It’s Jamie’s first day of school. It’s very exciting, but also a little strange too. Grandpa is at Jamie’s side to begin with but his teacher is very welcoming in a classroom of interesting things, allowing Jamie to feel comfortable.

Each of Jamie’s classmate’s names are called out at the beginning of class then they sing a waiata too. This is all new to Jamie, but the teacher and students are kind and helpful.

There is reading and writing, numbers and counting, and a trip to the school hall to swing poi. Jamie also learns that the sun is actually a star. But the most important lesson of Jamie’s first day at school, is that it’s lots of fun!

Perfect for any child about to begin school, this bright picture book shows a new student on their very first day of school.

Following a standard junior school routine of song, literacy, maths, story and co-operation within the classroom, any child can see lots of fun things on the page that they can experience at school. Play, kindness, respect, curiosity, teamwork and doing your best is all part of The Great Kiwi School Day.

I loved the busy illustrations, story text and speech bubbles, giving any reader tons to look at each time they open this picture book. The inside cover also has 16 items that can be found in any school and among the illustrations of the book – yet another way to experience this quintessential kiwi kid experience.

Author / Illustrator – Donovan Bixley

Picture Book

(2023, Upstart Press, New School, First Day of School, 1st Day of School, Classroom, Teacher, Search & Find, Classmates, Activities, Poi, Waiata, Fun, Speech Bubbles, Multi Award Winning Author & Illustrator, Numbers, Counting, Letters, Reading, Literacy, NZ, New Zealand, Aotearoa)