cover image Go Be Wonderful!

Go Be Wonderful!

Donna Gephart, illus. by Francesca Chessa. Holiday House, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-8234-4511-0

From the day that Daisy was born, the loving adults in her life, including her Black mother and white father, have continually offered the same sage directive: “Go be wonderful.” And in their eyes, “she was,” whether dancing, learning to use the potty, or even throwing a tantrum. Chessa’s moving multimedia scenes celebrate common maturation milestones in sunny, vibrant colors, showing Daisy thriving in her intimate friends-and-family community, raking leaves and interacting with the family dog. But when it comes time to start school, Daisy is filled with “what if” anxiety and not so sure she’ll be wonderful in a new, mysterious place. Reassuringly, the creators outline “what did happen,” showing that even on a first day with some bumpy moments, everything turns out just fine, and Daisy remains as wonderful as ever. A warmly resonant recount of Daisy’s early years sets the stage for this universal confidence booster with a gentle, joyful tone. Ages 3–6. [em](Mar.) [/em]