Review| Lady P ‘s First Day By Robert F. DeFinis Ed D

This school year, amid the impact of the Corona virus, is going to look very different. For some who are just starting school, it may even be a bit of a downer. First time students, anxious to find their way into classrooms are instead learning from home. Those returning to school are doing so while wearing masks, recess and field trips are limited, and many special events will be canceled or postponed. It would seem that our good friend Covid-19 has managed to suck the fun right out of going back to school, just like it did with summer. 

The new book, “Lady P ’s First Day” by Robert F. DeFinis, Ed. D. , addresses the changes children can expect this school year. 

DeFinis is the author of “How to Defeat the Icky, Filthy, Creepy, Slimy, Corona Monster”, a rhyming fun explanation of new behaviors and precautions during the pandemic. This new book “Lady P’s First Day” takes a different approach to the subject manner, but still manages to keep the content child friendly. 

Lady P is a role model for children starting school in an uncertain environment.

Overall, I found the book to be very straight-forward and explanatory. The story lays out the ways in which school is different, with emphasis on the idea that different can still be fun. The meaning of school, to learn, is also emphasized. The overall message of the book is that these changes will not last forever, which I felt added a bit of hope for the children struggling with anxiety during this time. 

The fact is, we need books like this right now.

Children need to know that they are not alone, especially in a time of isolation like this. They need to know that there is hope. That one day they will get to go back to school, to play with their friends,  to have fun again. They need to know that the new school year can still be cool, even if it doesn’t look the way that they envisioned at the start. 

So, if you have a child starting online learning this year who needs some reassurance in these difficult circumstances, I highly recommend “Lady P’s First Day” as a way of comforting them during these unprecedented times.  

For more information Robert F DeFinis Ed D, his books, and other resources, visit www.drdefinis.com.

Also, be sure to check out our list from earlier this year of 5 Covid-19 Books for Kids. 

What do you think?

Have you read “Lady P ’s First Day”?

What books can you recommend for kids during the pandemic?