On the first day of kindergarten, can Ruthie find a new friend? Jessica has a friend only she can see: Jessica. "There is no Jessica," said Ruthie's parents. But of course there was. She ate with Ruthie, played with Ruthie, and was sorry when Ruthie was bad. When it came time for Ruthie to go to school, Jessica went with her. Her parents hoped Ruthie would find a friend at school who would replace Jessica. They were in for a (happy) surprise! "Ruthie's empowering is one that is one that every small child can understand and celebrate." ( The Horn Book starred review) "Totally satisfying." ( School Library Journal starred review) Much to her parents' chagrin, 5-year-old Ruthie has a devoted invisible friend named Jessica. When Ruthie accidentally spills juice, Jessica gladly takes the blame. When Ruthie's parents plan to hire a baby sitter and go to a movie, Jessica gets a tummy ache and needs them to stay home. "There is no Jessica," her parents keep insisting. "But Ruthie knew there was," the author keeps repeating. Kevin Henkes's Popsicle-colored watercolors and detailed pen-and-ink drawings invite us into Ruthie and Jessica's fantasy world. Through his handwritten cartoon dialogue, we are privy to their tender conversations and confidences. When it's time to start kindergarten, Ruthie's father suggests that Jessica stay home. But of course Ruthie brings Jessica anyway. On that fateful day we discover what Ruthie knew all along--there really is a Jessica! Children who believe in imaginary playmates will find their soul mate in Ruthie. And parents who fret over the isolation of an absorbing imaginary life will find comfort in the story's happy ending. All families will appreciate the twists of fate that allow a child's fantasy world to joyfully overlap into the real one. School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, Horn Book Fanfare Honor List, IRA/CBC Children's Choice, American Bookseller Pick of the Lists. (Ages 3 and older) --Gail Hudson PreSchool-Grade 3-- A story about friendship fulfilled. Children meet Ruthie and her imaginary friend Jessica; together this duo share many experiences. Ruthie's parents hope that with the onset of kindergarten Jessica will become a friend of the past. "There is no Jessica," they tell her, again and again. However, Jessica manages to find her way to class and, in a surprising turn of events, Ruthie is able to replace one Jessica for another. Henkes' upbeat story is highlighted by sprightly watercolor and black-pen illustrations that seem to bounce off the pages. Precision writing and a crisp, clean layout combine for a story with a totally satisfying ending and sure-fire child appeal. --J. J. Votapka, Oyster Bay-East Norwich Public Library, Oyster Bay, N.Y. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. "There is no Jessica," said Ruthie's parents. But of course there was. She ate with Ruthie, played with Ruthie, and was sorry when Ruthie was bad. Nobody could see Jessica -- except Ruthie. When it came time for Ruthie to go to school, Jessica went with her. Her parents hoped Ruthie would find a friend at school who would replace Jessica. They were in for a (happy) surprise! Kevin Henkes has been praised both as a writer and as an illustrator and is the recipient of the Children’s Literature Legacy Award for his lasting contribution to literature for children. He received the Caldecott Medal for Kitten’s First Full Moon ; Caldecott Honors for Waiting and Owen ; Newbery Honors for Olive’s Ocean and The Year of Billy Miller ; and Geisel Honors for Waiting and Penny and Her Marble . His other books include Is It Spring?, The World and Everything in It , A House , A Parade of Elephants , Chrysanthemum , and the beloved Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse . Kevin Henkes lives with his family in Madison, Wisconsin.