The Pigeon has to go to school by Mo Willems

Walker Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781406389012.
(Age: 3-6) Recommended. Themes: Fear, Going to school. Another wonderful book from Mo Willems will be just right to read to young children who are off to school or pre-school and are having a few fearful moments wondering what will happen. Pigeon is afraid that he really, really won't like school. Perhaps the teacher won't like pigeons and there is so much stuff to learn. His head might pop off if he learns too much. He thinks there should be a place to practise all the stuff - yes that's right, it is school! And to top it off he has to take the bus - wow! (A nod to the first book, Don't let the pigeon drive the bus.)
Illustrated with the fabulous drawings of Pigeon, with black outlines, and one eye, and with colourful one tone backgrounds, the reader will delight in the funny antics of Pigeon, and will readily identify with his fears. The print is easy to read and beginning readers will have fun with the narrative, while younger children will have many of their fears about beginning school allayed by Pigeon's humorous dialogue.
Mo Willems strikes just the right tone with his characters, and The pigeon has to go to school is sure to become a favourite, just as Naked Mole rat gets dressed became a household favourite with my grandchildren.
Pat Pledger