Amanda Panda Quits Kindergarten

In a humorous take on first-day snafus, Amanda Panda expects to excel in kindergarten, but Bitsy, a gregarious classmate dressed in aso much pink it gives Amanda a headache, a rubs her the wrong way. Even though Bitsy just wants to be BFFs, aAmanda Panda does not feel like being kind.a Quitting kindergarten, she slips into her brotheras second-grade class, but after Bitsy tracks her down there (and then promptly freaks out), Amanda confidently guides her back to their classroom, paving the way for a new friendship. Using splashes of warm color and with fine detailing, Grove creates an energetic cast of roly-poly pandas who exude style in their wardrobe choices. Ransom (Rebel McKenzie sensitively addresses the challenges of handling expectations in new circumstances, as well as the roundabout path to friendship. Ages 3a 7. Authoras agent: Victoria Wells Arms, Wells Arms Literary. Illustratoras agent: Maggie Byer-Sprinzeles, Byer-Sprinzeles Agency. (June) Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

PreS-K--Amanda Panda is filled with excitement about starting kindergarten and has her entire first day planned. She will write her name in big, important letters on the blackboard and then wow the whole class by being the fastest runner. But as so often happens in life, things do not go exactly as she envisioned. On the bus, she is forced to sit next to Bitsy, a girl whose favorite color is "sparkles" and who seems intent on becoming Amanda's friend. Amanda does not feel like being kind and ignores this exuberant panda in pink. As if that isn't vexing enough, Bitsy proceeds to sit next to her in class, Amanda's block tower collapses in epic fashion, and worst of all; she trips during a race at recess. This is the end of the world, concludes Amanda, who decides to quit kindergarten and sneak off her to older brother's classroom. In no time at all, she realizes that the older grades don't have any of the kindergarten perks; the chairs are too big, the room is too quiet and worst of all, there is no building center. When Bitsy comes searching for her in tears, Amanda realizes she has made a true friend. And guess what? It isn't the end of the world after all. Grove's illustrations are the perfect medium for this story and she captures the young pandas' emotions expertly. Ransom has delivered a funny and relatable tale about how even when things don't go according to plan; they can still turn out okay. VERDICT Filled with droll humor that begs to be read aloud, this is an excellent back-to-school purchase and a great fit for storytime.--Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, MI

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"a sweet story about the power of kindness and getting past first impressions."—The Washington Post

"Empathy and kindness are just as important as ABCs and 123s, and Amanda gives readers a good lesson."—Kirkus

"Filled with droll humor that begs to be read aloud, this is an excellent back-to-school purchase and a great fit for storytime."—School Library Journal

"With strong dialogue and well-imagined details of wardrobe and play, Ransom writes an original story around the familiar situation: the beginning of school. . . . This wryly amusing picture book offers a fresh take on an old theme."—Booklist

"The lesson makes an impact without preaching, and kids are likely to want to revisit this one, especially as the first day of school approaches."—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Bright, fresh illustrations fill the pages of this adorable book about disappointment, friendship, and kindness."—ReadBrightly.com