Not Quite There Yet: Edward Almost Goes to School by Rosemary Wells

MONDAY WAS THE FIRST DAY OF PLAY SCHOOL.

"ARE YOU READY, EDWARD?" ASKED FATHER.

Edward' new school clothes are all laid out across his bed. But Edward is still in his PJs, under the covers with Bunny.

Holding Edward on his lap, Father dresses him.

Mother had to spoon each bite of his Cream of Wheat into his mouth. Finally they put Edward into the back seat of their car. Ready?

No. Edward has to go back for Bunny.

"I'LL HIDE," THINKS EDWARD.

He's not that hard to find, with his feet sticking out from under his bed. Father quietly carries Edward to the car and buckles him into his seat belt.

When they arrive at the school, Edward's teacher greets him with a big smile. The other kids seem happy to be busy painting at their tables. But Edward only wants to be happy back home. Then the worst thing happens! A lost Edward mistakenly goes into the girls' bathroom. It's pink and all the girls inside are aghast! Edward is miserable.

"NOT EVERYONE IS READY." SAID HIS TEACHER.

Being ready for school doesn't happen to everyone at the same time. Edward is ALMOST (but not quite) ready, in notable author-illustrator Rosemary Wells' book about a first try at the first day of preschool in her new series, Edward Almost Goes to School (Edward Almost Ready Book 2) (Open Road Media). Parents and teacher set a good example of understanding and keeping the stakes low in this episode in what will be a long school experience with many first days ahead. Celebrated for her inimitable and insightful long-running series of Max and Ruby books for preschoolers, this series about almost-ready Edward looks to be a winner for preschoolers.