Amanda Panda Quits Kindergarten
Candice Ransom, illus. by Christine Grove. Doubleday, $17.99 (32p) ISBN 978-0-399-55455-1
In a humorous take on first-day snafus, Amanda Panda expects to excel in kindergarten, but Bitsy, a gregarious classmate dressed in “so much pink it gives Amanda a headache,” rubs her the wrong way. Even though Bitsy just wants to be BFFs, “Amanda Panda does not feel like being kind.” Quitting kindergarten, she slips into her brother’s second-grade class, but after Bitsy tracks her down there (and then promptly freaks out), Amanda confidently guides her back to their classroom, paving the way for a new friendship. Using splashes of warm color and with fine detailing, Grove creates an energetic cast of roly-poly pandas who exude style in their wardrobe choices. Ransom (
Rebel McKenzie) sensitively addresses the challenges of handling expectations in new circumstances, as well as the roundabout path to friendship. Ages 3–7.
Author’s agent: Victoria Wells Arms, Wells Arms Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Maggie Byer-Sprinzeles, Byer-Sprinzeles Agency. (June)
