Pearl Goes to Preschool

Written and illustrated by Julie Fortenberry

Can a young dancer find joy in preschool's unknowns?

3.7 Goodreads · 143 ratings

32 pages· ~500L

$16.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

Pearl, the smallest ballerina at her mom's ballet school, faces a new challenge: preschool. With questions swirling about what she'll learn and if there will be dancing, Pearl's journey explores the excitement and anxiety of trying something new. Will her love for dance help her embrace this new adventure? A heartwarming tale for children stepping into unfamiliar worlds.

From the publisher

Pearl loves to dance! But will she love preschool, too? Pearl loves attending dance classes at her mother’s ballet school. Even though Pearl is the youngest and smallest ballerina, she knows how to count her poses and follow along. When her mom suggests that Pearl try going to preschool, Pearl has a lot of questions: What will she learn? Will there be dancing? A sweet and reassuring story about trying something new that’s perfect for young children with separation anxiety – or who just love to dance!

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 32
Reading age: 2–5
Audience: Picture
Lexile: ~500L

Themes & topics

Books about dance Books about ballet Books about performing arts Books about social themes Books about new experiences

What readers & critics say

Reviews

“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 Reviews”

Kirkus

Critic

“In this winsome, taut story, a timid child warms to the idea of preschool with her mother’s tactical nudging and her own ingenuity.”

Publisher's Weekly

Critic

“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.”

Booklist

Critic

“Consider the delicious normalcy to be found in “Pearl Goes to Preschool”, a chic little picture book by Julie Fortenberry for 2- to 5-year-olds.”

The Wall Street Journal

Critic

“VERDICT A recommended purchase for back-to-school collections.”

School Library Journal

Critic

“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.”

BookPage

Critic

The author & illustrator