MOUSE'S FIRST NIGHT AT MOONLIGHT SCHOOL

A shy new student uses her best talent to ease into her first night at school.

Anxious Mouse has a clever solution for her first-night worries: she sneaks into school early and hides so as to avoid her classmates and teacher. But her manners are too good to ignore the black-hat–clad teacher when she asks if Mouse is present, and glasses-wearing Bat, Cat, Owl, and Miss Moon all compliment her excellent hiding ability. Then the five enjoy a rousing game of hide-and-seek (Mouse proves she’s the best, though observant readers may spot her) before a midnight snack. The slight tale doesn’t offer much for those who are similarly nervous or shy about their own first days of school. While the classroom is outfitted with some familiar school things, there are also some standouts that suit Moonlight School, including books of spells, a jar labeled “eyes of newts,” and a jar holding the classroom’s supply of magic wands. Pye’s digital illustrations are full of shadows brightened by both a few lanterns and the moon, never letting readers forget the specialness of this particular school.

Unless they are as good at hiding as Mouse, readers will be hard-pressed to apply any lessons learned here in their own lives.