"Outside, everyone's on their way. The
toads, the caterpillars, the squirrels, and
the hedgehogs. Each is going to their school.
"You're going to learn so many things," her
parents insist. Pascaline grabs on to the
furniture."
She's only 5, but ...
Pascaline knows her mind, and she makes her feelings clear in a loud, confident, determined voice. Her parents are filled with excitement and encouragement for her first day of school. Pascaline is absolutely resolute that school is not for her. She will not go!
Everyone else is going. She can see that from the window in her tree house. Nope! No enticement works. Pascaline ends the conservation with her loudest "NEVER, NOT EVER!" That voice causes her parents to wither to the size of peanuts, and resolves Pascaline's biggest worry - going on her own. Now, she can tuck both under her wing and take them with her.
When she arrives at school, every other little bat is sobbing. Pascaline is the exception. Bold and confident, she takes her place. Unfortunately, her parents' constant interruptions get her in hot water with the teacher, and make for an uncomfortable day for their little one. The walk home clears up any misconception that she might need them to attend school with her the following day.
Mixed-media images (gouache, oil, collage, and wax pencil) up the appeal as readers are welcomed into Pascaline's world. Her wings glow in neon-pink, her school sparks the readers' imagination, and the walk home, through a warm and welcoming forest setting, is filled with family love.
Endpaper images of the young bat doing what she loves to do ensures that readers will want to get to know her better ... and they do!
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