"A Fine, Fine School"

A Fine, Fine School
Author: Sharon Creech
Illustrator: Harry Bliss
Genre: Picture Book
Subgenre: Realistic Fiction
Theme: Developing, Learning in a school environment
Primary/Secondary Characters: Tillie & Mr. Keene/Classmates & Brother
Date of Publication: Year 2001
Publishing Company: Harper Collins Publishers

Summary: Tillie, a young girl in elementary school goes to school every week, Monday through Friday. Her principal, Mr. Keene, takes pride in their school and pushes for school Monday-Friday, as well as the weekends. This makes Tillie happy at first, but her brother and dog Beans are not happy having to play and learn to skip and play on their own. Mr. Keene then pushes for school on holidays, and during the summer, and all the children grow upset. Tillie speaks with Mr. Keene and tells him that not everyone is learning, as she is unable to teach her brother to skip or swing or play outside. Mr. Keene realizes this, and makes school return to just Monday-Friday yet once again, and everyone is thrilled. This teaches children it is important to go to school, but learning outside of school is also significant, as well. Children can easily relate to Tillie, and her hobbies outside of the classroom.