Goodbye Brings Hello: A Book of Firsts

PreS-K—This ode to growing up follows a diverse group of preschoolers as they change and learn in the days leading up to their first day of school. One by one, the kids are shown learning new skills such as tying shoes, riding a two-wheel bike, or learning to swim. Others are shown experiencing firsts such as getting a haircut and flying on an airplane. The ending shows the individual kids coming together at the bus stop for their first day of school. The rhyming text lends itself to being read aloud. On a spread showing a girl trying on shoes with laces, the text reads, "Loop the laces. Knot the bows. So long, Velcro-covered toes." The brightly colored, naive-style illustrations add a cheerful positivity to the book. The expressions on the children's faces change from uncertainty, fear, or determination to proud smiles with their accomplishments.