Lila Greer, Teacher of the Year

Questioneers Picture Books

by Andrea Beaty, David Roberts (Illustrator)

Lila Greer, Teacher of the Year is a moving story starring the Questioneers’ teacher that’s all about kindness, learning to face your fears, and the profound difference that one brilliant educator can make in a child’s life, from author Andrea Beaty and illustrator David Roberts, the #1 New York Times bestselling creators of Aaron Slater, Illustrator and Ada Twist, Scientist !

Lila Greer is full of worries. Even the smallest things—from cabbages to cardboard—fill her with dread and what-if s. So when her family makes a big change—moving to a new town—the worry and what-if s only grow. What if things go wrong? What if no one likes her?

At first, Lila feels right to be worried. In her new home, everything is strange. The new kids, the new smells. Lila feels alone and invisible. But there’s one person who sees Lila’s teacher, Ms. Kern. Through some creativity, blackboard erasers, and—most of all—kindness, Ms. Kern finds a way to make Lila feel welcome and open to new experiences. A lesson that will resonate with Lila long after second grade.

Follow Iggy Peck, Rosie Revere, Ada Twist, Sofia Valdez, Aaron Slater, and Lila Greer on all of their adventures! Add the picture books, chapter books, and activity books starring the Questioneers to your family library

Genres: Picture Books, School, Childrens, Mental Health, Fiction, Teachers, Back To School

32 pages, Hardcover

First published November 7, 2023

About the author

For more information, visit my website (www.AndreaBeaty.com).

Also, visit www.Questioneers.com for posters, activities, educator resources, and other information about the Questioneer books.

Further, check out Story Time From Space to see Ada Twist and Rosie Revere read at the International Space Station by astronauts! It’s out of this world.

https://storytimefromspace.com/ada-tw...

Reviews

[Bree Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if some What Ifs are not bad at all?

This was a delightful children’s story about the teacher who made young Lila feel comfortable when she was nervous about going to school, & how that affects what Lila chooses to do when she is of age. It was adorable and inspiring and I’m happy I began the new year with it.

[Susanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do I cry big, fat, happy tears at this beautiful book? Yes, indeed, I do.

[Teacher Librarian Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful picture book about new starts and finding courage, regardless of age. Teachers are special people to be celebrated in our communities. We learn so much from them and they often fuel the fire we have within to burn bright in our chosen fields. I loved how the book showed the anxieties that can pop up throughout life and yet it is often at these times that we achieve our best or gain the most satisfaction as we have overcome our fears. Highly recommend to young and old xox

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another fabulous book in the Questioneers series. Every book in this series is to die for. I adore the rhyming format used to tell the stories, the amazingly captivating illustrations, and the stories filled with real life issues and strong themes. This one makes a perfect gift for any teacher, but especially one just starting out. I will be buying it for my 9 year old niece who sometimes struggles with the What Ifs in life. I LOVE THIS BOOK!!

[Lexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent as usual, I just love this series. Share this one with the teachers in your life. And the anxious kiddos. And the anxious grown-ups. Everyone really.

[Sewveryblessed]

Mental health is a big aspect of this one. Although since I ordered this on audio, without seeing the cover art, I didn't realize it was actually a kids book-oops! IT has themes of burnout, anxiety, and self-doubt which are gently handled from the perspective of a teacher and a student. At the end of the book there are ideas for resources and how it's normal to ask for help.

[Karrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoy this series, even the graph paper end papers! So much to look at on each page.

Nice to have a teacher story that is about an interaction that isn’t instantly recognized as life changing.

[Aneesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how the lines/rhymes and sentences do not align. And that we got to talk about anxiety medication.

[Paige Bucha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute book about anxiety and how what ifs don't always have to be bad thoughts.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read more than a dozen of the books listed by the NYT (and probably some other listers) as the best illustrated books of the year. These are the ones I liked best.

And I think I like this one the best of them all. I love a text that has rhythm and rhyme (like my all time favorites by Roy Gerrard). And this story has a strong lesson of help and encouragement aimed at young readers/listeners. The artwork is sort of quirky and whimsical but detailed enough to warrant close attention and differentiate the characters. Lots of white space also so it looks open and clean and uncluttered.

Plus: I believe the author lives in my town. (I’ve learned since that she lives around here.)

[Amy Oberts]

"Lila Greer, Teacher of the Year" is a picture book that could fall under the umbrella of "social-emotional stories," but not because the author/illustrator approach the subject of anxiety in a clinical or moralizing way.

Lila Greer, a young girl who often finds herself fretting, finds her world turned upside down after her family moves to a new town--an experience cleverly portrayed by the illustrations and text being rotated 180 degrees between pages. When Lila's second-grade teacher takes notice of Lila's anxiety and finds ways to help her connect to her new environment and classmates--as well as her own thoughts--Lila begins to flourish. Lila, in turn, goes on to become a classroom teacher at the same elementary school, while still addressing her "what ifs" as an adult.

With an end note that alerts readers to the symptoms of anxiety, both in terms of short-term stressors and long-term disorders, this story captures both the struggles and triumphs of managing reoccurring fears and self-doubt. The intervention of a caring teacher is presented simply, yet authentically, and speaks to the power of connection. A wonderful picture book from 2023.

Publication Date: 2023
Format: Picture book; book 6 in "The Questioneers" series
Elements: Poetry/prose; varying layouts in terms of white space/illustrated proportions
Connection/Topics: Stress, anxiety; facing fears; power of teachers

[Roben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lila Greer is an overthinker. A worrier. A "What If something bad happens" kind of kid. Especially when, at the beginning of 2nd grade, Lila moves to a new town and a new school. Her teacher welcomes her - but Lila just doesn't fit in with the other kids. One day, her wonderful teacher asks Lila to help her erase the board. And as Lila is erasing, they talk. Lila eventually feels comfortable sharing her What If questions and anxieties with her teacher. And gradually her teacher introduces Lila to other classmates. And reminds Lila that not all What Ifs are bad. What if you make a friend? What if you have a wonderful adventure? The book quickly follows Lila as she grows up and becomes a teacher herself. As she is entering her first classroom, she is reminded of the wonderful kindness shown to her by that 2nd grade teacher.

The author has a short note in the back of the book that discusses anxiety and anxiety disorder.

[Anne with Violets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you're a child or an adult, it can be nerve-wracking when you have to start somewhere new, and there are two things that can help. One is to ask yourself what if? and to visualize positive and negative images. Why is it helpful to visualize negative images? Because you realize that the worst thing you can imagine won't hurt you as much.

Another thing that can help us when we're struggling in an unfamiliar situation is a "kind stranger". If it's your classroom teacher? That's great.

The title, Lila Greer, Teacher of the Year, gives away a lot. A child who grew up overcoming difficulties thanks to the thoughtfulness of a kind teacher becomes a teacher, and a teacher of the year! The funny thing is, this book doesn't tell the story of Lila's life as a teacher. However, we, the readers, can fully imagine her what if. Lila, the teacher of the year who treats her students with kindness!

[Nicole Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher for my honest opinion.

Lila Greer is full of fear. Just as she is starting to become less afraid, her big family moves to a new place, filled with new unknowns and old fears. Everything changes though when she meets a very special teacher. As usual, I loved Beaty’s new Questioneers book and character, Lila. The illustrations are whimsical as always. The sing song text is fun and easy to follow and read. The big takeaway though is that this book is an ode to teachers. Full of love and kindness, not only does Lila find comfort in her new teacher, she is inspired to become one herself. A really lovely book for any family but especially those struggling with anxiety or new schools. And of course, this would a be wonderful book for Teacher Appreciation Week or just a way to say thank you to a teacher you love.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommending these books make me feel like the parent who insists that "raisins are "nature's candy!" There is a teachery tameness to "The Questioneers" that has always dampered my enthusiasm for the series, and yet I can't really point to any one book and say it wasn't good.

At any rate, I think this snobbishness caused me to sleep on Andrea Beaty, because Lila Greer is yet another solid installment, that I think could help children talk about managing their anxiety, while also normalizing the fact that everyone gets anxious sometimes.

I'm not saying I am completely wrong about these benevolently bland books, but there is something real and sweet there as well, which makes it worthwhile. After reading "Lila Greer, Teacher of the Year", I feel comfortable upgrading the series from mere raisins, to a raisinny trail mix, with a few M&M's inside.

3.5 Stars

[Angie Counsell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book by Andrea Beaty that tackles the subject of children with anxiety and how it can take over their thoughts, actions, and lives and the people that help them overcome it. The book shows a young girl who gets overwhelmed by the "What If's" and how her teacher helps her overcome them and look at them from a different perspective.

I love all the books done by Andrea Beaty. Iggy peck, Architect, Rosie Revere, Engineer, and all the rest are great at showing children that they are all different and can overcome anything to be whatever they want to be. Another aspect that I absolutely love is the use of dyslexia-friendly font, which helps enable all readers to have easy access to the text and the message.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lila is a worrier. She had managed to get her "What ifs" under control, but then her family moves and she has to go to a new school. Lila does not adjust well until her teacher asks for her help during recess. A beautiful ode to teachers with a wonderful message about kindness.

"Her teacher had done what all great teachers do.
She'd built a new home, right there in Grade Two.

Lila paused as old memories flooded her mind
and she found that one word that she wanted to find.
Her teacher was . . .
fiercely . . .
ferociously. . .
unfathomably. . .
KIND."

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars (I really liked it)

This was not at all what I was expecting. When I saw that the newest Questioneers book was about the teacher, I immediately thought I probably won't like it because I vaguely remember being annoyed by some of Mrs. Greer's choice in previous installments of the series. Then I started the book and it focused mostly on a young Lila Greer, which at first I thought was weird.
But then I read the book and I really liked how Beaty depicts anxiety with Lila Greer. I like the example of the kind, gentle teacher who helps Lila feel at home in her new school and I love how Lila takes that experience and tried to pay it forward with her students.
This would be an excellent (college) graduation gift to a new teacher!

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just discovered this book at my local library and had to read it while I was there. It is the latest book in the Questioneers series of picture books by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts.

It addresses the anxiety many children feel and one teacher's novel way to make a young girl feel comfortable, needed, and helpful. I love that Lila was inspired to become a teacher herself.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes you want to cry. In a good way. It follows many of the other books in this series about a kid needing to find an answer for themselves. In this case, Lila Grier is afraid of the “what if”. But teacher helps her through this in the kindest way possible and leads to her becoming a teacher later in life. This book rhymes throughout and it’s very well done. The illustrations are fun but a bit old-fashioned. The historical times you expect to be but when Lila becomes a teacher the pencil skirt and heels seems a little old-fashioned, but I love it. All in total, this is a great book to add to this series.

[Книжни Криле · Rating 5 out of 5]

Андреа Бийти е автор, който умее да вдъхновява и забавлява младите читатели с чаровните си, амбициозни герои и техните римувани истории. В книгите "София Валдент, бъдещ президент" и "Лайла Гриър, класна прекрасна", тя представя две доста различни, но еднакво вдъхновяващи героини, които се изправят пред предизвикателствата на живота с кураж и решителност. Прочетете ревюто на „Книжни Криле“: https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/202...

[Afoma (Reading Middle Grade) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who’s ever had a life-changing teacher knows what a gift it is. Lila Greer is an anxious child constantly pondering many what-ifs, but a kind teacher helps her find friends and self-confidence. Now that she’s a teacher, Lila finds a way to be that person for her students, even though her self-doubt never completely disappears. This is a moving picture book with tons of kid appeal, perfect for the anxious kid on their first day of school, after a big move, or just any day the what-ifs strike.

[Bedashruti Mitra Basu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new beginning almost always has new unknowns and is often full of anxiety, whether it is the start of a new semester or the start of a new adventure. I adore Andrea Beaty’s rhyming text and David Roberts’ playful illustrations in “𝗟𝗶𝗹𝗮 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿, 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿” as they tell us the captivating story of little Lila and her journey of becoming a teacher. I also love how Andrea conveys the message that anxiety can pop up at any stage in life (and of course teachers can get anxious too!) – this book is a must-read for all teachers and students out there! LOVED this book!

[Rachael]

This is the only book in this series I've read but I loved it. I think having these characters overlap from other books but also stand alone is a great idea, and this book in particular has a very sweet message that I think will connect to lots of kids, especially those with anxiety particularly around school. Going to a mew school with new people can be incredibly overwhelming, and I loved thst this book validated that fear, while still keeping a light tone and fun rhyme scheme, and showing at the end thst even adults get nervous sometimes, and it's nothing to be ashamed of.

[Raquel Pilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lila lived with her father and 4 siblings in a nice place, where she was used to. But when she moves, suddenly many 'What Ifs'take her head and make her anxious about everything, especially school. There, her teacher little by little makes children join her and she is finally part of the class.
When she grows up and becomes a teacher, Lila is overwhelmed again with the 'What Ifs' and that is when she remembers what her former teacher was when she felt that way.
Sweet story from this beautiful collection! ❤

[Susan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is yet another hit-out-of-the-park for Andrea Beauty, of the Questioneers fame. Lila Greer is another kid who is different--fearful, awkward, shy. Through the deft orchestrations of her sympathetic and perceptive teacher, Lila gains friends and confidence and empathy toward others. And she grows up and becomes a teacher who is sensitive to the differences and needs of her students... Some cycles are wonderful. As is this addition to the Questioneers series.

[Colleen Bincarousky · Rating 5 out of 5]

“And she knew in that moment what her teacher had done. … Her teacher had done what all great teachers do. She built a new home, right there in grade two.”

Exceptionally well written and fun book about the power of a good teacher. And, perhaps more importantly, another relatable and great book in this series. I am in awe of the depth and complexity and yet simplicity of each book in the series.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me all of the feels and has to be my favorite in the series! It tells the story of Ms. Lila Greer and gives us insight on her upbringing and a kind teacher who helped her in her struggles and modeled for her how to be a teacher who is there for her students. I love that she comes full circle and actually doesn't realize the significance of what the teacher did until she herself is a teacher.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard Beaty speak about her creative genius developing this series. She talked reflecting on the illustrations in the first book to identify a defining character trait amongst the kids (or in this case teacher) in the class, then using that to create and write a story - turning a negative into a positive.

Lila was an anxious child. She taps into her childhood experiences with anxiety to help the kids in her classroom. LOVE this series!!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

“What is some What Ifs are not bad at all?”

As a little girl, Lila Greer suffers from the anxiety of the “What if?” Especially when things change, like going to a new school for second grade. But thanks to a kind teacher, Ms. Kern, Lila is able to see that there can be good outcomes to change, too. So years later, when Lila Greer is beginning her career as a teacher and is suffering from all those “What Ifs”, she remembers Ms. Kern’s advice.