Available:*
Library | Material Type | Item Barcode | Shelf Number | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... Avon-Washington Township Public Library | Juvenile Easy Book Hardback | 120791000642091 | J E QUA | Searching... Unknown |
Bound With These Titles
On Order
Summary
Summary
Here is the story of a young boy who is about to enter first grade and doesn't know quite what to expect. Will his friends be there? Will he have to know how to read and spell? What if he can't understand anything his teacher says? Looks like a case of first grade jitters! Robert Quackenbush and Yan Nascimbene tell a reassuring story that is sure to chase away those jitters for any soon-to-be first grader.
Reviews (5)
School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 1-In this newly illustrated title first published in 1982, Aidan worries about first grade. He hasn't seen his kindergarten friends all summer, and he's had plenty of time to imagine the worst about the upcoming school year. Will his friends be in his class? Will he be expected to read and do math problems? "And what if I can't understand anything the teacher says? She might say, 'Oogly, boogly.' When I ask her what that means, she might answer, 'Muncha, chumba, zeglipo.'" His parents notice that something is wrong, but he refuses to admit his fears. When his friend returns from her summer vacation with reassuring news of their new teacher, he jumps for joy and exclaims, "My jitters are gone!" The text and pictures explore this common anxiety effectively and with a touch of humor. Full-spread illustrations depict the grumpy protagonist with his perplexed and annoyed parents, and later, relaxed and jubilant. Aidan's loyal dog and teddy bear mirror his concerns throughout. When he holds up his leg in bed, insisting that he cannot walk and won't be better for the first day of school, his frowning teddy holds up his leg as well. Couple this story with Julie Danneberg's First Day Jitters (Charlesbridge, 2000) for another perspective on back-to-school angst.-Barbara Auerbach, PS 217, Brooklyn, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
In Quackenbush's story about a nervous would-be first-grader, first published in 1982, Aidan doesn't want to admit that his crankiness has anything to do with the upcoming school year. But when he wonders whether his kindergarten friends will be there, or what his new teacher will be like, he gets scared. After his friends bring news about what to expect, Aidan gradually discovers that he's more eager than afraid. Quackenbush's story holds up well and is made all the more fresh by Nascimbene's paintings (Aidan wears Chuck Taylors and a spiky haircut), which capture his shift from anxiety to excitement about the coming changes. Ages 5-7. (July) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
As summer draws to a close, a young boy feels anxious about starting first grade. Oddly, Mom and Dad don't seem overly concerned about his "first grade jitters"; luckily, an impromptu playdate with pals from kindergarten reassures him that all will be fine. This newly illustrated edition is aided by attractive, expressive drawings. (c) Copyright 2011. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
"School doesn't worry me," confides this little boy. "Last year I had a lot of fun there...I was in Kindergarten then." Assurances to the contrary notwithstanding, Aidan is plenty worried. A just-before-school-starts get-together with chums from last year, particularly Tammy's account of bumping into their new teacher at the supermarket, helps the little guy get over those butterflies. Quackenbush recognizes a reality that is often glossed overthat even kids with a bit of school under their belts can worry about changesand provides welcome support for them. Even readers who laugh outwardly at Aidan's misconceptions will likely breathe tiny, private sighs of relief. Nascimbene places Tintin-esque characters against gorgeous, Japanese printinspired backgrounds in a muted palette, the delicate lines and flat perspectives providing a soothing environment to calm jitters of all kinds. (Picture book. 5-7)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
First published in 1982 and now newly illustrated with appealing, uncluttered, paint-and-ink images, this story captures every kid's fear of starting school. At first the boy denies his fear, but after he crawls into bed, the worries begin: What if he can't read or spell or do arithmetic? What if he can't understand the teacher? His fears explode as a temper tantrum in a store when Mom wants to buy him new shoes for school, but later, while playing and talking with his friends, he feels reassured and ready. The jittery scenarios will reach many kids facing a big change.--Rochman, Hazel Copyright 2010 Booklist