ROSIE GOES TO PRESCHOOL

An endearing guide shows young children what preschool will be like.

Her friendly manner and the tips she scatters throughout will help readers feel right at home and well-prepared for their transitions to school: “Hi, I’m Rosie. Welcome to preschool. Come on in!” Her day starts by putting her things, which include a stuffed bear for naptime, in her cubby and then saying goodbye to her dad—“Your grown-up will be back soon,” a “Rosie Tip” in a medallion inset informs readers. Her multiracial classmates are all busily engaged in many activities until circle time. Rosie similarly teaches readers about the school schedule, classroom-helper jobs, and special classroom routines: today is art day, and they also play music with Mr. Lombardo. There’s potty time, lunch, recess, naptime, and then it’s time to get ready to go home. Rosie is a round-headed, rosy-cheeked girl with high buns in her light-brown hair. She’s confident and self-assured, and she and her classmates shed no tears at all the whole day, which is unrealistic though comforting to new preschoolers. Katz’s patterned, mixed-media illustrations are superbright and simple, keeping the focus on Rosie’s tour. Similarly, Katz keeps the sentences short and the vocabulary easy to suit her audience.

Rosie provides a delightful introduction to preschool that will soothe first-day worries.