Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech delivers a companion to the New
York Times bestselling picture book favorite, A Fine, Fine School.
Beloved characters Tillie, Beans, and Mr. Keene return, with a timely
message about the importance of creativity in the classroom.
Mr. Keene, runs a fine, fine school. He encourages his students to
express themselves through the creative arts: drawing, painting,
reading, and singing. Then Mr. Keene's appendix bursts, and he's rushed
to the hospital.
A new principal named Mr. Tatters arrives to take his place, and he is a
serious man. He does not smile, he does not laugh, disapproves of their
creative methods of learning, and immediately implements a policy of
daily tests, banning songs, flowers, art, and fun!
Soon the students tire of constant test taking, and the teachers grow
too fatigued to grade any more tests. Thankfully, Mr. Keene heals and
when he returns, he encourages his students to balance their creativity
with their learning.