Monica Arnaldo’s Mr. S is a clever and hilarious picture book that captures the chaos, confusion, and curiosity of the first day of school—without a teacher in sight. Aimed at children aged 4 to 8, this imaginative story turns a common classroom experience into a quirky mystery that kids and adults alike will enjoy unraveling.
The story begins as a group of students enters their new classroom, only to discover their teacher is nowhere to be found. All that’s left behind is a sandwich on the desk labeled “Mr. S.” Naturally, the students jump to conclusions, wondering if the sandwich is Mr. S, or perhaps if he’s been transformed into one. What follows is a series of wildly funny theories, debates, and escalating antics as the kids try to figure out what to do.
Arnaldo’s narrative voice is witty and authentic, channeling the way kids think and talk when faced with uncertainty. Her expressive illustrations are packed with humorous details that invite repeated readings—each time revealing something new. From art class to learning a new song, the book balances absurdity with insight, gently poking fun at how grown-up structures can seem mysterious to kids.
Beneath the humor lies a subtle message about teamwork, problem-solving, and adapting to the unexpected. Rather than panic, the children improvise—showing resilience, creativity, and a bit of mischief. It’s a reassuring take on a typically nerve-wracking day.
We first met the author through her equally quirky book Are You a Cheeseburger? at https://canadiancookbooks.ca/are-you-a-cheeseburger-2/ You can purchase both books at https://www.harpercollins.ca/9780063003958/mr-s/ or win a copy of Mr. S in our Giveaway section. Since we’re talking about sandwiches, you might like to try this quirky version of French Toast that I used to make with the young kids in our cooking school. Go to our Recipe section to enjoy getting the kids involved in making their own breakfast sandwich!
Beneath the humor lies a subtle message about teamwork, problem-solving, and adapting to the unexpected. Rather than panic, the children improvise—showing resilience, creativity, and a bit of mischief. It’s a reassuring take on a typically nerve-wracking day.
Mr. S is a standout back-to-school read that flips the script on the usual “meet the teacher” tale. Monica Arnaldo has crafted a funny, thoughtful, and refreshingly original picture book that belongs on every young reader’s shelf—especially for those braving a new classroom themselves.
Contents and images used with permission by Mr. S by Monica Arnaldo © 2023. Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books. All rights reserved. https://www.harpercollins.ca/9780063003958/mr-s/