I am too absolutely small for school

Author and Illustrator: Lauren Child

For Ages: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 30

Publisher: Orchard Books, London

Year: 2003

ISBN: 978-0-76362-887-1

Now here’s a book that tackles the apprehensions of a reluctant pre-schooler.

Meet Charlie and his little sister, Lola who thinks she’s “still really quite small” and therefore, not ready to go to school. Older, wiser Charlie assuages her fears and counters every reason Lola can come up with. Until Lola, does go to school and brings home a friend!

The narrative captures the imagination and conversational skills of young children, like a photograph. :-) It’s just the way they talk.

And, of course, there is an imaginary friend in the mix – Soren Lorensen whose presence Charlie deftly grasps to convince Lola about school.

The illustrations are a mix of collages, simple sketches and everyday objects, photographed and placed just so as to complete the effect.   

Excerpt

“But I absolutely will NOT ever wear a schooliform. I do not like wearing the same as other people.”

I say, “But Lola, you do not have to wear a school uniform. At our school you can wear whatever you like.”

“Oh,” says Lola.

You wait there. I know exactly what I can wear…”