Puddle's New School

PreS-K—Puddle and his two friends watch the older ducklings make their way to Willow Brook Duckling School, and he wants to be just like them. One day his mother tells him that he's big enough to start school. Initially, he can hardly wait, but the night before the big day, "his little heart went pitter-patter," and he changes his mind. With the gentle urging of his mother, Puddle bravely goes off to school with Pip and Fern. He participates in activities such as matching ladybugs, counting caterpillars, lily-pad leaping, lunch, naptime, and art projects. Whenever he feels anxious, he caresses one of his mother's feathers that she tucked into his school bag. At day's end, she welcomes him home with a warm, soft hug. When he falls asleep that night, the pitter-patter of his heart is no longer due to anxiety, but rather to anticipation. "He couldn't wait to see what he would do tomorrow at duckling school." This is a reassuring tale for first time school-goers. Its universal theme, coupled with large naturalistic illustrations and large font size, makes it an excellent read-aloud for young children and for use in preschool/daycare and kindergarten settings.—Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH