Reviews (5)

Nice Pictures-Silly Story
The visuals were great--soft colors, cute animals, but I did not like introducing the idea of hanging onto parents legs and having them stay in kindergarten and fully participate in the children's activities. It was an unrealistic expectation. Kindergarteners are now entering the real world of big school and should be made more aware of what they can truly expect. I found that to be true in "'Twas the Night Before Kindergarten" and "When You Go To Kindergarten". This may be a cute story for younger children but not as a preparation for real school.

Kindergarten Bliss
I took this book out of the library to read to my 5 year old son who will be entering Kindergarten in September. My son has already begun to express some anxiety, so when I saw the title I thought I would bring it home. I had no idea that I would enjoy this book as much as my son...maybe even more. I have not laughed so hard in ages. My laughter made my son laugh, which set me off even more! What a charming, wonderful, inspiring story with the best illustrations around. What a find! I intend to buy lots of copies to share with friends!

Enticing view of Kindergarten for kids and adults
This book is really adorable and not what you expect. The realistic-style illustrations of the Panda family and Mrs. Polar Bear make the goofy details (like Baby's stuffed human doll and the "All New Bamboo Cookbook") all the more funny and surprising.

Readers will love the sight of Mr. and Mrs. Panda singing "I'm a little teapot" and Mr. Panda wearing a sailor hat in his office.

This book is delightfully original, exuberant, and has a great subtle humor. Lots of fun!

KinderKids will love this story!
As a kindergarten teacher, I'm always looking for new books about starting school, and this one is definitely going to be a hit with my class. The characters are bears, but not the brown furry ones seen in most picture books ... Tom is a Panda, and his teacher is Mrs. Polar Bear. David Legge's watercolor illustrations are delightful and bright, and sure to hold children's attention, as will the plot itself.

Tom is really looking forward to beginning kindergarten, but on the first day of school he has that sudden moment of panic that many children have, and grabs his parents' legs. Mrs. Polar Bear invites the whole family to stay, and EVERYONE in Tom's family enjoys the first day of school. Mother, father, and baby LOVE the kindergarten activities -- especially making sailor hats. The next day everyone is a little sad that Tom is ready to say goodbye when he arrives at school. Mother and baby go home and play pirate, and father goes to work, where he closes his door and sings a sailor song before hurrying home to find out what Tom did on the second day of kindergarten.

This is a great book for parents to share at home with their children, to help soothe the minor worries most children have about starting school. In the classroom, this book will be the starting point for a discussion on expectations about school, and will help make children comfortable as they explore their new surroundings.

Can't Wait for Kindergarten
This is the story of a little boy about to start kindergarten. He is excited at first, but as his parents start to leave him at school he gets nervous and talks them into staying with him. The parents have an even better time at kindergarten than little Tom. The next day the parents want to stay at kindergarten because it is so much fun, but Tom tells them they need to go to work. The parents do leave and go to work, but have already learned a lesson about how fun and important playing is. I bought this book as a gift for my son who just started kindergarten. I think it helped ease some of his fears about starting school. It also reminded me that I need to take more time to play and not just get my work done.This is a wonderful book with beautiful illustrations. ... Read more

Book Description

Sally is thrilled by the thought of going to school, until Charlie brown tells her that kindergarten is only two weeks away. Suddenly she's worried that she'll be a finger painting flop. As Sally's nervousness grows, Charlie Brown starts to worry! Join the Peanuts gang as they head back to school, and see how Charlie Brown helps his little sister realize that school can be fun. ... Read more

Book Description

Enrico can already ride a bike, chase mice, and make delicious sardine sandwiches. And he enjoys playing at home with his little brother, Chico.But now he faces a new challenge&150starting school. It's hard to make friends at first, but with a helpful idea from Chico, Enrico discovers the very best way to meet a new pal&150just be yourself!

Charlotte Middleton's illustrations are bold and stylish, and Enrico is truly one of the cutest new cats in town. This warm, funny tale unveils the surprises&150and rewards&150of going to school ... Read more

Amazon.com

Dumpy's back! The beloved little truck, saved from rust and weeds inDumpy the Dump Truck, thefirst team effort of Julie Andrews Edwards, Emma Walton Hamilton, and TonyWalton, is shined up and ready to tackle his first big job off the farm. And itjust so happens that today is a big day for his young friend Charlie, too. It'sCharlie's first day of school. Dumpy has bubbles in his radiator, and Charliefeels his stomach flutter as they each think about what lies ahead. Will theysucceed? Will people make fun of them? As it turns out, both Dumpy and Charliedo quite well. Charlie makes some new friends, trades sandwiches at lunchtime,and wins the respect of all when the kids realize it's his dump truckthat's building the new playground. And Dumpy, after feeling a bit puny andinsignificant next to the huge yellow and black monster machine, saves the daywhen Steady Gus the School Bus breaks down.

Julie Andrews Edwards is the author of the The Last of the Really GreatWhangdoodles and LittleBo: The Story of Bonnie Boadicea and, of course, the star of MaryPoppins and The Sound of Music. Dumpy at School, the second inthe series about a little engine that could, will be welcomed with open arms bychildren who have a touch of first-day butterflies. (Ages 4 to 7) --EmilieCoulter ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Bed Time story wonder
An okay book for little one's to be read to bed. It sure could put me to sleep.

Hooray for Dumpy!
It's a day of firsts at Merryhill Farm. Dumpy is off to his first construction job away from the farm, building the new school playground and Charlie is off to his very first day at school. New firsts are a little scary and Dumpy's radiator feels full of bubbles while Charlie's stomach has butterflies. Each feels a bit lost at the beginning of the day...Charlie, meeting a new teacher, Mrs Bundle and making new friends and Dumpy, feeling a bit overwhelmed by Buzz the Bulldozer as he works hard on the new playground. But both do very well. And, at the end of the day when Steady Gus the School Bus breaks down and Mrs Bundle doesn't know how the kids will get home, Dumpy and Charlie save the day..... Julie Andrews and her daughter, Emma Hamilton are back with a new and endearing Dumpy story, pre-schoolers will love. Their gentle text, full of true to life situations, little ones will identify with and silly sound effects is complimented by Tony Walton's wonderful expressive and colorful illustrations and together they let youngsters know in a very positive way, that firsts can be fun. ... Read more

Book Description

The night before his first day at school, a mother and son recount other new experiences he has had, such as his first words and first steps, and celebrate his growth and accomplishments. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

How Did You Grow So Big, So Soon?
I loved this lyrical conversation between a mother and her child the night before his first day of school. It is comforting and loving. Every parent should have this for that special bedtime story. Anne Bowen knows how to say what all parents wish they could express. ... Read more

Book Description

It’s the first day of kindergarten, and Molly is worried. She’s never been on a school bus, and she’s afraid she won’t know what to do. What if she has to sit with a big kid? Her mom assures her that big kids are nice, and riding the bus is fun. But Molly’s not so sure. She brings her bear, Willy, along for comfort.

On the bus there are so many new faces. Molly walks down the aisle to an empty seat, only to discover that Willy is gone! Suddenly, she sees him flying through the air. Tossed from seat to seat, Willy finally ends up in the lost-and-found box. An older girl, named Ruby, fishes him out and returns him to Molly. During the rest of the ride, Ruby and Molly talk, laugh, and listen to music. Molly decides that big kids are nice and riding the school bus is fun. ... Read more

Book Description

"I closed my eyes and held on tight to Hank. That's when I decided that going to the very first day of school was NOT a good idea."

When a child gets ready for the first day of school, it feels very exciting. But doing something new for the first time can also feel somewhat scary.

With great affection and humor, Robie H. Harris and Jan Ormerod, creators of the award-winning picture book Goodbye Mousie, tell the captivating story of a child who decides that skipping the very first day of school is a very good idea.

But with help from his favorite stuffed animal, Hank, and his parents, he discovers that going to the very first day of school can be fun and exciting -- and once you have done something new, it's not quite so new and scary anymore. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Enjoyable support to ease starting school jitters
This sensitive portrayal of a child with the willies over starting school is an engaging story in itself and will also bolster the resolve of young ones approaching their own first days at preschool or kindergarten. The little boy in this expressively illustrated book seems not to have had the opportunity to visit his classroom in advance, or meet his teacher, but evidently is already familiar with preschool routines.

The night before school starts, he decides definitely NOT to go for his first day. As he explains to his tenderly respectful parents the morning of the big day, he won't know anything on the first day, ". . . all the kids' names, or which cubby is your cubby, or where the crayons are, or what kind of juice they have, or if they have crackers -at all!" Not knowing any of the songs, 'or when it's story time, or where the toilet is, or if you can play in the rain. " are troubling too, and besides, how will his stuffed monkey manage without him?

After dad's good blueberry pancakes, and her son's temporary retreat under the kitchen table, mom sensibly suggests, as departure time presses, that Hank the stuffed monkey go along, and so he does. Hank is introduced to the teacher and, through the course of an appealing, active day, all the essential information is imparted. The pictures carry most of the rest of the story, showing children comfortably enjoying themselves at school. Nervousness overcome, our bright, endearing little hero (and Hank) plan to return the next day.

The publisher gauges this book appropriate for 4-8 year olds, but it will be appreciated by three year olds too, for years to come. ... Read more

Book Description

The first day of school can be lonely and scary, especially when you don't speak the same language as everyone else. Sumi only knows one phrase in English, "Hello, my name is Sumi." This doesn't seem nearly enough to prepare her for a big school with wide stairs, noisy children, and a mean classmate.

From the author of the Ezra Jack Keats Award winner Dear Juno comes this thoughtful picture book about a young Korean girl on her first day of school. Beautiful, expressive illustrations show how a considerate teacher and even a new friend help Sumi discover that school might not be so lonely after all.

Illustrated by Joung Un Kim. ... Read more

Book Description

Morgie and Moffie can't wait to start school!They buy backpacks and pencil boxes, and off they go.Moffie, who knows the answers to all of the teacher's questions, gets a lot of gold stars. And Morgie, who likes sharing his dinosaur book, makes two new friends. But by the end of the week Morgie and Moffie help each other to understand that it's important to both get gold stars and make new friends.And they agree that they love school! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Another Winner from Tomie dePaola
Though twins, Morgan and Moffat Barker couldn't be more different. Moffie, the oldest by ten minutes is an over achiever with a real Type A personality, bossy, critical and competitive. Her brother, Morgie, is a laid back, go with the flow kind of guy who likes everyone. So when they start school, it isn't surprising that Moffie racks up the gold stars, shouting answers and always having to be the best, while Morgie, eases into the class. He's not getting any gold stars, but he's making lots of new friends. As the first week progresses, their teacher has a quiet little talk with Moffie, asking her not to shout out all the answers, wait her turn and give others a chance. "Now run along and play with your friends." And that's when it hits Moffie. She's been so busy being the best student, she hasn't made any friends and goes off to find her brother. But, with a little encouragement from each other, the twins soon learn it's possible to have gold stars and friends, too..... Tomie dePaola has done it again, written a simple, charming story with a gentle message that won't be lost on young students. His expressive, humorous and familiar artwork complements the text beautifully and children will delight in watching this lovable pair work their way through school shopping and their first week as new students. Perfect for early readers or as a family read aloud story, Meet the Barkers is hopefully the start of another terrific dePaola series and a picture book your kids will want to read again and again.

It's School Time
As always, Tomie DePaola does it very well in this book. It is just in time for school and holds the young reader's interest in his own "fascinating way". Our granddaughter, 8 years old loves reading and reading all of DePaola'a books. This one is very special to her - she loves school and loves to read about adventures at school. ... Read more

Book Description

In this third book in the Elizabeti series, the young Tanzanian girl discovers the joy of learning at school and finds a pleasant surprise at home. It’s the first day of school, and Elizabeti is so excited she can hardly sit still long enough for Mama to braid her hair. When she arrives at school, she feels shy and wishes she had stayed home instead. While the teacher talks, Elizabeti wonders if her family misses her. She’s happy when she leaves for the day, but in the evening she plays a game she learned at school and discovers she can use her new math skills to count her new kittens! ... Read more

Book Description

There"s a lot to do on the first day of school: meet new friends, practice writing, eat lunch, and run around. But it"s not only children who do these things—parents do, too.This charming story follows the day of a young boy and his working mother. Even though they"re in different places, the soft, lively illustrations show that they"re never far from each other"s thoughts. And when it"s time to go home, they"ll both be ready for a hug and eager to ask, "What did you do today?" ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

New Kid Meets Challenge
This short but cute book is a great bibliotherapy book to use in the classroom or at home for any child starting a new school. Many great discussions about feelings one has as a new student can be generated from this book. This book will be a hit in any 2nd - 4th grade classroom, and even more popular in multiple copies when available in paperback. ... Read more

Book Description

It's Emily's first day of school. Art, story time, and music are so much fun! Children will enjoy lifting the flaps and learning about numbers and colors along with Emily. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Spot may be a little shy when he starts his first day of school, but bythe end of the day he's on a roll! This pudgy brown-spotted pup and his newfriends, Clare the turtle, Tom the alligator, Helen the hippo, and Steve themonkey, share in show-and-tell, spell words with blocks, sing, and paintpictures. Spot's verdict on school? "Great!" Preschoolers and new scholars willlove to lift the flaps in this small square board book to see just what kind offun Spot is having. Available for the first time in an interactive lift-the-flapformat, this charming little book will reassure nervous first-time students asthey see that school is a place of friends, learning, and fun. Fans of EricHill's many other Spot titles (Good Night, Spot, Spot Goes to the Farm, and tonsmore) will welcome this new edition of an old favorite. (Ages 3 to 6)--Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (4)

4 1/2* Spot's First Day at School!
Spot discovers that school is fun and interesting in this flap book by Eric Hill. After a warm greeting by his teacher and classmates, Spot hides (under one of the flaps found on every page) when it's time to sing a song. "I can't sing," he says. There is no resolution to this (maybe some pages were torn out of my copy?), but Spot soon finds plenty to do as the disjointed plot reveals Spot's fun activities at school. These include finding dress-up clothes in a small playhouse, spelling the word "DOG" with blocks, story time by the teacher, playing teeter-totter (Spot is cleverly hidden under a flap that is part of a tree), and painting paw prints. When his mom picks him up and asks, "How was school, Spot?" he answers with a resounding "Great!" Twenty-two brightly colored pages showing Spot enjoying school after some initial uncertainty.

A fun book to share with your toddler
Spot the Dog books are a favourite with my girls. They love the simple stories that they can relate to (hiding, baking a cake, playing with others etc) and the lift-the-flaps always bring screams of delight even though we've read them many many times. As they grow I'm sure they'll be one of the books they learn to read with. The words are simple and the font easy to read. Lovely books to cuddle up with your children on your lap. They are also big enough to hold up and read to them as they sit in back seat on car trips.

Gift for My Grandson
I feel in love with "Spot Goes to School" and will be reading it to my grandson when he gets old enough to read.He is only six months old but I am stocking up now. The illustrations are really cute and on every page there is something that easily "opens" to reveal something underneath. What an adorable book to prepare a child for going to nursery school etc.!

Spot Goes to School -- Great for 2-3 year olds!
Spot does it again! That dog named Spot shows little ones how he goes to school and talks about his day. From singing with Helen and Tom, to painting a picture, to reading stories, Spot let my son know it would be fun to go to preschool. We purchased the book right before my son started attending preschool and as we read it, he told me about his day, which includes storytime, painting and singing, as well as playing on the playground. The lift-the-flap books engage little ones to keep on reading. It is a nice way to end the day and naturally talk about what happened at preschool that day. Way to go Spot! ... Read more

Book Description

Alli longs to be popular, but fate just keeps conspiring to make her totallyuncool. Who else would be humiliated by a piece of her mom’s underwear stuck to her butt bystatic cling? Despite the fact that Alli is certain the universe is plotting against her, she does eventually break into the inner circle of seventh-grade cool. But nothing is as she expected, and there’s ugliness lurking behind even the prettiest face.Alli bares it all to her journal as she figures out where she fits in and, most important of all, what it means to be a real friend. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (7)

A Good Example
I liked the book, The Gold Cadillac because it showed an example of how the colored people were seperated from the white people for no reason. For example,it tells you why the colored people couldn't drink water from the fountain that says white's only. That bothered me because they only cared about the color of their skin. That also made me feel sad about how things used to be.

Review by April

I Can Relate...
I liked the book because I like to imagine stuff too! Once, I imagined I was the best skateboarder. Stuart imagined he was a super hero. He imagined he could fly. He imagined lots of stuff. So, I suggest you read the book for more information.

Review by Jaycob

Stuart Finds Friendship
I liked Stuart's Cape because he has a big imagination. Stuart needs adventures. But, adventures are only for people who have capes, that's what he says. In this book,Stuart moves to a new place and is worried that no one will be his friend. In the end, Stuart finds many friends in his new home.

Review by Dulce

Stuart's Imagination
I like Stuart's Cape because he always goes for what he wants and he has a wild imagination. I liked it because Stuart is one crazy kid. Because, who would play hide-and-go seek and have a bed made out of toast?!

By Unity

Stuart's Cape
Stuart's Cape by Sara Pennypacker is a crazy story! Stuart has a magic cape and he planted toast seeds because he likes toast with butter.The toast grew huge! Everyone in the city was able to eat it.He also played hide and go seek with animals.He has a wild imagination! I liked this story because Stuart has a great imagination. It made me laugh out loud when the cat and the garbage man traded places!The author wrote a fantasy and she wanted us to use our imaginations. ... Read more

Book Description

Arthur is all set for the first day back at school, but he no sooner sets foot in his new classroom when D.W.’s Mary Moo-Cow, a talking toy for preschoolers, falls out of his backpack in front of all his friends. His friends laugh and begin teasing poor embarrassed Arthur. How did that silly toy get into his backpack and how will he ever live it down? ... Read more

Book Description

Meg continues to describe the daily realities on the prairie as she and her family make their lives in Kansas. Throughout these times of difficulty and joy, Meg is always courageous and thoughtful. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Meg triumphs again
Nine-year-old Meg has finally been reunited with her family in Kansas Territory and life finally seems to be settling down after the pro-slavery Ruffians finally were forced to leave. Meg and her family move to the town of Lawrence where her father opens a store. Meg comes to face the daily realites of life in Kansas and finally is able to start school and make some friends. Through it all Meg will also have to face the sometimes dangerous Kansas winters as a blizzard blows throw and tornados abound, but through it all Meg creates more life experiences and her third diary is another triumph. This is a great book for younger kids, whose older siblings like Dear America and The Royal Diaries. Definitely a must read. Meg comes out to be a very courageous character.

A good conclusion to Meg's story.
Nine-year-old Meg Wells begins her third diary in December of 1856. There is peace for now in Kansas Territory, with the pro-slavery soldiers having been forced to return to their home states, but Meg's father is still injured, and the bitter cold of winter has settled upon the prairie. When he is unable to regain the use of one of his arms, the family moves to the town of Lawrence, where he starts a store. Meg describes happy events, as she is finally able to go to school again and makes new friends, and also the dangers of life on the prairie including blizzards and a tornado. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the My America series. ... Read more