It's the first day of school for Tucker, and he'd rather be anywhere else! Luckily wise Miss Blossom knows just how to welcome a small bunny to her classroom. After school Tucker finds he has a lot to tell his family, and he basks in their praise of his accomplishments. With irresistible charm, Susan Winget celebrates strong family ties, new experiences, and the joys of a four-carrot day. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

An all-animal cast and cozy illustrations in a warm palette of browns and olive greens invite preschool children into Winget's debut book about starting school. Tucker, the older brother in his rabbit family, pulls his patchwork quilt over his head and declares, "I don't want to go to school." With his father's encouragement ("I was scared... but I did it and you can, too!") and a surprise family portrait from Mother and his sister, Tulip, slipped into his backpack, Tucker braves his first day. Despite spilling some paint and singing out of turn, the day is a hit thanks to his kindly teacher, Miss Blossom (a ewe) and his new friends. Always smiling, a dog, cat, duck and twin bears round out his classmates. Their cuddly appearance in denim and plaid clothing, along with snug accents (a sunflower and heart on the teacher's apron, a carrot motif throughout) emit a farmhouse charm. The overall effect of the cheerful, homey touches is one of comfort and tranquility. Endpapers brim with snapshots of the characters against a green pinstripe backdrop, along with a final vote of confidence for Tucker (and all readers) in a letter from his family: "We're so proud of you! Look what you can do!" Ages 2-5. (July) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

PreS-K A young rabbit awakes in his carrot-themed bedroom on his first day of school with a great deal of trepidation. Encouraged by his parents and carrying his favorite stuffed bear, he shyly enters Miss Blossom's class. Soon he is painting, singing, playing, napping, snacking, and learning that a mishap can be the best part of an activity. When he almost succumbs to homesickness, he finds a picture of his family in his backpack and perks up. His endlessly patient teacher shepherds her flock of young animals to the day's conclusion. Back home, Tucker recaps his day, one that his family agrees was a four-carrot day. The watercolor-and-ink art has a homey, country flavor and is suffused with blues, greens, and browns. Although the round-faced characters are slightly static, the small details (carrot lamps, lettuce drawer pulls) and slice-of-life cartoon illustrations will delight the eye of preschoolers. As a comforting success story that mirrors children's own hesitations and hopeful triumphs, this slightly long story will find a place in many collections. Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha's Public Library, WI Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information