This is a very interesting book. Interesting, because, although there are several books about a child's day at school, this one is unique.
It incorporates the start of the day, getting ready for school, then moves on to depicting situations that get neglected in children's picture books.
It is inclusive, has a rhyming prose (which sometimes works and sometimes not, but this is not an issue), promotes learning, science, inclusivity and has positive vibes all over.
The art style is curious and unique, at times akin to manga (the facial expressions) and the lighting is fresh. At times I thought the lighting was a bit too much, but I got used to it - it added to the authenticity of this book as well as its happy-go-lucky feel.

I enjoyed reading this book! This is a story about a small boy as he shares how he goes about his day. From the moment he wakes up, he follows the instructions of what his teacher told him. This story subtly shows how teachers play an important role in a child's life.

I loved the KIndness checklist at the end of the book and also the encouragement to write a kind heartful note to our teacher.

This is a very sweet book. It follows a boy going to school and doing things as per how his teacher guided him. This book highlights the importance of teachers and the influence they have on children.

A sweet book that highlights the importance and influence of a kind and able teacher at a primary school. I love how the author used rhyming scheme to pass along important thoughts and actions to act and reflect upon for a young student.

Beautifully written in engaging text.

My Teacher Says is a sweet and adorable children's picture book telling how to responsibly act and meet established expectations throughout the school day. Told from the perspective of one small boy who excitedly shares how his school day progresses, how he interacts with friends and classmates, and how he begins his days before school and the situation he arrives home from school to. While it seems that there are an almost overwhelming number of rules and expectations to adhere to, it is nonetheless sweet and adorable to read how he optimistically faces each and every day anew.

As a teacher, I’m always on the lookout for engaging children's books that capture the spirit of school life and this book definitely caught my eye. With its playful rhymes and bright illustrations, it’s an enjoyable read that younger students will love.

The book does a great job of building excitement around the start of a school day, and the rhyming text makes it a joy to read aloud. The rhythm is catchy and fun, which is perfect for keeping little listeners engaged.

That said, I found myself wishing it focused more on what actually happens at school. Most of the story is about the child’s morning routine before arriving, and I was hoping for more scenes set in the classroom. A few extra pages diving into those aspects would have made the story feel more complete.

Overall, it’s a delightful book that’s sure to be a hit with preschool and early elementary kids. I’d recommend it, especially as a light-hearted lead-in to discussions about starting school or daily routines.

This was my second dose of this author's rhyming positivity within a few days, and had what clearly is her house style of colourful art giving us lashings of diversity amongst the people featured, and a well-intentioned verse full of good messages – that will probably actually appeal more to the adult handing this out to be read than the child given it for a browse. Our teacher says a lot about how we should be throughout the day, from brushing our hair and tying our shoelaces in readiness for school, to playing nicely, enjoying learning and being kind from dawn to dusk. Once more it's fine, and once more you can't say the message is not one to heed.

This was such a lovely book, we follow a little boy throughout his day, in the company of little rhymes and his super fun hair.
I quite enjoyed the illustrations and specially the fact we have so much to watch in every page
Lovely , lovely lovely.
I would read it with my nieces. ( the younger ones )
Thanks to purple diamond press and Netgalley for providing an ARC of this ebook in exchange for an honest review

My teacher says is a fantastic story perfect to introduce to children during the summer ready for the back to school times.

The story is lovely and written well through poetry. The beautiful illustrations show how loved the story is and I would definitely recommend as a read.

My Teacher Says: A Day at School is a delightful, rhyming picture book that captures the heart of the elementary school experience with warmth, humor, and a big dose of kindness. Aimed at children ages 5–9, this cheerful story follows a young student through a typical school day—from the buzz of the morning routine to the last bell of the afternoon—highlighting the joy and growth found in everyday moments.

The book’s rhyming text is both engaging and accessible, making it perfect for read-aloud sessions at home or in the classroom. Young readers will quickly find themselves drawn into the rhythm of the story as the narrator shares lessons from their teacher on how to be kind, share with friends, manage emotions, and appreciate the small victories of school life.

What sets My Teacher Says apart is its emotional intelligence. While it celebrates the fun of school—riding the bus, playing with friends, exploring new ideas—it also gently introduces children to important social-emotional skills. The narrative acknowledges that school isn’t always easy, and that big feelings are okay, too. But with encouragement from a caring teacher and support from classmates, challenges become opportunities for learning and growth.

This book is especially valuable for children heading to school for the first time or adjusting to new routines. It provides reassurance, excitement, and a clear message: kindness matters, and school is a place where everyone can belong and thrive.

Overall, My Teacher Says: A Day at School is a warm, encouraging read that helps children feel seen, supported, and ready to embrace their school day with confidence and joy. A perfect addition to any home or classroom library.

A good book about being kind in school. The representation in the illustrations demonstrates how diverse classrooms can be. There is good rhythm in the words of this book with good rhymes. It also speaks to the impact of teachers on children and how children take to heart what their teachers say.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

This book is amazing and so, so sweet! I can't stress enough how important teachers are in shaping the hearts and minds of little ones, and I love how this book emphasizes kindness, honesty, and inclusion. I know for certain that this book will inspire kids to be awesome team players in their own classrooms and listen to what their teachers say to them, because it truly is so valuable what they say. I also think that the poetic writing style of this book was highly effective in helping the message sink in, which is great. To finish off this review, I want to say that I liked the way that this book was organized visually. No teachers are shown in the first few pages, but that allowed the book to have a structure of a typical school day, starting with waking up at home and ending with coming back home after school. This helps the reader become more immersed in the book itself, but also makes it feel more relatable because readers can see themselves in the main character. Overall, this is a spectacular book. Bravo!!

Sweet story about advice given to a young student for a successful school experience. The rhyming text will engage students in the text and the mentions of kindness will hep foster a positive mindset for the students. I LOVED the Kindness Checllist at the end.

My Teacher Says: A Day At School will be a wonderful addition to any early elementary classroom or library. The message of being kind is a very important one, and I love the diversity of the students in the illustrations.

Thanks to NetGalley and Purple Diamond Press Inc for an advanced reading copy of this book.

My Teacher Says: A Day at School will be released to all retailers on July 22, 2025.


I was a teacher for 18 years and this upcoming year will be my first year as a librarian. I am very excited! As I was reading this book, I loved how it is perfect for read alouds! The repetitive text will have students reading with the teacher, while discussing rules essential to a great school year. The illustrations are the icing on the cake. A fun reading experience for all!

What a thoughtful book! I really loved the diversity to include children in the book. I also loved the core message of being kind and learning so much from teachers. This can be an example to educators and to students that school can be fun but also valuable. Very nice read!

The rhymes are nice with a good emphasis on kind actions and behaviors: the illustrations were beautiful and I think it’s a good book to read at the start of school for preschool and kindergarten ages.

Reminds me of the days when my kids came home with endless versions and situations when they told us that very thing. This time it is the wisdom of teachers instilling good things in rhyming repetition that helps the children grow kind and tolerant of others. And the children are not all one color nor are all independently mobile. Yea inclusivity!
The illustrations by Eduardo Pupa are simple, imaginative, and FUN depictions of several kinds of activities mostly in the classroom.
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age, including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, waiting room, or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital Galley on Thorium PDF from Purple Diamond Press Inc | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles via NetGalley. Pub Date Jul 22 ,2025
#MyTeacherSaysADayAtSchool by @cmharrisbooks illustrated by Eduardo Pupa @pupaoquedesenha @purplediamondpress @ibpalovesindies #PictureBook #KindnessInClass #TeachersOfInstagram #BooksForKids #MyTeacherSays #ChildrensBooks #ReadAloud #SchoolLibrary #ClassroomReading #BackToSchoolBooks #KindnessMatters #NetGalleyFinds #netgalleyreads #elementaryartteacher #myteachersaysdayatschool #schooldays #melanin @bookbub #weneeddiversebooks #diversebooks #backtoschool #teachersforteachers #elementary #library #kidlit #picturebook @goodreads @childrensbookcouncil #NetGalley *****review

This book was adorable. I read it to my daughter. It had great lessons and the rhyming was cute. My favorite part was the kindness checklist at the back. We also loved the illustrations! Thank you NetGalley for the arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.

What a sweet book about going to school and remembering all the rules about being on your best behavior while having fun in the form of rhymes and beautiful pictures.

My pre-schooler loved it and even saw the resemblance of his own teacher in the teacher in the book.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.