Emily Just in Time

Slepian's (The Alfred Summer; Lost Moose) leisurely paced tale fulfills a particular mission: it sounds a reassuring note to youngsters frustrated by how long it takes to grow ""from not-being-able, to now-[you]-can."" In Emily's case, she can't yet make it through the night at her grandmother's house. After Grandma puts Emily to bed, ""her stomach bumps and her swallow hurts and she has to sit up to make room in her mouth for the cry to get out."" The narrative chronicles three would-be sleepovers; each time Emily's fears prompt an early return home, escorted by the ever-calm Grandma until the eventual successful overnight. Coalson's (Hi!) illustrations pair a breezy, rough-hewn style with vague period details (Grandma, her gray braids neatly bound across her head, stitches at an antique sewing machine; there's a hat pin in her shapeless cloche; etc.). The artist injects some humor, chiefly through the invention of an unusually expressive cat not mentioned in the text. Those youngsters struggling to conquer their fears will take comfort in this tale of triumph in everyday victories. Ages 3-7. (Apr.)