When Tess, a girl with black wavy hair and light skin, must attend school, she-s scared that the golden string of love that she perceives connecting her to her family won-t stretch far enough. Her teacher offers comfort (-Tess noticed a little thread between them-), and soon Tess befriends a boy named Harry and begins to perceive people-s varying connections. But when her mother is late for pickup, Tess fears the bond-s rupture until Mommy arrives with a soothing explanation. Employing the familiar metaphor of love as a string that stretches between loved ones, Averiss adds her own touch with graceful, lightly figurative language (-When Tess visited Granny and Gramps-s house, the love she had left there last time was still safe inside,- one page reads, the fondness visualized as a golden glow). Beautyman-s illustrations are warm and textural, with heartstrings visualized in sweeping loops. A reassuring read for those with separation anxiety. Ages 4-6. (Jan.)

PreS-K "Love connects us no matter what" is the wonderful message in this book. A family with dark eyes and black hair is proud of the love they share: mother and father, Tess, and Tom. Even when they are apart, they know they are connected by love. When Tess, a bit anxiously, starts school, she learns about other families that are also connected by love. The illustrations depict these connections through literal threads, spinning upward for a boy who has lost his father, or between Tess and her new teacher. That visual cue will help younger readers process the message of the book, about how lasting those ties are. The multilayered artwork is luminous and warmly rendered to add to the comforting message of love in family and friendships. VERDICT This will help children name their separation issues, and give parents a loving metaphor for reassuring them. Debbie Tanner, S D Spady Montessori Elem., FL