cover image Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner: Story and Pictures

Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner: Story and Pictures

Amy Schwartz. Orchard Books (NY), $14.95 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-531-05737-7

Lucy is an older sister who has taken to heart the matter of preparing Annabelle for kindergarten. But her instructions only cause trouble. The class roars with laughter when Annabelle introduces herself: ""Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner!'' And the teacher is taken aback when Annabelle proclaims a light-blue lollipop to be ``Blue Desire'' (a shade of her mother's eyeshadow). However, one of Lucy's lessons does serve Annabelle well, for she is the only one in her class who can correctly count the milk moneyand her day ends in triumph. Schwartz provides a funny, balanced view of the emotions experienced by a child just starting school. Her droll illustrations perfectly capture Annabelle's expressions, from anticipation and frustration to satisfaction and new-found pride. A sweetly endearing tale, told very much from a child's perspective. Ages 4-7. (March)