Shy Lily does not look forward to shopping for new school clothes with her dad because she is a bit afraid of starting school. But when she finds a cat mask for sale, her dad lets her get it, and she wears it everywhere—including to school on the first day. Her teacher, Ms. Ito, tells her it’s a distraction, so Lily is only allowed to wear the mask at recess. And it’s at recess that she finds a boy who is also wearing a cat mask: a friendship destined to be. Fortenberry’s tender story of an introvert who finds her way on her own terms is illustrated with spritely watercolors that show Lily as a brown-skinned girl. (Ages 3-5)

Armed with a vivid imagination and her trusty cat mask, Lily can take on anything--even a new school...

But when her teacher tells her no masks allowed in class, Lily worries, can she make friends without it?

Anyone who has been daunted by a new experience, or struggled to put on a good face, will relate to Lily. Whimsical art brings Lily, her father, and her new classmates to life, with text that begs to be read aloud. Perfect for Father's Day, back to school, and even Halloween--Lily and her grinning cat mask are sure to make you smile back.