Raj's Rule (for the Bathroom at School)
by Lana Button (Author) Hatem Aly (Illustrator)
Raj has one rule: he never uses the bathroom at school. It's just not the same as the one at home. All day, he avoids bathroom trips. Easy enough, since he lives by these tips: Don't linger at the sink. Stay away from anyone who makes you laugh. Watch out for distractions, especially schoolwork. And sit still: no running, jumping, cartwheels, or sneezing. Until one day--achoo!--Raj has to break his own rule.
After he faces his fear and uses the bathroom at school, Raj feels different. He doesn't have to rush! He can try new things, laugh, explore ... even enjoy his work. He can stay awhile and play. Raj discovers things are better if you just go when you need to.
Told in speech bubbles with bright, lively art showing a diverse group of kids, this is a riotous rhyming read-aloud with an empathetic take on facing a common fear.
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Publishers Weekly
Early childhood educator Button depicts an anxiety that many school-age children share: using a bathroom that's not their own. Told in conversational rhymes presented in speech bubbles, the narrative follows Raj, a brown-skinned child who restricts his movements, dodging all beverage offerings and even laughter to avoid using the facility's washroom. But when he can't elude "sneaky sneezes" like he advises, Raj is forced to use the school restroom for the first time. After his usual concern is flushed away, Raj gains access to previously disregarded opportunities ("I kinda can cartwheel!/ My friends help me try!"). Aly's expressive, cartoon-style digital illustrations elevate the tale, making it accessible to anxious and non-anxious readers alike. Button subtly and effectively conveys how actions related to anxiety might disrupt a child's academic and social performance, but this readaloud will resonate with any reader who has faced a fear. Ages 3-7. (Aug.)
Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
JUV039050 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Emotions & Feelings
JUV015010 - Juvenile Fiction | Health & Daily Living | Daily Activities
Stories in rhyme
Elementary schools
School children
Bathrooms
Elementary children
