Mrs. Kempczinski -- "Mrs. K." to her third-grade students -- is everyone's favorite teacher. Exciting and dynamic, Mrs. K. knows sign language, celebrates Worm Day, and performs "homework dances." One day the third graders are explorers, learning about faraway places. Other days, they are poets or scientists or astronauts. Every day with Mrs. K. is different, and every day is fun.

Suddenly, though, Mrs. K. is not in school and Room 3 has a substitute teacher. The principal explains that Mrs. K. is in the hospital with cancer. The class writes letters and draws pictures for Mrs. K. One student, Ann Zesterman, tells Mrs. K. that she says "Kemp-chin-ski" for good luck when she plays basketball at recess. Another, A.J., wonders how many operations it takes to cure cancer, but no one has the answer. When will Mrs. K. come back?

Based on a true story, narrated by nine-year-old Ann and with lovely full-color paintings, this honest and forthright story addresses a subject of much importance and concern for young and old alike.