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Book #11 of 14 in Picture Books and Children's FictionStatus: Ongoing
Chu's First Day Of School
Neil Gaiman

Chu's First Day Of School

Quick Answer

"Chu's First Day Of School" is an optional companion work. It can be read at any time, though it is usually best enjoyed after reading the first few core novels of the Picture Books and Children's Fiction.

Quick Verdict

🟡 Optional side story — not required for main plot

âť“ Can I skip this book?
✅ Yes — Optional

This is a side story that can be safely bypassed without losing any context for the main series.

Verdict Insight: While this short_story provides deeper world-building, it is a standalone story and can be read at any stage.

Is this helpful?
201432 ppShort StoryOptional Side Story
<p>A picture book school story featuring the New York Times bestselling panda named Chu from Newbery Medal-winning author Neil Gaiman and acclaimed illustrator Adam Rex! </p><p>Chu, the adorable panda with a great big sneeze, is heading off for his first day of school, and he's nervous. He hopes the other boys and girls will be nice. Will they like him? What will happen at school? And will Chu do what he does best?</p><p>Chu's First Day of School is a perfect read-aloud story about the universal experience of starting school.</p>
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Next Recommended Book

Hansel And Gretel

Book #12 of 14 in Series

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Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Picture Books and Children's Fiction conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Chu's First Day Of School?

This is a side story that can be safely bypassed without losing any context for the main series.

Can I read Chu's First Day Of School before Chu's Day At The Beach?

Yes. Chu's First Day Of School is an optional side story and can be read at any time without spoiling the main series plot.

Is Chu's First Day Of School required reading for the Picture Books and Children's Fiction?

No, it is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not essential to the central storyline.

What comes after Chu's First Day Of School in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Chu's First Day Of School is Hansel And Gretel (Book #12).

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