The First Week of School - by Drew Beckmeyer (Hardcover)

About the Book

An ensemble cast of characters in one classroom experiences the first week of school--including one unexpected visitor.

Book Synopsis

Follow along as an ensemble cast of characters experience an extraordinary first week of school in this hilarious picture book that's perfect for fans of Jon Klassen and Lucy Ruth Cummins!

It's the first day of school. An artist wonders if her drawings are good enough to show. An inventor is excited for show and tell. A group of competitive friends call themselves the Sport Kings (but nobody else does). Pat, the class pet, listens to the weird sounds humans make. The teacher is ready to start.

When the new student gets to class, things take a turn for the unusual. There's something a little strange about the visitor--maybe even something out-of-this-world.

Review Quotes

*A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year*

Five starred reviews!

★ "The First Week of School is a game changer, an exceptionally creative back-to-school book that practically turns the genre on its head. It's full of droll humor that will appeal to readers young and old. . . . a sophisticated picture book that packs an amazing punch, brimming with atmosphere and personality. . . In addition to being chock-full of pure entertainment, the diverse perspectives offered remind readers of all ages that there are many ways to approach a classroom and the many unique, surprising personalities inside."

--Bookpage, STARRED REVIEW

★ "Drew Beckmeyer (I Am a Tornado) manages two feats at once: his book is a comical sci-fi romp as well as a reassuring hand-holder for readers all a-jitter about the new elementary-school year. . . Despite its abiding humor and speculative aspect, The First Week of School is a warm and disarming account of the elementary-school experience." --Shelf Awareness, STARRED REVIEW

*JLG Gold Standard Selection*

*A July/August 2024 Indie Next Pick*

"The cheerfully busy crayon illustrations offer many satisfying details to notice and track. There's lots of humor and moments of poignancy . . . It's a quirky story with way-out details that are ultimately grounded in home." --Horn Book Magazine

★ "A classroom's first week launches a dynamic change in this inventive picture book . . . Using crayon-styled bird's-eye-view illustrations, straightforward captions ("This is Show and Tell. This is Recess"), and emotionally observant text that communicates multiple perspectives, Beckmeyer invites readers to root for the transformation of a classroom culture."

--Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

★ "The text is clear and concise, allowing the myriad characters space to breathe and grow. The school is vibrant and full of life. Beckmeyer creates detailed images in crayon. His talent for storytelling, illustration, and formatting coalesces into a tale that readers can experience again and again, as if they're anticipating (or reliving) their very own first weeks of school. VERDICT Captures both the magic and the mundanity of the first week of school. Must purchase."

--School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

★ "The pictures have tremendous crayon-colored kid appeal, and the text is clever and funny. Observant readers will find many delicious surprises, and the twist at the end is a genuine delight. An inspired and strikingly original riff on the back-to-school experience."--Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

About the Author

Drew Beckmeyer is an author-illustrator and schoolteacher based in Los Angeles. He is the author-illustrator of I Am a Tornado, The First Week of School, Stalactite & Stalagmite, and The Long Island, which was longlisted for the Klaus Flugge Prize, and the illustrator of Dear Wild Child. Visit him online at DrewBeckmeyer.com.