LITTLE WOLF GOES TO SCHOOL

The first two in Packard’s new Watch Me Grow series address first-day-of-school fears and the welcoming of a new baby.

When Little Wolf hears from his friends about what their older siblings have learned at school, he becomes afraid that he won’t be good at climbing, fishing or building and doesn’t want to go. But his mother gives him gentle reassurance that he doesn’t have to be the best at everything—school is for learning new things. And that turns out to be true. While he has fun, it is not until after lunch and Bunny goes missing that Little Wolf and his tracking nose truly shine. Unfortunately, a typo may leave readers scratching their heads over the gender of his friend Squirrel. Publishing simultaneously, Little Bear’s Baby Brother is the charming tale of an excited older sister who fashions the perfect gift for her new baby brother. And she’s not the only one to think so—the forest denizens each find her mobile and use it in their own turn, until it finally makes its way back to its intended recipient. McCue, now thoroughly well known for the furry likes of Cork and Fuzz, Quiet Bunny and Corduroy, brings readers a forest community of cute and cuddly characters, each brimming with personality. This series may remind readers of Paulette Bourgeois’ Franklin, though minus much of its didacticism.

Sweet and comforting, as intended.