Mr. S: A First Day of School Book – A Funny Mystery About a Kindergarten Teacher Who Might Be a Sandwich for Kids (Ages 4-8)

$9.95
by Monica Arnaldo

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Prepare for plenty of giggles as a kindergarten class arrives for their first day of school but can't find their teacher—only a delicious-looking sandwich and the words "Mr. S" scribbled on the chalkboard. Chaos ensues as the kids argue whether the sandwich must be their teacher. A comical first-day-of-school book of mayhem and chaos by Monica Arnaldo, perfect for fans of Miss Nelson Is Missing. “This might be the funniest first-day-of-school book I’ve ever read." —Adam Rex, New York Times bestselling author of School’s First Day of School It was the first day of school. But even the kindergarteners of room 2B could tell something was seriously wrong. . . . Where was the teacher? Who left this sandwich on the desk? The only clue, written on the chalkboard, were three simple letters: Mr. S Praise for Mr. S : "Confusion, mystery, and laughs are on the menu in Arnaldo’s deliciously goofy back-to-school tale." — Publishers Weekly  (starred review) "The tale's genuinely absurd situation, the mystery of the teacher's identity, and the deadpan storytelling make this a memorable read-aloud choice." —ALA  Booklist  (starred review) "Mysteries for young readers are few and far between and this one is fun and entertaining." — School Library Journal   (starred review) An Amazon Best Book of the Month * A Junior Library Guild Selection * Indigo Staff Pick of the Month * Governor General's Literary Award Finalist * Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year * Indigo Best Book of the Year * Chicago Public Library Best of the Best List * New York Public Library Best Book of the Year * School Library Journal Best Book of the Year * Booklist Editor's Choice PreS-Gr 1—On the first day of school, a class of 12 children notices a cup of coffee, some papers, and a sandwich sitting on the teacher's desk—but no teacher. Without someone to conduct the class, half the kids are ready to run amok until a ruler suddenly falls off the desk onto the floor. Startled, the children decide that the "Mr. S" someone has written on the blackboard stands for the sandwich perched up front. Since they believe they're being supervised by their unconventional teacher, the dozen immediately fall in line and go through their lessons by themselves, including art where they paint pictures of sandwiches, story time, and music where, of course, they sing about sandwiches. Watercolors, colored pencils, and ink are part of the vivid digital illustrations which vary in size and show plenty of movement as well as the children's engaging facial expressions. The diverse, multi-ability class, including a boy using a wheelchair and a youngster with glasses, work as a team while they discuss and argue the probability of having a sandwich for a teacher. Observant readers will see that there's a second dramatic story happening simultaneously in the parking lot just outside the window. VERDICT Mysteries for young readers are few and far between and this one is fun and entertaining; it will elicit laughter and plenty of discussion.—Maryann H. Owen PRAISE FOR ARE YOU A CHEESEBURGER?: “There’s a lot of profundity within these whimsical pages—about growing up, overcoming disappointment through acceptance, and valuing relationships over personal needs—which should plant some hearty seeds of conversation for readers of all ages.”  - Publishers Weekly “Emotionally authentic and sweet without being saccharine. Silly and heartwarming in equal measure.”  - Kirkus Reviews “Audiences will enjoy the clever banter between the new friends and the literal visual feast the illustrations offer up. Aspiring botanists and young foodies will appreciate this quirky little tale.”  - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books "Refreshingly novel for its unexpected duo of characters. Will amuse young listeners. A delightfully quirky tale about an uncommon pairing of characters that offers light humor and guileless dialogue as they learn to treasure their blossoming friendship."  - School Library Journal "Mysteries for young readers are few and far between and this one is fun and entertaining; it will elicit laughter and–plenty of discussion." - School Library Journal (starred review) "Humour is at the heart of this rollicking tale about starting school. [B]ound to amuse both young listeners and those reading the book aloud." - Montreal Gazette "When the students entered kindergarten classroom 2B, they knew something was wrong. On the teacher’s desk was a sandwich, a mug of coffee and some papers, but no teacher. Cleverly hidden within the soft-coloured illustrations, is the real story. This is a fun book for the first day of school." - Calgary Herald “This is a sweet tale of slow-blossoming friendship and unconditional acceptance, of celebrating differences and being gentle with others. Highly original and excellent… the illustrations present delightful layers of imaginative, whimsical joy.”  - Booklist “This might be the funniest first-day-of-school book I’ve ever

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