Never Spit on Your Shoes - Hardcover

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- Arnie arrives home exhausted but proud of making it through the first day of first grade. Greeted by his loving mother, the two sit down for a snack and a good chat. While Arnie relates the day's activities, Mother listens, suitably impressed with the stories of the animal-filled class presided over by a kindly hippo. New friend Raymond is particularly impressive; it is he who can write backwards, rescues Arnie during P. E., and invents a new class rule: "Never spit on your shoes." Cazet has created another appealing hero with the appearance of young Arnie. Enthusiastic and excited about school, he is a typical first grader, always ready for a new experience. Cazet cleverly captures the classmates' personalities and antics through narration and illustration; cartoonlike captions highlight their humorous asides. The school settings are particularly warm and cheerful, if a bit chaotic. Funny without poking fun at young children, this oversized picture book will win new fans for Cazet, who hints of a sequel. Let's hope for the return of Arnie, Raymond, and their first-grade friends. --Jane Dyer Cook, Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library, CA
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The author/illustrator of Frosted Glass and A Fish in His Pocket again captures the humor and nuance of the early elementary years. Arnie arrives home exhausted. "How was Mr. First Grader's first day?" his mom inquires. And so this endearing book unfolds, with the conversation of Arnie and his mom (set off in a box) counterpointed with illustrations of how the day really progressed (with dialogue in cartoon-like balloons). The title reflects a class discussion during which the children--depicted as sweetly anthropomorphized animals--offer their own interpretations of school rules. Arnie's day is tough: mixing up the bathrooms, eating school lunch, tearfully watching the kindergarten bus leave, a tough P.E. class, falling asleep during story time. While the understated humor may have more direct appeal for parents and teachers, young readers will identify with the "day in the life" immediacy. Ages 3-6.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.