- Introduction to an issue children face around the world: provides insight into and empathy for many children globally who struggle to access education.
- Celebrates children's imagination and autonomy: The Walking School Bus shows the wonderful ideas kids can come up with on their own-and what they can accomplish by working together.
- Notable co-author: Activist and author Ndileka Mandela, granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, brings her expertise in supporting education in rural South Africa to the book.
- Vibrant illustrations: Ugandan-Canadian illustrator Andrew Jackson Obol's proudly Afrocentric art brings the characters to life.