As a mother of two boys who are obsessed with construction equipment, this book caught my eye, which is why I requested an ARC.

You see a lot of picture books for Kindergarten and younger with construction equipment, however, most of the books I see for the 1st-2nd grade readers are non-fiction, this is how things work kind of things. A short easy fictional read with chapters about a Bulldozer and his first day of school is awesome for kids like mine. Heck, my daughter probably would have liked it when she was that age.

It's Bulldozer's first day of school and he doesn't want to go. He believes he already knows what school is going to teach, like fourty-nine + ten = fourty-ten. He is nervous and would rather just stay home and build a clubhouse. His parents explain to him why school will be fun and what he will learn. Bulldozer's stomach hurts due to nerves. This is something my family can relate too. My oldest son gets stomach aches due to nerves. He's come home a few times from school because he was so anxious. Like Bulldozer, this normally happens at the beginning of the year. Where there is so much uncertainty and newness.

At first, I really wished the other characters were construction equipment. but once you get into further chapters, you realize why they aren't and what makes this special. School is overwhelming for Bulldozer. It feels crowded & loud. At first he doesn't know anyone but then recognizes Millie, a friend from his neighborhood. This helps him to feel a little less anxious. When Millie introduces him to her friend Ryan, it makes him uneasy. He doesn't know Ryan.

The anxiety Bulldozer feels about the Ice Breaker the teacher makes them do, is completely relatable. I freeze any time I have to do this, because for some reason, at that moment, I have no idea what "one thing about me" is. Bulldozer gets embarrassed and learns that emotions are quick to change from excited to upset in a matter of moments.

He feels recess like there's no room for him and his two friends at recess. Another relatable feeling for kids, especially when maybe they've never or rarely been around so many other kids. His friends suggest building a club house or castle, which is what Bulldozer wanted to do at home. Bulldozer knows he has skills to help with this. After a while, more kids stop what they are doing and come over and help. Later in the day, when asked what their favorite thing about the first day of school was, he finds out that other kids think and feel similar to him.

He is able to be a helper, which so many kids love to do, making it relatable to many kids. He is able to use those special skills again to help the teacher.

Bulldozer discovers that school isn't that bad afterall.

I love that after the book is finished there are activities in the back. These activites are great because they help a child remember the reading and reference back to it. It also helps with grammar and writing. As a parent, I love when books have things like this because I am not always the best at figuring out ways to easily discuss the reading.

Overall, I think this was a good book. 1st-2nd graders would love the story and there are still images to help with context clues. The words are easy to read and understand. The story is relatable. Definitely a book I'd recommend to others.

"B" the Bulldozer is nervous about the upcoming school year. What will he learn? What about the teacher and making new Friends? as the day approaches he must be brave and see what happens when he is. This book approaches the first day jitters as it would through a child's eyes. the topics shown apply to real life and will give any child who reads this book, the confidence to tackle their own first day of school!

Thanks to Net Galley and Christy Ottavlano Books for providing an E Arc, in exchange for an honest review.