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Goodbye Kindergarten
Kindergarten has been full of fun and learning, but the school year is almost done. Its time to say goodbye to your teacher and friends. No need to be sad! Celebrate the special people, places, and things in your classroom, and all the knowledge youll take with you into first grade!
38 pages, Hardcover
Published May 5, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 22, 2020
These pages bring positive vibes, warmth and understanding to those leaving Kindergarten for the last time before summer break heads into the first school year.
It's the last day of Kindergarten. The very last day. While nervousness mingles with wonder of thoughts at what the next stage of school might bring, it's first time to say goodbye to all of those familiar things. Each page offers a variety of goodbyes to things this age group might be familiar with in their own Kindergarten rooms. Goodbye pencils, paper, glue and so much more. The list is long, and at the end, it wraps up with a touching message which makes it clear that goodbye is sad but so much more than that, too.
The illustrations in this book are cute and sweet and friendly and full of life. While there are very familiar objects, the portrayed children are so cheerful that it's hard not to smile with them. And the teacher is a bubble of happiness and care, too. All negative and sad moments are kept at bay as the memories of the past year are briefly awakened and waved goodbye to.
At first, I found it a bit simple and strange to list things to say goodbye to, which young children will definitely be seeing again when they hit that first year of school. But by running through the list, it hits upon items leaving kindergarten kids have learned to be around every day. While reading this, I can see them coming up with extra things on their own...so, be ready for a few shout-ins when using this as a read-aloud. The ending is sweet and syrupy, but it adds in all that warmth sad kids will need to hear.
This is a cute book for those leaving kindergarten and works well as a read-aloud or in smaller settings as well
I received a complimentary copy and find it a lovely read for those leaving Kindergarten.
It's the last day of Kindergarten. The very last day. While nervousness mingles with wonder of thoughts at what the next stage of school might bring, it's first time to say goodbye to all of those familiar things. Each page offers a variety of goodbyes to things this age group might be familiar with in their own Kindergarten rooms. Goodbye pencils, paper, glue and so much more. The list is long, and at the end, it wraps up with a touching message which makes it clear that goodbye is sad but so much more than that, too.
The illustrations in this book are cute and sweet and friendly and full of life. While there are very familiar objects, the portrayed children are so cheerful that it's hard not to smile with them. And the teacher is a bubble of happiness and care, too. All negative and sad moments are kept at bay as the memories of the past year are briefly awakened and waved goodbye to.
At first, I found it a bit simple and strange to list things to say goodbye to, which young children will definitely be seeing again when they hit that first year of school. But by running through the list, it hits upon items leaving kindergarten kids have learned to be around every day. While reading this, I can see them coming up with extra things on their own...so, be ready for a few shout-ins when using this as a read-aloud. The ending is sweet and syrupy, but it adds in all that warmth sad kids will need to hear.
This is a cute book for those leaving kindergarten and works well as a read-aloud or in smaller settings as well
I received a complimentary copy and find it a lovely read for those leaving Kindergarten.
June 14, 2021
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is Goodbye Kindergarten, written by Andrea Williams and illustrated by Vanessa Alexandre, a sweet ode from teacher to student about moving on.
Schools are important places, where children go not only to learn, but to form friendships and a community. At the beginning of the year, they may feel nervous or unsure, but by June they have grown confident in the things they’ve learned, the routines they’ve followed, and the relationships with others that they’ve made. Yet when the school year comes to an end, it’s time to move on to the next grade – and to say goodbye to all the things, and people, that made the year so very special.
Heartwarming. Conveying what is clearly a very personal message, Williams (a former kindergarten teacher) uses simple and concise, Goodnight, Moon-style text to illustrate the pain and pride of a teacher watching their students move on while also helping them adjust to the change. Beginning with simple goodbyes (“Goodbye word wall. Goodbye storybooks. Goodbye reading mat”, etc.), the text transitions to a reminder of the life-lessons the teacher strove to teach that year: perseverance, kindness, care, and love. The words are earnest and universal, echoing the sentiments of any teacher bidding farewell to their class. The digital illustrations are simple and cheerful, and balance the bittersweet tone of the text well. The length is perfect, and JJ enjoyed it; it made us miss her teachers at preschool all the more. This little indie packs a big emotional punch, and would be a fantastic addition to any teacher’s end-of-year lesson plan. An unexpected treat, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher exchange for an honest review.)
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews