IT’S MY SCHOOL

Alice eagerly awaits the start of kindergarten, while older brother Tom is not so eager to have her attend the same school, more concerned about how she will embarrass him. Urged by Dad to be nice and watch out for his little sister, Tom is at first angry, then resentful, but dutifully comes to her aid at recess when she tearfully loses her Teddy to another child. He even plants “a great big kiss, right on her cheek” before returning to his friends. Expressive features highlighting both Tom’s negativity and Alice’s enthusiasm extend the message in animated mixed-media, brightly colored paintings that portray a typical day at school filled with multicultural schoolmates. An honest portrayal of first-day concerns from an older child’s perspective, some rivalry and true sibling love. Including Dad as the parental focus is another realistic touch. (Picture book. 5-8)