This book is about Polka-dot who has a grandpa that fixes everything for her. One day she has to start kinder garden and she learned how to fix things by herself making an unsuspecting new friend on the way.
ages: 3-6
source: Pierce college

After reading this book I had mixed feeling about it. I like the illustrations and the plot of the story, however, I disliked the way the book was written. The illustrations showed the emotions that the characters were feeling in their faces and stature, they were also quirky like Polka-dot is too. This is especially evident The Plot of the story was also very interesting, it went from Polka-dot being apprehensive about starting kindergarten to her using her fix it kit to help the girl who was being mean to her. The way that Polka-dot drew from what she had learned from her grandfather about how to fix things to help Liz when she ripped her dress really wrapped the book up well. However, I did not care for the way the book was written. I found the transitions to be very abrupt and I even had to go back and reread a few times to make sure I had read it correctly. I got tripped up on several parts however the part that I especially had to reread a few times was when Liz was jumping rope and saying “Polka, Polka, Polka-dot. Wears a dress that’s for a tot.” because I kept getting tripped up on the first part. The big idea of this book was to show children that even though they won’t be able to fix everything that a little bit of kindness can go a long way, even when it involves dealing with a bully. ( )

It's Polka-dot's first day of kindergarten and she's nervous. A girl in a striped dress teases her all day until Polka-dot confronts her for being and the girl accidently tears her dress. Polka-dot shows her kindness and they become friends before the end of the day.

Ages - 4 to 5
Sources - Pierce College Library

Summary: This book is about a little girl who loves to spend time with her grandpa, he helps her fix everything that is broken. When she goes to school she does her best to fix things that fall apart, but she just makes things worse. In the end, she helps fix another girl's ripped dress and she makes a friend.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Media: Water Color
Age: Primary
Critique: This is a good example of a realistic fiction book because each of the characters and events are true to real life. In class, I might read this on the first day of school to help kids who are feeling homesick feel more comfortable at school.

Polka Dot is having a tough time on the first day of kindergarten. Liz won't stop saying rude things, she can't decide if she likes her new teacher and her kindergarten rules, and even her grandfather's trusted fix-it kit is not helping her deal with the trials of the day. This is a sweet story with a happy ending that could be used to address issues related to making friends and school citizenship. ( )