About this item
It's the first day of Zoo School and outgoing Amanda the Panda is ready. She's excited and can't wait to go! But for anxious Alfred the Alligator, the first day fills him with dread. Why does he have to go? Isn't he smart enough already? When Amanda gets to school and sees that everyone seems to have a best friend, she decides that Alfred would be the perfect best friend for her. But what does it mean to be a best friend? Does it mean enjoying the same things or feeling the same way? Amanda doesn't notice that Alfred doesn't like sitting at the front of the classroom. And she doesn't notice that Alfred is miserable when she picks him to play Tag. In fact, Amanda doesn't notice much about Alfred at all. She's too busy enjoying everything all around her.
About the Author
Sarah Dillard studied art at Wheaton College and illustration at Rhode Island School of Design. Her author illustrated books include the popular Mouse Scouts series, the critically-acclaimed young graphic reader, Extraordinary Warren and its sequel, Extraordinary Warren Saves the Day. Her picture books include Blueberry Cake, I Don't Like Rain and I Wish it Would Snow. Sarah is inspired by the beautiful mountain she lives on, and doesn't feel a day is complete without a walk in the woods. For further inspiration she dips into her collection of vintage children's books, including Margaret Wise Brown's The Little Fur Family, Maurice Sendak's Nutshell Library, and the Beatrix Potter books. She hopes to create picture books that transport young minds into magical worlds, just as she was as a child. Sarah lives in Vermont with her husband and chocolate lab.
