Book excerpt: After missing her class costume party, a girl decides she doesn’t need an excuse to dress up in this charming board book, a relatable school story from author-illustrator Blanca Gómez. When a little girl is home sick for dress-up day at school, she decides there’s no need to miss out entirely: She’ll just wear her rabbit costume the next day! But when the next day arrives and she’s the only one in costume, it doesn’t feel like such a great idea after all. Can a little bit of confidence and an unexpected new friend turn a self-conscious moment into a wonderful one? Funny, endearing, and relatable to any kid who’s ever felt insecure, Dress-Up Day is an ode to friendship, embracing individuality, and putting yourself out there no matter the occasion. “There’s an emotional change on almost every page of this picture book as Gómez presents the possibility that moments of chagrin don’t last forever, and that disasters can morph into delight.” —Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)