This book is great for any kid that isn't afraid of Preschool but may not see the point. Pearl is a kid with a hyper fixition, Ballet. She goes with her mom to Ballet school, so why does she need to go to regular school. I love the gentle way that her mom encourages her and answers all of her questions, She makes it seem like it is a choice to go to school and not something that Pearl has to do. I really appreciated the way this book approached going to school and i plan on recommending it to many of my small patrons.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a cute picture book especially aimed at children starting preschool. The character of Pearl is very cute. The pictures are well done and the story flows well. Add this to your get-ready-for-preschool preparation.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. This is a sweet book about a young ballerina who is deciding about preschool.

Pearl's mom is a ballet teacher, and Pearl, who loves everything about dancing, and her stuffy Violet go to dance class everyday with her. So when her mom suggests that she might want to go to preschool, Pearl isn't too keen on the idea. After all, she can already count - 1st position, 2nd position, 3rd position. Pearl and her mom talk about preschool and all the things Pearl could do there as they go about their day - riding home on the subway, getting dressed up and going to the ballet, and later while reading a bedtime story. The next morning, Pearl and Violet are ready to give preschool a try. And it's everything her mom said it would be - there are other kids, and there's all kinds of things to do, like painting, building blocks, making music, dressing up, and making a new friend. Not surprising, all Pearl's activities revolve around ballet. And her favorite part of the day - dancing, of course. If you are looking for a book that explores preschool anxiety and jitters, this is not it. Pearl seems pretty open to new thing and her adjustment to preschool goes smoothly. It simply explores all the different things kids can do in preschool that make it a fun place to be without having to give up other favorite things. I really liked a number of things about this book. First, the way Pearl's mom didn't force preschool on her, but gently led her to accepting the idea of going to school. Second, the way Pearl held on to her love of ballet and incorporated it into her day, while learning new things at the same time. Third, I liked that there are two boys in her ballet class instead of all girls in pink leotards. And finally, that the dancer who is the Snow Queen in "The Nutcracker, " the ballet Pearl and her mom go to see, is a dancer of color. The soft, digitally painted illustrations are as sweet and gently as the story itself.

This story simplifies, to a young child's level of understanding, the worry and fear of starting school. Pearl has been to dancing class at her ballet school. she wonders if preschool will be like this. Her mother reassures her some things will be like ballet school but other things at preschool will be different. Pearl and her mother go to visit preschool together and Pearl becomes more comfortable as she sees the things, activities and experiences she will have at preschool.
Nice little book to discuss what preschool might be like for a child and discuss what experiences they may have.

A heartwarming stories, about how a new thing can be not exciting but with a right explanation, kids won't be terrified and can find it interesting

Nothing like kids who see things pretty simply. Pearl and Violet have a wonderful time doing things together. The way her mom deals with the topic of preschool is great. The artwork is well done and like the diversity of the kids shown. Simple text and colorful graphics should easily hold a child’s interest. I enjoyed the book as well as the characters.

Pearl enjoys dancing. She goes to dance classes with her mother. It’s time for Pearl to go to pre-school now. A great story for children who love to dance and are getting ready to go go school.
Thank you to Netgalley and Candlewick Press for an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review to come on July 25th on blog and August 17th on Goodreads.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

This book looked and sounded totally adorable and I knew I had to try it out. Plus, I love dancing and this book features that as well. And I am glad I got a chance to read this one as it was just the sweetest thing.

Meet Pearl, a tiny little girl who loves dancing and knows a lot about ballet. But it is time for Pearl to go to preschool because she is now old enough to go. I loved how her mom asked her if she wanted to go and that the school needed new students. That is such a cute way and I loved what Pearl told her mom and also had a whole explanation because Pearl could do things! But she is still curious and I loved how the mom took her time to explain what preschool is and what they would do there. It was great to see Pearl's enthusiasm for the preschool grow with each new thing.

Her decision should come with no surprise so we see a couple of moments at the preschool and it seems that Pearl is having the best time of her life with new friends and new things to do. I had a big laugh at the end when the mom asked what her favourite thing was and Pearl answers that. Oh Pearl. :P

All in all a very cute book and perfect if your little one is about to go to preschool. The art is really adorable and cute.

This is a sweet little picture book that provides reassurance to children who might be on the verge of starting preschool for the first time.

Pearl attends dance classes. But her mother suggests that she might like preschool, too. Pearl thinks she already knows some of the things she would learn there, but as she asks questions and her mother answers, she starts to think that maybe preschool is something she would like to try. So she does. Will she like it as much as dance class?

What I really like about this one is that Pearl has the power. Her mother doesn't just tell her she's going to preschool, but instead introduces the idea and lets Pearl come around to the idea of going. It makes for a positive experience for all involved.

The illustrations are cute, but probably a matter of taste. The scribbly aesthetic won't be for everyone. I think it works well enough here, though.

Overall, this is a cute book. I'd probably recommend it to the pre-preschool set and their parents.

Pearl loves to go to her mom’s ballet school. When her mom asks if she would like to go to preschool, Pearl has a lot of questions. Pearl decides to attend preschool with Violet, her stuffed animal. At preschool, they paint, play dress up, make new friends, and dance.

Pearl Goes to Preschool is a cute story with beautiful illustrations. As an educator, I would recommend this book for yo7ng children who are a bit shy about trying new things.

Thank you to Candlewick Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Pearl is a dancer, just like her mom. She is the youngest dancer at her mom's ballet school. This book takes us along as Pearl's mom explains to her about preschool and how Pearl's first day at preschool goes.

This is a cute read and one I could see reading over and over to my 3 year old. It helps to explain all of the fun things you get to do at preschool and how you will meet new friends. Artwork is also amazing, very detailed and colorful.

This book was given to me an an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in an exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

This charming book with its beautiful illustrations is a treat to read and to share. Pearl and her Mother have an extra special mother/daughter bond though the love of dance. Pearl's Mother runs a ballet school and Pearl spends most of her time there dancing her little heart out. She simply loves to dance.

One day her Mother suggests that perhaps Pearl is ready to go to preschool. At first Pearl is apprehensive and questions why she should go there. After all she and her favourite stuffed toy Violet already go to school ... ballet school.

Her Mother lovingly and patiently explains to her daughter that she will learn things there like the alphabet, how to count and will be allowed to colour and paint with her fingers. After asking a myriad of questions and telling Violet everything she knows at bedtime about preschool Pearl decides that she and Violet will give preschool a try.

Her Mother delights in the fact that Pearl has made the decision to attend all on her own. The little girl learns that both of her schools can be wonderful places to learn, to have fun.... and best of all to dance.

The illustrations are softly coloured and full of expression which enrich the storyline. This book encourages young children to step out and try something new. It may also help with little ones who experience feelings of separation anxiety. I highly recommend it.

I absolutely loved this book. Pearl takes dancing class at her mother's studio. She knows counting and discipline so when her mother suggests that it is time for preschool, Pearl is a little unsure. Her mother tells of all the adventure she will have at preschool along with the friends she will make.

If you child loves dancing and will be going to school soon, they will be taken with Pearl. She will become their new best friend.

A Special Thank you Candlewick Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

A sweet and reassuring story about trying something new that’s perfect for young children with separation anxiety.

**Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review**

Such a fresh and sweet book! The illustrations are very delicate and full of harmony and the story is really heartfelt! It’s a great book to tell toddlers that preschool can be fun!

My almost pre-schooler loved this story. We read it three times in a row. Great way to start the conversation before heading to preschool.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

This book is absolutely adorable!
It's a fantastic book to encourage children about going to nursery/preschool and all the amazing things you can do there.
The artwork in this book is so adorable and curious children will love the story.

This book has the most delightful illustrations!  Pearl and her mom are so lovingly portrayed by the illustrator as they dance and do other activities together.  I would purchase this book for the visuals alone.


The story is sweet as well though.  Pearl enjoys being at her mom's ballet school.  Her mother offers her the opportunity to go to preschool but Pearl isn't sure.  The beauty of the story is that the mother does not force her child and so Pearl makes her own decision.


This is a lovely book for introducing children to the activities of preschool.  It also shows a caring parent/child relationship.


Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

My five year old and I really loved this picture book. Pearl goes to her mom's ballet school every day, so she doesn't understand why she might want to go to preschool as well. Isn't she already learning enough from dancing? Once convinced, Pearl and her stuffed animal friend find lots of fun and adventure at preschool. My five year old is a seasoned preschooler who also attends ballet school (although both are virtual at the moment), but she appreciated Pearl's story and agreed that both are very important. I loved the sweet pastel illustrations.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.