When Eliza begins her first day of kindergarten, her mother lovingly places a special kiss inside her pocket. However, much to her dismay, Eliza discovers that her pocket of kisses feels too empty and is soon awash in homesickness. As she goes through the routine of a typical kindergarten day, the intrepid little girl discovers mundane items that remind her of her mom. By midday, she has collected a pair of blue buttons discovered at circle time, a smooth pebble found at recess and a red napkin salvaged from snack. A touch of creativity at craft time results in a cleverly crafted keepsake for Eliza to assuage her longing for her mother. McGinty’s compassionate tale gives anxious readers the inspiration to discover unique ways to handle their own separation anxieties. Speir’s acrylic paintings rely on bright bold colors to capture the reader’s attention. The simplicity of her illustrations allows readers to connect with Eliza’s changing emotions. This encouraging tale emphasizes self-reliance as young readers anticipate their first separation from home. (Picture book. 5-8)
