I have always enjoyed research. When I was doing my Masters in English, whether it was for an essay for my Native American literature class or my Shakespeare class, I loved pouring through books or critics for the essays I had to write.
For my first two books that I wrote, I probably read one hundred different folktales from other authors. Reading other books helps with inspiration, techniques, language and helps make me a better writer. I usually do research on my computer with the help of databases, or a library search and put them on hold.
I am doing research for my next book, and it’s about a muskrat who doesn’t want to go to school. Here are some cute books I found that I fell in love with and will add to my bookshelf. These authors and illustrators do not disappoint!
Bunny Braves the Day
Little bunny wakes up and is scared to go to school, but his older sibling steps in and helps him pick out the perfect clothes and shoes. Bunny soon learns what to expect on his first day of school. Lovable characters.
Milk Goes to School is an Amazon Teacher’s Pick. Clever and funny. Milk’s classmates think he’s spoiled, pun intended. Milk tries to make friends, but her classmates don’t see it in the same way and start to shun her. But Milk slips on Banana’s peel (spilled Milk), and her classmates do feel bad and remember how Milk tried to become their friend. The 3D illustrations are hilarious. A fun read aloud.
Lola Goes to School
What is school going to be like? This cute book explains it all. Lola picks out her outfit for her first day. She arrives at school and puts her backpack away in a cubby, reads, snacktime, and participates in activities. I love the simple words and illustrations.
The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School
I love all the Pout-Pout Fish books and this one does not disappoint. Fish arrives at school but goes to the wrong classroom where other fish are working on how to write. Fish gets frustrated as he realizes that he can’t do it. Each room is frustrating that he tries – writing, math, art. He decides he is going to leave, when his real teacher shows him the way to his correct classroom. The rhyming is catchy, which makes this book so fun to read. “So he flub-flub frowned, making blub-blub bubbles, Then he plopped down his pencil and he counted off his troubles.” Love the illustrations with the fish and their backpacks on their back, too.
Next week, I will share the fun rhyming books I found as I am doing research on rhyming as well!