When school days roll around again, this is the perfect collection to get children back in the mood. Written by acclaimed poet Marilyn Singer, First Food Fight This Fall serves up a heaping helping of wit and humor.  Each short, appealing verse is told in the voice of one or more of the pupils. Together, they paint a funny and touching picture of everyday life in the classroom: the friendly feuds, sandwich trades, field trips, science fair; the subjects kids like, the ones they don’t, their troubles and triumphs. 
Artist Sachiko Yoshikawa’s lively and engaging illustrations—which feature collage and mixed-media techniques—add to the delight, from her first picture of a school bus decked with a “Yay! First Day!” banner to the sunshine-filled final day of the year.