Beth Spiegel – illustratör

This back-to-school tale is a humorous and relatable read for rising first graders and young children facing new experiences.It's the first day of school, and Hayley is excited. Things are different now. She's a first grader! Hayley quickly finds out that first grade is different from kindergarten, but in all the wrong ways. The classroom isn't as bright and colorful. Ms. Gray doesn't seem to smile as much as her kindergarten teacher did, and there isn't enough time to play outside. Finally, Hayley has had enough. "First grade stinks!" she shouts. And fortunately, her compassionate teacher completely understands.Young readers will immediately empathize with Hayley as she struggles to find enthusiasm for her new school year.

A resourceful girl finds a way to make her new house a home. All it takes is a few personal items, some books, and most of all, a friend.Rosa and her mother have moved to a new house. Rosa knows what she needs to feel at home in her new room: on Monday, clothes in the closet; on Tuesday, her treasure box on her desk, on Wednesday, a poster on the wall. But still, somehow, her room seems empty. "More," her cat Concertina seems to say.Late at night in bed, she dreams about how to decorate her room. On Thursday, she borrows five new books from the library. On Sunday, as Rosa sits in her room drawing a picture, she looks out the window and sees a girl outside playing. Now Rosa knows what she needs to make her room special: a new friend. Perfect for children struggling with transitions, this sensitive story reveals that even disruptive changes can present exciting opportunities and imaginative possibilities for new experiences and new friends.