Written and Illustrated by Mary Ann Fraser
Published by Walker Books 2002

 

SYNOPSIS
    I.Q. came to Mrs. Furber's class on the first day of school. He loved being in class with the children. But who wants to be class pet when being a student is so much fun? Students get to learn about the alphabet, colors, numbers, and holidays. Students get to go on field trips and perform in plays. But most important, each week Mrs. Furber chooses a student to be Student of the Week. That person gets to sit in a special chair and share things with the class. 
    More than anything, I.Q. wants to be picked for this special honor. He waits and waits. When will it be his turn to be Student of the Week?  

REVIEWS
"This picture book about a rat who longs to be a student instead of the classroom pet is a fun way to acquaint youngsters with a typical kindergarten curriculum....Fraser expertly weaves monthly and seasonal themes throughout the story, and her detailed, colorful scenes of an inviting, stimulating classroom will go a long way toward getting kids excited about school. Preschools and day-care centers, as well as the growing-number of elementary schools that offer programs for incoming kindergartners, will want to add this to their collections."
Booklist 

"Fraser's enthusiasm for children exploring the world is beautifully upheld in all her work.... Month by month, noting the seasons pass, the school activities are clearly detailed in text and illustration and I.Q. takes part in each, including the very traditional Thanksgiving play. December is handled in the currently acceptable manner, showing a few religious practices, albeit mainstream. Fraser's overall handling is tender, totally focused on the development level of the reader, and sensitive to the needs of the young student who will be learning just like I.Q." 
Kirkus Reviews

"The format is clear and appealing--each spread displays the current month in large print together with a small seasonal symbol and describes the activities linked to the month. The book could easily be used to introduce first-time students to the school environment, and will be enjoyed as a gently humorous story."
School Library Journal

"Young readers who find deskwork intimidating will enjoy reading about an amiable mouse who shares their struggles."
Publishers Weekly