Customer Reviews

The Night Before Kindergarten

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I do not recommend because it essentially presupposes that kindergarten is a scary place and that you only need to overcome your fears when entering this frightening place. That's how it seemed to me, at least.

Instead of describing kindergarten as a fun, happy, loving place, it talks about how children are at first afraid, but then learn to like it. Why even suggest that your child should be afraid?

Worse, in the book, all the parents stay in the classroom, outside the door watching. That's not how school works. The parents are not there, so why suggest that they are going to be at the door looking in during the day?

Not recommended. The other "night before" books I like, just not this one.

I thought this was an excellent read for children about to enter Kindergarten...not every book has to be realistic, because, let's face it, Kindergarten can be scary to a 5 year old. I also purchased a number of other books for pre-K and read those, along with The Night Before Kindergarten, to my 5 year old. He particularly enjoyed this book, because it's easy to understand, the rhyming makes it fun and it ends with the grown-ups crying, which he thinks is very silly.

We received this book in the mail coming from our new kindergarten teacher.
My daughter (5) loved the story - she found the part where the parents cry amusing!
This book accurately described our actual experience the first day so for us there were no surprises and my daughter loves the fact that there is a beautiful rhymed story about our experience.

I teach preschool children and I am giving copies of this book to the parents of my graduates. It has a nice surprise ending that is appropriate for that first hard day!

We bought this book for our 5 year old son, who will soon be entering kindergarten, and he loves it! The story and pictures are very neat and innovative, a spin from twas the night before christmas. We were not bothered by the crying parents because being able to express emotions is very important in life and I would rather explain to my son why those parents are crying than to pretend that it does not happen. It very healthy for children to learn that their and other's emotions and feelings are very important! The world needs more compassionate and caring people! This is a very hard and unfamiliar transition for everyone! Especailly from being mommy and daddy's little boy or girl to wow you are now a big boy or girl and entering the school system. We appreciated the book and it's values! Great book!!!! I would definately buy it again or recommend it to anyone entering kindergarten!

I read this book to the parents in my kindergarten during an open house. The parents love it. They cry. I've never read it to my class. It is a must read for the parents!!!!

This is a great book to read to Kindergartens because they do read this book at our grade school. A previous reviewer complained that this book didn't fit her child because her child rode on the school bus, and this book showed parents dropping their children off. She could of just improvised. I do drive my kids to school everyday because we don't have school buses because our school is within 2 miles. This book is better than any other book out there. It's a cute book and I would recommend it.

I got mines on Ebay.