• Age: 4 to 8
• Grade: p to 3

Prepare for plenty of giggles as a kindergarten class arrives for their first day of school but can't find their teacher—only a delicious-looking sandwich and the words "Mr. S" scribbled on the chalkboard. Chaos ensues as the kids argue whether the sandwich must be their teacher. A comical first-day-of-school book of mayhem and chaos by Monica Arnaldo, perfect for fans of Miss Nelson Is Missing.

“This might be the funniest first-day-of-school book I’ve ever read." —Adam Rex, New York Times bestselling author of School’s First Day of School

It was the first day of school.

But even the kindergarteners of room 2B could tell something was seriously wrong. . . . Where was the teacher? Who left this sandwich on the desk?

The only clue, written on the chalkboard, were three simple letters: Mr. S

Praise for Mr. S:

"Confusion, mystery, and laughs are on the menu in Arnaldo’s deliciously goofy back-to-school tale." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"The tale's genuinely absurd situation, the mystery of the teacher's identity, and the deadpan storytelling make this a memorable read-aloud choice." —ALA Booklist (starred review)

"Mysteries for young readers are few and far between and this one is fun and entertaining." —School Library Journal (starred review)

An Amazon Best Book of the Month * A Junior Library Guild Selection * Indigo Staff Pick of the Month * Governor General's Literary Award Finalist * Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year * Indigo Best Book of the Year * Chicago Public Library Best of the Best List * New York Public Library Best Book of the Year * School Library Journal Best Book of the Year * Booklist Editor's Choice

MONICA ARNALDO a écrit et illustré plusieurs albums comme Petits frères et petites soeurs, Time for Bed’s Story et Margo Thinks Twice. Son travail se retrouve aussi dans des romans pour les élèves du cycle intermédiaire et des magazines pour enfants. Elle a étudié l’illustration au Sheridan College, où elle a trouvé sa passion pour les récits illustrés. Elle vit avec sa famille près de Montréal, au Québec.

Monica Arnaldo grew up in Ottawa where she was sometimes allowed inside her older brother's forts. Drawn to illustration by her passion for children's books, she combines a variety of media to create images full of character. Monica is the author-illustrator of three picture books. She and her husband live in Montreal with their daughter.

Monica Arnaldo's profile page

“This might be the funniest first-day-of-school book I’ve ever read." — Adam Rex, New York Times bestselling author of School’s First Day of School

"Confusion, mystery, and laughs are on the menu in Arnaldo’s deliciously goofy back-to-school tale. Readers will find plenty to chuckle over." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"The tale's genuinely absurd situation, the mystery of the teacher's identity, and the deadpan storytelling make this a memorable read-aloud choice. A genuinely funny story that teachers and parents will enjoy sharing with children." — Booklist (starred review)

"Mysteries for young readers are few and far between and this one is fun and entertaining; it will elicit laughter and–plenty of discussion." — School Library Journal (starred review)

"Everything about the narrative is playful, and readers will be sucked in by a seriously funny question: Can a sandwich be a teacher? Far from stale and ripe for repeating." — Kirkus Reviews

"[T]his story gleefully leans into absurdity, with a dash of epistemological musings. Young skeptics will be surprised by the true identity of the teacher of room 2B in a twist that makes this a standout among first day of school titles. " — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

"Humour is at the heart of this rollicking tale about starting school. [B]ound to amuse both young listeners and those reading the book aloud." — Montreal Gazette

"When the students entered kindergarten classroom 2B, they knew something was wrong. On the teacher’s desk was a sandwich, a mug of coffee and some papers, but no teacher. Cleverly hidden within the soft-coloured illustrations, is the real story. This is a fun book for the first day of school." — Calgary Herald

PRAISE FOR ARE YOU A CHEESEBURGER?: “There’s a lot of profundity within these whimsical pages—about growing up, overcoming disappointment through acceptance, and valuing relationships over personal needs—which should plant some hearty seeds of conversation for readers of all ages.” — Publishers Weekly

“Emotionally authentic and sweet without being saccharine. Silly and heartwarming in equal measure.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Audiences will enjoy the clever banter between the new friends and the literal visual feast the illustrations offer up. Aspiring botanists and young foodies will appreciate this quirky little tale.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

"Refreshingly novel for its unexpected duo of characters. Will amuse young listeners. A delightfully quirky tale about an uncommon pairing of characters that offers light humor and guileless dialogue as they learn to treasure their blossoming friendship." — School Library Journal

“This is a sweet tale of slow-blossoming friendship and unconditional acceptance, of celebrating differences and being gentle with others. Highly original and excellent… the illustrations present delightful layers of imaginative, whimsical joy.” — Booklist