Miss Nelson Is Back (by Harry Allard)

One piece of ridiculousness is piled upon another, like kindling, until readers spontaneously burst into laughter. The scene where Viola Swamp, sporting a Miss Nelson mask, confounds the dimwitted Mr. Blandsworth is priceless. James Marshall gets it oh-so right with his joyously silly, expressive pen-and-wash artwork. Readers can feel the glee coming off the page when the kids realize they have pulled a fast one on Mr. Blandsworth, and the marvelous Miss Nelson is like a Buddha in her serenity and wisdom.

This story cracked up a group of 5-year-olds -- who have not yet spent a day in kindergarten -- though there was a pause in their laughter every time a new shadow appeared behind the pane of frosted glass in the classroom door. Who's coming to substitute for Miss Nelson? Yikes!