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Chu's First Day of School

Book Review and Craft ~ Picture book for ages 4-8

September 11, 2014
Editor's note: I am pleased to partner with the New Orleans Public library to offer you a book review and coordinating craft once a month. This is a back to school book - a little late here, so sorry. Please read on to learn more about Chu’s First Day of School Written by Neil Gaiman, Illustrated by Adam Rex

There was a thing that Chu could do…

 
Chu, a bright-eyed panda bear, is beginning his first day of school. He is not at all excited about this milestone day because he is unsure of what will happen. Will the other kids be nice to him? Will they like him? At school, when all the children introduce themselves and say one thing that they love to do, Chu sits quietly in the circle and doesn’t say a word. However, when the teacher finally prods him to participate, the whole class finds out what Chu can do! After they recover from Chu’s whirlwind of a special talent, he is comforted by his new friends and their smiling faces.

This quick read will help calm those first day of school jitters all young kids feel. The story is simple, but the message to just be yourself is clear. The artwork also packs a lot of colorful punch, featuring animals that are too adorable for words. Neil Gaiman and Adam Rex, who collaborated on the first book about Chu, Chu’s Day, are a great pair.

Worry Dolls Craft

Materials:

·      Popsicle craft sticks

·      Different colored pens

·      Optional:  Felt, yarn, other craft ornaments, glue

 
Another way to calm those beginning of school jitters is by telling your worries to a worry doll.  Worry dolls are traditionally made in Guatemala. By telling your worries to a worry doll, they are thought to worry on your behalf instead of you having to worry! Draw an animal or a person on a popsicle stick with colored pens.  Have your child tell their worry doll their worries, then pack it in their backpack or lunchbox so their worry doll can take away any worries during the school day!  Here are a few we made for the first day of school, including one of Chu!