100th Day Worries

Jessica is worried. On the 95th day of first grade, her teacher announces that the class will celebrate the 100th day of school by bringing in collections of 100 things. Being a chronic worrier, Jessica thinks and thinks all week. What will she bring? 100 ice cubes? Too melty. Marshmallows? Too sticky. Her siblings suggest 100 lipsticks and 100 yo-yos, but Jessica rejects those ideas. When her classmates start bringing in their collections, Jessica is in anguish. Why didn't she think of peanuts, or paper clips, or peppermints? The 100th day dawns, and Jessica still doesn't know what to bring. Will inspiration strike in time?

This book is for all the small worrywarts out there, the ones who fret over losing their first tooth, missing the school bus, or getting their math homework right. Jessica's ingenious solution incorporates the ideas and, most important, the love from her family. Arthur Howard's cartoony illustrations capture Jessica's big-eyed anxiety and big-smiled relief at the end of her 100th day worries. (Ages 5 to 8) --Emilie Coulter