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Julie Danneberg
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First Day Jitters (The Jitters Series) Paperback – Picture Book, February 1, 2000

by Julie Danneberg (Author), Judy Love (Illustrator)
4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 7,726 ratings
Teachers' pick
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Head back to school with the bestselling picture book classic! The perennial classroom read-aloud favorite for students and teachers, reminding us we all get the jitters sometimes.

A perfect new school year pick for kindergarteners, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders who are feeling nervous or anxious about starting their first day. 

Sarah Jane Hartwell has that sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach—she's nervous and doesn't want to start a new school year. She doesn't know anybody, and nobody knows her. It will be awful. She just knows it.

With a little convicing from Mr. Hartwell, Sarah Jane reluctantly heads to class. Shy at first, she's quickly befriended by Mrs. Burton and is reminded that everyone at school gets the jitters sometimes.

A beloved and bestselling back to school staple, Sarah Jane's relatable story and its surprise ending will delight seasoned students and new faces alike who are anxious about their first day.

• Includes a Certificate of Courage for First Day Completion and a First Day Memories Sheet!
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  1. Reading age
    5 - 7 years, from customers
  2. Part of series
    The Jitters
  3. Print length
    32 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Grade level
    Kindergarten - 3
  6. Lexile measure
    AD520L
  7. Dimensions
    8.06 x 0.14 x 10 inches
  8. Publisher
    Charlesbridge
  9. Publication date
    February 1, 2000
  10. ISBN-10
    158089061X
  11. ISBN-13
    978-1580890618
  12. See all details
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From the Publisher

Everyone gets the Jitters sometimes!
"Funny and insightful"–Booklist
A happy dog holding a lunchbox in his mouth

First Day (and All Year Round) Icebreakers!

1. Put students in pairs. Each student must tell their partner about a time they were nervous. Once students are finished discussing, go around the room and ask students to describe their partner’s experience.

2. Trace every student in the class on roll paper using a black marker. On one side of the body, have students write some of their favorite things. On the other side, have students write their goals for the year. Students can also color and decorate the outline of their body. Then hang up the projects and discuss.

3. Play team charades with scary situations! Write down a bunch of nerve-wracking moments (flying in a plane, meeting someone new, giving a speech, etc.) on notecards and shake them up in a hat. Divide the class into two teams; each team will take turns to send two actors to the front. The first team to guess the situation wins a point. After each charade, brainstorm coping mechanisms with the class.

Check out the Jitters series!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-Sarah is hiding under her covers as Mr. Hartwell asks, "You don't want to miss the first day at your new school do you?" From under the blanket she replies, "I'm not going." When he reminds her how much she liked her other school and asks her to think of all the new friends she'll meet, she imagines a classroom where a paper airplane is flying, a boy is pulling his neighbor's pigtail, and another is blowing a gigantic bubble. Mr. Hartwell finally gets Sarah to stumble out of bed, eat a bit of toast, and get into the car where she slumps down into her seat. At school, the principal cheerfully welcomes her and takes her to the classroom where she is introduced as "Mrs. Sarah Jane Hartwell," the new teacher. There is a bit of foreshadowing that Sarah is an adult, but as she is always partially hidden, the ending will come as a surprise to most readers. The ink-and-watercolor illustrations are full of action and maintain the lighthearted tone. A little subplot in the paintings shows the family cat and dog having their own contest of wills while their owner is trying to get his wife up and out. The joke provides a good laugh and children may find it reassuring that they are not alone in their anxieties about new situations.
Adele Greenlee, Bethel College, St. Paul, MN
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Every child who has moved to a new school or is simply reluctant to start a school year can identify with this wittily drawn and suspensefully told story. From the moment she awakens on the fateful day to the moment she steps into the classroom, Sarah Hartwell imagines the worst. Love's ink-and-watercolor illustrations add humor to Sarah's fears, which range from bratty kids to a police search when she doesn't show up. Mr. Hartwell's reassurances don't seem to be much help. The pictures mirror the jangled nerves and outsize expectations (the double-page spread of a looming, prisonlike school is priceless) everyone faces when they are new, all of which leads to a nifty surprise ending that is a delight. Funny and insightful."—Booklist

"First Day Jitters which was written by Julie Danneberg and illustrated by Judy Love, makes a great companion book to Wemberly Worried. In the opening pages, we meet a certain Sarah Jane Hartwell, who's in the midst of her own first-day-of-school-related panic attack. Sarah Jane is buried under her covers so far that you can't even see her face. In fact, you have no idea what she looks like until the very last page of the whimsical book, which suddenly delivers a sly and funny twist..."—Newsweek

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Charlesbridge; Illustrated edition (February 1, 2000)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 158089061X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1580890618
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 5 - 7 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD520L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Kindergarten - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.06 x 0.14 x 10 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 7,726 ratings

About the author

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Julie Danneberg

Julie Danneberg

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Please check my website at www.juliedanneberg.com.

As a child, when I played at being grown-up, I never imagined myself as a writer. Instead I dreamed of being a famous chef, a secret agent, or a psychologist. I didn't end up becoming any of those things. Instead, I became a teacher.

I started off as an elementary school teacher, and thanks to my job, read lots and lots and lots of children's books. Not only was it fun, I witnessed, first hand the profound impact a good book can have on a child. It didn't take long before I was motivated to try and write books like the ones I enjoyed reading.

Later, when I became a mother, I began to seriously consider becoming a writer during our weekly trips to the library with my children. I think I enjoyed story time more than they did! The funny thing is that my kids eventually graduated from the children's section of the library and I never did. I still go to the library at least once a week, and while I don't sit in on story time anymore, I do leave every week with an armload of picture books.

Looking back I see how being a children's writer has helped me bring together many of my interests—teaching, traveling, and being creative.

After several years of teaching elementary school, I ended up teaching middle school, and I loved it. I am now newly retired and am enjoying immersing myself fulltime in writing and teaching writing to others.

My husband and I live in Boulder, Colorado where I enjoy reading, quilting, hiking, biking, and spending time with my family.

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
7,726 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book great for first year teachers and students. They appreciate the surprise ending and humor. Readers say it covers all the anxieties of starting school. They mention it's a short, easy read that sets a great tone for the first day of school. Customers also mention the book helps calm the jitters and relieve some of the tension. They say the book is great value for money.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
Book valueSurprise endingHumorMessageReadabilitySpeed of shipmentAnxiety levelValue for money
88 customers mention "Book value"88 positive0 negative

Customers find the book great for first-year teachers, fun, and educational. They say it calms the jitters and reminds kids that it's normal and okay to feel nervous. Readers also mention the book is great for younger age groups and multiple grade levels.

"...Overall, this is a great book to start the school year with!" Read more

"...Another great book for starting Kindergarten is Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten (Miss Bindergarten Books)...." Read more

"...It is a great book for all elementary grades and especially for teachers facing a new class. First Day Jitters" Read more

"This book was great for my daughter when she started kindergarten! It would also be great for elementary students switching schools!..." Read more

44 customers mention "Surprise ending"39 positive5 negative

Customers find the book's surprise ending great. They also say it's funny and the kids don't see it coming.

"Book has a cute ending. I read this with my class for the first time. It was my first time reading it along with them...." Read more

"...Hilarious and great surprise ending!!" Read more

"...Has a wonderful and very unexpected ending...." Read more

"...My class loves it because of it's surprising ending & then we drink jitter juice on our first day of school!..." Read more

26 customers mention "Humor"26 positive0 negative

Customers find the book very funny, amusing, and entertaining. They say it's a fun way to break the ice and make connections with students.

"...it to my first grade students this year and they enjoyed it and thought it was funny." Read more

"...Hilarious and great surprise ending!!" Read more

"Funny and engaging … my six year old loved it" Read more

"This story is so cute and fun...." Read more

25 customers mention "Message"25 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's message great. They say it's a great way to start a class discussion about being nervous and how to deal with it. Readers also mention the book is well-written and covers all the anxieties of starting school. They find it funny and engaging.

"...It's a great way to start a class discussion and make the kids feel comfortable and that it's normal to be nervous on the first day...." Read more

"...The book is all about being nervous on the first day of school, especially when you’re new...." Read more

"Funny and engaging … my six year old loved it" Read more

"...new teacher. This book is well written and covers all the anxieties of starting school, even if you're the teacher...." Read more

9 customers mention "Readability"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book great for read-alouds, saying it's a short, easy read. They appreciate the nice illustrations. Readers also mention it sets a great tone for the first day of school and is easy to follow along with.

"...You can find lots of activities to do with it and it sets a great tone for the first day of school-- everyone gets nervous, your teacher is human,..." Read more

"Nice illustrations. Short easy read. Shows jitters happen to everyone :)" Read more

"...It's fun to read out loud and the illustrations are interesting and complex. I recommend this to anyone if you want a mild surprise ending." Read more

"This book was perfect to read to my students on the first day of school...." Read more

9 customers mention "Speed of shipment"9 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the speed of the book's shipment. They mention it arrived fast in good condition.

"Love this book! It was undamaged and came quickly." Read more

"Fast delivery. Great new condition." Read more

"...Cute story. Fast shipping." Read more

"Fast shipment, a great quality upon arrival" Read more

7 customers mention "Anxiety level"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helps with the nervousness little ones have before school starts. They say it creates giggles and relieves some of the tension they feel on the first day.

"...It really helps with the first day of school nerves. 🧡..." Read more

"...It is a wonderful book that helps to alleviate some of the anxiety at the beginning of the school year...." Read more

"...Calms the jitters and students love it. Makes the first day of school." Read more

"...This helped them relax a little. I will be using this book every year." Read more

7 customers mention "Value for money"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book an excellent purchase and say it's a great value.

"...n’t find mine this year so I had to get a new one and this is a great price!" Read more

"Such a great book at a great price!" Read more

"Great value" Read more

"Excellent purchase!" Read more

Great for teachers!
5 out of 5 stars
Great for teachers!
Immediately read my copy once it arrived to the house. Very good read with an interesting twist.My only issue was that the book got damaged bad on its way here. Spine bent in several places and the corner was warped.
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Top reviews from the United States

Alaina Scott
5.0 out of 5 stars Great first day book!
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2024
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My students really enjoyed this story in the first day of school!
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Cute book
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2024
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Book has a cute ending. I read this with my class for the first time. It was my first time reading it along with them. We were all surprised with the ending. My students didn't believe adults could also have jitters too which lead to a whole new conversation.
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Doreane J
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for kids!
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2024
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A teacher suggested this book as we transition to the next grade and we have loved it!
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larry cherrey
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for back to school
Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2024
Verified Purchase
Great book. It shows that everyone is nervous about going to school (in this book a new school). My 2nd grader and Kindergartener enjoyed it, we read it multiple times before school started. They asked for more books in this series.
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Samantha Jenkins
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for 1st day
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2024
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My students liked it.
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M. Foley
5.0 out of 5 stars Surprise ending!
Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2024
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This was the perfect story for the first day of school. Our class talked about how we ALL feel a little bit nervous or even dread starting back to school. Very cute story with a surprise ending!
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Jenny Dietzel
5.0 out of 5 stars So Perfect!
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2024
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We absolutely loved this book! My daughter struggles with separation anxiety so this was the perfect book to read the night before school!
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Jennifer B.
5.0 out of 5 stars Back to school
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2024
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Wonderful back to school book explaining anxiety over starting a new school year.
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Top reviews from other countries

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K M
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
Reviewed in Canada on September 16, 2023
Verified Purchase
I love this story and finally needed to own it for myself! I changed schools this year so it was perfect to read to my classes on the first day!
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Bookworm
5.0 out of 5 stars El mejor libro para el primer día de clases!!!
Reviewed in Mexico on September 2, 2018
Verified Purchase
Compre este libro para mis alumnos y fue todo un éxito. Les encantó!!!!
Es una buena manera de ayudar a los alumnos con los nervios el primero día de clases.
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yasu61
1.0 out of 5 stars 高すぎる。
Reviewed in Japan on August 25, 2020
Verified Purchase
短編集かと思って購入したら、短編がわずか１話でした。これは高すぎますよ。
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Mary
5.0 out of 5 stars A lovely book about new beginnings
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 1, 2014
Verified Purchase
I love this book! I had to teach an RE topic on Beginnings, the first lesson of which wanted to discuss children's own experience of new beginnings. I was trying to find a book/story to read them about a child's first day ay school. This one is perfect, with a man trying desperately to coax Sarah-Jane out of bed and out of the house to go to her new school. Sarah-Jane is very reluctant - "What if no one likes me, what if I don't like the new school, etc etc. \The great twist at the end of the story is that Sarah-Jane is the teacher! My class loved this and asked me lots of questions about how I felt on my first day at their school.
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F. Williams
5.0 out of 5 stars Good jitters
Reviewed in Canada on July 17, 2023
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Great book for the first week of school.
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