Review - Pearl Goes to Preschool

Pearl Goes to Preschool
by Julie Fortenberry
Date: 2020
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Pearl loves to dance! But will she love preschool, too?

Pearl loves attending dance classes at her mother's ballet school. Even though Pearl is the youngest and smallest ballerina, she knows how to count her poses and follow along. When her mom suggests that Pearl try going to preschool, Pearl has a lot of questions: What will she learn? Will there be dancing? A sweet and reassuring story about trying something new that's perfect for young children with separation anxiety -- or who just love to dance!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a sweet little picture book that provides reassurance to children who might be on the verge of starting preschool for the first time.

Pearl attends dance classes. But her mother suggests that she might like preschool, too. Pearl thinks she already knows some of the things she would learn there, but as she asks questions and her mother answers, she starts to think that maybe preschool is something she would like to try. So she does. Will she like it as much as dance class?

What I really like about this one is that Pearl has the power. Her mother doesn't just tell her she's going to preschool, but instead introduces the idea and lets Pearl come around to the idea of going. It makes for a positive experience for all involved.

The illustrations are cute, but probably a matter of taste. The scribbly aesthetic won't be for everyone. I think it works well enough here, though.

Overall, this is a cute book. I'd probably recommend it to the pre-preschool set and their parents.

Thank you to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.67 out of 5