A reluctant preschooler decides to play hooky from school. Young Sam awakens one morning with the notion to spend the day at home; visions of lounging in bed and idly playing with toys convince him to send his stuffed monkey, Timbo, in his place. Sam’s ingenious stratagems will delight persnickety preschoolers, as he executes a well-thought-out disguise for his impersonator—right down to a hat and socks to cover big monkey ears and feet. In preparation for the switch, Sam describes a typical school day for the apprehensive toy. To his amazement, Sam discovers a morning full of school is much more exciting than staying home masquerading as a stuffed animal. Rühmann’s tale achieves the right tone for youngsters firmly rooted in Sam’s “no school” camp. Sam’s dawning realization that school is pretty terrific is handled with a smooth subtlety, skillfully drawing readers along to the same conclusion. Monnier’s (The Great Golden Thing, p. 100, etc.) full-page illustrations are liberally coated in color. Shifting tones artfully express the lively allure of school; the at-home pictures are awash in subdued hues while the schoolhouse is a medley of vivid pigments. Just the thing to entice aspiring truants back to the classroom. (Picture book. 3-6)
