Save Me a Seat

<p>Tessie's first day at her new school is tougher than she ever imagined: cubbies brim with backpacks classmates chatter over favorite stories and every seat seems claimed. When she musters the courage to ask May I sit with you? she's met with a chorus of No - I'm saving this seat for my friend.</p><p></p><p>Everything changes when Libby spots Tessie reading her favorite story and exclaims I love that book too! Soon the two girls are side-by-side sharing pages and giggles. Through Lisa Corduan's gentle rhythmic prose and Tabitha Gail Simmons's warm expressive illustrations young readers will cheer as Tessie and Libby-bonded by their shared love of stories-turn an empty seat into the start of something beautiful.</p><p></p><ul><li><ul><li><strong>Early-Reader Friendly:</strong> Controlled vocabulary and playful repetition support emerging readers and make for delightful read-aloud moments.</li><li><strong>Empathy & Inclusion:</strong> A powerful accessible way to spark conversations about kindness acceptance and the courage to reach out.</li><li><strong>Back-to-School Essential:</strong> Eases first-day jitters supports anti-bullying discussions and encourages classroom camaraderie.</li></ul></li></ul>