On this “wonderful day” (n.p.), Molly was taking a “crystal” to school that had been given to her by her grandmother, who lived a long way away. She runs into the classroom eager to share it with the other children, who crowd enthusiastically around until their attention is taken by Russell’s stegosaurus. Now, the day is not so wonderful until Miss Plumberry realizes that Molly has something very special to share. Finely wrought watercolor and pencil drawings set the classroom scene in which a sad Molly is transformed back to happiness by a caring teacher with a great personality . Michael Rosen’s awards include the 1997 Eleanor Farjeon Award and Boston Globe Horn Book Honor Award. hc

Originally published by Walker Books Great Britain, in 2006.

A small moment makes a big difference to a little girl — thanks to a totally wonderful teacher who knows just what to do.

Molly can't wait to share her grandma's crystal with all her classmates, the special crystal she looks at each night as she falls asleep. Everyone crowds around, eager to see it — until Russell runs by with his flashy, water-spurting dinosaur. Now Molly's eyes are filling with tears, and her heart is going thumpity-thump, and it's the most totally horrible day in the whole world. Is there anything Miss Plumberry can do to make things wonderful again?