A Bank Street Books Best Children's Book of the Year for Family/School/Community Fiction, noted for outstanding merit (2024)

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's 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, 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.