BISCUIT GOES TO SCHOOL

Biscuit, Capucilli’s playful pooch (Biscuit Wants to Play, 2001, etc.), tries a paw at higher learning. After being admonished by his owner that dogs do not go to school, the curious canine decides to attend for a day. A quick dash across the park deposits the inquisitive pooch inside the school, where Biscuit takes a quick peek at a typical school day. Story time and snack time are the highlights of the puppy’s trip, while the gentle suspense of being discovered by the little girl heightens the tension of the tale just enough to sweep hesitant readers along to the conclusion. For this My First I Can Read Book, Capucilli’s selection of topic and complexity of vocabulary is right on target for novice readers. Her hallmark combination of questions and statements, liberally interspersed with Biscuit’s jovial barks, executed in the most basic language—is at once familiar and encouraging for the youngest reader. Schories’s colorful illustrations portray the puppy’s exuberant explorations and frequent tumbles into mischief. A warmly and invitingly drawn school environment, populated by friendly students and genial teachers, will resonate with children already in school while allowing little one’s a glimpse of what to expect. (Easy reader. 3-5)