I purchased this about a year ago for my 4 year old son to use for summer camp and preschool. While it now has some very tiny holes in it, everything has lasted well enough and we will make it work through the end of the school year. He carries a folder, lunchbox, water bottle, blanket, every day and sometimes the occasional art project to/from school. It wouldn't be durable enough to carry textbooks, in my opinion. But a great "big kid" backpack for your "little kid"...especially for the price. I plan on purchasing another for this upcoming school year...and if he asks for any characters like 4 year olds do...I may find some iron on or glue on patches to customize it.