I.Q. GOES TO SCHOOL

All through the school year, I.Q., the class’s pet mouse, wants to be student of the week; he has done everything the class has done, but everyone seems to ignore him as a candidate, regardless of his attentiveness to the literary arts, science, math, crafts, and recess. Time passes with I.Q.’s hearty efforts drawn in watercolor and black line, noting him as a superlative role model. In fact, all the students are just as thoroughly focused; they represent a well-balanced, pleasant, multicultural class group all concentrating on their daily activities; everyone wants to be a successful student and participates in everything, which will be an encouragement especially to the younger elementary reader. Fraser’s enthusiasm for children exploring the world is beautifully upheld in all her work including How Animal Babies Stay Safe (2001) in the Let’s Read and Find Out Science series. Month by month, noting the seasons pass, the school activities are clearly detailed in text and illustration and I.Q. takes part in each, including the very traditional Thanksgiving play. December is handled in the currently acceptable manner, showing a few religious practices, albeit mainstream. Fraser’s overall handling is tender, totally focused on the development level of the reader, and sensitive to the needs of the young student who will be learning just like I.Q. Now on to camp. (Picture book. 5-7)