Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Harper's (Me, Too!) entertaining story is less about starting school and more about some amazing animal attributes. The effervescent Miss Mingo-a flamingo-asks her feathered, furry and multi-legged pupils to share something special about themselves, resulting in a hilarious roll-call that enumerates this menagerie's quirky traits. Miss Mingo begins by sipping a shrimp shake upside down. "I'll bet you didn't know that the food I eat keeps me in the pink," she explains. As the day proceeds, each animal takes a turn. `I taste with my suckers,' Octopus said with a slurp... `I hear with my legs,' said Cricket, frowning at Octopus. `Could you please eat more quietly?' " Captions in smaller typeface elaborate on each animal's featured characteristic. Colorful, animated scenes invite readers to linger over the characters' droll expressions and actions, such as a wordless spread of the impromptu pool party that takes place in Pelican's pouch. The funny commentary from these stereotypic class personalities (e.g., a nerdy frog and an alligator who serves as the class goody-goody) keeps the narrative moving and the facts coming. Young animal enthusiasts won't soon forget these unique students or Miss Mingo's enthusiastic celebration of their diversity. Ages 4-7. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3-Miss Mingo is a flamingo, and her class includes Hippo, Narwhal, Frog, and Centipede. To get to know one another, she asks the students to share what makes them special and different. She opens the discussion, explaining that it's the food that she eats that keeps her feathers pink. Soon, the other animals join in, either telling about themselves or making comments. The pastel illustrations add a peaceful tone to the book. The unique characteristic of each creature is emphasized in the art and in additional details in smaller print. This book would be useful at the start of school to introduce not only each animal's characteristics but also the notion that every child is unique. This book is a perfect mix of a first-day-of-school story and facts about the natural world. It will be enjoyed by students and teachers.-Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Miss Mingo (the flamingo) has a classroom menagerie of self-conscious students. To get the ball rolling on the first day, she begins by sharing a fact about herself--and all flamingos: ""I always eat upside down."" Her students respond in kind: ""I may be tiny, but I'm super strong,"" Ant announces. Whimsical watercolor and ink illustrations are entertaining and informative. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
In Miss Mingo's classroom, the first day is all about getting to know what makes each student unique. She starts with herself, telling them that she is pink because of the food she eats, and demonstrating how she eats it--upside down! Everyone stares at her in awe, and Hippo is more than a little smitten with his pretty teacher. Her students all jump in, sharing what makes them special, while their classmates offer funny, but kind, comments: "Check out that shoe collection," Frog says about Centipede. A change in font separates the story from the sentence or two of facts about each animal. Miss Mingo's menagerie is as varied as a human classroom, with everything from ocean and jungle animals, to insects and creatures from down under. Harper's watercolors deftly illustrate not only the showcased traits, but also the typical kindergarten classroom--floor mats, sink, snack table and bookshelves. Humorous details will encourage repeated readings. The classroom's energy is contagious, and soon-to-be-Kindergarteners will be anxious to get to know the unique talents of their own new classmates. A cute combination of animal fact book and a lesson in kindergarten preparedness. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
