In this lovely introduction to a day at school 1,2.3 Off To School by marianne dubuc introduces children to all the fun they can have when they go for the first time.

Pom goes to kindergarten next year so they are getting ready by visiting all the different schools in the forest. They spend a day visiting turtle school, sloth school, rabbit school and so many more. At each school Pom learns of some of the activities they can expect to do next year and are already creating a schedule for the day in their head.

1,2,3 Off To School is the PERFECT book for preschoolers who are getting ready to make the big step to kindergarten. Not just them but for any child who is making a big change, perhaps changing schools or changing from homeschooling to learning in a classroom. This lovely story eases any anxieties that children may have about the start of a new academic adventure. 

There are so many things to love about this book. In her classic style, marianne dubuc gives readers a sneak peak not only of what is happening outside the schools but inside them as well. Many of the little pupils have lots to say about their day and Pom gets the inside scoop by not only observing but participating as well. Any parent or teacher who has those lovely nostalgic feelings about the Richard Scary books will fall in LOVE with marianne dubuc’ s work. Another amazing thing about the story is that Pom uses the they/them pronouns. I can’t think of any other picture book that explicitly uses they/them for any character. There are other books that simply use gender neutral names and no pronouns so it is incredible to have a story that’s not only inclusive by showing many different ways of being at school, but also inclusive of all gender expressions as well.

1,2,3 Off to School is a fantastic book that should find it’s way to daycares, preschools and kindergarten libraries everywhere.