Picture Book Review: Pearl Goes to Preschool by Julie Fortenberry

Image: Candlewick Press

Pearl Goes to Preschool by Julie Fortenberry. unpgd. Candlewick Press, July, 2020. 9781536207439. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.) 

On page one in this adorable first-person narrative, teeny, tiny Pearl announces, "I'm a dancer, just like my mom." She dances every day and is usually the littlest dancer in class. Well, except for Violet, her mouse stuffie. Her mom broaches the subject of preschool, but Pearl and Violet are not interested. They already go to school. When Mom tells her that preschool is different and that she will learn to count, Pearl assures her mother she already knows how to count - first position, second position and third position! As the two get ready to attend a ballet, Pearl begins to ask questions about preschool. Later, she relays the information to Violet in the same reassuring tone. 

The creamy digitally rendered illustrations convey Pearl's close relationship with her mother and her love of ballet beautifully. Ballet is her safe space where she feels comfortable with older children. She needs to expand her circle to include peers and non-ballet activities. Her mother gently encourages and her modeling works, as seen when Pearl reassures Violet (and herself). 

There are plenty of books that deal with school anxiety. Pearl Goes to Preschool is a worthy addition to the collection.