Gaspard and Lisa's Ready-for-School Words
PreS-K. In this charming if somewhat overextended story, Horse revisits an idea fromLittle Rabbit Lost(2002). Little Rabbit is eager for the first day of school, but he isn't prepared to leave behind his string toy, Charlie Horse. And wouldn't you know it, Charlie Horse acts out in class. Later, when easily distracted Little Rabbit strays during a nature walk (led away by Charlie), it takes some quick thinking and a tune Little Rabbit learned from his teacher to bring an adult to the rescue. The idea of getting lost at school isn't likely to reassure children already nervous about their first day, but Horse balances the uncomfortable concept with an easy-to-grasp message about paying attention and some winning artwork. Diminutive rabbits scamper across the pages in full spreads and spot art, with Little Rabbit easily distinguishable by his blue bunny suit. Kids may feel wiggly enough to act like Charlie Horse, but some will take their cue from Little Rabbit, who concludes that mischief has no place in school.Gillian EngbergCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved