I'm ready for preschool illus. by Jedda Robaard

Puffin, 2019. ISBN: 9781760891602. board book, 14pp.
(Age: 3-5) Recommended. Little Koala is very excited about trying something new - joining the big kids and going to preschool. All the preparations have been made - name tags are on the clothes, backpack is packed, lunch box is ready and even though there are some nervous moments, the teacher is smiling and there are many kids to get to know.
This would be an excellent book to read to children well before they go to preschool as well as just before, as it would give young minds enough information to allay fears and let them know what they could expect at preschool. They would learn that it is OK to be worried but that there are lots of toys, dress up treasures and many friends to be made once they became familiar with their new surroundings.
The little Koala is very cute and the Australian animals and backgrounds drawn by Robaard will delight young children. The final scene where the teacher is reading a book and Koala is not ready to go home is delightful and a thoughtful conclusion to the story.
Pat Pledger