In parallel vignettes shown side by side on each spread, a gray mouse and a blue dinosaur each express trepidation about the first day of school. -I don-t want to go!- both say to themselves at home. Mouse wonders, -What if the children don-t like me?- as Dinosaur worries, -What if the teacher doesn-t like me?- But once they simultaneously arrive at school, a mutual smile and a wave signals that -I will be brave if you will be brave.- The next page reveals a surprising twist, and a wholly enjoyable kickoff to the school year for them both. Bell-s brief and emotionally on-point text will be a boon for readers with their own jitters, and Fitzgerald adds a solid dose of cheer, using bright candy colors to bring a class of big-eyed, happy-faced dinosaurs-and their newly confident mouse teacher-to life. Ages 3-7. (May)