Back to School: Cornelius Mud, Are You Ready for School? by Barney Salzberg

In this heading-off-to-school story, a rambunctious piglet gets the usual questions from his parent. "Are you up?"
"Are your clothes on?" "Did you eat your breakfast?" "Is your backpack ready?"

Although Cornelius answers the questions honestly, with a "Yes," he does all of the getting-ready tasks in his own way. He uses the help of helium balloons to "get up," eats cotton candy for breakfast, and packs his backpack with toys and his lunchbox with cupcakes.

But when his mother asks "Are you ready for school?" Cornelius P. Mud has to answer, "NO!"

What's wrong with such a "perfect" morning?

Cornelius P. Mud needs a kiss! Well hugged and kissed, Cornelius is cheerfully off to Clown School on a big yellow bus with a "Have a Great Day" wave.

Starting back to school sometimes takes a reassurance that the scholar is up to the challenge and has an extra hug and a kiss to help him along the way. Salzburg's inventive ways to get ready for school start the school day off just right!