Reviews for Mrs. McBee leaves Room 3
Publishers Weekly
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When Mrs. McBee tells her students that she won't be back next year, a "great sigh from Room 3 echoed down the halls." Mrs. McBee understands that this is a bittersweet moment-a concept she compares to "swirly ice cream with sad and happy twisted together." She also knows that activity can be a tonic and enlists the children's help getting the room ready for the new teacher. "I need construction experts, librarians, packers, spellers, movers, and animal experts too," she says briskly; the students-eager to embrace their distinctive competencies and do Mrs. McBee one last favor-get to work. Even William, who initially seems too sad to be of any help, makes an important contribution. It's an earnest, unflashy story that has all the earmarks of becoming a staple for schools and students facing similar transitions. McClellan, a former elementary reading specialist making her debut, writes in straightforward, empathic prose that demonstrates notable emotional restraint. Zong's (Our Food) rounded, button-nosed characters and affectionately rendered settings take the sting out of the premise without mitigating its importance. Ages 3-7. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
School Library Journal
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K-Gr 3-A picture book about a teacher who announces that she is leaving the school at the end of the year. It's not clear whether she is retiring or transferring; the students know only that they are heartbroken. They think of all the things Mrs. McBee will miss when she leaves. She won't get to see her students, hear them read, or watch them grow. Their reaction is completely spot-on. There's no real thought about Mrs. McBee; all they can think about is how her absence will affect them. To take the kids' minds off her leaving, Mrs. McBee enlists their aid in cleaning the room and making sure everything is ready for the next class. Jamaika, a bossy leader if ever there was one, gives everyone a job, but William sits alone and doesn't engage. Jamaika tattles on him repeatedly, but Mrs. McBee replies, "Give him time, honey." When all the jobs are completed, a box is delivered to the class. Out pops William with a fistful of drawings he'd done of all the fun times the class has had together. William has been helping all along. Mrs. McBee clearly is loved by each child in her class, which is evidenced through the text, the soft-hued illustrations, and the happy expressions throughout. The clever cover, with a blackboardlike font, shows a group hug in Room 3, which is echoed satisfyingly at the end of the story. VERDICT A great read-aloud any day but certainly on Teacher Appreciation Day or the last day of school.-Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.
School's ending and vacation's about to begin, but room 3's students aren't happy upon learning their teacher, Mrs. McBee, isn't returning. However, when she requests help straightening and packing up the classroom, they enthusiastically pitch in except William, who sits aside, looking doleful. Soon, the room's cleared, and Mrs. McBee, seeing students' dismayed faces, explains, We're sad about saying good-bye, but happy about what's ahead, including meeting a new teacher next school year. Then William reveals special mementos he made for Mrs. McBee and the class, and the day concludes cheerfully with ice cream outside. The text, while somewhat lengthy, keeps a lively pace, while colorful, cartoonish illustrations depict the diverse kids in a familiar classroom setting with expressive and lighthearted touches. Throughout, Mrs. McBee and her students' mutual affection shines through. This positive portrayal of a common experience offers a rosy picture of teachers and students, including Mrs. McBee's gentle reassurances and inclusive approach of appreciating each student and his or her strengths. A great pick for an end-of-the-year storytime.--Rosenfeld, Shelle Copyright 2017 Booklist
Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
A favorite teacher prepares to leave her school in June, but her students don't want to face that change.Mrs. McBee resembles Ms. Frizzle: white; unusual clothes, including teal blue socks and two-toned loafers; curly red hair piled messily on her head; and original in her teaching style. Her students are every shade. Strong-willed, take-charge Jamaika, a black girl, quickly appoints herself teacher's assistant when Mrs. McBee asks for volunteers to clean up the room. The other kids set to work packing, labeling, and carrying even though they are very sad. There is one holdout, shirking his tasks, as Jamaika keeps pointing out. William, a white boy, doesn't help and even disappears, but there is a surprise in store. The custodian delivers a box addressed to Mrs. McBee. "A yellow hard hat popped up like a jack-in-the-box." William appears with a sheaf of papers. He has created wonderful pictures of the year's exciting activities and a card for everyone to sign. On that note, the teacher makes a speech and invites everyone for a "McBeehive hug" and ice cream cones, with swirls of chocolate and vanillalike "sad and happy twisted together." The deeply colored, acrylic-and-gouache full-bleed double-page spreads show lots of busy activity in a classroom that any child would like to join. A little sentimental but also a thoroughly satisfying solution to the issue of saying goodbye. (Picture book. 5-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
