A little hippo finds that looking out for a new friend can turn
shyness into bravery in Jaime Kim's sweetly illustrated story about the
first day of school.
Mom always calls Robin a big, brave hippo, but on the first day of
school she just wants to hide. Even though Mom gives her a pretty purple
headband to make her feel confident, as soon as she enters the classroom
she retreats to a safe, quiet corner. Before long, Robin spies a young
otter named Marco who is wearing purple bracelets and who seems even
quieter and more timid than she is. And when Marco falters while trying
to say his name aloud to the class, Robin discovers that her voice can
be strong when coming to a new friend's aid. Might Marco do the same if
she needed help? In a gentle story threaded with the familiar moments of
a first school experience--seen through the eyes of a child for whom
they can be more intimidating than most--Jaime Kim captures the warmth
of finding a new friend and the ways that connection can make us all
more courageous, no matter how shy we feel.