Mr. S

Perfect for reading to potentially anxious children starting school for the first time, Mr. S humorously depicts how students deal with an unconventional teacher. While waiting for their teacher's arrival, the children conclude that the teacher should have been in class already, especially since a sandwich and a steaming cup of coffee are on the teacher's desk. Their vigorous debate is interrupted by a ruler's loud "thwack" – seemingly by no one. They slowly realize that the sandwich is Mr. S, their teacher. Having sorted it out and feeling more settled, the children learn their ABCs, engage in art class and storytime, and even participate in a music class. Meanwhile, if the children had just looked out the window, they would have noticed all kinds of incidents happening to a man's car, from being crushed by a falling tree to being covered in pizzas and finally to destruction by a fire. The car's owner eventually makes it to the classroom, referring to himself as Mr. Spencer. The students wonder if he is, in fact, Mr. S – but he introduces himself as their principal. The identity of their teacher is confirmed – it is, indeed, the sandwich, Mr. S.

There are many titles depicting the first day of school. Still, this one reads differently - it is a unique take on this common topic and effectively uses humour and anticipation. The book's premise will seem believable to little children, with Mr. S's olives as eyes, a round piece of ham as its tongue, and its realistic and cute expression. More inanimate objects are depicted with friendly and engaging faces, such as a piano, a jar, and a computer - these effectively show young learners that school is not the scary place they may fear it to be. Other illustrations, especially those of the principal, a "wet and smoky man", show hilarious details or unusual vantage points or perspectives. Motion and excitement are depicted on almost every page, and the cleverly sparse text propels the reader. Mr. S is a must-have for all children's (and especially school) collections.