The Tour at School - by Katie Clapham (Hardcover)

About the Book

"When your job is to introduce the new person to your school, the first thing you need to do is sound very excited! Always start with the most important spots, like the echo-ey bathroom and an emergency meet-up place, like the big chestnut tree on the playground. Share your favorite memories of recess, show off the million-book library, and don't forget to introduce the new kid to someone you know, like Gary the classroom fish. Most important of all, remember how it feels not to know anyone and be lonely and scared--and extend an offer to be a friend"--

Book Synopsis

A student leads a very enthusiastic first-day tour in a comical, reassuring story sure to calm the nerves of kids about to start something new.

When your job is to introduce the new person to your school, the first thing you need to do is sound very excited! Always start with the most important spots, like the echo-ey bathroom and an emergency meet-up place, like the big chestnut tree on the playground. Share your favorite memories of recess, show off the million-book library, and don't forget to introduce the new kid to someone you know, like Gary the classroom fish. Most important of all, remember how it feels not to know anyone and be lonely and scared--and extend an offer to be a friend. Nadia Shireen's playful illustrations pair with Katie Clapham's lively text and funny asides in a book sure to strike a comforting chord for trepidatious readers who may be facing a new adventure.

Review Quotes

A simultaneous knee-slapper and heart-warmer that is sure to become a read-aloud hit. . . . The illustrations evoke such favorites as Christian Robinson and Blanca Gómez in minimalistic shapes and a palette that never skimps on appeal and whimsy.A first purchase for collections, offering a humorous, inviting, and fresh approach to the new kid experience.
--School Library Journal (starred review)

This wonderfully multifaceted story will be meaningful both to kids starting at a new school and to teachers looking for a way to help welcome a new student. . . . An empathetic, child-friendly approach to conquering new-school jitters.
--Kirkus Reviews

Shireen's jaunty and often funny illustrations, which have a slight South Park vibe, perfectly capture the narrator's energy and the new student's hesitancy, as well as the school setting. An endearing, humorous study in empathy and welcoming newcomers.
--Booklist

Clapham effectively uses second-person narration and strategic capitalization in this clever primer for youngsters welcoming classmates or friends as they begin a new school adventure. Shireen's cartoon-style illustrations capture the contrast between the two children: the tour guide wears bright, warm colors and gestures energetically, whereas the new student, in cool tones, stands timidly with uncertainty.
--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

About the Author

Katie Clapham is the author of The Missing Bookshop, illustrated by Kirsti Beautyman. She is co-founder, with her mother, of the independent bookstore Storytellers, Inc., and was named Young Bookseller of the Year. Katie Clapham lives in St. Annes-on-Sea, England.

Nadia Shireen is the award-winning creator of the picture books Barbara Throws a Wobbler and Billy and the Dragon, among several others. She lives in Brighton, England.