ADVENTURE ANNIE GOES TO KINDERGARTEN
by Toni Buzzeo & illustrated by Amy Wummer
The first day of school is going to be an adventure, but what kind? A “wild animal zoo adventure”? A “high-flying circus adventure”? A “daring search-and-find rescue adventure”? Unfortunately, it seems as though the so-called “kindergarten adventure” has more to do with following Gold Star Rules than actually having adventures—which has red-caped Adventure Annie wondering just what’s going on. Although she violates several of the Rules, she never loses her enthusiasm, and this ebullience stands her in good stead when the milk fetchers get lost and she finally gets her chance to shine. Buzzeo’s dauntless heroine’s attitude is infectious, and Wummer gives the curly-mopped tyke all the visual verve she deserves. A couple of nice touches: The kindergarten teacher is a man and the principal is a black woman. (Picture book. 4-7)