Getting ready for preschool

PreS-K--In a series that celebrates the anticipatory excitement and affirms apprehensions about starting school, each of these titles follows a child approaching the first day of school. Dwayne (the preschooler) and Cynthia (the kindergartner) each lean on the support of their families as they prepare by purchasing supplies, discussing concerns, and sharing encouragement as the big day approaches. Featuring a diverse cast of characters both in school and out, the "Getting Ready" books cover common school-day activities, including circle time, recess, and riding the bus. The stories act as accessible overviews of what most U.S. children can expect when they enter a classroom for the first time. Dwayne's day is relatively smooth; however, Cynthia encounters an emotional roadblock after misplacing her beloved elephant "backpack buddy." Readers will appreciate that she has a successful day regardless, triumphing over disappointment. Better yet, a new friend finds her backpack buddy at the day's end. While the topic of starting school is well-worn territory in children's books, the stories and illustrations in this series are sweet enough to appeal to the very young and their grown-ups who are just as anxious, if not more so, about the school year as their child. A celebratory "I'm ready for Preschool" or "I'm ready for Kindergarten" sign can be found at the end of each book, so readers can take first day of school pictures just like Dwayne and Cynthia do. VERDICT An adorable set of tales to ease jitters and empower small children to welcome new experiences with open arms.--Alexandra Quay