I don't think there is a book out there that can get a mom ready for that first day of Kindergarten, but you can find a few to help kids look forward to the experience!
This is a tough category for me, since I tend to find most of the books about starting school very formulaic and predictable. Getting through them is a challenge because they just aren't very good. Many of the books I looked at felt so contrived that I just couldn't recommend them, but after a lot of digging I found some that are up to the challenge.
I think a book to get kids ready for school should absolutely acknowledge that it can be scary, but it should also focus primarily on the fun and humor of this momentous time. Of course, the timeless classic, The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, is the one sappy book I find exceptionally well done and is the one exception to my rule, but rules are meant to be broken (just don't tell your new teacher that!).
Hope these books help you enjoy the first days of kindergarten, with a laugh and a smile—yes, both of you!
Title: First Day Jitters
Author: Julie Anneberg
Target: Kindergarten - Grade 3
What this book is about:
This book follows Sarah Hartwell on her first day at a new school. Of course she is full of jitters, afraid she won’t make friends, and feels a little nervous and anxious. Mr. Hartwell tries to reassure her all will be fine, and (I hate to give away the twist at the end, but...) it turns out that Sarah is the new teacher in the class.
Why I love this book:
Well, this book just surprises the reader at the end, and I love books that turn kids' expectations upside down. The idea that someone besides themselves, someone who shouldn’t be nervous, actually is, can be very reassuring for kids—and funny!
The illustrations are colorful and well done as they hide Sarah’s true identity until the end, making the big reveal all the more fun.
Who this book is for:
The nice thing about this book is that it is not simply targeted at kindergarten, but any child going into a new environment.
Final thoughts:
Teachers have feeling too!
To see my full list of books to get kids ready for kindergarten, visit my website at www.onegreatbook.com
