Kisses for Kindergarten - Hardcover

"Pamintuan's digital illustrations bring out the duo's love and their exuberance, and he shows each sloppy kiss from Buster to his girl." --Kirkus Reviews "Pamintuan captures this tender girl-and-dog friendship in splashy, cinematic scenes." --Publishers Weekly "A perfect read for kiddos nervous about their first day of school."--Booklist Stella is convinced she doesn't have to go to kindergarten, since her puppy, Buster, tells her so. But convincing her mom and dad is a problem, until she comes up with a solution: "I'll reimagine kindergarten!" she says, "and really, how hard can that be with my puppy teaching me?" Stella begins with playtime and a romp in the park, followed by Buster's sloppy kisses. Snack time is paired with light dress-up, nap time turns into more playtime, and more kisses come next. When it comes to story time, Buster demonstrates "wisdom twice his age"--a telltale sign to "let Stella Isabella know to kindergarten she must go." In Crouse's delightful kindergarten-readiness tale, lyrical couplets playfully emphasize how the transition from home life to school can be a frightening experience for youngsters. Pamintuan adds warmth and tenderness to frolicsome scenes of the cartoonish figures in saturated colors, by focusing on Stella and Buster's close-knit relationship. Including a kindergarten-ready checklist, this debut is a perfect read for kiddos nervous about their first day of school. --Anita Lock, Booklist

Rather than go to kindergarten, Stella Isabella Harden decides to spend the day learning from her puppy, Buster, until something finally changes her mind.