Smartypants: Pete in School

Maira Kalman's story of Pete in school is a wonder of creativity, understanding of the childhood brain, and the horror/joys of elementary school. My 7 year old grandson read every single little side comment. Some of the language is challenging to this good reader, but he sounded his way though with glee. I love Kalman and so do the kids I read to. Her unique illustrative style is so engaging and her slightly skewed point of view are an antidote to the dumbed down stuff being offered for young readers (and their grandparents). Bravo, Ms. K!

i love this book. it kind of reminds me of j.otto siebold in style, which i also love. it's the kind of book a parent can actually read to a child over and over again. there is always something new to see, hidden on the page to discover. and it is really funny and original. maira kalman's illustrations are to die for. a little primitive in a very sophisticated way. did i mention i love this book? i love this book!!

Although I am somewhat older than the suggested age range for this book, I loved the combination of witty illustrations and sly humor. Kalman's imagination is free-wheeling and far-reaching (have YOU ever considered what you'd do if your dog swallowed the remote?) and in a few words she encapsulates the essence of the educational experience--long stretches of boredom punctuated by occasional moments of terror. The read-aloud length is ten minutes (fifteen if you're laughing really hard), just about perfect for children with short attention spans and their weary parents. The pop quiz at the end is worth the price of admission. Did I mention that all the characters have wonderfully creative names (and nicknames) and that the principal's bird realizes that he has a birdbrain? This was our first venture into Kalman territory, just enough to whet the appetite and make me eager to read the rest of her work.