On The First Day Of Grade School

One python (that didn't squeeze me) is quickly joined by two buzzing bees, three fat rats, four burping goats, and more in a harmless bit of back-to-school fluff that takes its cues from "The Twelve Days of Christmas." A bemused teacher in sweater and ponytail accepts the series of gifts, her frazzlement measured by the wisps of hair that escape her bow and settle sweatily around her face. Brenner's verse chirps along merrily enough (though that python never seems to scan just right), but it's Whatley's bright, cheery illustrations that carry the day. The ever-increasing menagerie packs itself onto a background of white space, stacking animals higher and higher in arrangements kids will love to pore over. Deathless literature it ain't, but it's a fine, funny entry in sub-genre that sees a lot of activity every September. (Picture book. 4-8)