Smart, Smart School

Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech delivers a companion to the New York Times bestselling picture book favorite, A Fine, Fine School. Beloved characters Tillie, Beans, and Mr. Keene return, with a timely message about the importance of creativity in the classroom.

Mr. Keene, runs a fine, fine school. He encourages his students to express themselves through the creative arts: drawing, painting, reading, and singing. Then, Mr. Keene's appendix bursts, and he is rushed to the hospital.

A new principal named Mr. Tatters arrives to take his place, and he is a serious man. He does not smile, he does not laugh, disapproves of their creative methods of learning, and immediately implements a policy of daily tests, banning songs, flowers, art, and fun! Soon the students tire of constant test-taking, and the teachers grow too fatigued to grade any more tests. Thankfully, Mr. Keene heals and when he returns, he encourages his students to balance their creativity with their learning.