Back to Front and Upside Down! was published by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. It was written and illustrated by Claire Alexander.
The principal of Stan’s school announces that it’s his birthday. Stan’s teacher wants everyone in the class to write birthday cards but poor Stan can’t keep up with his teacher because he still hasn’t figured out how to write... he gets depressed but a friend encourages him to speak up to the teacher. Not only does Stan get over his difficulties but realizes that he’s not alone, since Mimi, a classmate, also struggles with writing.
This must be a pretty tiny school since the principal has to tell all of the kids about his birthday. I don’t think I even noticed my school’s principal for the first few grades when I was an elementary school student.
Back to Front and Upside Down! is a very well illustrated book. The characters take the shape of various animals and their beady eyes make them all irresistibly cute.
The story and message are good. Speak up to your teacher and with a little bit of effort (or a lot) we can accomplish things.
Reading and writing can be tricky especially at the beginning and all kids learn at different speeds. But the author stresses in her writing that practice, practice, practice and a patient teacher is also pretty important.
Recommended.
