Ladybug Longlist: School

Mr. S: A First Day of School Book by Monica Arnaldo

"This book is hilarious.  My kiddos crack up when reading how the students in the story think that the sandwich on their teacher's desk is their new teacher while readers can see all the crazy things happening in the parking lot with their actual teacher.  The ending had a funny twist that is sure to stay with readers for a long time." -- nominator

Rick the Rock of Room 214 by Julie Falatko

"Rick the Rock dreams of adventure away from the Nature Finds shelf of Room 214. He makes his dreams come true, but then realizes things aren't always greener on the other side. Told with humor and a dash of geology, I know I was rooting for Rick to find his way back home. " -- nominator

The Yellow Bus by Loren Long

"I loved the way the bus was "filled with joy" whether it carried people "from one important place to another" or not. Also, the impact of the color yellow from the bus on the black and white drawings was stunning. The simple text and detailed illustrations tells the story of the life of a school bus and the many ways it serves the community." -- nominator

This post is one of a series of 15 "bite-sized" pieces into which we have divided the 2025 Ladybug Picture Book Award Long List to help NH librarians consider all the potential nominees. Please review the full list (or wait until we have covered all the titles) before you cast your vote as you can only vote once.