The first day of second grade brings wonderful surprises for Herbie. First, when his big sister sees him eating ice cream for breakfast, she doesn't snitch. Second, he makes a new friend on the way to school. And finally, his new teacher isn't the expected Mrs. Schnellenberger, but Mr. S. (Hold the burger), who has a sense of humor. Kline doesn't provide totally smooth sailing for Herbie, but minor annoyances fade in importance thanks to a classroom atmosphere that is both buoyant and supportive. Widely spaced lines of large type and plenty of appealing line drawings give the pages an inviting look. Readers venturing into chapter books will also enjoy Herbie's previous home-and-school-centered adventures.

Herbie Jones is back—but now he's in second grade. Kline has turned back the hands of time, and readers can find out all about his early elementary-school years in this offering and its sequel, Herbie Jones and the Second Grade Slippers (ISBN: 0-399-23132-3) for the newest chapter-book readers. Herbie is anxious about his new teacher, but is pleasantly surprised by Mr. Schnellenberger, a tall, big-eared MAN TEACHER. Mr. S quickly captivates his charges with his boat theme, personalized sailor hats and microphones for reading aloud. Not only does Herbie have a new teacher, he has a new friend, Raymond Martin. Things are not always smooth sailing for Herbie, but a quick phone call to his beloved grandfather easily adjusts the rudder. Sunny pen-and-ink illustrations brighten each page and make Herbie Jones's story easily read by the youngest reader. (Fiction. 5-8)