★ "Using his signature, simple style, Robinson alternates scenes of the building and its interiors with shots that show the boisterously diverse kids' first day. A unique point of view makes this school book stand out."
— Kirkus, starred review
★ "Robinson's naively styled paintings are the perfect complement to a warm, welcoming story... Sure to become a staple for first days of school everywhere."
— Horn Book, starred review
★ "With bold illustrations featuring a diverse array of children and text that's ideal for reading aloud, this charming reversal of first-day-of-school nerves will delight little ones and help put their own anxieties at bay."
— Booklist, starred review
★ "Anthropomorphization of the whole building is a new and promising approach for school-shy youngsters, and it'll make the already school-positive want to give their beloved school a hug."
— The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review
★ "Every so often, a book comes along with a premise so perfect, it's hard to believe it hasn't been done before; this is one of those books."
— Publisher's Weekly, starred review
★ "With his expressive, appealingly textured acrylic paint and collage artwork, Robinson manages to give the school just enough personality to be convincingly sentient... A delightful, perspective-tweaking back-to-school picture book."
— Shelf Awareness, starred review
★ "VERDICT A+: an essential purchase that is simultaneously funny, frank, and soothing. A perfect first day read-aloud."
— School Library Journal, starred review