The Night Before Kindergarten [Mass Market Paperback]

Natasha Wing (Author), Julie Durrell (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Reading Railroad Books

'Twas the night before kindergarten,
and as they prepared,
kids were excited,
and a little bit scared.

It's the first day of school! Join the kids as they prepare for kindergarten, packing school supplies, posing for pictures, and the hardest part of all—saying goodbye to Mom and Dad. But maybe it won't be so hard once they discover just how much fun kindergarten really is! Colorful illustrations illuminate this uplifting takeoff on the classic Clement C. Moore Christmas poem.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Natasha Wing was born in Milford, Connecticut in 1960. At the age of 20 she moved to Arizona where she finished college at Arizona State University in 1982 with a B.S. in Advertising. In 1988 she married Daniel Wing and moved to Northern California where she 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, Hippity Hop, Frog on Top, within 6 months and has been writing children's books and articles ever since. Her second book, Jalapeno Bagels, came out in June 1996 with Atheneum Books. The Night Before Easter, was published with Putnam All Aboard Books. She has also been published in Humpty Dumpty's Magazine, Girls' Life, and Hopscotch for Girls, and has two recipes in Writers in the Kitchen.

Birthday: February 7th Pets: Siberian husky, Sabaka, and cat, Jemima Professional: Member of Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators Favorite Children's Books: Polar Express, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Cat in the Hat, The Golden Compass Favorite Season: Fall Favorite Tree: Maple Favorite Color: Cranberry red Favorite Cookie: Oatmeal Raisin with Vanilla Chips Reason for writing The Night Before Easter: "I wrote The Night Before Easter for parents to read at bedtime so children could go to sleep with sweet dreams of jelly beans dancing in their heads."

 

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (July 9, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0448425009
• ISBN-13: 978-0448425009
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 7.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #85,620 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #17 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Issues > First Day of School
  • #95 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Family Life > New Experiences

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 married Daniel Wing and 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.

"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 20 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 Pet: cat, Jemima Professional: Member of Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators; Northern Colorado Writers, Colorado Council International Reading Association; 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 Color: Cranberry red Favorite Cookie: Oatmeal Raisin with Vanilla Chips

To find out more about Natasha Wing go to www.natashawing.wordpress.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

65 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice beginning..., September 11, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Night Before Kindergarten (Mass Market Paperback)

I like the way the book begins, with children thinking and wondering about kindergarten, the night before school begins. But the book then turns to the mommies and daddies, who stand crying at the door on the first day of kindergarten. I didn't really want to give my daughter any ideas, as she was already a nervous wreck. The teacher assures the parents that everything will be fine, but I really didn't like this part of the book at all.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For Children and Adults, September 14, 2005

By 

Joshua Koppel (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Night Before Kindergarten (Mass Market Paperback)

I have seen many stories about children going off to school for the first time but this one has a surprising difference that really sets it apart from the others.

The poem begins on the night before kindergarten with children and parents getting ready for the big day. Then the day arrives and we see children and parents as they prepare, go to, and arrive at school. There is much said about a lack of napping places that does not match my children's experiences. But then we see how the parents are saddened by leaving their kids behind. The resourceful teacher manages to find a quick solution and all ends happily.

The first day of school can be hard for children and adults alike. This is the first book I have come across that deals with the excitement and hesitancies on this special day. A very fun book for parent and child.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Cute and Clever, August 31, 2001

By 

Estelle O'Connell (Rochester, New York United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Night Before Kindergarten (Mass Market Paperback)

I bought this book for my granddaughter and for a friend's child who is entering kindergarten. Loved the idea of making children aware that this is a big step for them but somewhat bitter-sweet for their parents. Mentioned leaving their baby things behind as they go into the big school world. Pictures were very up to date--clothes, backpacks, school supplies. Very well done. I would extend the age range for appropriate readership through kindergarten age and not limit it to preschool.