(2) PS At breakfast, May can't eat a bite--her stomach is too full of fluttering butterflies. She seeks solace from the natural world in her back garden, whispering her fears to the goldfish in the fishpond and wishing she could spend her days like a bee among the flowers. May's mama reassures her that even her favorite creatures feel worried about trying new things: "A tiny bird has to learn to fly...Even a butterfly has to learn to spread its wings." But May is still anxious as she gets closer to what's worrying her: the first day of school. When she arrives, though, she finds an empty seat at the coloring table and a new friend along with it. Depictions of May's bustling classroom in mixed-media illustrations that include pencil and pencil crayon will beckon to readers and viewers. Occasional spreads featuring expressive vignettes against white space enliven the presentation. Morris's encouraging language ("May's classroom...was warm and bright") and calm illustrations will soothe soon-to-be students and apprehensive caregivers alike. Just right to dispel those pesky butterflies everybody faces sometimes--"and when they are gone, there is finally room for breakfast."

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2023