Ham and Pickles: First Day of School

by Nicole Rubel

Pickles is nervous about her first day of school. But Ham has the answers to every one of her questions. After all, he's older and wiser and knows everything about school. But Ham's help isn't exactly... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0152050396
• ISBN13: 9780152050399
• Release Date: January 2006
• Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 10.6" x 9.2"
• Age Range: 3 years and under

Customer Reviews

A fun book!

Ham and Pickles are guinea pigs and brother and sister. Pickles is nervous about her first day of school. She is worried that she has the wrong school supplies, that the other kids will laugh at the outfit her grandma sent, and that her alarm clock won't go off and she'll be late. Lucky for Pickles, she can share her worries with her older brother, Ham. Ham has all the answers and knows a lot about school. To find a seat on the school bus he releases snakes and bugs. To help Pickles make friends he suggests opening with, "I'm so glad you don't have fleas!" Unfortunately, while Ham's advice is well meaning, Pickles discovers it isn't exactly helpful. His creative solutions and unique social skills are turning her first day of school into a bit of a disaster! But Ham comes through for his little sister. He is taking her worries seriously and trying to problem solve the best he can. When she forgets her lunch, he suggests they share his lunch. And he waits with her for the bus so she will always have someone to sit with. Children will enjoy this charming story about first-day jitters and sibling relationships. Rubel uses lots of bright colors and humor in her art and stories. Children and parents can relate to Pickles' worries: what if no one plays with me, how do I find my class, and what if I have to go to the bathroom? Ham is also a fun character, wacky advice but with his heart in the right place. This book can be used to discuss worries, problem solving and characteristics of a good friend/sibling. Armchair Interviews says Ham and Pickles First Day of School is a fun way to address first-day jitters.