Countdown to Kindergarten: A Kindergarten Readiness Book for Kids

Both of my girls loved, loved, loved this book. It's very similar to another book worked on by Harry Bliss entitled, "A Fine, Fine School". In both books, the illustrations tell a whole side story, complete with little side jokes that every adult will enjoy. After several readings, my kids started picking up on all the little jokes in the pictures, too. Basically, a young girl is worried about her first day of kinder, particularly the fact that she hasn't mastered the art of shoelaces. Her worry about being known as "Velcro Girl" is quite hysterical. In the end, all her fears and anxieties vanish as she discovers that there are plenty of kids who can't tie their shoes. It's a great teaching tool to reinforce the idea that we tend to worry about things that do not need our worrying, which is a great lesson to teach right as they enter the world of social worry---SCHOOL. Her tragically hip cat is a blast as well. Chris Bowen Author of, Our Kids: Building Relationships in the Classroom

Other reviewers have discussed the content of the book, so I won't go into more detail on the storyline, but what I like best about the book is the ending: once the little girl actually gets to school, she and her classmates realize after conferring together that none of them know how to tie their shoes and that it's OKAY. Or, on a greater scale, you can think of it as a child's fear of feeling inadequate or behind his/her peers dissolving when he/she realizes that others are having the same troubles and fears. I think the book, besides being quite funny (she really is creative in trying to "lose" her shoelaces) shows that it's perfectly normal to be nervous about new situations, and if you are nervous you're not the only one. The comradery that develops between the kids in the class is really priceless: you mean YOU don't know how to tie your shoes EITHER?? :)

School is approaching and kids are getting nervous? Who will be my teacher? Who will I sit next to? Will I be able to bring my stuffed animal? This book deals with these questions and a lot more and does so with a great deal of humor. The illustrations are wonderful and the book is well written. I couldn't recommend a better book for kids about to go back to school. Buy it, your kids will love it. And if you're looking for other titles for your kids or teenagers don't miss: The Little Prince (Saint Exupery); The Butterfly (Jay Singh) and; (for you!) The Alchemist (Coelho).

This text deals with the fears an incoming Kindergarten student has about a skill she hasn't yet developed. As a preschool teacher, I use this to open a discussion about what my students are anticipating when they begin Kindergarten. It uses humor to open a dialogue about a big step in a little person's life. The large bright illustrations are inviting and gives ample opportunity for prediction.

This is a sweet book and the kids I know really enjoy it. What is great is that the adults all love it too! There are great details (especially with Puddy the kitty... he jogs, he skateboards and best of all, he meows his sympathy) and the drawings are delightful.This book is sweet and very funny!