Countdown to Kindergarten – Alison McGhee

Countdown to Kindergarten tackles a young girl’s fear of not knowing how to tie her own shoes before she heads off to kindergarten.  In her mind, she has created a reality where she is the only one who isn’t fully able to take care of this task on her own.  This sweet tale shares the truth of the matter.  She is not alone in her need for a little help in tying her shoes, and her teacher is happy to help her.

Countdown to Kindergarten Book Cover Countdown to Kindergarten
Alison McGhee
Juvenile Fiction
Sandpiper
2006-01
32

Remarkably You – Pat Zietlow Miller

Remarkably You is a wonderful picture book that provides encouragement to embrace your unique you-ness.  Uplifting text is coupled with delightful illustrations.  This book would be a phenomenal resource to use at the beginning of the school year no matter what age learners you might be working with this year.

Remarkably You Book Cover Remarkably You
Pat Zietlow Miller
Juvenile Fiction
HarperCollins
February 5, 2019
32

When You Are Brave – Pat Zielow

When You a Brave explores finding courage within yourself.  It is a lovely book that includes beautiful illustrations and rich use of literary devices.  Although a picture book, it would make a terrific read aloud for older students.

When You Are Brave Book Cover When You Are Brave
Pat Zietlow Miller
Juvenile Fiction
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
March 5, 2019
40

I Will Be Fierce! – Bea Birdsong

Looking for a book to the kick-off the new school year?  I Will Be Fierce is a fun read that features a young lady who takes on the world as a brave explorer on an epic quest.  This a great book to set the tone for a new school year of discovery!

I Will Be Fierce Book Cover I Will Be Fierce
Bea Birdsong
Juvenile Fiction
Roaring Brook Press
April 23, 2019
40

Way Back Wednesday – First Day of School

Today is our daughter’s first day of middle school, and the message of The Dot seemed the perfect way to start the year.  Looking forward to a great one!

The Dot is perhaps my favorite picture book of all time.  The Dot introduces us to Vashti a little girl who is not very eager about art class.  Her art teacher encourages her to “make her mark”.  With gentle guidance from her teacher, Vashti’s natural abilities as an artist as well as a teacher develop.  Ultimately, the simple text and accessible pictures pull the reader into Vashti’s story.  The profound impact of the words and actions of a teacher are highlighted and the power of enthusiasm and encouragement are reinforced.

The Dot Book Cover The Dot
Peter Reynolds
Juvenile Fiction
Candlewick Press
2003
32

The Word Collector – Peter H. Reynolds

School begins this week for our daughter, and this book has a perfect message for the start of a new school year!

Our family’s all time favorite children’s book author is Peter H. Reynolds!  His newest book is a treasure.  The Word Collector reminds young and old readers alike of the power of words and encourages using your own words to make a difference in the world.  This one is a winner!

The Word Collector Book Cover The Word Collector
Peter Reynolds
Juvenile Fiction
Orchard Books
2018
40

Favorite First Day of School Book!

This post is a flash from the past.  It was originally published in 2011.

The Kissing Hand is an old favorite to read at the start of the school year.  Little Chester Raccoon is hesitant to leave his mother’s side and go to school.  She assures him that he will love school once he is busy playing with new toys, new books, and new friends.  She also shares a special secret that has been in their family for years – the kissing hand.  The kissing hand allows a little love from home to be with Chester at all times and gives him the confidence he needs to tackle his first day of school.  Quite simply a heartwarming story that provides true comfort to little ones and perhaps a few Mommies and Daddies too

Favorite 1st Day of School Book!

This post is a flash from the past.  It was originally published in 2011.

The Kissing Hand is an old favorite to read at the start of the school year.  Little Chester Raccoon is hesitant to leave his mother’s side and go to school.  She assures him that he will love school once he is busy playing with new toys, new books, and new friends.  She also shares a special secret that has been in their family for years – the kissing hand.  The kissing hand allows a little love from home to be with Chester at all times and gives him the confidence he needs to tackle his first day of school.  Quite simply a heartwarming story that provides true comfort to little ones and perhaps a few Mommies and Daddies too!

How I Spent My Summer Vacation – Mark Teague

When I was a sixth grade language arts teacher, How I Spent My Summer Vacation was one of my favorite books to use at the beginning of the school year with my students. This book does a terrific job of introducing young writers to the idea of employing imagination into their writing. Fun and enjoyable for young readers as well as big kids, How I Spent My Summer Vacation is a terrific resource for beginning of the school year fun.

First Day Jitters – Julie Danneberg

In honor of our daughter’s first day of third grade….

First Day Jitters is a favorite from my days in the classroom.  I love that the young lady who is suffering from first day jitters is a new teacher.  This reality does not come to light until about half way thru the book, and it always took students by surprise when I read it the first week of school. This is a wonderful book to use in the classroom to help children realize that everyone feels a little nervous the first day of school…Even the teachers!