LOOK OUT KINDERGARTEN, HERE I COME!

Carlson brings her vibrant brand of encouragement to bear on the first day of kindergarten. Henry, a mouse, is rip-roaring ready to attend school; his mother has to restrain him from racing out the door before he has washed and brushed, had breakfast, and loaded his backpack. As he and his mother walk to school, Henry bubbles over with questions and guesses about the day’s activities. When they arrive, however, Henry has a typical change of heart: “I want to go home.” With some heartening words from his teacher, Henry goes forth and engages the forces of trepidation and change, not as a superhero, but as one of the meek who knows he has to get on with it. Carlson’s hero is just goofy enough to make her message suspicious; she could be telling readers that if he can do it, so can they. This book will make them relish the chance. (Picture book. 3-5)