Rufus Goes to School

Griswell debuts with a sweet-natured story about a pig who wants to go to school more than anything. When Rufus Leroy Williams III shows up with a backpack, ready to learn, he’s met with resistance. “Pigs track mud in the halls,” says Principal Lipid. “They turn their drawings into airplanes. They play leapfrog in class.” In characteristically loose and expressive ink and watercolor illustrations, Gorbachev draws each of these scenarios and more; the third time is the charm for Rufus, as he earns his way into a classroom. A warm, gently humorous story for kids who are looking to school with anticipation, not trepidation. Ages 3–6. (Aug.)