Birdie's Big-Girl School Day

PreS-Gr 1—In this fourth story about Birdie, the beautiful and sweet fashionista is apprehensive about her first day of school. She is filled with questions: What should she take? What will she wear? Is her teacher really a werewolf? The child's lithe and fashionable mother comforts her daughter's fears as they near the school, and Birdie soon discovers to her delight that her classroom is "beautiful" and well-organized, that the food is "delicious," and that she enjoys learning and playing with her friends. When she returns home, Birdie can't wait to share all the details of her special day with her mother and her little white dog, Monster: "She felt glad Mr. Bobbins was her teacher. She felt smart from all the things she learned. She felt proud of what she had done during the day." Rim's charming illustrations are done in watercolor and collage. As usual, the details of the characters' clothing perfectly capture their personalities. There is a sweetness and gentleness to this story that children will appreciate, particularly the portrayal of school as a nurturing and enlightening place.