I was searching for a BPA-free, Phthalate-free, PVC-free backpack for my daughter for kindergarten, and was thrilled to find these backpacks!

My five-year-old daughter saw the pink mouse Skip Hop in my Amazon search results, and immediately fell in love with it. I saw the dimensions, and thought it would be best to go with something this size, since she's a small child (36 lbs).

While I do not regret buying this backpack (she LOVES it), I suspect her teacher isn't wild about it shape. ;) Like other reviewers, we have a plastic folder that comes home every day in the backpack, but the only way for it to fit is to fold it (which we don't do. It has artwork inside) or bend the corners (doesn't affect the artwork too badly most days).

If Skip Hop would make these backpacks with more squared-off edges on top, the folders would fit fine! But because the packs are rounded and narrower at the top, there is some necessary bending involved. It's also tough to get the folder in if there's anything else already in there (mini umbrella, raincoat, sweater, whatever). You have to remove everything in the large part, put the folder in, fold the top edges, then add any other stuff in front of the folder. Not easy for my five-year-old to do. Probably not fun for her teacher, either.

But what I love about it (aside from how cute it is): That front pocket! It is a lot roomier than the picture would appear. Right now she's got a full plastic travel wipe container, pack of tissues, and a mini umbrella (no raincoat though, but it would fit rolled up, by itself. Maybe with a mini umbrella, if the jacket were thin).

A minor annoyance: the side mesh pocket for water bottles. It is so shallow that a decent-sized travel bottle will not stay in. We use Contigo Autoseal Kids Cups. They are too tall to fit in this side pocket. The elastic cord does not have a clip on it to tighten (you're supposed to tie it but ours doesn't stay tied well). I had to go buy a clip for it.

You might find it holds a shorter cup, or something else entirely, but ours remains unused. (The water bottle goes in her lunch bag.)

Bottom line: I agree with other reviewers who recommend this for a toddler/preschooler, but not a kindergartener. Or, for a kindergartener to use as an overnight bag.

EDIT: I ended up ordering a junior backpack from a certain well-known retailer in Maine, and am very glad I did. It's far roomier and no more squished folders. My kindergartener was sad to relegate the Mouse backpack to non-school use, but it still works great for holding her things for a short trip.