Ming Goes to School

Sullivan and Lofdahl debut with a cozy portrait of the everyday discoveries and accomplishments that school can bring. Their heroine, with a red jumper and pigtails that stick straight out, dives right in to preschool activities like show-and-tell and, later in the year, making snow angels outside; other things take time (the playground slide is daunting at first). Ming appears to be of Asian descent, and her classmates are from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Sullivan's text offers poetic reflections on school ("It's where magic fairy castles are built from sticks... and growing up takes time"), which Lofdahl captures in graceful and subdued watercolor scenes of dress-up tea parties, muddy spring explorations, and more. Best of all, Ming exhibits a quiet confidence and independence from start to finish, which ought to prove inspiring to children who are about to trade days spent at home for ones in new territory. Ages 3-6. (July)

Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2--A sweet and spare text introduces a preschool girl named Ming on her first day of school. A vibrant and multiethnic cast of children share and grow with Ming throughout the year. The seasons shift subtly, as conveyed through the changing artwork of the students, displayed on a classroom window in softly burnished tones with fuzzy, rather than sharp, lines. Ming's school is where "magic fairy castles are built from sticks.../and growing up takes time." A thoughtful teacher watches a pensive Ming as she observes the other students on the big red slide--not ready to join them. The narrative ends with the declaration, "It's where all things.../Are worth waiting for," and the final spread shows Ming leaving her backpack behind as she runs toward the red slide, ready to give it a try. The symbiotic nature of the text and diffuse watercolors carries this quiet offering, distinguishing it from other school stories and making it one that should be shared. VERDICT This beautiful tale with gentle illustrations is an ode to the milestone of attending school for the first time and all it entails.--Lisa Kropp, Lindenhurst Memorial Library, NY

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Sullivan and Löfdahl debut with a cozy portrait of the everyday discoveries and accomplishments that school can bring. Their heroine, with a red jumper and pigtails that stick straight out, dives right in to preschool activities like show-and-tell and, later in the year, making snow angels outside; other things take time (the playground slide is daunting at first). Ming appears to be of Asian descent, and her classmates are from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Sullivan's text offers poetic reflections on school ("It's where magic fairy castles are built from sticks . . . and growing up takes time"), which Löfdahl captures in graceful and subdued watercolor scenes of dress-up tea parties, muddy spring explorations, and more. Best of all, Ming exhibits a quiet confidence and independence from start to finish, which ought to prove inspiring to children who are about to trade days spent at home for ones in new territory." -Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Featuring peeks at common classroom sights and activities, this empathetic tale could also be a discussion starter about growth and readiness." -Kirkus Reviews