Desmond is the kind of kid who prefers to stay out of the spotlight. In fact, he’s pretty much perfected the art of fading into the background, often literally, as amusingly shown in the illustrations of this unusual story. When the new girl at school, Gloria, unfailingly picks him out of his anonymity, Desmond is stunned. And he finds that he actually likes it when she includes him in their imaginary play. The clean lines and a flat perspective of the illustrations will make it easier for children to find Desmond wherever he is hiding in this pleasing story of different personality types interacting in a school setting in a positive way. (Ages 3–6)

Desmond likes to disappear, blend into the background, and hide in the cleverest of places. But when a new student named Gloria arrives at his school, Desmond finds himself noticed for the first time. Can Gloria help Desmond get used to the life in the spotlight?

Anna Alter's charming story is an original and reassuring take on overcoming shyness.