Ming Goes to School

Starred review from May 9, 2016
Sullivan and Löfdahl debut with a cozy portrait of the everyday discoveries and accomplishments that school can bring. Their heroine, with a red jumper and pigtails that stick straight out, dives right in to preschool activities like show-and-tell and, later in the year, making snow angels outside; other things take time (the playground slide is daunting at first). Ming appears to be of Asian descent, and her classmates are from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Sullivan’s text offers poetic reflections on school (“It’s where magic fairy castles are built from sticks... and growing up takes time”), which Löfdahl captures in graceful and subdued watercolor scenes of dress-up tea parties, muddy spring explorations, and more. Best of all, Ming exhibits a quiet confidence and independence from start to finish, which ought to prove inspiring to children who are about to trade days spent at home for ones in new territory. Ages 3–6.

June 1, 2016
The first year of school for Ming is full of opposites and fun, but some things take time.School is "where she learns to say hello... // and good-bye." Flanked by her father, Ming surveys the friendly faces of her teacher and classmates; a turn of the page reveals Ming plastered to the window as her father's silhouette recedes. She meets new friends and introduces old ones: her well-loved stuffed animal at show and tell. There are "pinkie-lifting tea parties" and walking the plank. But though Ming conquers all these new things, she's just not ready for the big red slide: "growing up takes time." As the year proceeds, the seasons turn in Lofdahl's watercolor illustrations, which are soft, rounded, and slightly fuzzy. White backgrounds keep the focus on the characters and allow the brief text space of its own. Ming's name implies Asian heritage. She has round eyes like all the other children, her skin is medium-toned, and she sports Pippi Longstocking braids in her dark hair. Her father appears white, and her classmates are diverse. School is "where all things... // are worth waiting for." The final, oval illustration pictures a smiling, confident Ming posed atop the slide in spring. Featuring peeks at common classroom sights and activities, this empathetic tale could also be a discussion starter about growth and readiness. (Picture book. 3-6)

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Starred review from August 1, 2016

PreS-Gr 2-A sweet and spare text introduces a preschool girl named Ming on her first day of school. A vibrant and multiethnic cast of children share and grow with Ming throughout the year. The seasons shift subtly, as conveyed through the changing artwork of the students, displayed on a classroom window in softly burnished tones with fuzzy, rather than sharp, lines. Ming's school is where "magic fairy castles are built from sticks.../and growing up takes time." A thoughtful teacher watches a pensive Ming as she observes the other students on the big red slide-not ready to join them. The narrative ends with the declaration, "It's where all things.../Are worth waiting for," and the final spread shows Ming leaving her backpack behind as she runs toward the red slide, ready to give it a try. The symbiotic nature of the text and diffuse watercolors carries this quiet offering, distinguishing it from other school stories and making it one that should be shared. VERDICT This beautiful tale with gentle illustrations is an ode to the milestone of attending school for the first time and all it entails.-Lisa Kropp, Lindenhurst Memorial Library, NY

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