Noni Is Nervous

PreS-Gr 2— In this companion to Noni Says No (Tundra, 2011), the child is nervous about lots of things, big and small, but she is particularly anxious about her first day of school. Biting her nails, twirling her hair, and talking nonstop might help a bit, but they annoy her family. There is much to worry about. What will she wear, where will she sit, and what if the teacher is a (real) monster? Even after she meets her teacher, Noni bites her nails and talks nonstop to her neighbor, trying to calm her nerves. That evening, Mama suggests that making a friend might help. So, the next day, Noni introduces herself to Briar, the girl sitting next to her on the bus. Briar introduces her to the other children. Even though that goes well, she is still worried. She could get lost at school, spill her juice all over herself, or have an accident. But, as it turns out, "Noni has a fine time" at school, playing with her new friends. That evening she announces to her family (who have been apprehensive for her) that "School was great!… I really don't know what you are all so nervous about!" The illustrations are done with charcoal-like lines, filled in with inks. They are childlike in their presentation and work well with the story. A fine addition to the collection of books addressing the fears and anxieties about going to school.—Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA