I Remember Miss Perry - Hardcover

K-Gr. 3. Stevie's first day at school gives him a stomachache. But his teacher, Miss Perry, whose eyes disappear when she smiles, gets him through by telling him that her fondest wish is that they have lunch together. In fact, Miss Perry has a new fondest wish every day, and her upbeat charm makes for a happy class. Then one day, she isn't in school. After lunch, the kids are surprised to find their parents in their classroom. Principal O'Brien has something so sad to tell them that they may need their moms and dads: Miss Perry has been killed in a car accident. A grief counselor helps the students cope by asking for memories, and recalling their teacher's fondest wishes eases the children's pain. Although the title gives a clue, parents may pick this up by accident and get an unpleasant surprise mid-reading. But for children who are experiencing loss (even though this is one step removed from a family death), the story clearly makes the point that memory is an antidote for sadness. Sprightly ink-and-watercolor illustrations feature a multiethnic class, and capture Miss Perry with particular charm. Her smile lights up the pages. Ilene Cooper
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