Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner [Paperback]

Amy Schwartz (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

"Annabelle Swift is more than ready for kindergarten, for she has been tutored by her older sister, Lucy. . . . (But) when Mr. Blum brings out the color lollipops, poor Annabelle embarrasses herself."--School Library Journal, starred review.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Lucy prepares her younger sister for the rigors of kindergarten; PW praised the "droll illustrations" in this "sweetly endearing tale," adding that "Schwartz provides a funny, balanced view of the emotions experienced by a child just starting school." Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2 Annabelle Swift is more than ready for kindergarten, for she has been tutored by her older sister, Lucy. However, when Annabelle announces herself as ``Annabelle Swift, kindergartner!'' during a roll call, her classmates are reduced to giggles. Then, when Mr. Blum brings out the color lollipops, poor Annabelle embarrasses herself by calling one ``Blue Desire,'' for Lucy taught her the colors at their mother's make-up table. Encouraged by a recess pep talk from Lucy and supported by her own common sense and her lucky name tag, Annabelle proves her mettle by successfully counting the milk money and becoming the first kindergarten milk monitor. In illustrations that carefully evoke the naive and awkward drawings of children, Schwartz captures the essence of childhood complete with pedal-pushers, pinafores, and 6? milk. Line and wash illustrations in crayon-bright colors reveal a classroom that is cheerful, warm, and inviting. The children pictured are universal yet individual, while the adults are solid and supportive. Schwartz is in fine form summoning the fears and feelings that all children experience at one time or another. Preschoolers will readily empathize with Annabelle's plight, while beginning readers will enjoy a giggly head start on such school stories as Cleary's Ramona the Pest (Morrow, 1968). Schwartz' humor lightens the gravity of Annabelle's early problems without negating them so that young readers will cheer all the louder at Annabelle's decisive victory. Jeanne Marie Clancy, Wolfsohn Memorial Library, King of Prussia, Pa.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic (September 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531070271
• ISBN-13: 978-0531070277
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 8.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #774,655 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For any kid who has to follow in an older sibling's shadow, August 16, 2000

By 

K. Bennett (Rolla, MO USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner (Paperback)

Sometimes having an older sibling to show you the ropes on the first day of school can be an advantage -- and sometimes it can be a liability! Annabelle's big sister, Lucy, is determined to teach her little sister all the insider secrets. Using their mom's make-up, Lucy teaches Annabelle the real names of the colors, like Raving Scarlet and Blue Desire. Having already taught her sister how to count past one hundred, Lucy seeds Annabelle's mind with the really important issues of math, like "[a]re there numbers less than zero. . . what's the number after infinity?" Armed with an extra dose of Lucy's advice and the admonition, "Remember, you're my sister," Annabelle sets out to conquer kindergarten. Somehow, the strategy doesn't quite work. No one else answers roll the way Lucy taught her to, or calls any of the colors anything even close to "Blue Desire." When Mr. Blum, the teacher, says it's time to do math, Annabelle isn't about to mention zero or infinity. But when Annabelle is the only kindergartner who can count the milk money, Lucy's lessons finally pay off. Annabelle gets to be milk monitor and deliver the money to the cafeteria. When the cafeteria lady asks her name, she proudly proclaims it the way Lucy taught her, "Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner!" Amy Schwartz does as good a job illustrating this story as she does writing it. I especially liked the interaction between the two sisters: Lucy wise in the ways of the world, lathering on her mother's "Blue Desire" eye shadow, and Annabelle gazing up at her in rapt attention.

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book To Read At The Beginning Of The School Year, July 8, 2000

By 

Kay Wilemon (New Site, MS) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner (Paperback)

Brief Synopsis: Annabelle is all ready for kindergarten. Her 3rd grade sister, Lucy, has taught her geography, counting, and colors. Lucy, also, made a name tag for Annabelle to wear on the first day of school. The name tag says: Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner. Annabelle's teacher is Mr. Blum. Annabelle arrives at school feeling confident as she meets him and her classmates. She is confident because of Lucy's good advice and training. It turns out that all of Lucy's advice isn't good. However, Annabelle winds up that first day as a success in her class.

Note to Teachers: The children's book would be wonderful to read on the first day of school. Children in grades K-3 would really love the story. It contains humorous passages and witty pictures. The book teaches the importance of being prepared for school. It teaches the importance of color distinction and the importance of counting. It,also, emphasizes the closeness between siblings.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great First Day Material, June 26, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner (Paperback)

This is a classic Kindergarten book worth reading on the first day of school...helps those little ones relate to each other and to Annabelle Swift! You may also like the "Miss Bindergarten" books!