Jessica, a friend only Ruthie can see, follows Ruthie to school on the first day of kindergarten. """"Henkes never falters as he outlines the logic and reasoning behind Ruthie's affection for her invisible playmate,"""" said PW. Ages 5-up. (May)

PreS-Gr 3-- A story about friendship fulfilled. Children meet Ruthie and her imaginary friend Jessica; together this duo share many experiences. Ruthie's parents hope that with the onset of kindergarten Jessica will become a friend of the past. ``There is no Jessica,'' they tell her, again and again. However, Jessica manages to find her way to class and, in a surprising turn of events, Ruthie is able to replace one Jessica for another. Henkes' upbeat story is highlighted by sprightly watercolor and black-pen illustrations that seem to bounce off the pages. Precision writing and a crisp, clean layout combine for a story with a totally satisfying ending and sure-fire child appeal. --J. J. Votapka, Oyster Bay-East Norwich Public Library, Oyster Bay, N.Y.