On the Way to Kindergarten by Virginia Kroll, Elizabeth Schlossberg (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

Celebrate milestones with a new—or soon to be— kindergartner.

When you were newborn, you ate, burped and cried. Every year there is more you can do. And now you are five, and going to kindergarten! For anyone who is proud of a new kindergartner, here is a heartwarming book to treasure, celebrate, and take note of all these amazing accomplishments that have taken place over the past five years.

Amie Rose Rotruck - Children's Literature

Before children go to kindergarten they accomplish many things. All the accomplishments of every age from newborn to five is outlined. From drinking juice from a red sippy cup to getting a big bed, from pedaling a tricycle to blowing bubbles—children learn so many things as they grow up. By age five, they are ready for kindergarten and can do all sorts of things. This book falls into the category of a "children's book written more for grown-ups than children." Despite the title, kindergarten only comes into the story on the very last page. Also, the last line implies that ALL children go to kindergarten at age five, which is not the case. The poetry does not always follow the same cadence or rhyme structure. The plot is very thin and a bit too syrupy for children to ever really enjoy. 2006, G.P. Putnam's Sons/Penguin, Ages 4 up.

School Library Journal

PreS-This book starts when Bear is a newborn. A page of rhyming couplets describes each year until "NOW," the age of five, when the number of things the cub can do expands exponentially. Beginning with milestones such as riding a tricycle at age three or blowing bubbles at four, the list highlighting the child's growing independence and abilities quickly expands to include singing the ABCs, helping carry groceries, and putting on puppet shows. Most of the book is spent on these five-year-old skills, leading up to the first day of kindergarten, when readers turn the final page sideways to see a tall exuberant Bear, "a baby no more!!!!!" Whereas readers may not do all of the things this highly capable youngster can do, they will certainly identify with the joy and pride, evident on every page, that are a part of accomplishing something new. And with so many milestones included, most readers are bound to recognize themselves in some achievement. This sense of belonging is amplified by the friendly, cheerful art done in bright pastels. Bear is visibly happy, engaged, and supported by family and friends. A sidekick mouse in a ruffled orange dress lends added interest. This is a fun, celebratory story for any child just waiting to go to school.-Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

This cute-as-a-button cub has achieved a lot on his way to kindergarten. Not, as the title seems to indicate, on a meandering walk to the schoolyard, but rather over the five years leading up to his exciting entree. From newborn forward, the snappy, rhyming text extols milestones such as, to start with, burping and crying. But at one year the cub is pulling himself up and trying to eat ants. Later he's learning to pedal a tricycle, drawing, brushing his own teeth, singing the ABC song and dancing along, buckling his own seat belt and paddling the length of the pool. Careful observers will watch for the cub's unmentioned mouse pal on every page. The oil pastels give vibrancy and soft lines to the action populated by an array of adorable young animals. The simple buoyancy of the text will help create positive anticipation for starting school. For toddlers, each of the cub's successes is something to aim for, and older kids can applaud how far they have come themselves. (Picture book. 3-5)

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