Beth returns in Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick’s Silly School. She is five-years-old and lives with her family. It is time for the little girl to start school. She refuses to go to school. Home is where she wants to stay. Beth has the first day of school jitters!

The family members tell Beth all the fun and interesting things to do in school. Her big sister, Ann, tells about the wonderful toys. The grandma mentions lunchtime and storytime. Aunty Mel explains about the painting. Beth wants nothing to do with what she considers Silly School.

Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick is not only the author but the illustrator, too. I love her paintings. They convey Beth’s feelings completely. In Silly School, children do not see much of her face because she is hiding and Beth has good hiding spots. She hides under the comforter, under the bed, in the cupboard under the stairs, behind the sofa plus other places in and out of the house. Beth is determined not to go to school. The pictures are not fussy with details allowing the children to see what is happening in the story.

Finally, the family members ask Beth what does she want to do? Beth wants to play with her friends. When the family explains her friends are in school, Beth is ready to go to school. Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick’s artwork show Beth’s school activities. Words are not needed. Beth has a good time with her friends. So good, the family has a new problem, she doesn’t want to go home.

Silly School is a good book for children who are starting school for the first time. Many children are apprehensive of school. Read the book with them a few weeks before the start of school. Start a discussion on the subject. A good tip is to take the child by the school. Stop and play on the school playground. Create good memories that the child can associate with the place. Make the school a happy place, not a large forbidding building.

The picture book’s text is large and in simple sentences. Beginning readers can read the book without a struggle. The picture book has twenty-four pages. Allow the child to take the book to school and share with his classmates. This will spark a discussion with his peers.

Silly Mommy, Silly Daddy
Beth is having a bad day. She is wearing a pout on her beautiful face. Her family members try to cheer her in their own unique way. It is Ann, her big sister, who does what sisters do best. Click and read more.



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Picture Books for Children
Back to School Books


Children's Books

Dr. Seuss Books
Don Freeman's Books
Stan Berenstain's Books
Magic Tree House Books
Chronicles of Narnia Books
A Series of Unfortunate Events Books
Note: Silly School by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick is a complimentary copy from Frances Lincoln Children's Books.