Timothy Goes to School (by Rosemary Wells)

Rosemary Wells' story is a breath of fresh air and a soothing balm for a success-oriented society. With her thumb firmly on the pulse of a child's psyche, she soothes young readers while encouraging them to persevere and discover their own Violets. While some may consider the book a bit negative in its approach to school social life, Wells offers a realistic scenario that resonates with many kids. Only a minority of children become class superstars, and the emotional repercussions for the others is a very real issue.

Bright pastel colors and clean lines dominate the full-color illustrations. Little touches, such as her subtle alterations in the shape of the character's eyes, convey depths of meaning, from Claude's rather snide sidelong glances to Timothy's anxious expressions. Young children nervous about entering school can benefit from this reassuring tale that reminds children (and their parents) that it's perfectly acceptable to be less than perfect.