It’s a good thing I love my job, otherwise this time of year would be horrid. I don;t think the kids realize that teachers get anxious about the start of a new school year, just like they do.
Although it is written for a young audience, Oliver and His Alligator really captures that nervous beginning of the year feeling.
Oliver’s strategy for dealing with his fear is having his alligator eat all scary things, both living and non-living. He just says “munch, munch” and they disappear into the alligator. I wish I had this power sometimes.
Eventually, alone in the room, Oliver hears laughter coming from inside the alligator and decides to join the fun. This book could be a catalyst to talking about times kids confronted their fears or to talk about their own first day jitters.
Schmid’s illustrations, like those in his previous book, Perfectly Percy, are soft, friendly and very appealing.
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