Mr. S: A First Day of School Book by Monica Arnaldo
ISBN: 0063003953
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

It’s the first day of kindergarten, but where is the teacher? The name Mr. S is written neatly on the board above a stack of papers, a steaming mug, and a sandwich that displays face pareidolia with eyes and a tongue that most kids will easily see in the illustrations. The diverse group of kindergartners grapple with questions such as, “Where is our teacher?” and then “Who is our teacher?” before coming together to keep themselves remarkably well occupied in the warm toned classroom. Meanwhile, outside the window in the distance the reader can see the man who wrote Mr. S on the board dealing with some serious issues with his car in a gray toned environment, surrounded by some unlikely supporters.

This book has great examples of everyday diversity of students all participating in the classroom shenanigans. Humorous artwork sets the tone for the two simultaneous scenes, and a silly, yet elevated sense of humor reveals the imagination of the students. Elementary school students in grades K - 3 will likely enjoy this silly story.

Reviewed by Lisa Roberts, South Portland Public Library