Sloth’s Totally Not Weird First Day of School by Christie Nicholls, with illustrations by Claudia Gadotti, is a charming and humorous tale that captures the anxieties and triumphs of starting something new. The story follows Sloth, a quirky and lovable character, as he navigates his first day of school, grappling with the challenge of fitting in while staying true to himself. The narrative begins with Sloth’s restless night before school. His sisters offer advice, but Sloth’s unique personality shines through as he chooses to dress as a cowboy, adding a playful touch to his character. From the bumpy bus ride to his hat flying out the window, Sloth’s day is filled with funny moments. The story highlights Sloth’s attempts to fit in, whether it’s walking instead of crawling, climbing cubbies despite knowing he shouldn’t, or unconventionally introducing himself during Circle Time.

The narrative is lighthearted and engaging, blending humor with heartfelt moments. Christie Nicholls effectively captures the challenges of fitting in while celebrating individuality and self-expression. Claudia Gadotti’s illustrations complement the story perfectly, bringing Sloth’s adventures to life with vibrant colors and expressive characters. The hand-drawn and hand-painted artwork adds a personal touch, enhancing the book's whimsical tone. Sloth’s Totally Not Weird First Day of School is a delightful read for children and families. It combines humor, heart, and a meaningful message about self-acceptance and the importance of friendship. Sloth’s journey reminds youngsters that it’s okay to be wonderfully weird and that true belonging comes from embracing who you are. This book is sure to leave readers smiling and eager to follow Sloth’s future adventures.

Sloth’s Totally Not Weird First Day of School by Christie Nicholls is a charming picture book about overcoming first-day jitters and embracing our uniqueness. It begins with Sloth as he starts school, facing some big worries like whether he'll fit in or if everyone will think he’s just a little too different. Guided by playful advice from his sisters, he navigates through some misadventures and unfamiliar routines, such as a bumpy bus ride or a sticky moment in class, using his sense of humor to cope. The expressive artwork by Claudia Gadotti perfectly captures what the beginning of the year is all about. This gentle tale delivers a message of self-acceptance and friendship, reassuring kids that being a little “odd” is often what makes them wonderful.

As an educator, I found this story to be quite endearing. Sloth’s Totally Not Weird First Day of School by Christie Nicholls is about a topic I have quite a bit of experience with: the worries and excitement at the start of school. What Sloth feels is very similar to many of the students I’ve encountered over the years, which makes it so relatable. It’s sure to make the entire class laugh, or at the very least smile, especially since it’s about a sloth going to school with humans. It could be used to start some meaningful conversations about what makes each of us special, what makes us nervous about the first day, or even to create a chart about emotions. It might even be beneficial to have a mirror for students to look at and see how they’re feeling. I also appreciated the engaging illustrations. This tale would make an excellent addition to any elementary classroom or home library.

Sloth's Totally Not Weird First Day of School by Christie Nicholls is an adorable children's tale that revolves around a quirky little sloth with many fun adventures that await him. Sloth is anxious about starting his first day of school. He's still trying to figure out where he fits in the big world of classmates and routines. From choosing a cowboy outfit that matches his distinct and stylish tastes to bus mishaps and messy classroom adventures, Sloth experiences nerves, laughable moments, and loads of surprises. With the guidance of his playful sisters, patient teacher, and supportive classmates, he learns how his unique quirks can help him connect with others. This remarkable story is a fantastic reminder that being different is your greatest strength.

Christie Nicholls' Sloth's Totally Not Weird First Day of School is a captivating picture book that will warm the hearts of readers as they giggle along at Sloth's hilarious antics. With Claudia Gadotti’s illustrations giving it a whimsical charm, Sloth's world is playful yet rooted in school life. He is a wonderfully lovable character who will instantly grab your attention with his delightful personality. The writing style is playful and humorous, making it easy for young readers to follow the story. The storyline unfolds naturally, navigating smoothly between Sloth’s anxious moments and silly school adventures, while keeping readers entertained from beginning to end. The story thrives on its relatability, inspiring children to envision themselves as the main character. I admire the way the story emphasizes individuality and authenticity, encouraging children to embrace their “weird” traits and see them as strengths. This story is ideal for children starting school and families looking to spark dialogue about individuality and embracing your true self.

Sloth's Totally Not Weird First Day of School by Christie Nicholls follows Sloth, who recently moved to a new home in Treeland, and prepares for his first day of school. His sisters advise him not to climb or crawl and to wear something “fun.” He chooses a cowboy outfit, including a hat, but the hat is blown off during the bumpy bus ride. He decides to walk to class despite preferring to crawl. In Ms. Wen’s classroom, Sloth explores cubbies, participates in Circle Time, and introduces himself in an unexpected musical way. At lunch, he tries seventeen pizza sticks and later joins a merry-go-round challenge, which turns out to be a little messy. His classmates admire his unconventional style, and by the end of the day, Sloth feels a sense of belonging.

Sloth's Totally Not Weird First Day of School by Christie Nicholls is an absolute delight, and my youngest reader and I loved it. Sloth is a real sloth in a classroom full of human children, which is wonderfully unique and endlessly charming. Every page is brought to life by Claudia Gadotti’s beautiful artwork in muted earth tones and a hand-sketched style that perfectly complements the playful humor of Sloth’s adventures. It's easy to forget that our little ones may find comfort in “hiding” behind louder facades that redirect attention, and the early loss of Sloth's cowboy hat is a wonderful reminder of how that feels. Sloth’s quirky attempts to fit in and his even quirkier personality will have young readers laughing and cheering for him, making this book perfect for children discovering school for the first time.