cover image Hello First Grade - Pbk

Hello First Grade - Pbk

Joanne Ryder, Ryder. Troll Communications, $3.95 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-8167-3009-4

In a format strikingly similar to that of Miriam Cohen's first-grade-class stories, Ryder's First Grade Is the Best series features a cluster of sunny children and their amiable teacher, Miss Lee. In the opener, Hello , the pupils fall in love with their class pet, a white bunny named Martha, and plan to star it in a schoolwide first-grade spectacular--but just when they are about to perform, Martha is missing (a happy ending, however, is assured). Ladybugs has the first graders planting a garden, while Valentines alters the standard holiday-tale formula in that the class sends cards for Miss Lee's convalescing neighbor. Animated dialogue and clearly defined story lines will hold readers' attentions. Like the text, the watercolors are cheery and energetic, exuding affability. Instructions for a project related to the story are included at the end of each book. Ages 4-7. (Sept.)