In this sweet and interactive story, Robbie Roadrunner worries that no one at school will want to play with him. Through engaging prompts, wiggle breaks, and fun facial expressions, kids ages 3–5 learn valuable lessons about making friends, being kind, showing respect, and sharing.

Congratulations, Janet! We can’t wait for more Robbie Roadrunner adventures!

To ease some of the anxiety a kid might experience about starting school — any new school — McCormick wrote a book that addresses some of these concerns. “Robbie the Roadrunner’s New Friends,” with illustrations by Anderson Atlas, answers questions such as, “Will I be laughed at?” or “What if I don’t know anyone else? Should I just run away?”

Fortunately, Robbie’s friends know some of the answers and since the story takes place in the Sonoran Desert, they are all Sonoran Desert creatures with names like Stingy Scorpion and Tank Tortoise.

It’s all meant to not just allay the fears of young children starting school but also to teach the adults who are around the children.

After Covid, Janet recognized children were struggling with returning to school and making friends, so she turned to her writing to help them. The interactive book shares ways to make friends, including being kind and respectful of others, and the importance of sharing.