Dad’s First Day
Written and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
Bloomsbury, 2015
Picture Book, 32 pages
Ages 2-8
Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-619-63473-2
Awards & Good Things
- A Bank Street College Best Book – Outstanding Merit
- Minnesota Book Award Finalist
- Missouri Building Block Award nominee
- French Canadian Edition
- Chinese Edition
- A Scholastic Book Club Selection
Book Description
All summer Oliver and his dad played together, laughed together, sang together, and read together. Now it’s time for Oliver to start school! On the first day, Oliver’s dad isn’t quite ready. . . . Suddenly he feels nervous. His tummy hurts, and he would rather stay home. In this charming story of first-day jitters, acclaimed author and illustrator Mike Wohnoutka perfectly captures the mixed emotions felt by kids and their parents when big changes are afoot.
Look Inside
Reviews
“With tongue firmly in cheek, Wohnoutka recognizes that kids going to school for the first time aren’t the only ones who are nervous. By the end of the book, readers will be all set for school too: this is sure to provoke shared laughter that will calm the fears of even the most unready parents..”
“Wohnoutka’s back-to-school story mines the helicopter parenting phenomenon for big laughs, even for those who may cringe in recognition.”
“…a tale filled with worry, woe, and warm-hearted wit. This hilarious story will have young listeners chuckling and perhaps realizing that their own fears may be equally unfounded. A charming addition to the popular first day of school section.”
“It should leave new students with an extra jolt of confidence.”
“Word choices make this a good read-aloud while the illustrations make this a good side-by-side book. Highly recommended for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and preschool educators.”
“Refreshing story of first-day jitters.”
“A funny role reversal. Kids will certainly get a laugh out of Dad being the scared one.”
“The role-reversal scenes are bound to amuse even the most reluctant new student, and sharing this book with a child can go a long way to easing any anxiety. For both parties.”
“Mike Wohnoutka turns the tables on the traditional back-to-school story with his fun all-ages picture book. Providing loads of appeal, his gouache illustrations are filled with bold lines and bright colors. His playful tale is a reminder that the beginning of school is a period of adjustment for parents and pupils alike.”
