Yoko's World of Kindness
(by Rosemary Wells, Hyperion $19.99 Score:) Six little stories about going to school and getting along with others. The first is about Yoko’s problem with letting Mama leave. Marked 5–7, but these are stories that will have meaning to preschoolers as well. 4 & up.

Age: Preschool. Award Year: 2006.

When an Elephant Comes to School
(by Jan Ormerod, Orchard $16.95 Score:) Though Elephant seems rather large to be starting school and though he is a bit unsure of how school will be, in no time at all Elephant and his classmates and teacher are having a wonderful time! A happy romp that makes school look too good to miss! 3–6.

Age: Preschool,Early School Years. Award Year: 2006.

Super Sue at Super School
(by Cressida Cowell/illus. by Russell Ayto , Candlewick $8.99 Score:) A novelty pull-the-tabs book for those who may be feeling a bit shy about saying good-bye. Let’s hope they all have the good fortune of Super Sue who bounces through that first day of school and makes a good friend, too! 3 & up.

Age: Preschool. Award Year: 2006.

Museum Trip
(by Barbara Lehman, Houghton Mifflin $15 Score:) A wordless gem of an adventure. On a class trip to the museum, a boy gets separated from his group. While looking for them, he finds his way into a small room. There he finds a collection of mazes on display and is transformed to fit into the mazes. As the young reader finds the path through the mazes he and the boy save themselves and leave the museum triumphant. In fact, the young hero of the story and the museum guard both wear the same golden medal. Another winner from the author of The Red Book. 5 & up.

Age: Preschool,Early School Years. Award Year: 2007.

Silly School
(by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick, Frances England $15.95 Score:) A reluctant preschooler refuses each member of the family who tries to sell her on going to school. Finally, there is one thing that Beth wants most of all–to play with her friends. Imagine where they are!

Age: Preschool. Award Year: 2008.

Yoko Writes Her Name
(by Rosemary Wells, Hyperion $15.99 Score:) Yoko is excited to be going to Kindergarten, but when she gets there she is not so happy any more. Her writing in Japanese is seen as scribbling by classmates who tell her she will not graduate. Not to worry. This is a good one for talking about misinformation that often creates the kind of needless worry Yoko has in this little drama. As always, Rosemary Wells’ artwork adds much to the little story. 3-6.

Age: Preschool,Early School Years. Award Year: 2008.