Back Catalog Posts: Lenny Goes to Nursery School by Ken Wilson-Max

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Lenny Goes to Nursery School by Ken Wilson-Max #ownvoices (2013)

by Mary K.

In this British import Lenny goes to nursery school for the first time.  On the way, he sees another girl whose colorful dress he admires. She turns out to be a classmate, Lucy, and at school Lucy and Lenny sing songs, draw pictures, have juice, and enjoy tricycle races with their diverse classmates and teacher. Only a slight frown when mom leaves hints at Lenny's nervousness. The brightly-colored illustrations are just right for still-developing vision, and the simple plot will be relatable for most young children learning about what to expect when they begin school.

Themes/topics: school, preschool, separation, friends

Sample text from two spreads:

Mummy says, "Bye bye, Lenny. See you later." Lenny frowns and waves a little wave.

Lucy takes Lenny's hand. "Let's play," she says.

My Good Morning! by Kim Crockett Corson & Jelena Brezovec

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My Good Morning! by Kim Crockett Corson & Jelena Brezovec (2017)

by AHK

A feisty preschooler narrates her version of a typical morning, in which she is independent and successful with all of her tasks. Mom and dad might tell a different version of events, but this isn't their story. Youngsters and anyone with a three year old will relate! Ultimately, the lively little girl's good morning sets her up to say goodbye to Daddy at daycare without tears or fuss, because she knows her good day will continue. A sweetly simple rhyming story that will fit perfectly into your storytime rotation.

Themes/Topics: daycare, first day of school, separation anxiety, toddler, behavior, independence

Sample text from first spread:

I wake up nice and early. 
I had a good sleep. 
Mommy and Daddy did not hear a peep. 
It's a new day and I'm ready to go!
But Mommy and Daddy are very slow.  

Twindergarten by Nikki Ehrlich illustrated by Zoey Abbott

image source: Amazon.com

Twindergarten by Nikki Ehrlich illustrated by Zoey Abbott (2017)

by AHK

Twins Zoe and Dax go together like peanut butter and jelly. But for kindergarten they get assigned to separate classrooms. Before the big day, Zoe feels excited and takes the lead comforting Dax as he worries. However, when they arrive at school their roles reverse and suddenly it's Zoe who is not so sure about this whole kindergarten thing. They each make a new friend, but Zoe continues to miss Dax. They are reunited for recess, and Dax slips Zoe a special note which reminds her that no matter what, they have each other, which allows Zoe to settle in and enjoy her own experience. This is a good lesson on separation anxiety as well as a good introduction to the kinds of things kids do in kindergarten. Add it to your first-day rotation!

Themes/Topics: twins, separation anxiety, first day of school, kindergarten, worry, friendship

Sample text from the wordiest spread: 

On the night before school, the twins had the jitters. The just-about-to-start-school jitters. Tomorrow, they'd be in different classrooms. And they ABSOLUTELY couldn't imagine what that would feel like. The twins took out the pins and name tags their teachers had sent them. Zoe would be with the Awesome Alligators. Dax would be with the Cool Cats. But what they ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY wanted was to be together.