Each page takes Cornelius through another step in getting ready for school. But ... one can't be ready for school without a kiss!

Illustrations: acrylic and pencil. Cornelius P. Mud has to get ready for school and when his mother asks him questions while getting ready for school, he always answers yes even though he is just being silly about all the steps in getting ready. At the end, his mother asks him if he's ready for school, but he says no because he needs a kiss goodbye before he gets on the bus. This book is categorized as fantasy because pigs do not go to school or live in a house where they can get ready for school, but the story itself is realistic because children have to get ready for school in the morning and sometimes take a lot longer than they should because they are messing around. Genre: fantasy, Age appropriateness: Intermediate

Cornelius P. Mud sets about his morning routine. He makes his bed, dresses himself, and packs his own food, but he is still not ready for school? What has Cornelius forgotten to do? He has not gotten a kiss from his mom. A kiss from mom completes Cornelius' morning routine. This was a really cute book to read. This book can be used at home or in the classroom to foster independence. Cornelius was exited about preparing himself for school and turned it into his own adventure. The illustrations in the book are colorful, playful, and bold; this is sure to grab the attention of children. ( )

Cornelius is getting ready to go to school and completes typical tasks such as getting dressed, eating breakfast, and packing his bag. Even though Cornelius seems ready for school he tells his mother he is not because he did not get a kiss from her. After receiving a kiss, Cornelius is off to school. I think this would be a great book to read to young children on the first day of school. ( )

Cornelius P. Mud is getting ready for school. He's packed his lunch, gotten dressed, and all the other things to get ready. But being Cornelius, things aren't what they should be. I would read this to preschoolers during read aloud time. ( )