Higgins, Ryan T. We Don’t Lose Our Class Goldfish. Ryan T. Higgins, Illus. Penelope Rex Series; bk. 3. Disney / Hyperion, 03/2023. 48pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-368-07698-2. GRADES Preschool – Kindergarten. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Penelope Rex, the young dinosaur who started school eating her classmates, returns for her third adventure and this time it involves Walter the class goldfish. Penelope is faced with overcoming her fear of Walter (he doesn’t blink and he bites) when it’s her turn to take him home. There are plenty of details in Higgins’ bright and vibrant cartoon-style illustrations, including the diverse representation of Penelope’s human classmates. A close observer will note that one classmate wears a hijab while sitting next to another with a yarmulke. The children have multiple skin tones, facial features, and hair styles. Like the other Penelope Rex books this one will be a great addition to any school library where it can be used as a fun and silly way to address anxiety and fear with young readers.
Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest K-8 Oakland Unified School District