On the First Day of First Grade

In a cumulative text that echoes "The 12 Days of Christmas," an enthusiastic child chronicles the high points of starting a new school year in a first grade classroom. The adventure begins as the brown-skinned narrator, along with a multi-ethnic procession of children, wave goodbye to their parents and cheerfully make their way to their new desks. ("On the first day of first grade/ I had fun right away/ laughing and learning all day!") By day three, "choosing books to read" makes the growing list of enjoyable class activities, followed by throwing a ball and building with clay. On day 12, a lively show-and-tell session, which includes "showing my pet bunny," marks an exciting finale to the first few weeks of school. Artwork by Jennings (Feelings) features a steady stream of cheery faces and colorful classroom tools sure to prove inviting to prospective students. Ages 4-8. (June)

PreS-Gr 1--This cumulative book follows a young student from his initial moments dressing for the school year's first day through two weeks of memorable first grade experiences as he finds "fun right away" from the classroom to library, science class, art, P.E., and music. Cartoon art, digitally created from watercolor, celebrates the diversity of students' gender, ethnicity, religion, and physical abilities, while a change in font accentuates the highlighted activity of six marvelous days. Small individual successes and images of team-building are both included: featured scenes present students as they tell time or count with coins, create art with clay, lead others in a line, learn with hands-on activities in science, individually choose books in the library, participate in a play, help in the classroom, or communicate with other classmates. VERDICT An ideal first-day read for younger students; the repeated text refrain for each day will have first graders recognizing their own experiences or creating verses as they delight in "laughing and learning all day."--Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX