Independent reading level (Pre-K)

There are two different versions of this book - one is a picture book and one is a board book. They are exactly the same in every way other than the outward appearance. The illustrations, story, and style are all the alike. Neil Gaiman is my favorite author, so I own a copy of the board book, but I checked out a copy of the picture book from the library to compare.

I chose this book for the Animals theme because all of the characters in the book are animals. Chu himself is a panda, his teacher is a bear and his classmates range from a giraffe and a chimpanzee to a snail and a rhino. It also tackles the topic of being unsure of oneself, first day of school jitters, and overcoming all of that.

This is a story about Chu, a panda who is nervous about his first day of school. Will the other children like him? Will the teacher be nice? He has several questions for his parents before the big day. When the teacher asks him the children to introduce themselves, everyone goes around in a circle, stating who they are and what their special talent is. Chu is silent throughout and listens to everyone carefully. What do you think Chu's special talent will be? Will the teacher be nice? Will the other children like him? Read this adorable book to find out! ( )

Everyone's favourite panda has his first day of school, but will his sneezes ruin or save the day? Gaiman's whimsical second Chu book is sure to be a big hit with kids who are scared of school, becausse it shows them that even if you make a mess things will turn themselves around. ( )

I enjoy Neil Gaiman, and this would be a cute and funny addition to anyone's collection. ( )

The plot is summed up in the title. It has even less story than the first book. The only real redeeming part of this book is the wonderful Adam Rex illustrations. Yes there is the sneeze payoff at the end of the book but there just wasn't much to the story this time.
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