I Am Too Absolutely Small for School (Charlie and Lola Series)

written and illustrated by Lauren Child
ages: k-3

It is almost the- gulp- first day of school and Lola is feeling worried. Lola spends most of the book creating reasons for why she doesn't need to go to school; she already knows the important things, like how to use the telephone (so who needs to learn to write) or how to count to 100 (nobody eats more than 10 cookies at a time....). In the end, Lola goes to school to help Soren Lorensen, her imaginary friend, feel less afraid. In the end though, with reassurances from big brother Charlie, Lola realizes that school might now be all that bad. It is Charlie's resourcefulness and patience that helps her come to the conclusion that school might actually be worthwhile- and maybe even a little bit fun.

This is a great book choice for back to school. Humorous and fun, it is a gentle reminder to children than even something as scary as school can end up being quite wonderful. Child's whimsical collages really add to this charming book.