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Cole, Henry

Principal Tate Is Running Late!

32 pp. | HarperCollins/Tegen | July, 2021 | Trade ISBN 978-0-06-302574-5 $17.99
(2) K-3 In this entertaining and cheery school story, readers are introduced to Principal Tate, a large white hen. A singsong-y rhyming text describes her positive traits--"Hardy School was first-rate / because Tate was so great"--from encouraging the students' efforts to overseeing fire drills to running meetings. But today, Principal Tate's uncharacteristic tardiness leads to temporary mayhem. Her absence is felt in a series of small incidents: hallway scuffles and name-calling break out; a new kid throws up; and various parents and school officials are impatiently lined up, waiting outside Principal Tate's office. As the school teeters on the brink of chaos, the Hardy crew springs into action. From the custodian who cleans up the mess to the art teacher who distracts the parents with a pottery project, everyone contributes, and order is restored. Soon thereafter, bus driver Mr. Morales truly saves the day: he "pulled up with no fuss...and with Tate on his bus!" Turns out car trouble was the culprit. Cole's watercolor and ink illustrations abound with expressive animals, comical situations, and familiar school settings. A lively and lighthearted tale, and a paean to community.
Reviewer: Emmie Stuart | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2021

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