From Publishers Weekly
The title refers to the cry of Daniel the elephant, facing his first day at preschool. He sobs and hides behind his mother. But she knows precisely what to do: rather than be a cheerleader for the experience, she calmly and patiently lets Daniel work through his feelings, reassures him that she will always come back and they share their special goodbye. Mollified and fortified, Daniel joins the group. He gleefully spouts water through his trunk at the water table, and "When he looked up, his mother was gone." In both her words and meticulous watercolor illustrations, Zalben painstakingly lays out the arc of the day. Like Daniel's mother, she does not beat the drum for preschool, yet clearly communicates that it's filled with nice new friends and seemingly endless options for fun. She also honestly conveys how Daniel begins to fall apart when he isn't the first to be picked up at day's end. The book concludes with some common-sense preschool adjustment tips from Zalben's editor. Children on the verge of experiencing this milestone should find plenty of reassurance in the steady rhythm of the prose and the tableaux-styled pictures. Ages 2-4. (Aug.)
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
reS-Cozy artwork and a reassuring text make this book a solid choice for quelling those first-day fears. After packing his lunch and his favorite stuffed animal, Daniel and his mother head for preschool. Awed by the big classroom and unfamiliar faces, the youngster does not want his mother to leave. She patiently helps him settle his things into his cubby, holds his hand while he watches the other children play, and promises that she will return for him. With the encouragement of an understanding teacher, Daniel slowly begins to participate in the classroom activities. By day's end, he greets his mother with two pumpkin cookies, a drawing of his friends, and a great big smile. The pen-and-watercolor illustrations feature a cast of colorfully clothed animal characters. Daniel and his mother are elephants, the teacher is a kind-faced dog with long ears, and the other students include a cat and a pig. The scenes are filled with realistic details: shelves piled high with tempting toys, interesting wall charts, and a colorful storytime rug. Zalben depicts an inviting environment and treats Daniel's concerns with understanding and respect, showing readers how feelings of anxious anticipation can be transformed into enthusiasm and contentment. An editor's note provides tips for parents about getting their little ones ready for "the big day." Pair this with Amy Hest's Off to School, Baby Duck (Candlewick, 2001) and Kevin Henkes's Wemberly Worried (Greenwillow, 2000) to take the edge off a difficult new experience.
Joy Fleishhacker, formerly at School Library Journal
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
