When their principal is running late, all members of Hardy School must work together to keep things running smoothly! This jaunty and upbeat picture book from celebrated author-illustrator Henry Cole is perfect for back-to-school and all year round.

Every day goes smoothly at Hardy Elementary School because Principal Tate keeps everyone happy and everything in order. But what happens when her car breaks down one day and she's running late?

How will the students, teachers, parents, and visitors get through the day? Will chaos take over Hardy School? The solution is simple: Everyone at the school must do their part to save the day.

With adorable animal illustrations, trademark humor, and an inspiring message about working together, Henry Cole's latest picture book is the perfect gift for students, teachers, and principals-and those who need to learn why it's important to be on time!

About the Author
Henry Cole was a celebrated science teacher for many years before turning his talents to children's books. He has worked on nearly one hundred and fifty books for children, including Unspoken, Big Bug, A Nest for Celeste, Jack's Garden, and On Meadowview Street. Henry loves being outside, where he can sketch and write. His favorite sound is the first robin song of the spring. You can visit him online at www.henrycole.net. Henry Cole was a celebrated science teacher for many years before turning his talents to children's books. He has worked on nearly one hundred and fifty books for children, including Unspoken, Big Bug, A Nest for Celeste, Jack's Garden, and On Meadowview Street. Henry loves being outside, where he can sketch and write. His favorite sound is the first robin song of the spring. You can visit him online at www.henrycole.net.

Reviews
"For the most part, the rhyming verse works to make the story playful . . . the ultimate message of a community working together toward a common goal resonates. The ink-and-watercolor illustrations are simple, bright, and colorful and add quite a bit of humor." - School Library Journal "What will happen to Hardy Elementary school when reliable Principal Tate runs late? . . . Emotions and relationships are visualized and engaging. A sweet message for school communities." - Kirkus Reviews "The rhyming text . . . is nonetheless lively, with abundant tongue-in-cheek humor. Fine-lined ink illustrations, sweetened by gentle watercolor washes, depict the school with an expressive population of varying abilities, sizes, and species . . . This amusing picture book gamely lauds school staff and the hurdles they must regularly overcome." - Publishers Weekly "Cole sets his latest rhymed romp at an elementary school populated by animals that quickly slides to the edge of catastrophe when the principal (a no-nonsense hen) goes missing. What's the upshot? 'When a school gets along, / it's a place of community, / working so beautifully, together in unity.'" - Booklist "[An] entertaining and cheery school story. Cole's watercolor and ink illustrations abound with expressive animals, comical situations, and familiar school settings. A lively and lighthearted tale, and a paean to community." - Horn Book Magazine



Book Information
ISBN 9780063025745
Author Henry Cole
Format Hardback
Page Count 32
Imprint Katherine Tegen Books
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers Inc
Weight(grams) 367g