"For the most part, the rhyming verse works to make the story playful . the ­ultimate message of a community working together toward a common goal resonates. The ink-and-watercolor illustrations are simple, bright, and colorful and add quite a bit of humor." -- School Library Journal "What will happen to Hardy Elementary school when reliable Principal Tate runs late? . Emotions and relationships are visualized and engaging. A sweet message for school communities." -- Kirkus Reviews "The rhyming text . is nonetheless lively, with abundant tongue-in-cheek humor.

Fine-lined ink illustrations, sweetened by gentle watercolor washes, depict the school with an expressive population of varying abilities, sizes, and species . This amusing picture book gamely lauds school staff and the hurdles they must regularly overcome." -- Publishers Weekly "Cole sets his latest rhymed romp at an elementary school populated by animals that quickly slides to the edge of catastrophe when the principal (a no-nonsense hen) goes missing. What's the upshot? 'When a school gets along, / it's a place of community, / working so beautifully, together in unity.'" -- Booklist "[An] entertaining and cheery school story. Cole's watercolor and ink illustrations abound with expressive animals, comical situations, and familiar school settings. A lively and lighthearted tale, and a paean to community." -- Horn Book Magazine.