This sweet, funny illustrated chapter book is an empowering story about a young girl who is more than ready for all the unexpected things life can bring in your first year at school.

Dani is probably the happiest person she knows. She’s happy because she’s going to start school. Dani has been waiting to go to school her whole life. Then things get even better—she meets Ella by the swings. After that, Dani and Ella do everything together and become best friends. But then something happens that Dani isn’t prepared for.

This New York Times Notable Book is a perfect first chapter book for children aged five and up, full of relatable experiences and social-emotional learning. Every page features lively, sensitive drawings from one of the world’s great illustrators.