cover image Emily’s First Day of School

Emily’s First Day of School

Sarah Ferguson, illus. by Ian Cunliffe, Sterling, $7.95 (24p) ISBN 978-1-4027-7392-1

In one of four titles launching the Helping Hands series from the duchess of York, Emily is afraid of being away from her family for a whole day when school starts. She soon forgets her nervousness as she discovers the joys of playgrounds, painting, and new friends (“Now she couldn’t wait to go to her second day of school!”). Cunliffe’s simple cartoons complement this basic but sincere story about overcoming fear and growing up. Suggestions for parents, written by a child psychologist, are included. Ages 5–7. (May)