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.
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Book Description
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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.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
36 of 36 people found the following review helpful
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!
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!
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
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
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.
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.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Our granddaughter was very excited about starting first grade, taking the bus, making new friends, and just moving on. This book was a nice addition to the general air of anticipation leading up to the event. I don't know how helpful it would be for a child with real adjustment problems, but as an aid to minimizing trauma, lightening the mood, and adding to the fun, this book was just fine. And, the book stands alone as a charming tale, and doesn't wander anywhere awkward or tone deaf, (which happens more often than I would expect with books of this type). A very nice choice.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By RRL
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I bought this for my daughter before she started first grade. It's very sweet and easy for her to read. I would recommend it to others.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Although my great granddaughter has not had the opportunity to read this book yet, I am sure that she will be able to read every word and will really enjoy it.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I just ordered this and my daughter has already received and read it several time....Super Fast Shipping!!!!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Happy First Day in First Grade, All You First Graders Out There"
September 8, 2009
Format:Paperback
If today was your first day in First Grade, then, this is the book for you. If today reminds you of your first day in First Grade many years ago, you can look back and reflect on this time when you probably wanted to hang on with your best friend from Kindergarten. Sometimes, you might be with that friend, but more than likely, you two will be separated, and find your selves getting together outside of that classroom. You see, there are always more than one group of children in a particular grade at a school. It just happens; and, maybe, you will be together in a class, another year.
I remember my first day "teaching First Grade" and the 50 students who walked their way into my life. There were kids who knew each other in Kindergarten and actually spent First Grade together; then, there were kids who met new friends, as did their friends, and together, that brought several children together.
Right now, if you are reading this, you probably spent today as the first day in First Grade, and your life is taking on new meaning. You will enjoy the adventure in your own life, as well as the adventure in this story. I will not tell you what happens in either place. This way, you can enter each new day with interest and excitement, and "you will be making new memories", just as the first graders in this wonderful story.
So, "Happy First Day in First Grade", all you new first graders!"
I remember my first day "teaching First Grade" and the 50 students who walked their way into my life. There were kids who knew each other in Kindergarten and actually spent First Grade together; then, there were kids who met new friends, as did their friends, and together, that brought several children together.
Right now, if you are reading this, you probably spent today as the first day in First Grade, and your life is taking on new meaning. You will enjoy the adventure in your own life, as well as the adventure in this story. I will not tell you what happens in either place. This way, you can enter each new day with interest and excitement, and "you will be making new memories", just as the first graders in this wonderful story.
So, "Happy First Day in First Grade", all you new first graders!"
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Cute Read!
My first graders loved the rhyme and chime effect of this read aloud. It is part of my collection for the first week back in school. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Lorie J. Rollins
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reading Granny approved
I have had the pleasure of being READ TO by kindergardeners for the last five years. At the end of the year I give each child this book.
Published 3 months ago by Granny K
5.0 out of 5 stars
Super cute
I got my daughter a series of books - all 1st grade related - to get her excited about 1st grade. It worked. The artwork in this book I think fascinated her more than the story.
Published 5 months ago by Michelle B.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love this book!
This is a fantastic book. I gave it as a gift for Kindergarten graduation to several kids. The book talks about a girl starting the school year and finding out that her best friend... Read more
Published 7 months ago by legfam4
5.0 out of 5 stars
For girls only
This is really cute, but it's for girls only. Can't give it to the boy I had intended it for.
Published 8 months ago by Eva M. Kellstrom
4.0 out of 5 stars
Helps to Alleviate Some Anxiety
Oh, what an adorable story. Told in a rhyming fashion, with a couple of miscues and using a couple of the same lines from T'was a Night Before Christmas, Jenny is preparing for... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Nancy
3.0 out of 5 stars
I like the content , but not the quality, of the book
My daughter (in Kindergarten) likes to ask me to read this book for her. The story is good.
However, after a couple of days, if not after 1 day, we read it, I found the center... Read more
However, after a couple of days, if not after 1 day, we read it, I found the center... Read more
Published on October 14, 2010 by Mei Han
5.0 out of 5 stars
great for the last day of school
This book would be fantastic for the first day of first grade or the last day of kindergarten. In a first grade classroom the students can compare and contrast their experience... Read more
Published on May 13, 2010 by Kaycee Bush
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