From School Library Journal
PreSchool-K Vera is so eager with anticipation for her first day of school that she wakes up early enough to watch the sunrise. After putting on her new dress and checking her book bag for supplies, she wakes up her sleepy older sisters. The three girls cut across their grouchy neighbors' property on their walk to school and the Baileys threaten to call the police. Then, Vera is left on the playground after the bell rings and the school doors slam shut. She walks home by herself and tiptoes up to her room, unbeknownst to her mother who is bathing the baby. Happily, Vera's first day ends successfully after Mother discovers her under the bed and walks her back to the classroom. Rosenberry accurately portrays a child's mixed feelings thrilling yet scary on her first day in school. Brightly colored gouache illustrations fill the pages with expressive, spirited youngsters and appealing images. Reassuring fare for the beginning of the school year. Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
The author/illustrator of
When Vera Was Sick (1998) creates another book based on her childhood experiences. Vera gets ready for the first day of school and leaves with her older sisters. But when she arrives and sees so many children, she feels nervous and shy. Not knowing what to say or do, she loses herself in watching a caterpillar. When the school doors close, Vera finds herself alone, gets confused, runs home, and hides under her bed. Mother eventually discovers her, and Vera is able to make a fresh start. Rosenberry's gouache illustrations focus on important details, such as a red dress waiting on the chair next to Vera's bed and the school supplies inside her backpack. But in every detail of this book, from Vera's trepidation and the name tags visible on her desk and cubbyhole to her first smiling exchange with a potential friend, Rosenberry's Vera epitomizes Everychild on the first day of school. The multicultural classroom is as natural as can be, and Vera, in her bright red dress, shines like the special child she is. A winning exploration of a universal experience.
Kathy Broderick
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
