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Table of Contents
About The Book
Follow along as an ensemble cast of characters experience an extraordinary first week of school in this hilarious picture book that’s perfect for fans of Jon Klassen and Lucy Ruth Cummins!
It’s the first day of school. An artist wonders if her drawings are good enough to show. An inventor is excited for show and tell. A group of competitive friends call themselves the Sport Kings (but nobody else does). Pat, the class pet, listens to the weird sounds humans make. The teacher is ready to start.
When the new student gets to class, things take a turn for the unusual. There’s something a little strange about the visitor—maybe even something out-of-this-world.
It’s the first day of school. An artist wonders if her drawings are good enough to show. An inventor is excited for show and tell. A group of competitive friends call themselves the Sport Kings (but nobody else does). Pat, the class pet, listens to the weird sounds humans make. The teacher is ready to start.
When the new student gets to class, things take a turn for the unusual. There’s something a little strange about the visitor—maybe even something out-of-this-world.
About The Author
Photograph (c) Lauder Photography
Drew Beckmeyer is an author-illustrator and schoolteacher based in Los Angeles who definitely and absolutely never gets upset or has a hard time admitting something is wrong. Never ever. He is the author-illustrator of I Am a Tornado, The First Week of School, and The Long Island, which was longlisted for the Klaus Flugge Prize, and the illustrator of Dear Wild Child. Visit him online at DrewBeckmeyer.com.
About The Illustrator
Photograph (c) Lauder Photography
Drew Beckmeyer is an author-illustrator and schoolteacher based in Los Angeles who definitely and absolutely never gets upset or has a hard time admitting something is wrong. Never ever. He is the author-illustrator of I Am a Tornado, The First Week of School, and The Long Island, which was longlisted for the Klaus Flugge Prize, and the illustrator of Dear Wild Child. Visit him online at DrewBeckmeyer.com.
Why We Love It
“This book is so funny, surprising, and chock-full of kid-appeal. Extraterrestrials! A time machine! And all the wacky sci-fi elements are grounded in a realistic school setting with kids and emotions that are familiar to anybody who’s ever spent any time in a classroom. I saw myself most in the Artist, but there’s something for everybody here.”
—Kristie C., Assistant Editor, on The First Week of School
Product Details
- Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (June 25, 2024)
- Length: 48 pages
- ISBN13: 9781665940436
- Ages: 4 - 8
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Raves and Reviews
JLG Gold Standard Selection
★ "The pictures have tremendous crayon-colored kid appeal, and the text is clever and funny. Observant readers will find many delicious surprises, and the twist at the end is a genuine delight. An inspired and strikingly original riff on the back-to-school experience."
– Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): The First Week of School Fixed Layout eBook 9781665940436
- Author Photo (jpg): Drew Beckmeyer Photograph (c) Lauder Photography(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
