Norman’s First Day at Dino Day Care

Readers can enjoy a game of seek-and-find while following the experiences of shy dinosaur Norman as he joins a preschool group for the first time in this winning picture book. Though purple pterodactyl Miss Beak and the earnest class of dinos are warmly welcoming, diminutive Norman has little interest in being the center of attention, leading him to jump into the pencil bucket, dive under a pillow, and scamper up a tree when he feels nervous. When Miss Beak pairs Norman with another anxious dino for an activity, the duo hatches a plan that helps them find a bit of courage and pull off a performance that surprises and delights their friends. Miss Beak, sporting a jaunty kerchief in Julian’s sweet art, is a calm and patient presence for the cast of genuinely gentle young dinosaurs—a vibe likely to build confidence in young humans. Ages 4–8. (July)