Birdie’s Big-Girl School Day

Rim’s stylish heroine returns in a fourth picture book, and her concerns go beyond playing dress-up or picking the perfect coif: “she wondered deep down if she was really ready for school.” Birdie’s fears prove short-lived, and she immediately recognizes how much school has to offer, from story time to recess and learning about letters, numbers, and countries, including the fact that “Italy looks just like one of Mommy’s boots.” (Rim even gives the nation a Louboutin-worthy streak of red on its “sole.”) Watching Birdie shift from nervousness to excitement about school should be encouraging for readers in the same shoes. Ages 3–6. Agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. (July)