Raj's Rule (for the Bathroom at School) - by Lana Button (Hardcover)

About the Book

A lighthearted read-aloud about facing a common childhood fear

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"Raj's Rule (For the Bathroom at School) has arrived just in time to help all of those who will be new to school and navigating the bathroom for the first time."-- "Storytime With Stephanie"

"Raj's Rule (For the Bathroom at School) will be enjoyed by many young children and will also be helpful for children who, like Raj, are struggling with bathroom issues at new locations."-- "Canadian Review of Materials"

"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"

"Lana Button's gentle text doesn't poke fun at Raj and his predilection. She offers a compassionate, even rational, perspective and allows Raj the opportunity to problem solve his own solutions."-- "CanLit for Little Canadians"

"The rhyming verses are conversational, and written in first person voice. Expressive artwork allows those who hear this story to see and acknowledge the emotions felt by the young boy."-- "Sal's Fiction Addiction"

"This book addresses a fairly common childhood anxiety and so can be of a lot of use to many families. However, Raj's experience can easily be applied to trying anything new that feels intimidating at first."-- "Youth Services Book Review"

"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"

"What a great conversation starter! A wonderful melding of bouncy illustrations with a rhyming text that works well for a read-aloud."-- "Kiss the Book"

About the Author

LANA BUTTON has a background in early childhood education and is the author of several picture books. Lana's books are often used to help children overcome anxiety and boost self-esteem. She and her husband live in Burlington, Ontario and have three grown daughters, a doting dog and a spoiled cat.
HATEM ALY is an Egyptian-born artist whose work ranges from editorial illustration to comics, graphic novels, and children's books. Hatem lives in Bathurst, New Brunswick, with his wife, son, a houseful of pets, and one super friendly toilet.