Kathryn Wanless has a bachelor's degree in Linguistics from University College London and a Master's in Children's Book Illustration from Cambridge School of Art. She loves both words and pictures in equal measure. She has taught in Europe, the UK and the US, including six years spent in the wonderful world of preschool education. She now resides near Stamford, Lincolnshire, UK where she teaches Art and invests much of her spare time acting in a local Shakespeare theatre company. This is her debut book as both author and illustrator. Visit her at kathrynwanless.com.

★ "Wanless' book opens the door to dialogue, empathy, and understanding, showing how the rhythms of preschool. . . Her illustrations mirror the text's soft, calming tone with warm, inclusive, and expressive artwork. . . . The colors are bright, happy, and welcoming. This book can be used by families preparing for preschool as well as throughout the year, making the conversation a natural part of a daily routine. . . . An essential tool for parents and teachers alike which will foster meaningful conversations with little ones experiencing big feelings."

-- "School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW" (12/4/2025 12:00:00 AM)

★ "The text is the perfect length for little readers, and its repeated structure offers a comforting predictability. The rhymes keep the book bouncing along and give it a singsong feel ideal for children listening on a caregiver's lap. Rendered in a pastel palette, snapshot images offer specific details yet are general enough to apply to a range of preschool environments. The common thread running through it all? School is safe, fun, and play-filled. One standout image shows a butterfly release as the insects swirl from below up and away, the children gazing up full of wonder--lovely reassurance that preschool will indeed be joyous. Whether kids are anticipating school with anxiety or excitement, this one's a must-have."

-- "Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW" (3/23/2026 12:00:00 AM)

★ "Former early childhood educator Wanless has an inside track on just how this thing called preschool works, and her smartly structured solo debut supplies a lighthearted and reassuringly specific lowdown. In three successive sections, a different child receives a caretaker's calm, clear response to the eponymous question. As breezy spot illustrations depict students and teachers with various abilities and skin tones, reassuring rhymes preview the soon-to-be-familiar routine ("We play...// with friends...// in sun.../ and snow"), and each section concludes with the friendly refrain ("And all too soon...// it's time to go!"). Painting preschool as a welcoming and fun destination, spare, perky text and airy pastel-hued images offer up a consistent what-to-expect scaffolding for preschoolers-to-be."

-- "Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW" (4/27/2026 12:00:00 AM)

Publisher: Red Comet Press

Pub date: 2026-06-09

Length: 40 pages