September after the holidays.' Mini Travellers Blog
'Featured in a roundup, 'New and Noteworthy Children's and YA Books: March 2022'' Publishers Weekly