"But on Scarlet's
first day of preschool,
things got less great.
Kids stared.
Some grown-ups
did, too.
Scarlet didn't want
her parents to leave.
But they did.
It was a hard day."
Scarlet is not like the other kids in her preschool; she was born with a beautiful fox tail. At home, it is no problem. Her parents love everything about her. As happens often when children enter their school years, the differences between them become evident and discussed. Her tail causes problems throughout the day, creating a touch of chaos when it wags.
There are always those kids who take little note that one child is different from another. That is the case with Scarlet; she soon has two very good friends. Those friends make all the difference. Other children in the class, reluctant to spend any time with Scarlet, suddenly see that a wagging tail is both powerful and joyful. Classmates follow in Callie's and Josh's footsteps by jauntily wagging their own behinds.
When Scarlet learns she is going to be a big sister, she can hardly wait for the new baby. Then, when he is born, she is first to count fingers, toes, eyes, and ... a surprise that will leave little ones incredulous!
Soft textures are digitally painted to provide a sympathetic backdrop for this warm story. While Scarlet's wagging tail is a part of them, it is not the focus of attention. I would like to be the fly on the wall when this story is read aloud. I would love to hear responses from the children listening as there is much to think about here.
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