Additional information
| Ages | 4 to 8 |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 9.5" X 9.5" |
| ISBN-13 | 9781772290585 (paperback), 9781897476826 (hardcover) |
| Pages | 36 |
| Rights | World |
The Best Thing About Kindergarten
It’s graduation day and Ms. Appleby asks her students, “What is the best thing about Kindergarten?” They all have an answer―and every answer is different. But Ms. Appleby has a secret answer that will surprise them all!
Reviews & Awards
Discover, Explore, Learn: Chosen as one of the 12 Best Books about Starting School
“A picture book that’s great for reading aloud” — The New York Times
“The hurried, scribbly feel of Lang’s illustrations lend them the busy, hectic reality of a kindergarten classroom, especially on the exciting last day of school. She neatly captures the messiness and creativity that characterize young children, and her kindergarteners are a nice mix of races and genders.
The best thing about this book? Its reassuring look back at all the things the happy and successful students have enjoyed about kindergarten—equally valuable at the beginning and the end of the school year.” — Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews
“The kids in Mrs. Appleby’s kindergarten class are getting ready to graduate, but there’s time for one last activity: “Who can guess what is the best thing about kindergarten?” she asks. Guesses include the playhouse, the writing center, and recess, and Mrs. Appleby affirms each suggestion: “You are a monkey bar superstar,” she tells a boy named Will, adding, “We still haven’t found the answer” (it turns out to be the children themselves). Leng’s cozy, smudgy-edged art expresses the loving disorder of a kindergarten classroom, and Lloyd’s light touch will help readers moving on from kindergarten say goodbye on a celebratory note. Last day of school stories are rare compared to ones about first days, and this one is a keeper.” — Starred Review, Publishers Weekly
“Kindergarten Countdown, Best Books to Read!
Instead of focusing on fears, this charming book written by a kindergarten teacher highlights the best things about kindergarten and invites readers to come up with their own ideas. “This is a great way to switch from nerves to the positive aspects of the experience,” says Bird. When Mrs. Appleby asks her graduating kindergarten class to tell her the best thing about school, every child has a different answer—the playhouse, the block corner, recess. But Mrs. Appleby surprises them all with hers: the students. The delicate, scribbly illustrations and simple, rhythmic text lend the story a comforting feel.” — InsideSchools.org
“On kindergarten graduation day, Mrs. Appleby has one last final question “What is the best thing about kindergarten?” Her students have different answers ranging from calendar time, imagination time, to recess. But readers will keep flipping the pages to find Mrs. Appleby’s secret special answer.” — Flowering Minds’ Top 10 Books for New Kindergarteners
