The Little Bear by Nicola Killen

 Nicola Killen has written a number of adorable picture books, featuring a limited palette of soft colors and touched up with inlaid foil sparkles. She tackles the perennial topic of first day of school jitters in her latest sweet story.

Ollie, dressed in a bear costume, has put everything ready for her first day of school but she's still nervous. She hears an owl outside her window, which is a die-cut square, and follows it through the woods... to a little school house and a nervous bear cub. Ollie accompanies the bear cub into school and spends a happy morning helping him adjust to school. They count, practice shapes, and have a wonderful time and when the school "night" is over, Ollie gets a ride home with the bear cub and his mother. The next day, she's all ready to join a flock of costume-clad children on their way to school, her fears gone, all anticipation for the fun to be had.

The art is in gray, navy blue, and beige-yellow tones, picked out with a few soft pink notes, like Ollie's cheeks, and foil overlays that make the teacher owl's wings, the school in the forest, and the stars sparkle.

Verdict: Although this doesn't really address real fears children might have about starting school, it's a comforting read for little ones getting ready for their first experience of daycare or preschool with charming illustrations.

ISBN: 9781665911726; Published June 2022 by Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman; Purchased for the library; Review copy provided by the publisher; Donated to the library