The Night Before Kindergarten (Reading Railroad Books) [Paperback]

Natasha Wing (Illustrator), Julie Durrel (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: July 9, 2001 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years | 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

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (July 9, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0448425009
• ISBN-13: 978-0448425009
• Product Dimensions: 0.2 x 7.2 x 7.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #867 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #6 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Family Life > New Experiences
  • #12 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > School
  • #51 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction

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

77 of 82 people found the following review helpful

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

By A Customer

Format: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.

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful

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

By Joshua Koppel

Format: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.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Portrays Kindergarten as a scary place September 3, 2007

By bobo

Format:Paperback

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.

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful

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

By Estelle O'Connell

Format: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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun book for new Kindergarteners September 21, 2005

By Carrie A. Averill

Format:Paperback

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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read for new kindergarteners! September 21, 2004

By LeonaK

Format:Paperback

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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for Kindergarten parents August 5, 2001

By Melanie

Format:Paperback

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!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book August 17, 2005

By Joseph Towne

Format:Paperback

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!