Read on
Filed Under Stuff | August 21, 2007
Introducing books that focus on the school experience into your reading routine is a great springboard for discussing feelings and thoughts about “the big day”. Daljit recommends talking to your local librarian for ideas on the best books for your child as they’re not only up-to-date on new releases, but they also are a great resource for other issues your child may be dealing with. However, since those of us in Vancouver haven’t had our libraries available for awhile, we’ve done the legwork and talked to a children’s librarian for you to get ideas for good reads:
We Love School! by Marilyn Janovitz
A simple rhyming text makes this a great choice for preschoolers. A group of clothed anthropomorphic puppies, kittens and rabbits have a jolly time as they do art projects, share books, sing and swing together at school.
Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
Sure to be a hit with hardcore worrywarts. Wemberly worries about big things, small things, and everything in between. So of course her first day of school provokes major anxiety. Don’t worry, there’s a happy ending!
How Do Dinosaurs Go To School? by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Mark Teague
Another installment in this popular series, this time the mischievous dinos are wreaking havoc in the school milieu. Great for tickling kindergarteners’ funny bones and also for prompting discussion about what NOT to do in class!
I Am Too Absolutely Small For School by Lauren Child
Lola is convinced that she has no need for school. She never eats more than ten cookies at a time and prefers the phone to communicate so why learn to count or write? Hilarious text accompanied by brilliant multimedia illustrations.
Off To School, Baby Duck! By Amy Hest, illustrated by Jill Barton
Baby Duck is very nervous about starting school, but Grampa reassures her by quizzing her teacher (“Are you mean?” “Do you like sandwiches with jam?”) One in a series of stories about Baby Duck.
Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready For Kindergarten by Joseph Slate, illustrated by Ashley Wolff
Follow the emotions and action as 26 animals (each starting with a different letter of the alphabet) get prepared for their first day of kindergarten. Interspersed throughout are scenes of a busy and excited Miss Bindergarten as she prepares the classroom to greet her students.
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
A perfect choice for children (or parents!) suffering from separation anxiety. Chester Raccoon would rather stay home with Mom than head off to school. A secret gift from his mother gives him the necessary courage to join the other students. Other excellent choices for separation anxiety are Oh My Baby, Little One by Kathi Appelt, illustrated by Jane Dyer and all-time favourite Owl Babies by Martin Waddell, illustrated by Patrick Benson.
I Love School! by Philemon Sturges, illustrated by Shari Halpern
A fun read-aloud for those kids who are bubbling over with excitement about starting preschool. Bright and folksy illustrations depict a multicultural cast of kids having a ball together with an adored teacher.
My First Day at Nursery School by Becky Edwards, illustrated by Anthony Flintoft
By the end of her first day, a little girl’s “I want my mommy” turns into “I want to stay at nursery school”. At bedtime, the girl goes to sleep excited about the next day at school.
And if you’re unlucky like us and can’t order these from your local library, they can all be found at Vancouver Kid’s Books.
Helen Moore is yoyomama’s kiddie lit correspondent. Helen is a local children’s librarian who is currently using her maternity leave to nurture the reading skills of her two sons, ages one and three.
New today on our list of things to do around town that aren’t affected by the strike:
It’s the premiere of The Nanny Diaries at Movies for Mommies at the Ridge this Wednesday – you can’t even catch this one in theatres yet! showtime is 1 pm, doors open at 12:30 pm.
Dinosaur aficionados will be pestering you to take a trip out the Aberdeen Centre to see the Jurassic Alive exhibit. While there you can also enjoy their Musical Fountain show which plays hourly starting at noon and you’ll need to shop Daiso of course…
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