A Smart, Smart School
by Sharon Creech (Author) Anait Semirdzhyan (Illustrator)
Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech delivers a companion to the New York Times bestselling picture book favorite, A Fine, Fine School. Beloved characters Tillie, Beans, and Mr. Keene return, with a timely message about the importance of creativity in the classroom.
Mr. Keene, runs a fine, fine school.
He encourages his students to express themselves through the creative arts: drawing, painting, reading, and singing. Then Mr. Keene's appendix bursts, and he's rushed to the hospital.
A new principal named Mr. Tatters arrives to take his place, and he is a serious man. He does not smile, he does not laugh, disapproves of their creative methods of learning, and immediately implements a policy of daily tests, banning songs, flowers, art, and fun!
Soon the students tire of constant test taking, and the teachers grow too fatigued to grade any more tests. Thankfully, Mr. Keene heals and when he returns, he encourages his students to balance their creativity with their learning.
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Kirkus Reviews
A staid story about the importance of fun.
School Library Journal
K-Gr 3--Principal Keene loves his school, and it fills him with joy to see the creativity and color that fill the classrooms as the teachers and students enjoy activities such as painting and reading. When Mr. Keene is rushed to the hospital with appendicitis, everyone is worried, especially Tilly, who loves helping Mr. Keene whenever she can. When Mr. Tatters arrives to take over, he does not like what he finds. What this school needs, Mr. Tatters decides, are tests! Soon every day is full of tests, so much that Tilly doesn't even have time to play after school anymore. Text and illustrations convey the tiresome repetition of the same activity day after day, with the draining of energy palpable on the pages. When they finally have a chance to visit Mr. Keene in the hospital, the students and teachers take the time to share how much they care for him. And once he returns to school, it doesn't take long for the color and joy to return with him. The beautiful digital illustrations are reminiscent of classics such as Sarah Stewart's The Library, and both text and illustrations share a love of creativity and an appreciation for educators. VERDICT This lovely picture book companion to A Fine, Fine School welcomes readers to an incredible elementary school that appreciates creativity and those who make an impact on students' lives.--Selenia Paz
Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.JUV003000 - Juvenile Fiction | Art & Architecture
JUV035000 - Juvenile Fiction | School & Education
School principals
Methodology
Teaching
