You're Wearing That to School?!

PreS-Gr 1—This gentle picture book delivers its message with a minimum of didacticism. Outgoing, optimistic, and original, Penelope, a hippo, is excited about starting school. Her retiring friend Tiny, a mouse, is a pessimistic first-grader determined to prevent what he expects would be gaffes on her first day. Penelope plans to wear her favorite outlandish outfit, bring her well-worn stuffed toy for show-and-tell, and pack a picnic lunch. Tiny quashes her cheerful plans, dialing her down to jeans and a T-shirt, a rock, and PB&J. Undeterred, the hippo ignores Tiny's advice and shows up at the bus stop dressed as she originally planned. At school, they separate, rejoining for lunch. The lunchroom doors open in a double gatefold to reveal a blanket full of kindergarteners of various species, all sporting wild outfits and eating picnic food. (Some "stuffies" are in evidence as well.) Penelope declares the first day of school fun, and Tiny agrees. The text reads aloud smoothly, with Tiny's repeated, dismayed "Oh, no, no!" inviting participation. The brightly colored cartoon animals are appealingly cuddly looking. Pictorial thought bubbles are an effective device, and exuberant Penelope tends to fill full-color single pages and spreads. Cornelison is a master of facial expressions, displaying the characters' emotions for all to see. "Tips for a Hippo Happy First Day of School" are appended. Although plenty of starting-school books are available, this is a pleasant addition where more are needed.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT