Gilbert and his friend Patti are starting first grade, and while they are excited, Gilbert is also fearful . Though he does have some struggles -- he sits at the wrong desk and worries he will get sent to the principal for not eating his lunch -- he eventually discovers that none of the students are good at everything. Endearing characters and the reassuring message make this an appealing complement to this charming school series.
By: School Library Journal,
- February 15, 2012
"It's the first day of school, with all of its worries and small successes. Gilbert, a hedgehog, is entering first grade and his little sister, Lola, is starting preschool. We follow Gilbert as he makes it through a day of school, getting to know new classmates and a new teacher, and understanding all the new rules and routines. The boy and his sibling happily come to realize that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses and they will be just fine. Peter Pamela Rose expressively narrates Diane deGroat's picture book and, along with Jason Harris, creates unique voices for each character. Some gentle background sound effects are added. This fun choice for students during the first week of school will help ease fears and lead naturally into the establishment of classroom protocols."
