The Day My Mom Came to Kindergarten

Middle-grade author Fergus (Ortega) makes her picture-book debut with the story of a put-upon kindergartener who is more than ready for school; the same can’t be said for her mother, though. The premise recalls Hyewon Yum’s recent Hey Mom, It’s My First Day of Kindergarten, and this book relies on the same comedic contrast between a confident, well-adjusted kid and a parent who just doesn’t get it. However, Fergus and Lowery distinguish their offering with lively humor and a bright, welcoming cartoon aesthetic. After neglecting to wait in line to enter the classroom, the young narrator’s mother forgets to put her shoes in her cubby, makes a mess at lunch, and otherwise mortifies her daughter. But with patience and some teacherly wisdom (“Ms. Beaudry said I should remember that Mom had never been to our class before”), mother and daughter are able to reach an understanding. Young readers will giggle over the parental talking points the girl deploys (“I’m proud of how hard you tried today, Mom”), while perhaps recognizing some of their own foibles on display. Ages 3–7. (Mar.)