The Night Before First Grade (Reading Railroad) [Paperback]

Natasha Wing (Author), Deborah Zemke (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: July 21, 2005 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years | Series: Reading Railroad

It’'s the night before the Big Day—-first grade! Penny is excited to start the year with her best friend right beside her in the same classroom. This humorous take on Clement C. Moore’s classic tale has a perfect twist ending that will surprise readers —as well as the "heroine" of the story— and help all about-to-be first-graders through their own back-to-school jitters.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

I wanted to capture the panic of being split up from your best friend when you're put into different classes, but then the joy of making new friends. This book is a nice follow-up for kids who have read my The Night Before Kindergarten book.

About the Author

Natasha Wing lives in Fort Collins, Colorado. She went to first grade in Woodmont, Connecticut.

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (July 21, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0448437473
• ISBN-13: 978-0448437477
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,116 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #7 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Family Life > New Experiences
  • #13 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > School
  • #30 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Friendship

More About the Author

Natasha Wing was born in Milford, Connecticut and now lives in Fort Collins, Colorado. After graduating from Arizona State University she then worked in advertising for a number of years. It wasn't until 1991 that she decided to write children's books. Luckily she sold her first book within six months and has been writing children's books and articles ever since. Some books have even ended up on bestseller lists!

"I'm curious about many things- people, holidays, underdogs, little known historic figures - and translate my excitement for a topic into books for kids to enjoy. I mostly write picture books, but after 21 years, I'm also writing middle grade novels and easy reads. Cross your fingers they get published! Story ideas are popping into my head all the time, so you never know what my next book will be. But that's what's so fun about writing."

Birthday: February 7 Professional: Member of Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators; Northern Colorado Writers; Favorite Children's Books: Polar Express, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Cat in the Hat, The Golden Compass, Harry Potter; Favorite Season: Fall; Favorite Tree: Maple; Favorite Colors: Cranberry red and fuscia pink; Favorite Cookie: Oatmeal Raisin with Vanilla Chips. But now I'm gluten-free! Pet: Purrsia the lynx point kitty

To find out more about Natasha Wing and how to Skype with her go to www.natashawing.com.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A great introduction to the first grade world! January 18, 2006

By Frances D. Granatino

Format:Paperback

It's hard to write a book about first grade jitters. Many of the books out there make the first day seem just perfect, when it often isn't. What I like about The Night Before First Grade is the way in which the author recognizes the potentially frightening aspects of the first day of school and resolves them in a realistic manner.

For example, when the protagonist arrives at school, she learns that there are two sections of first grade and that her best friend will be in the other section. Bravely waving goodbye to her friend, she discovers new interests in her classroom. The lunchroom is busy and a bit scary, but she weathers it nicely.

The text is in a rhythmic prose style, patterned after "The Night Before Christmas." I was a bit skeptical at first, but it works, and young readers will appreciate the consistent beat of the narrative. Deborah Zemke's illustrations are upbeat and slightly funky - just like first grade!

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book September 28, 2007

By C. Janney

Format:Paperback

I gave all of my kindergarten students this book on the last day of school. In September when they arrived as first graders, they were all telling me how much they loved the book over the summer. One parent e-mailed me and told me how helpful she found the book to be over the summer while they were preparing for first grade. I would recommend this book highly!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Night Before First Grade August 1, 2007

By Anna Lufrano

Format:Paperback

Excellent! I was a little skeptical at first, but this book is wonderful. My 6 year old has read the book on her own and the illustrations were very helpful to assist her in identifying some new words on the page.

She has enjoyed the book so much that she has decided to include the book in her summer book report reading list. It is just the correct length for a child entering first grade. My daughter's school only has 1 of each grade, but it has helped her realize to give things a chance. She realizes there will be new children and she may not be seated right next to her friends but there are many other things for her to explore.

First grade can be scary. It's entering what my daughter's school calls 'the upper grades'.

Overall, the book is one that both children and parents will enjoy with it's great ending.