Our shark lover LOVED this backpack for kindergarten its a good size for a 5/6 year old - not huge like so many I see other kids wearing. Its the perfect size for the takehome folder, a couple art projects, and his lunchbox. It held up the whole year, but did show wear and tear by the end - but thats to be expected. The front pockets zipper came off but it was still usable. The side pockets don't fit a normal water bottle. It would have to be a very narrow one. All in all a good backpack that lasted for a school year. It could probably make it another year, but not beyond that.