Tuesday, July 30, 2019

5 Free Library Books About Back To School


Photo courtesy of: libellule789; courtesy of: Pixabay

Back To School Season is nearly upon us. It may be July but the stores are chock full of school supplies, the commercials on TV are loaded with parents and children searching for unique items students can use in class, and the Summer Reading lists are starting to garner attention.





In light of this exciting and often tumultuous time of year, I went to the library and found five books that help prepare little ones for their first day of school. I've also done a series of mini-reviews to aid you in quickly finding quality books to read to your children.








1. The Night Before Kindergarten


Author: Natasha Wing


Illustrator: Julie Durrell


Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap An Imprint of Penguin Group


ISBN: 9780448482552


Rating: 4 Lemon Drops


Book Summary:

A playful rhyming story about children preparing for their first day of kindergarten. An assortment of emotions circle the students the night before school begins and careens them into their classroom the next day. In no time at all, apprehension turns to joy as the teacher invites the children to play games and sing silly songs.

Caught up in the revelry, the children fail to recognize that their parents are watching them and in need of comfort. In the end, compassion and comunity are the most important lessons of the day.

Mini-Review

Twas The Night Before Christmas gets schooled in how things go down in kindergarten!

A frolicksome tale that embodies the same rhythmic vibe as its classic holiday predecessor. Wings' delightful verses and Durrell's cheerful illustrations create a merry story children will enjoy listening to several times over.










2. Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!


Author: Nancy Carlson


Illustrator: Nancy Carlson


Publisher: The Penguin Group


ISBN: 9780670833783


Rating: 4 Lemon Drops


Book Summary:

It's the first day of Kindergarten and Henry is bursting with excitment about finally starting. He eats a good breakfast, packs his bag and talks about all the things he's going to do when he gets there.

But, when he arrives the first day jitters set in. It's all so overwhelming. The building is so big; there are so many new faces. After some gentle persuasion, Henry takes a look around the classroom and decides kindergarten is going to be as much fun as he thought.

Mini-Review:

Carlson has captured the exuberance and hesitation most kindergartners feel when starting school. I met many students who acted the same as Henry, in the end, they also realized school was the place to be and stayed.

One of the things I liked most about the book was the discussion between Henry and his mother about the school day. It sets the stage for children and gives them an idea of what to expect when they finally arrive.








3. the CLASS


Author: Boni Ashburn


Illustrator: Kimberly Gee


Publisher: Beach Lane Books


ISBN: 9781442422483


Rating: 4 Lemon Drops  


Book Summary:

Bed head, mismatched socks, a morning buffet of emotions; twenty children prepare for their first day of school. A rhyming concept book that celebrates children on their fist day of school and invites readers to count them.

Mini-Review

A lighthearted story that will bring a smile to readers' faces. The characters epotimize the silliness and apprehension of children preparing for their first day of school.

I like the picture of the easel on the title page. As soon as the reader opens the book they feel the creative possibilities school offers. The characters are adorable, playful and authentic. A fun story that  should spark children's attention and help them open up about their own concerns for the first day of school. 








4. Tinyville Town Time For School!


Author: Brian Briggs


Illustrator: Brian Briggs


Publisher: Abrams Appleseed


ISBN: 9781419725661


Rating: 3 Lemon Drops


Book Summary

It’s Ellie Emberly’s first day of school in her new hometown of Tinyville. Amid the hustle and bustle, the principal, teachers and students give Ellie a warm welcome to the school. She even makes a new friend named Chloe.

Mini-Review:

A fast-paced story full of playful illustrations that draws the reader’s eye. Biggs’ enthusiastic portrayal of the first day of school should grab a pre-reader’s attention and have them talking about the characters’ activities in the pictures.





5. Adventure Annie Goes To Kindergarten


Author: Toni Buzzeo


Illustrator: Amy Wummer


Publisher: Dial Books For Young Readers


ISBN:9780803733589


Rating: 5 Lemon Drops


Book Summary:

Adventure Annie is off to kindergarten. This high-spirited pioneer and extrovert extraordinaire simply bursts with childhood enthusiasm. Her creative spontaneity stuns her classmates and keeps her teacher, Mr. Todd, on his toes as he gently reminds Annie about the classroom rules. By the day’s end, Annie’s energetic leadership helps recover two missing classmates and the milk for snack.

Mini-Review:

Adventure Annie is a high-spirited character that will have children laughing in their seats. Teachers will find her impulsive antics relatable and endearing. A marvelous story to read children as they embark on their own kindergarten adventure!     




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