Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! by Nancy Carlson

From the Publisher

The first day of kindergarten is finally here, and Henry can't wait to paint pictures, sing songs, and practice counting. When he gets to school, though, he's not so sure he's ready for kindergarten. But before long Henry discovers that the only thing he's not ready for is how much fun he's going to have at school! This gently humorous, encouraging story will give children about to enter kindergarten an extra boost of confidence.

"Perfect for parents to share with their children, and the endearing Henry will offer reassurance to even the most hesitant prekindergartners."
-Booklist

School Library Journal

PreS-K-When Henry wakes up on the first day of school and announces that he is ready for kindergarten, his mom gently reminds him of the things he needs to do to prepare: get washed, brush teeth, get dressed, eat a nutritious breakfast, and pack supplies. On the walk to school, mother and son discuss what Henry might expect during the course of his day. Since he has already done some of these activities at home, he is confident he'll do well. When he arrives and sees the new faces and surroundings, however, his confidence vanishes and he declares, "I want to go home." It is only after he makes a friend and finds some familiar objects that he decides to give kindergarten a conditional try. Carlson employs her familiar art style to depict Henry's mouse family and his fellow animal kindergartners in large, brightly colored cartoons placed about the text. When Henry imagines himself working at home or school, the illustrations have a rounded, thought-balloon outline. The classroom is a cheery, welcoming place, and the story will reassure youngsters who are both eager for and apprehensive about their first school experience. Pair this title with Joseph Slate's Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten (Dutton, 1996), which looks at preparations from the teacher's perspective.-Marianne Saccardi, Norwalk Community-Technical College, CT Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

Carlson brings her vibrant brand of encouragement to bear on the first day of kindergarten. Henry, a mouse, is rip-roaring ready to attend school; his mother has to restrain him from racing out the door before he has washed and brushed, had breakfast, and loaded his backpack. As he and his mother walk to school, Henry bubbles over with questions and guesses about the day's activities. When they arrive, however, Henry has a typical change of heart: "I want to go home." With some heartening words from his teacher, Henry goes forth and engages the forces of trepidation and change, not as a superhero, but as one of the meek who knows he has to get on with it. Carlson's hero is just goofy enough to make her message suspicious; she could be telling readers that if he can do it, so can they. This book will make them relish the chance. (Picture book. 3-5)

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