Jeremy is nervous about going to a new school. Kowhai Street Primary looks nice, but what about the teachers and other children? His stomach swirls with trepidation.

At the end of the day his mum asks,

‘How was your day?’

Jeremy grunts his reply, not decided.

The next day, he’s asked to join in a game, but he replies that he can’t from his wheelchair. His teacher knows a solution and quickly shows Jeremy.

‘Of course you can!’

Joining in with his classmates has made the day better, and so when his mum asks him about his day, he admits it was okay.

The next day, another problem arises, and he knows he won’t be able to join with his classmates on stage.

 ‘Of course you can!’

says his teacher, and the school caretaker has the problem quickly fixed.

Each night his mum asks him about his day, and each day his classmates and teachers tell him, ‘Of course you can!’ when Jeremy doubts joining them in an activity.

By the end of the week, not only did the swirly stomach go away, but he grinned during his classes, and at Mum after school.

He even surprises his classmates at the swimming pool. ‘Of course I can!’

Originally published in 2018 bilingual in English/Maori, this brightly illustrated A4 sized bilingual text is now available in English/Tongan, English/Samoan, and English/Niuean.

It is a bright, positive story about a common event for children worldwide – going to a new school. Jeremy is worried and sure he won’t be able to participate in the activities his classmates do, but with a can-do attitude school-wide, Jeremy not only joins in, but surprises his friends with something they don’t think he should do.

With themes of diversity, kindness, empathy, problem solving, courage and can-do, this now can be shared by even more kiwi kids.

Author – Karen Hinge

Illustrator – Nicky Sievert

Age – 6+

(2022, Bilingual, English/Maori, English/Tongan, English/Samoan, and English/Niuean, School, First Day, New School, Joining in, Wheelchair, Sports, Games, Participation, Can-do attitude, Acceptance, Empathy, Kindness, Inclusion, School, Friendship, Courage)