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Rufus Goes to School #backtoschool #giveaway

August 26, 2013 by Dawn

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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5 Minutes for Books staff reviewer Dawn received a copy of this book to facilitate her review and is here to share her thoughts and offer up a giveaway copy for one of you.

back-to-school-2013I’ve always been a fan of using children’s literature to help my own children, and the children in the preschool classes that I’ve taught over the years, to relate to their world. Sometimes that’s come in the form of books about sad things like the death of a pet, and other times to deal with upcoming changes, like the birth of a new sibling. This time of year, of course, has always seen me searching out books on the topic of going to school, books I would read to my students and to my own kids as they were working through the transition time of the first few weeks.

rufusA new picture book by Kim T. Griswell fits the bill quite well, with an extremely enthusiastic student ready to go to school for the first time. In Rufus Goes to School, the title character is a huge fan of books, and he has one particular book that he loves the best. As he looks at it every day, turning the pages and looking at the pictures, he makes up stories to go along with what he sees, because Rufus hasn’t yet learned to read. He decides to remedy this by going off to school, so he gets himself a backpack and heads out.

But, as you can see, Rufus is a pig, and this fact causes a little problem when he arrives at the school. The principal isn’t a fan of the idea of a pig in a classroom full of children, and he gives several predictions about Rufus’ behavior that would disrupt the class, and he sends him back home. Rufus, however, is determined, so he continues to gather supplies and try again and again. In the end, there’s one way he can convince Principal Lipid to let him stay, and he finds that his desire to learn to read just might do the trick.

Rufus Goes to School is a delightful book for several reasons. For one, his full name, Rufus Leroy Williams III, is sure to make kids smile. For children who might be experiencing some nervousness about going to school, Rufus’ excitement and the silly scenarios presented by the principal might help alleviate their worries by making them giggle, with some of that enthusiasm rubbing off in the process. And you can’t forget Valeri Gorbachev’s illustrations, ink and watercolor creations that convey light and warmth in every scene.

My own children (a kindergartener and a 2nd grader) have enjoyed reading this book, and my 2nd grade daughter even reported that her new teacher read it to the class the other day during the first week of school. (Public props to her teacher for incorporating brand new children’s literature into the classroom!) Rufus is ready for school, and he’d be thrilled, I’m sure, to help your children get excited too!

Enter to win

We have one copy up for grabs in today’s giveaway, US mailing addresses only, please.

Use the Rafflecopter form to enter this giveaway. New to Rafflecopter? Watch this 45-second video on how to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Be sure to visit the main Back to School post to find all of our Back to School related giveaways. You don’t want to miss out on the amazing prizes.

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About Dawn

When she's not reviewing books, 5 Minutes for Books contributor Dawn (and her online alter ego, morninglight mama) can be found blogging at my thoughts exactly and contributing to The DC Moms.

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32 Comments

  1. DEBIJOT says

    August 30, 2013 at 10:20 pm

    The excitement of starting a new year and the anticipation of what lies ahead.

    Reply
  2. itzybellababy says

    August 30, 2013 at 7:42 pm

    I love the sales!

    Reply
  3. jeremy mclaughlin says

    August 30, 2013 at 3:28 pm

    back to school shopping

    Reply
  4. T.h.Ransom says

    August 30, 2013 at 10:17 am

    I like that things get more organized and scheduled!

    Reply
  5. JoBeth says

    August 30, 2013 at 2:19 am

    My favorite part is seeing my baby make new friends

    Reply
  6. katklaw777 says

    August 29, 2013 at 1:38 pm

    Shopping for the very best deals on school supplies…it’s fun!!!

    Reply
  7. Ellie W says

    August 29, 2013 at 10:32 am

    Getting back into a routine.

    Reply
  8. Melissa P. says

    August 29, 2013 at 6:19 am

    Knowing that Autumn is coming. I love the Autumn Season.

    Reply
  9. Mia Dentice Carey says

    August 28, 2013 at 10:43 pm

    The 1st day of school picture of my son with his teacher.

    Reply
  10. Staci A says

    August 28, 2013 at 6:00 pm

    Love how excited my son is!

    Reply
  11. Debby Chandler says

    August 28, 2013 at 2:03 pm

    buying new clothes!

    Reply
  12. vickie couturier says

    August 28, 2013 at 10:45 am

    the kids are so excited

    Reply
  13. chana says

    August 28, 2013 at 5:55 am

    the new supplies!

    Reply
  14. michelle b. says

    August 28, 2013 at 4:59 am

    shopping for school supplies because we homeschool we just continue thru out the year…

    Reply
  15. Rhonda Tenderholt says

    August 27, 2013 at 4:26 pm

    I don’t like that they went back to school because we can’t go camping and the days are long. However this is their first year at a new school so they are making new friends and like their teachers. They are starting robotics this year.

    Reply
  16. Barbara Platt says

    August 27, 2013 at 4:08 pm

    shopping for new school clothes

    Reply
  17. Debbie Welchert says

    August 27, 2013 at 3:36 pm

    I love seeing my grandchildren’s faces as they get ready for the school year. They get so excited from the get go. From getting school supplies to the first day of school. It’s so exciting for them.

    Reply
  18. Ellen B says

    August 27, 2013 at 3:31 pm

    shopping for supplies

    Reply
  19. Heather says

    August 27, 2013 at 12:16 pm

    Getting a routine back!

    Reply
  20. Charlene S says

    August 27, 2013 at 11:50 am

    Starting a new adventure.

    Reply
  21. latanya says

    August 27, 2013 at 10:18 am

    getting to go shopping

    Reply
  22. nannypanpan says

    August 27, 2013 at 10:08 am

    new school supplies
    [email protected]

    Reply
  23. Janet W. says

    August 27, 2013 at 5:34 am

    My favorite part is that high school football starts back up again! I also like shopping for supplies!

    Reply
  24. Cristi says

    August 27, 2013 at 2:50 am

    I love my son’s sports and my daughter’s music programs.

    Reply
  25. Bonnie Way says

    August 26, 2013 at 11:07 pm

    My daughter’s excitement! This is her first year of Kindergarten (after two years of preschool) and she’s stoked. I’m looking forward to getting into routine and having a bit more time for myself… 🙂

    Reply
  26. Maria says

    August 26, 2013 at 10:53 pm

    Routine and being able to spend one-on-one time with my younger kiddo 🙂

    Reply
  27. Patricia says

    August 26, 2013 at 9:23 pm

    I love seeing the little ones proudly carrying their new books home.

    Reply
  28. Susan (5 Minutes for Mom) says

    August 26, 2013 at 4:37 pm

    Looks like such a cute book!

    Reply
  29. Rosita says

    August 26, 2013 at 4:21 pm

    The crisp blue skies of September!

    Reply
  30. happymomc says

    August 26, 2013 at 2:47 pm

    shopping and all the deals!

    Reply
  31. Anne says

    August 26, 2013 at 11:22 am

    A routine and enjoyable learning time.

    Reply
  32. amyc says

    August 26, 2013 at 10:08 am

    All the school activities that I get to take my kids to.

    Reply

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