If Jesus Came to My School

Alexis Dallara-Marsh reviews a Christian picture book designed to help young children to learn about kindness and welcoming others. 

If Jesus Came to My School

By April Graney; illustrated by Yana Kozak
Published by Multnomah Books

If Jesus Came to My School, written by April Graney and illustrated by Yana Kozak, is a cute and inclusive picture book with rhyming text accompanied by cheerful artwork. It is probably best suited for toddlers and possibly early elementary school-aged kids. I am hopeful that my 9- and 8-year-old children will take the time to share this easy reader with my very active and sometimes difficult to engage 3-year-old.

Imagining Jesus as a first-grader makes our fully human but fully divine Lord much more relatable to little ones, both for His teachings and for more effectively encouraging them to mimic His ways. This book would also be a great teaching tool as it helps one to imagine Jesus in our 21st-century American school culture. There are engaging illustrations of the other children's various facial expressions on a typical school day (one sleeping with her glasses falling sideways, another deeply lost in a first-grade book).

Inclusion Portrayed in Both Text and Illustrations

Jesus is one of the multiple children in this book who are darker-skinned, a deviation from some of the other common depictions in our society, but one which I very much value. Such a depiction can open discussion of His ancestral origins while emphasizing the relevance of diversity, particularly in the United States. Jesus wears a white cloak with a blue sash, reminding me somewhat of Mother Teresa, another potential discussion point. The pictures of the smiling children are quite inviting, perfect for little ones.

The book almost reminds me of what a first- or second-grader might have written had they been given a similar assignment of what Jesus would be like to them as a child. From the child Jesus racing down a slide to eating egg rolls and tacos, it is a sweet story of how we can be a neighbor to one another, particularly someone new. The plotline revolves around Jesus first being brought into the class and then extending friendship to another child who feels alone. The theme is so easy for a young child to grasp and follow along.

I appreciate the enthusiasm and positivity, as well as the simplicity. More than math, English, or anything else, it is so critical to teach our children how to exhibit kindness to one another in the classroom. This is particularly true given the high incidence of social isolation and bullying in our country. The story concludes that, as the Church is the hands and feet and body of Christ, it is imperative that we carry out His teachings by displaying a welcoming kindness which includes all around us.

I am inspired by this book that our children are both the light of the world and that world peace is indeed a possibility through our living Lord, Jesus Christ. 

Is this a book you'd like to read? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2025 Alexis Dallara-Marsh
Images: (top) provided by the publisher