Some readers probably look forward to the upcoming school year, while others are more reluctant to let go of summer break...but it can't be avoided. The next school year is about to begin, and today's read hits that topic. Telling by the cover, it should be a book full of energy and fun.
FALL IS FOR BEGINNINGS
by Rajani LaRocca
Illustrated by Abhi Alwar
Picture Book
40 pages
ages 4 to 8
From Newbery Honor author Rajani LaRocca and critically acclaimed illustrator Abhi Alwar, an authentic celebration of friendship and finding your place in this back-to-school picture book and follow up to Summer Is for Cousins
Ravi can’t wait for the start of the new school year! Fall is for cool weather, new school supplies, and spending time with his best friend, Joe. But when a new girl named Ellie joins their class, Ravi and Joe’s duo suddenly becomes a trio.
Ravi’s not so sure about Ellie—she plays her horn too loud in music lessons and gets them lost on the way to class. Worst of all, she keeps saying she’s Joe and Ravi’s best friend.
All these big changes are challenging for Ravi, but with time (and a little help from his wise older sister) he realizes that fall is the perfect time to begin a new friendship.
From the award-winning team behind Summer Is for Cousins, this heartwarming picture book all about back-to-school fun celebrates the (sometimes complicated) joy of making new friends.
MY TIDBITS
Making an existing two-er friendship into a trio becomes a real task, and that with a lot of activity going on.
It's time for school to start, and Ravi can't wait to spend time with his best friend, Joe. When a loud and overly-energetic new girl plops down next to him in the classroom to declare she'll be his best friend, Ravi is a bit overwhelmed. He's not up to having a new best friend and makes sure to say that to Joe, but the girl isn't want to give up...or take a hint. Soon, Ravi can't take it anymore and tells her that she's not his new best friend. It does the job, and she's leaving him alone, but somehow, it's still not feeling right.
This read centers around bringing new friends into a friend group and takes it a bit further by adding very clashing personalities. Ravi and Joe have been friends for awhile, and their friendship is golden. That Ravi doesn't question this is inspiring. He also doesn't try to treat the girl badly as she insists and forces her way in to form a trio friendship of sorts. Joe seems to take it with stride, but the girl is very boisterous, can create problems around them, and brings Ravi into situations which make him a little uncomfortable. So, his reluctance is more than understandable, and, yet, he isn't mean, either. But everyone reaches their boiling point with time, and when Ravi finally tells her she can't be his best friend, too, things take a bad turn, which will leave listeners/readers with split feelings, most likely. Of course, this read takes the high-ground and ends with friendship harmony and bliss. But that will open doors to discussions, since probably not all readers/listeners will agree with this outcome completely.
The illustrations are as lively and chaotic as the girl's personality. It brings across the situations with excitement and gives listeners/readers plenty of details (some even with dashes of humor) to find on their own. Especially in the beginning, the scenes seemed a little disconnected from the text, but the school situations and liveliness of the kids gives off positive vibes and is fun. The illustrations carry a freer-style with almost crayon-sketch-like aspects here and there. It gives the atmosphere a nice touch, and thanks to the the orange direction, there's a constant hint at Fall.
This would fit nicely into classroom settings, especially when dealing with new friendships forming at the beginning of the year...or for those small clashes when friend groups aren't quite working out the way they should.
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