Ham and Pickles First Day of School

Nicole Rubel. Ham and Pickles First Day of School. illus. By the author. Harcourt Inc. 2006 ISBN- 13:978-0152-05039-9 ISBN- 10:0-15-205039-6 $16.00

The story begins when Pickles, a worry wart, is thinking of
every possible problem that she could have on her first day of
school. Her radical, but unintelligent older brother Ham, gives
her advice on every question. His advice is definitely out of the
ordinary, and it turns her jitters into anger. For example, when
Pickles is worried about making friends, Ham gives her advice and
tells her to say, “ I'm so glad you don't have fleas.” That
causes everyone to run from Pickles and Ham is getting on her
last nerve. In the end, she realizes that her brother may be
wacky, but his big heart wins her appreciation. The simplistic
words make it enjoyable for children who are beginning their
first days of school. The illustrations are bright and the pages
are filled with many bold objects to focus on. The use of real
flowers and photographs is definitely something that will catch
the reader's eye. This book is humorous and it replaces the first
day of school jitters with excitement.

Sharon Keller, BGSU student