by
Daphne Pang
This book is very relatable! Definitely the one to grab these days. Almost every kid has had a day where they just didn’t want to go to school, and Daphne Pang’s No School for Ben shows them that their role is bigger than they might think. It’s about being part of a community and how everyone’s actions matter.
The book is simple, sweet, and filled with detailed hand-drawn illustrations that bring the story to life. The book is perfect for kids who’ve ever wondered, “Why do I have to go to school?” It takes that familiar feeling and turns it into an opportunity to teach kids about responsibility and how even small actions can make a big difference.
The story follows Ben, a six-year-old boy who’s got a pretty typical routine. Every morning, he gets up, eats cereal, and catches the yellow school bus with his friends. At school, his teacher, Christine, helps him learn the same ABCs and numbers every day. Then he comes home to his babysitter, Mary, while his parents are at work. It’s the same thing, day in and day out, which is exactly why Ben decides one cold Monday morning that he’s over it. He’s comfy in bed and doesn’t feel like going to school anymore. “Why bother?” he thinks. He already knows the alphabet and numbers—what else is there to learn?
The story really shines when Ben’s mom doesn’t get mad or force him out of bed. Instead, she gently explains how important he is to everyone’s day. Slowly, it clicks for Ben—his actions affect so many people! Also, each page is filled with warm, colorful, hand-drawn pictures that perfectly reveal the story. You can see the coziness of Ben’s room, the quiet empty streets, and even the routine of his school day. The expressions on the characters’ faces make it so easy for kids to connect with the story.
The mom doesn’t lecture Ben but instead uses examples to help him see the bigger picture. It’s such a positive and supportive way of addressing his reluctance, and it makes the story feel warm and real. Parents reading this to their kids might even pick up some tips on how to handle these kinds of situations! No School for Ben: What Will Happen? is a book that reminds kids they’re important and that their everyday actions can have a big impact on the world around them.
– The Moving Words Review
Official Entry: The Most Moving Book Award, Jan. 3, 2025
