Pearl Goes to Preschool

The softly colored illustrations, outlined in black, are very appealing and feature a lovely double-page spread of Pearl and her mother attending a classic ballet performance…Tender and sweet comfort.—Kirkus ReviewsThe quiet, well-phrased text provides the story’s structure as well as moments of understated humor, while letting the expressive illustrations show elements of the story never mentioned in the text, such as a subway ride and a ballet performance. Created digitally, the artwork depicts the children, in particular, with a winsome quality that suits the story well. A pleasing picture book for young dance lovers.—BooklistIn this winsome, taut story, a timid child warms to the idea of preschool with her mother’s tactical nudging and her own ingenuity…This charming antidote to preschool anxiety contains a deftly measured dose of sweetness.—Publishers WeeklyA muted color palette makes a lovely backdrop for this engaging portrait of a strong parent- child relationship: Pearl feels safe in expressing herself, and her mom’s gentle guidance helps Pearl take ownership over big decisions. Pearl Goes to Preschool is a real treat.—BookPageConsider the delicious normalcy to be found in “Pearl Goes to Preschool” (Candlewick, 32 pages, $16.99), a chic little picture book by Julie Fortenberry for 2- to 5-year-olds…. In Ms. Fortenberry’s ink-and-watercolor-like digital illustrations, we can see the preschoolers inside singing, painting and dressing up. With her mother’s gentle encouragement, Pearl comes around to the idea, and in time she joins them.—The Wall Street Journal