Back to School with Tiny T. Rex: Creators Share Their First-Day Oopsies

The folks at Chronicle Books had a fun idea. To celebrate the publication of Tiny T. Rex and the First-Day Oopsies, why not ask the book’s creators (author Jonathan Stutzman and illustrator Jay Fleck) about their own first day of school mishaps? This seemed like a good idea to me. They share below.

But why stop there? We also asked Rebecca Stead, Alex Killian, Jenn Bailey, and Mika Song to chime in.

Do you have a first day of school story? Share it in the comments.

First up, the author of Tiny T. Rex and the First-Day Oopsies, Jonathan Stutzman.

“I had A LOT of school “Oopsies” but the worst was when I got to school one morning and realized I wasn’t wearing any shoes.” — Jonathan Stutzman, NYT Bestselling author of Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug and the latest Tiny T. Rex and the First Day Oopsies

“When I was in first grade, I was eager and excited for the first day.  I went through the doors while talking to a friend and walked into a pole separating the doors. I had to go the nurse with big bump on my head.” —  Jay Fleck, NYT Bestselling illustrator of Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug and the latest Tiny T. Rex and the First Day Oopsies

“When I was four, my new preschool teacher accidentally left me alone in Central Park on my first day. Oopsies. I found a grown-up to help me, and when my mom picked me up I didn’t even mention it. Instead, as soon as I saw her, I shouted out the BIGGER news: “No naps this year!” (This story is “as reported” by my mom.)” — Rebecca Stead, Newbery Award Winner and author of Anything

“Some of my favorite back-to-school oopsies involve kids sneaking into their backpacks (or at least trying their best to) things like the TV remote and the cat.” — Alex Killian, author of In Between Places

“My mom always packed my most favorite lunch — peanut butter and jelly — for the first day of school. One year I took my sister’s lunch by accident. Her favorite was egg salad.” — Jenn Bailey, Schneider Award Winner and author of Henry’s Picture-Perfect Day 

—  Mika Song, Schneider Award Winner and illustrator of Henry and the Picture-Perfect Day

Thanks to all the authors and illustrators for sharing their stories. And thank you to Caitlin Ek for making this post happen.

Filed under: Authors