If Animals Went to School by Ann Whitford Paul and illustrated by David Walker is a cute story with some animals that are not always used in books (beaver) about going to school. Sadly, there is nothing new after that.
Beaver is a bit reluctant to go to school, so he goes very slow. However, once there he learns that school is cool and does not want to go (this time) home. The small saving element is that some animal characteristics are used (the fox rushes about and barks what he says) but then they have extreme examples of animal behavior bordering on the absurd (the beaver is eating the entire limb and not just the bark) that puts it back in the “lost it” category for me.
The only thing that I can remotely like is the simplistic illustrations of Walker. While there is no question that is a donkey, elephant or owl, they are cutesy and with minimal detail. They are definitely aimed at the toddler and younger crowd. The colors are bright, but not over powering. They are friendly and cozy. There is no question they were deliberately chosen to show how nice, safe and fun school is. Along with making humorous situations for the readers and listeners (the goat eats the book and you can make the joke (cue your Groucho voice) “I know you should devour a good book, but that’s ridiculous!”)
Did I over-analyze this book? Most definitely. However, if you are going to do a book about a subject that has been covered since probably before I started kindergarten, you need something new and fresh and I did not find it here.