L Is for Loving: An ABC for the Way You Feel

A surefire anxiety buster for children facing the prospect of a new school, Novak's (Mouse TV) ingenuous book is well stocked with humor. From the moment Jazzbo walks down the stairs for breakfast, his jammies jazzed up with an oversize, polka-dot bow tie, this diminutive bear will bring on smiles. In response to his mother's comment that the duo will spend the day ""shopping for a school for Jazzbo,"" the youngster announces firmly, ""I do not need a school."" Their shopping expedition has a rocky start: at the first stop, young animals pore over books as the teacher announces, ""We work all day"" and barks ""No singing"" to a bird outside (""I do not like Grumpity School,"" says Jazzbo). Chaos rules at the Willy Nilly School, where the teacher explains, ""We play all day"" (this time, not surprisingly, Momma doesn't like the school). More promising is the Super School, housed in a tree trunk and filled with a pet hamster, stuffed animals, books and more. Here Miss Boggle and students eventually win over an obstinate Jazzbo by convincing him that this school needs him. Funny visual details and characters' asides, presented in balloons, help to turn a frightening subject into utter merriment. Ages 2-5. (July) Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.