David Goes to School

 
5.0 (2)
 
5.0 (1)
484 0
913pl6-NJuL
Author(s)
Age Range
4+
Release Date
June 04, 2024
ISBN
978-1546127321
Buy This Book
     
David is off to school in this board book companion to the Caldecott Honor-winning classic No, David! by bestselling picture-book creator David Shannon! Perfect for little troublemakers who are starting something new.
David's teacher has her hands full. From running in the halls to chewing gum in class, David's high-energy antics fill each school day with trouble-- and are sure to bring a smile to even the best- behaved reader.

David is a beloved picture book character whose unabashed good humor, mischievous smile, and laughter-inducing antics underline the love parents have for their children-- even when they misbehave.

Editor reviews

2 reviews
Must Have Recommendation for Kids
(Updated: July 26, 2026)
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0
Characters
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
5.0
I love the backstory of how the No, David! Series emerged from David Shannon’s childhood creations as an author. David Goes to School continues with laugh-out-loud illustrations and minimalist text that encapsulates the school experience for Pre-K and Kindergarten kiddos. Having been in the school system it is funny while also hitting on the truth of the experience of working with littles. I love that this series appeals to all age groups. It continues to be one of my favorite recommendations and I love watching a child read this book for the first time and the pure joy they receive from it as it earns the hallowed distinction of becoming a book they read repeatedly. The new board book format makes this repeated read sturdier so it can continue to be an enduring read on any kid's shelf.
Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0
Another Classic
(Updated: July 26, 2026)
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0
Characters
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
5.0
NO, DAVID is a classic in our household, and something my daughter and I read over and over again. Since we like it so much, I pulled out this book and we weren't disappointed. DAVID GOES TO SCHOOL is full of the same humor and art style as the first one and it made us laugh just as much. The story follows David who isn't the best at behaving, but learns important lessons in the end. After acting out all day and ending it with coloring on the desk, the teacher has him stay home from school to clean up his mess. I think this is an important lesson for all children to learn: accountability. I also love how the text is written on line writing paper to give it that extra school-like feeling. We have the board book version and I think it feels sturdier for the younger children.


Final Verdict: I would recommend this to children aged four and up who are ready for school and enjoy books full of humor. David Shannon delivers another funny read for both children and parents to enjoy together with the familiar art style we anticipate.
Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0

User reviews

1 review
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0(1)
Characters
 
5.0(1)
Writing Style
 
5.0(1)
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
5.0(1)
Already have an account? or Create an account
Great book to ease a kids first day jitters!
(Updated: July 26, 2026)
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0
Characters
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
5.0
David Goes to School is a humorous fun book that captures all the nervous energy and excitement of a child’s first day at school. David is full of curiosity and energy, but he struggles to follow the rules, pay attention, and stay out of trouble. The story is written in a way that makes kids laugh at his mistakes while also showing that learning and growing can be messy and fun. It’s a story that reminds young readers it’s normal to feel a little nervous and to make mistakes while figuring out how to navigate a new environment.

I read this book to a first grader along with a few other school-themed stories, and it was a big hit. The child laughed at David’s antics and kept pointing out the parts where he got himself into trouble, which helped open up conversation about what to expect on their own first day. I think what made it particularly effective is that it acknowledges both the excitement and anxiety of starting school without being scary, and it gives children a chance to see that even when you make mistakes, you can still be loved and accepted.

The illustrations are bold, bright, and funny, which makes it easy for kids to follow the story and connect with David’s emotions. My favorite part is when David tries so hard to behave but can’t help causing a little chaos. It’s relatable and funny, and it makes the story feel very real to kids who are adjusting to new rules and routines. I also appreciated that the book subtly encourages independence and confidence, showing that school can be fun even if it’s a little overwhelming at first.

Overall, David Goes to School is a perfect read for children who are anxious about starting school. It’s entertaining, reassuring, and relatable, and it’s one of those stories that can help put kids at ease while reminding them that learning and even little mistakes are part of the experience.
Good Points
- Humorous story that eases first-day-of-school nerves

-- Bold, engaging illustrations that help kids connect with David

- Shows that mistakes are okay, but accountability is also as important
Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0