Graduation Groove

by Kathryn Heling, Deborah Hembrook, Addy Rivera Sonda (Illustrator)

Got the graduation groove in my kindergarten feet. I'm zipping up my gown to a first-grade beat.

Graduate from kindergarten in style, dancing all the way to first grade!

"This book is a great addition on the topic of entering first grade, even more so because it features students and teachers of many races, ethnicities, and abilities, in an engaging and joyous school environment."- School Library Journal

"A bubbly kindergartner crew of varying abilities and skin tones keeps a jaunty beat during preparations for their continuation to first grade...Rivera Sonda's sunny illustrations add to the book's friendly, assuring vibe about moving on from-and into-beloved experiences."- Publishers Weekly

" Myriad books talk about the first day of school; few address the other end of that rite of kindergarten graduation. The kids' exuberance can barely be contained on the pages. A solid pick for the end of a momentous year."- Kirkus Reviews



It's time to graduate from kindergarten!
This book celebrates all of the things that make kindergarten great. From classmates to projects, teachers to pets, kindergarten is full of amazing experiences. Graduating from kindergarten and starting first grade is an important milestone in every kid's life. Whether you're excited or nervous, this book is perfect for your special day and will help you dance to first grade!

Genres: Picture Books, School, Childrens, Disability

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 2, 2021

Reviews

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindergarten graduation ceremonies weren't really a thing for my generation, but for today's youngsters, this is a super upbeat, rhyming book that celebrates the transition from kindergarten to first grade, and all of the hopes and memories that come along with it.

[Sue H · Rating 3 out of 5]

While it may look slightly different than in years past, kindergarten graduation can be filled with excitement and fears. The book deals with both of those feelings as we follow the main character and his diverse classmates as they prepare and attend their graduation ceremony. There are many books about starting kindergarten but the transition, while rarely mentioned in picture books, can be a significant adjustment for kids, and is nice to see it addressed in a picture book. A great gift for those little ones who are graduating.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun story to share with kindergarten classes toward the end of the year. The lighthearted rhyme celebrates all the ways they have learned and grown to get ready for first grade. I appreciate the change toward the end to acknowledge the nerves too. Then Heling offers an encouraging finish as first grade begins.

[Elizabeth]

I like the beat in this book, and the illustrations are cute and diverse!

[Virginia]

CUTE

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhyming, diverse characters, confidence, school, very cute

[Pinky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindergarteners celebrate their graduation all the way to first grade.

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meant to read this in June to Maddie, but we forgot. Still, she enjoyed it and told Kait all about her graduation.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story 3
Illustrations 5

[Jared White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that there is not only great racial diversity but that a boy in a wheelchair and a girl with crutches are also prominently featured. I love when such individuals are included at all (because they're often not) but often, even when they are, they just appear on a couple pages. In this book they are just one of the kids and appear in quite a few of the pictures.