Mila Wants to Go to School

Judith Koppens has been an author and illustrator for many years. Children are her most important source of inspiration. Their enthusiasm and honesty are always part of her work. Judith lives in the Netherlands and works as a teacher at an elementary school.

"PreS-Gr 2–Mila, a young Black girl, narrates her eagerness to get to her first day of school, contrasted with her father being a “real dilly-dally” as he points out potential distractions. His posture, his ideas on the way to school, all of it speaks to his worry over the upcoming separation, and he’s not worried about her, but how much he’s going to miss her. This fresh take on expectations, where the child is the one who is anxious to be on time while the parent lingers, will reward the precocious. It’s a lovely touch that Mila reassures her father that although she will have fun with new friends at school she will see him again at pickup. Her dog, Pepper, adds antics to the pencil and paint illustrations as Mila takes charge. A straightforward addition to back-to-school books." - School Library Journal"The illustrations are warm and humorous; colors are bright but not overpowering, letting the story speak for itself and providing context with body language and facial expressions. For every parent who’s heart hurts letting go, Mila Wants to Go to School is for you. " - Mom Read It"This is a sweet story about a child's first day at school. Her dad is sad and she doesn't understand why he's moving so slow. Tender story and good illustrations." - California Public School"Very touching and emotional book about a daughter and her Dad. Going to school for the first day is not hard for Mila, but her Daddy is brokenhearted. Poor Dad is trying so hard to cope with missing his little girl. The daughter teaches her Dad to be strong while she is at school learning and having fun with her new friends. A delightful book for Dads to read to their little girls." - ITEEA"Another book about the first day of school. What makes this one different was that the little girl is just over-enthusiastic about it and it's the dad that seems less sure, more hesitant, so it brings a funny tone to it and provides a different feeling than most of those, which often are around a child a bit anxious about his/her first day. Well done!" - Etienne Breton (educator)"Mila Goes to School introduces young readers to the experience of a young Black girl beginning preschool. She is a lively and smart girl who anticipates making new friends, learning new lessons, and engaging in new activities at school... It's apparent that Mila was groomed to become a student by her parents. The author and illustrator did a good job of depicting the strong bond between Mila and her father. The father is nostalgic over caring for Mila at home, which is endearing. Mila's determination to get to school on time shows her growing maturity. This picture book is good for readers aged 2 - 4 due to the brevity of the narrative plot and imagery." - Sonia Adams (educator)