School Is Coming

In Martin’s fourth outing (earlier adventures include Will You Still Love Me If...?), the earnest bear is wary about beginning kindergarten. When his younger sister, Anna, repeatedly insists that she wishes she could go to school, their patient mother replies, “This year it’s Martin’s turn.” In answer to his questions, Mom calmly reassures the bear that the school is big enough to fit all his friends, it’s close enough that the family can walk there, and that he can play ball on the playground, tactically building his confidence until he finally acknowledges that kindergarten might not be so bad. Tharlet’s timeless-feeling pictures reinforce the charm of this gentle tale, which closes with a final question from Martin—“And when Anna is old enough, can we go to school together?”—to which Mom gives a subtle, comforting reply: “I’m sure she would like that.” Ages 3–5. [em](Aug.) [/em]