Little Cliff's First Day of School

Little Cliff is reluctant to go to school. He thinks that because he is starting school, he will have too many responsibilities and not be able to enjoy his childhood any longer. As the day draws near, he begins to make excuses as to why he cannot go to school. His great-grandmother decides to walk him to school and upon arrival, he sees all of his friends playing. Little Cliff finally sees that school is not bad and can actually be a place not only to have fun but also to learn. The beautiful illustrations add a rural "down home" feel to the book. I highly recommend this book for any child about to start school or any child having "first day jitters". The book does an excellent job of not trivializing the fears and apprehensions young children have about beginning school and does a wonderful job showing that school can be a fun place.

Little Cliff does not want to go to school; he enjoys being with his great-grandparents and living with them along the Mississippi delta. He also feels he will miss his playtime activities, including climbing trees. Upset, Cliff tries to hide, but his great-grandmother discovers him and takes him to school. When Cliff sees other children his age playing baseball at school, he realizes he can have fun and learn at the same time. Realistic dialogue and watercolors combine to form a picture of Cliff and his surroundings. Taulbert's text will require parents to read along with their children, as it is lengthy. Children, however, will identify immediately with Lewis' paintings. His use of shading and true-to-life proportions gives the illustrations a sense of purpose that children will recognize right away. While the story is good, it is ultimately Lewis' expressive and lifelike artwork that makes this book a recommendation for any library collection.

As I read Little Cliff's First Day of School I recalled my brother's first day in kindergarten when he hugged the tree outside the classroom for dear life and my mother had tears in her eyes. His kindly teacher took him by the hand and asked my mother to leave. This was the beginning of Jim's educational journey. Cliff like most children is fearful of change and what are new adventures. His supportive family consisting of older "grandparents" provided the meger items he needs for school. Finally after stalling around Cliff enters the school grounds. He is welcomed by his friends and rethinks his fears..school is work...work...work to school is a fun place after all. The setting of the South in the 50's is easily translated to present day children. Many children come from families like Cliff's and they also experience poverty. I plan to share this book as our Book of the Month for a school with 770 students in grades kindergarten through 8th grade.