Raj’s Rule (For the Bathroom at School)

ISBN: 9781771473408

Illustrated by Hatem Aly

Published by Owlkids

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.

AWARDS

 2020 Ontario Library Association Best Bets List Honourable Mention winner

• 2021 Best Books for Kids and Teens commendation

"A sympathetic treatment of a common but rarely depicted childhood anxiety."

-Kirkus Reviews

"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."

-Publishers Weekly

"Told in rhyming couplets, this book will be great for young readers who have anxiety about using unknown restrooms, but most kids will relate to "holding it"... Not only is this a celebration of independent potty usage, this book is a terrific talking piece for overcoming personal fear."

-Booklist