THE BOO-BOOS OF BLUEBELL ELEMENTARY

A day in the life of a busy school nurse.

After arriving by bike, beloved Miss Peatree, who is brown-skinned, begins her workday at Bluebell Elementary. Whistling, she unlocks her room with a big brass key, wipes the counters, sweeps, and more—each step with gusto!—as she sets up for the day ahead. Her first young patient visits her before classes even begin, proclaiming a tummy “full of grumbles.” Another, whose face is splattered with paint (“a catastrophe!”), barges in soon after. Next comes a loose tooth, then homesickness. There’s blood, snot, lice, a splinter, a paper cut, vomit, and injuries galore. The nurse’s office is practically a revolving door of children—and even one principal. A visitor log sidebar cleverly tracks each patient’s name (including repeat visitors), ailment, and status. Miss Peatree fixes up each and every person. But who takes care of Miss Peatree when she gets home? Farrell’s full-color art shines in its details, especially the hand-lettering that matches each patient’s mood and ailment. The characters’ histrionic facial expressions expertly complement Wallace’s humorous narrative. Endpapers feature bandages of various colors and skin tones, an inclusive touch for the diverse cast.

A wholesome and heartwarming ode to school nurses everywhere.