A
n all-animal cast and cozy illustrations in a warm palette of browns and olive greens invite preschool children into Winget's debut book about starting school. Tucker, the older brother in his rabbit family, pulls his patchwork quilt over his head and declares, "I don't want to go to school." With his father's encouragement ("I was scared... but I did it and you can, too!") and a surprise family portrait from Mother and his sister, Tulip, slipped into his backpack, Tucker braves his first day. Despite spilling some paint and singing out of turn, the day is a hit—thanks to his kindly teacher, Miss Blossom (a ewe) and his new friends. Always smiling, a dog, cat, duck and twin bears round out his classmates. Their cuddly appearance in denim and plaid clothing, along with snug accents (a sunflower and heart on the teacher's apron, a carrot motif throughout) emit a farmhouse charm. The overall effect of the cheerful, homey touches is one of comfort and tranquility. Endpapers brim with snapshots of the characters against a green pinstripe backdrop, along with a final vote of confidence for Tucker (and all readers) in a letter from his family: "We're so proud of you! Look what you can do!" Ages 2-5. (July)
