"It took Clover furever to reach
home. "You look like you had an
exciting day!" said Mama. Then
her whiskers drooped. "Are you
okay, Clover?"
Without a meow, Clover curled
into a circle. Mama rubbed just
behind Clover's left ear until
Clover fell asleep."
Clover's first day at kittygarten does not go as well as her mother might have wanted. For a small kitty with sensitivity to noise, sunshine, colorful wall displays, and the hubbub of a very busy group of kittens, it is overwhelming. She already has some reservations, and it's even worse than she thought it might be. Poor Clover.
One of the other kittens does his best to make Clover feel at home. Oliver welcomes her, sits beside her, notices her discomfort when the class gathers on the story time mat. Outside is no better. An invitation from Oliver to sit quietly and enjoy the seesaw is waylaid by the enthusiasm of all the other kittens wanting Clover to participate in their boisterous play. Lunch is unbearable. Even nap time is too much for her.
When she can't take anymore, Clover bolts out the door and heads for home. Her Mama is happy to see her and excited for school news. Clover says nothing, curls up, and is soon fast asleep. Tuesday is a day of rest at home. Oliver brings greetings from the class. Mama promises a Wednesday return. It doesn't happen.
Oliver is persistent in wanting to let Clover know how much he misses her. Clover avoids his Wednesday visit, but begins to feel uneasy about her decision. Being on the seesaw at home alone is not much fun. Oliver does not return on Thursday. Is Clover missing him? She wonders.
On Friday, she makes the decision to return. This time she will be better prepared.
"Clover stuffed her backpack with survival gear. She used sunglasses when Ms. Snappytail flashed the spotlights. Earmuffs to soften the circle time gong. And her own silky knitted rug for story time."
Friday is much better. Having 'calm, kind,' Oliver there helps makes a big difference. Expressive watercolor artwork shows readers that school can be overwhelming for some students, and allows them to see the emotions Clover exhibits in the midst of it all.
Thanks so much for sharing Clover Kitty! Thinking of all the kids starting school right now, full of anxiety (that I never foresaw when writing this years ago!). Much appreciation :>)
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