The Tour at School
By Katie Clapham, Illustrated by Nadia Shireen
Are you ready to introduce a new student to elementary school? “Imagine that you are in the New Person’s shoes.” Where would you start the tour? Clapham shares everything about school from lunchtime to the playground. Make sure to stop at the library; it is a “great place” with “more than one hundred books.” From wall paintings to trash cans to a coat hook to a piano. Go on an adventure around a new school. What is your favorite spot? Did you meet the fish, Gary? Do you like the students you meet? Don’t forget about the emergency meet-up place and to ask questions. What happens when the tour is over? You make a new friend. Clapham shares an interactive tour with beautiful and playful illustrations by Shireen. The illustrations capture each new moment including silliness on swings, reading together, eating lunch and playing outside. What will you learn at school?
Narwhal VS. Kindergarten
By Vanessa Roeder
What if your first week of school was difficult? Imagine starting kindergarten with a pop, burst and a honk. Hugo, the narwhal, has a tricky time navigating school. Blocks might tumble, silly hat day could be tricky and then there’s recess and the playground—watch out! Although sometimes his tusk comes in handy and is even functional, it could also be fun but watch out for the balloons! “Hugo knew he had a BIG, TALL problem.” What would you do if you were a narwhal? Hugo soon realizes others have problems too. A snake, an elephant and a giraffe all work together to help each other and come up with “practical answers.” Join your class! “Where each new challenge was met with a team effort.” “Hugo still had tusk troubles, but he also has ten new friends to help him through!” This is a wonderful picture book focused on working together through differences and helping friends and classmates. The illustrations are interactive, filled with colorful images and fun facial expressions. Are you ready to make new friends?

This article appears in BendNest Fall 2025.







