Book Review: 1, 2, 3 off to school! By Marianne Dubuc

Book Review: 1, 2, 3 off to school! By Marianne Dubuc

In this playful take on school readiness by award-winning author-illustrator Marianne Dubuc, a child visits their friends’ schools and discovers how many wonderful things kindergarteners do in a day!

Pom is ready for the first day of kindergarten. Not the real first day, that’s not for another year. But Pom has been hearing a lot from all the animals about each of their schools. So today Pom is visiting them all, to see what kindergarten is really like. Pom starts by watching the mouselings ride the bird bus; then the rabbits learning to read, write and count; the froglets making art; the foxes playing sports; the bear cubs sharing lunch; the sloths napping; the squirrels exploring nature; the wolf pups reading stories; the turtles doing classroom tasks; and, finally, the hedgehogs waiting to be picked up in the schoolyard. Pom is thrilled to discover there are so many fun activities to enjoy at school! Best of all, now Pom knows what Pom wants to do in kindergarten — all of it!

Marianne Dubuc is a master of the delightful small detail, and those details abound in this charming child-friendly look at school readiness. Though there is one main story running through the book, every busy illustration contains numerous individual stories, as the many appealing animal characters (and a few surprise fairy tale characters!) go about their school day. Each fantastically imagined animal school fills its own spread. This is a book that young children will return to again and again, finding something new each time and enhancing their visual literacy.

1, 2, 3... Off to School! is a sweet and charming book written and illustrated by Marianne Dubuc, perfect for helping children through the exciting (and sometimes scary) experience of going to school for the first time. This story is aimed at young children beginning their school journey and introduces Pom, a friendly young girl who dreams of going to school just like her animal friends.

My 5-year-old was captivated by the story (we read the Spanish version), enjoying every page and the antics of the different animal characters at school. The illustrations, full of detail and humor, show the animals engaging in school activities in a way that is as endearing as it is funny for both children and adults. Although the illustrations are charming, I have to admit that sometimes it was a bit tricky to locate the text within the busy scenes.

With her warm and inviting style, Marianne Dubuc conveys a message of reassurance and optimism, turning the adaptation process into a joyful experience. Through relatable situations and characters, 1, 2, 3... Off to School! explores themes of friendship, discovery, and independence, making it an excellent tool for parents to discuss with their children the feelings they might encounter when facing the unknown. This book is ideal for any child about to start school or for those who are still adjusting, offering a perspective full of optimism and tenderness.

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