Perfect Picture Book Friday: MY SCHOOL STINKS Plus Giveaway

Posted on July 9, 2021 by viviankirkfield

Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends. Kids often complain about their school. They don’t like the teacher. Their best friend isn’t in their class. And the work is too hard or too boring. The pandemic didn’t help matters – going to school with a mask or attending remotely was definitely a challenge for kids as well as parents and teachers. But it’s Becky Scharnhorst to the rescue with this hilarious new book about a school where the challenges are WILD! And the lovely Becky is offering a super cool giveaway: a copy of this awesome book or a picture book critique – winner’s choice! Make sure you leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway.

MY SCHOOL STINKS

Written by Becky Scharnhorst

Illustrated by Julia Patton

Published by Philomel (July 6, 2021)

Ages: 4-8

Themes: First day of school, humor, SEL

Synopsis: From Amazon:

A hilarious back-to-school story told through journal entries about a boy who finds himself at a new school where the other students are REAL animals. Perfect for fans of Ryan T. Higgins’s We Don’t Eat Our Classmates and Elise Parsley’s If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don’t!

Dear Diary,

Today is the first day at my new school and I think there’s been a mistake. My desk mate stinks, my locker buddy bites, and my teacher is unbearable! I told Mom my classmates are WILD ANIMALS but she said all little kids are wild animals. I think I’m going to be sick tomorrow.

Celebrate back to school (and even calm some back-to-school nerves) with this clever and funny story about a boy who accidentally winds up at a school for animals, but soon realizes friends can come in all shapes, sizes, and species. A great read for kindergarten through second grade!

Praise for My School Stinks!:

“Along with being a good choice for children anxious about their own upcoming “first day,” this offers a nifty exercise in reading between the lines.”–Booklist

“An encouraging new-kid narrative told from an entertaining perspective.” —Publishers Weekly

“Just might convince complaining children that their school isn’t so bad after all.”–Kirkus reviews

Why I LOVE This Book:

Funny! Funny! And more funny! Humor leaps off the pages.
The illustrations are fabulous – engaging…and…FUNNY!
I love the turnaround at the end…the story is so clever…what a great lens to view a school experience. And I love the diary approach – it really connected me with the main character.

RELATED ACTIVITIES

Animal Bookmarks

I hope everyone is set to have a wonderful weekend. I’m leaving tomorrow for a week at an Air B&B on Lake Winnipesaukee – looking forward to doing lots of writing – and I’m also participating in Nerd Camp PA…are you signed up? It’s on July 15 and it’s for educators and librarians and parents and students. It’s all about literacy and encouraging kids to love books – to find topics that rock their boats and then discover books that can help them learn more – to find books where they are validated because they see themselves – to find books that are a window to the wider world so they can connect with other cultures. There are dozens of awesome author/illustrator panels – my panel is speaking about Using Picture Books to Inspire Self-Advocacy and Student-Led Learning.

nErD Camp PA is being held via Zoom from 9:00 AM – 3:45 PM EST on Thursday, July 15th.Here is the link to register:https://tinyurl.com/21nerdPAreg

And please remember to leave a comment to be entered in the SUPER AWESOME Giveaway – the winner will choose either a copy of MY SCHOOL STINKS or a picture book critique from the fabulous Becky Scharnhorst. Maybe you can share what YOUR biggest challenge was in elementary school. Plus, don’t forget the the best way we can thank our favorite authors is to buy their books, review their books, tell friends about their books, and ask local libraries to purchase copies…also, if your library already has copies of the book, borrow it! When there isn’t activity for a book, the library might not keep it on the shelves.

73 thoughts on “Perfect Picture Book Friday: MY SCHOOL STINKS Plus Giveaway”

Deborah Williams on July 9, 2021 at 2:44 am said:

We moved so often when I was small and I hated being the New Kid. Wish I could have had this book back then! Love the “dear diary” style, too.

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- Becky Scharnhorst on July 9, 2021 at 8:51 am said:
  
  Moving is so hard! My kids experienced this a couple years ago, and books helped them get through it. I hope this book can also bring some humor and joy to difficult situations.
  
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Beth Charles on July 9, 2021 at 7:18 am said:

Oh my gosh, this book sounds fabulous! I love the idea of a diary format. Sounds like a great read!

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- Becky Scharnhorst on July 9, 2021 at 8:52 am said:
  
  Thank you, Beth! It was a lot of fun to write in the diary format. I hope you enjoy the book!
  
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mdk45 on July 9, 2021 at 8:20 am said:

I love the title, the concept and the humor. I can’t wait to read it. Congrats, Becky. Thanks, Vivian.

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- Becky Scharnhorst on July 9, 2021 at 8:54 am said:
  
  Thank you so much! The title changed after it was acquired, so I’m glad to hear you like it!
  
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Mary Warth on July 9, 2021 at 8:35 am said:

Thanks Vivian and congratulations Becky! The book sounds hilarious! Can’t wait to read it

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- Becky Scharnhorst on July 9, 2021 at 8:58 am said:
  
  Thank you, Mary! I love making people laugh, so I do hope kids and adults enjoy the humor in My School Stinks. 🙂
  
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cc95189 on July 9, 2021 at 8:39 am said:

Hilarious…did I say HILARIOUS!! Becky such a fun-filled diary. Thanks, for allowing us to read the top-secret diary and not feel guilty for being nosey🤣.
Have a wonderful vaca Vivian! The Nerd Camp seems awesome🤗

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- Becky Scharnhorst on July 9, 2021 at 9:00 am said:
  
  Ha! Yes, Stuart was a little concerned when he heard his diary was going to be published for the entire world to read! But the response has been great, so he’s a lot less worried about it now, 🙂
  
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curryelizabeth on July 9, 2021 at 8:39 am said:

I just got my copy and Stuart (and friends) are completely adorable. Thanks Vivian and congratulations on this hilarious story, Becky!

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- Becky Scharnhorst on July 9, 2021 at 9:05 am said:
  
  Thank you so much, Elizabeth! I’m so glad you like the book. Julia Patton did create an adorable cast of characters!
  
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Laurie Dunlop on July 9, 2021 at 8:41 am said:

This looks like a hoot and would love to add it to our school library! We have several military families so the topic of being the new kid is applicable!

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- Becky Scharnhorst on July 9, 2021 at 9:08 am said:
  
  Good luck with the giveaway, Laurie! My best friend is married to someone in the Navy and they moved every 2-3 years until he retired. It’s definitely challenging to be the new kid so often.
  
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Heather Stigall on July 9, 2021 at 9:20 am said:

I’m a big Becky Scharnhorst fan and I can’t wait to read MY SCHOOL STINKS! Congrats on your debut!

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- Becky Scharnhorst on July 11, 2021 at 6:56 pm said:
  
  Awww… thanks, Heather! I really appreciate your kinds words and support!
  
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Mia Geiger on July 9, 2021 at 9:45 am said:

This book looks hilarious! And very heartfelt! A winning combination! Thanks for sharing and best wishes with your book!! 🙂

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- Becky Scharnhorst on July 11, 2021 at 6:57 pm said:
  
  Thank you, Mia! I love books with humor and heart, so I hope we succeeded in adding both to MY SCHOOL STINKS!
  
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Danielle Hammelef on July 9, 2021 at 10:17 am said:

I love humorous books and added this one to my Goodreads. My biggest challenge in school was being bullied for my overbite before middle school braces.

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- Becky Scharnhorst on July 11, 2021 at 7:02 pm said:
  
  I’m so sorry to hear your biggest challenge was being bullied. Middle school was tough for me too. I distinctly remember being made fun of for the clothes my mom bought me for the 7th grade dance. Ugh. I’m so thankful we don’t have to relive our middle school years! Thank you for adding MY SCHOOL STINKS to Goodreads!
  
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rosecappelli on July 9, 2021 at 10:45 am said:

Congratulations, Becky! So glad to see this book finally out in the world. Have a great vacation, Vivian! I’ll be joining you on Thursday at Nerd Camp PA. So many incredible sessions to choose from.

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- Becky Scharnhorst on July 11, 2021 at 7:03 pm said:
  
  Thank you, Rose! And thank you for the help you gave me on this manuscript! So grateful to have you as one of my CPs. 🙂
  
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Melissa Coffey on July 9, 2021 at 10:46 am said:

Sounds hilarious! Can’t wait to read. Congrats!

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- Becky Scharnhorst on July 11, 2021 at 7:03 pm said:
  
  Thanks, Melissa!
  
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Patricia Tilton on July 9, 2021 at 11:01 am said:

What a GREAT cover! This book will certain entertain and lessen the anxiety of kids starting back to school in the fall! Congratulations, Becky!

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- Becky Scharnhorst on July 11, 2021 at 7:47 pm said:
  
  Thanks, Patricia! Julia Patton did an incredible job with the cover and all the illustrations! I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to partner with her on this book.
  
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Heather on July 9, 2021 at 11:13 am said:

This looks perfect for back to school and especially new kiddos. I would love to get a copy!

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- Becky Scharnhorst on July 11, 2021 at 7:04 pm said:
  
  Thank you, Heather! Good luck with the giveaway!
  
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Zachary Snyder on July 9, 2021 at 11:21 am said:

This book looks great, think my twins would love it!

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- Becky Scharnhorst on July 11, 2021 at 7:43 pm said:
  
  Thanks, Zachary!
  
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ptnozell on July 9, 2021 at 12:39 pm said:

I love the inclusion of diary entries & the situation of being the lone child in a school full of animals. I think kids & adults will love this humorous take on back-to-school/new school jitters.

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- Becky Scharnhorst on July 11, 2021 at 7:48 pm said:
  
  Thank you! I had a lot of fun writing this in diary entries!
  
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Beth Anderson on July 9, 2021 at 12:59 pm said:

A book about stinks? You know I find those irresistible 🤣 and combined with the first day of school – a winner, indeed! Sounds like lots of fun!

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- Becky Scharnhorst on July 11, 2021 at 7:49 pm said:
  
  Ha! Who doesn’t love stinky, adorable animals?
  
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RebeccaTheWriter on July 9, 2021 at 1:03 pm said:

Becky, This book sounds like so much fun! Can’t wait to read it! Congrats!
Rebecca Gardyn Levington

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- Becky Scharnhorst on July 11, 2021 at 7:54 pm said:
  
  Thank you, Rebecca! I hope you have fun reading it!
  
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Kim A Larson on July 9, 2021 at 1:43 pm said:

Congratulations, Becky! Sounds like a super-fun book! Can’t wait to read it.

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- Becky Scharnhorst on July 11, 2021 at 7:55 pm said:
  
  Thank you, Kim!
  
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pbbeckyk on July 9, 2021 at 3:46 pm said:

Oooh, this will be such a fun book for teachers to read on the first day of school and I can’t wait to get my copy! Congratulations, Becky, and thank you, Vivian!

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- Becky Scharnhorst on July 11, 2021 at 8:04 pm said:
  
  Thank you so much! I do hope this book can help calm some first day of school jitters with a bit of humor and laughter.
  
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