"I Want to Help!" by Diane Adams & illustrated by Nancy Hayashi

ISBN: 978-1-56145-630-7

Softened primary colors and captivatingly active, vigorous illustrations bring the story of young Emily to life as she cavorts in the schoolroom. She knows a lot, is brave and will face the insects, is a helper extraordinaire. However, as the illustrations point out, sometimes Emily is a bit much for everyone around her.

As the day closes and other parents arrive to pick up Emily's classmates, Emily's vulnerability peeks through and that is when Emily herself needs help. She finds it in her teacher who recognizes the situation for what it is and asks Emily to "help her" with some tasks.

This book bespeaks vividly of the exuberant child in kindergarten who is smart, active, brave, inquisitive but who also has a weak spot. That is when the superior engaging teacher steps in and provides just what the child needs.

A good read-aloud book.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Peachtree Publishers in exchange for our honest review. No compensation was received for this review.