How to Have the Best School Year Ever
By Jess Sanders & Andrea Onishi
Reviewed by Margarite Igras
Jess Sanders is a social worker, educator and award-winning Australian author. She is well known for her Life Lessons For Little Ones Series, with titles such as You Can Do Hard Things, You’ve Got This, Your Softness is your Strength and You are Enough. Her latest book aimed at 4- to 7-year-olds, has an eye-catching title that will attract children about to start or return to school, as well as their parents and teachers. How to Have the Best School Ever, aims to normalise failure, celebrate effort, and help children persevere with the goals that really matter to them. It is packed with Andrea Onishi’s bright colourful illustrations of animated children engaged in various activities, with the strong message that it is normal to have ups and downs during the school year.
School is where you learn, grow and make friends. But for some children, learning a new thing is hard, as is making new friends. The Best School Year Ever may look different for everyone. It depends on what each child wants to achieve or what makes them happy i.e. their goal for the year. Some examples could be better grades in a subject, learning a new sport or making some new friends.
The text speaks to the reader in a kind and reassuring voice, and together with Andrea’s vivid, inclusive illustrations, there are many scenarios presented that can be teased out and discussed, however, the concept of Goal setting needs to be further explained and supported so that it doesn’t overwhelm.
In the author’s words, I believe it’s important for children to challenge themselves in healthy ways, and to embrace failure or tough days as a part of the process.
Affirm Kids 2025
Jess Sanders
Andrea Onishi
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