In this mild starting-school tale, Carlos is worried that he won't know anyone, the bus will get lost, and he won't be able to find his teacher, Mrs. Bashay. But he's reassured when he receives a letter from her asking that he bring a "big kindergarten smile" and a blossom to add to her "huge, flowered hat," and that he send a photo of himself doing something he enjoys. Since "most of all, he loved gardening--the fun of his fingers in dirt, the surprise of seeds sprouting, and the brightness of the blooms," Carlos poses for a picture in his garden, from which he plucks a daisy for the teacher. Due to a mishap on the bus, the flower doesn't make it to school intact, devastating Carlos, but quick-thinking Mrs. Bashay finds a way to boost his spirits. Spare, jewel-toned pictures echo the sweet simplicity of Lawler and Rodriguez's tribute to an intuitive teacher. Ages 3--6. (June)

First-day jitters are conquered with gentleness, empathy, and a kind smile in this sweet back-to-school tale. Carlos is anxious about the start of kindergarten, unsure of what to expect and full of what-ifs. Then his new teacher, Mrs. Bashay, sends a welcome letter with two important instructions: send "a photo of you doing something you love," and bring a flower to add to her big flowered hat on the first day of school. After much deliberation, Carlos decides to share a photo of himself and his beloved garden. The same garden is the source of a big bright daisy to add to Mrs. Bashay's hat on the first day of school. But then, disaster! En route to school the happy little daisy is accidentally dismantled, along with Carlos' verve. What can Carlos contribute now? Fortunately, Mrs. Bashay is as warm and welcoming in person as she was in her letter, and with a little bit of flexibility, all is well. With a Latinx protagonist and a diverse cast of classmates, this book offers plenty of mirrors for new kindergarten students. Carlos presents as male, and it is refreshing to see a boy character depicted with such emotional complexity and tenderness. The story is brief, but there is much to love here, with its reassuring message that will encourage both enthusiastic and worried first-time students. A practically perfect first-experience story, especially for anxious hearts and gentle spirits. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.