I Am Too Absolutely Small for School

Child, Lauren. 2004. I AM TOO ABSOLUTELY SMALL FOR SCHOOL. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763624039 [Suggested Grade Levels Pre-K-1]

REVIEW
Lauren Child’s vivacious characters Lola and Charlie return for their third adventure together in I AM TOO ABSOLUTELY SMALL FOR SCHOOL. Lola is convinced that she is too small to start going to school. Besides that, she is “too extremely busy doing important things at home” to bother with school. Yet through Charlie’s persuasive encouragement, Lola soon embraces the concept of starting school where she’ll learn to read, write, count, and have the opportunity to make new friends. For each excuse Lola has to not go to school, Charlie is there to give her a good reason why school is important—and most importantly not that scary. I AM TOO ABSOLUTELY SMALL FOR SCHOOL is a humorous and reassuring look at the common fears many children have about starting school. Child’s text and illustrations are unique and charming. Lola definitely has a voice all her own!

CONNECTIONS
Lola has an imaginary friend named Soren Lorensen (illustrated in the last few pages of the book). Ask readers to take turns sharing stories about any imaginary friends they have or used to have.

Ask children to talk about any fears they have or might have had when they started school.

Lola is very lucky to have such a great big brother. Ask children to share what they love about their big brothers or big sisters.

RELATED BOOKS
Other books by Lauren Child featuring Lola and Charlie:
Child, Lauren. I AM NOT SLEEPY AND I WILL NOT GO TO BED. ISBN 0763615706
Child, Lauren. I WILL NEVER NOT EVER EAT A TOMATO. ISBN 0763611883

Other books about starting school:
Henkes, Kevin. CHRYSANTHEMUM. ISBN 0688147321
Schwartz, Amy. ANNABELLE SWIFT, KINDERGARTNER. ISBN 0531070271
Wells, Rosemary. MY KINDERGARTEN. ISBN 0786808330

By Becky Laney