Mike Ornstein

In this picture book, the Kindergarrrten Bus is driven by a pirate. All the new kindergarteners are frightened about going to kindergarten for the first time, and the pirate insists there's nothing to be afraid of. When the pirate's parrot flies out the bus window when they hit a pothole, the pirate is too afraid to keep driving the bus without his parrot. The children convince him that it's okay to be scared and the thing to do is acknowledge his fear and do what he has to despite being scared, not pretend he *isn't* scared. A very important message for children (and adults!) here, presented perhaps just a *wee* bit heavy-handedly, but probably not so much so that kids of the intended age won't enjoy it. And the illustrations are great.

Another one for the holiday gift pile for the nieces.… (meer)