School Day Drama (Chi-Chi and Pey-Pey)

K-Gr 2--The universal experience of the first day of school can stir up different responses in kids. Where many texts follow the experience of one child, this title offers a unique perspective on how two different "kids" (in this case a penguin and a chicken) experience this yearly hurdle. Chi-Chi, a chicken, loves cheese puffs and dancing, but she is worried about what the first day of school will bring. Pey-Pey, a penguin, favors the world of pirates and popsicles, and he views the first day with ease and confidence. When the two characters find themselves paired up and searching for something they both like that they can share with the class, they initially think they have nothing in common. Ms. Possum gives them a chance to find a compromise. The characters are at the forefront throughout, with bold colors and simplified expressions. Every spread has no more than four panels and is focused on building the character while backgrounds become secondary. Visually this is a very successful format for primary grades, with an effective introduction that has the characters explain how to recognize speech and thought bubbles in addition to directions on how to read a graphic novel. The characters are relatable, albeit gender stereotyped. While the theme of going back to school is common, how Chi-Chi and Pey-Pey's friendship is ultimately built allows for each of them to shine. VERDICT A solid choice for libraries that circulate graphic novels to younger readers, but may get lost among more unique early graphic novels characters.--Danielle Schwessinger