The Tour: Because You're the New Kid at School!

A student leads a very enthusiastic first-day tour in a comical, reassuring story sure to calm the nerves of kids about to start something new.

When your job is to introduce the new person to your school, the first thing you need to do is sound very excited! Always start with the most important spots, like the echo-ey bathroom and an emergency meet-up place, like the big chestnut tree on the playground. Share your favorite memories of recess, show off the million-book library, and don’t forget to introduce the new kid to someone you know, like Gary the classroom fish. Most important of all, remember how it feels not to know anyone and be lonely and scared—and extend an offer to be a friend. Nadia Shireen’s playful illustrations pair with Katie Clapham’s lively text and funny asides in a book sure to strike a comforting chord for trepidatious readers who may be facing a new adventure.

Katie Clapham is the author of The Missing Bookshop, illustrated by Kirsti Beautyman. She is co-founder, with her mother, of the independent bookstore Storytellers, Inc., and was named Young Bookseller of the Year. Katie Clapham lives in St. Annes-on-Sea, England.

Nadia Shireen is the award-winning creator of the picture books Barbara Throws a Wobbler and Billy and the Dragon, among several others. She lives in Brighton, England.