THE TWELVE DAYS OF WINTER

Those hysterical kindergartners are back with even more personality in this delightful wintry sequel to The Twelve Days of Kindergarten (2003). While Rose’s little blond narrator tells her own story of feeding the birds, visiting the zoo, studying a worm farm and enjoying music and arts and crafts, Armstrong-Ellis’s pictures show her classmates engaged in their own pursuits. The little girl who only drew horses now sculpts them; the klutzy boy has an accident with glue; and the nose-picker cuts a hole in his mitten for his finger. Add to the mix a Miss Frizzle-like teacher, an escaped zoo penguin and an open window, and the scene is set for some chaotic learning experiences. But through it all, readers get a sense of the camaraderie of the classroom. Unfortunately, only one hamster remains in residence. Nevertheless, observant readers will find plenty of other details to chuckle over. Sure to be loved by students and teachers alike. (Picture book. 4-8)