Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come

Henry

by Nancy Carlson

The first day of kindergarten is finally here, and Henry can't wait to paint pictures, sing songs, and practice counting. When he gets to school, though, he's not so sure he's ready for kindergarten. But before long Henry discovers that the only thing he's not ready for is how much fun he's going to have at school! This gently humorous, encouraging story will give children about to enter kindergarten an extra boost of confidence.

"Perfect for parents to share with their children, and the endearing Henry will offer reassurance to even the most hesitant prekindergartners."
-Booklist

Genres: Picture Books, School, Childrens, Back To School, Fiction, Animals, Juvenile

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Maila Maslow · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is good to read!

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came close to giving this book, but in the end, I chose not to. "Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come" is a terrific book for children ages 4-5, approaching school-age (kindergarten). To me, there were just a couple flaws I felt scaled back my 4.5-5 rating down to a 4.

First, the good, this book delivers a quality, well-rounded story for children who are in their final year of preschool or simply weeks or months away from their first day of kindergarten. The books explores common themes, concerns, etc. children think of as they get ready (particularly, as they get excited, anxious and perhaps nervous) for school.

As for the drawbacks, there minimal but I found a couple. One, in my opinion, there's a little tinge of corniness that I even think some youngsters (four- and five-year-old children) might find a little too silly for their taste. The other thing I found to be a bit flawed about the book was that it was off-balance in terms of the story's description of the lead character's (Henry, a mouse) reaction to actually going to his kindergarten class and all his ideas, questions, etc. that were explored throughout the story leading up to it... Now, I'm not saying the preparatory part isn't more important than his Henry's reaction after arriving as school. I just think the latter part (the post-arrival at school) could've been a little bit longer to provide a little better balance.

Other details I noticed include:

* The intro inside the book's cover established the book's suggested reader level as "Ages 3-6". I think this is very accurate and appropriate. The book is clearly meant for these ages.

* The illustrations were very colorful and cartoony. I think the illustrations are definitely very helpful for drawing in the young reader. They're inviting and playful.

* On a personal note, I really liked the part when Henry packed the photo of his mom and dad to bring with him on his first day of school in case he felt lonely. Oddly enough, this reminded me of a few years ago (or several years ago now, I guess) when I studied abroad in Venezuela. Albeit of adult age by that time, it was suggested to us that we bring photos of loved ones with us. So I related to the sentiment in the story in both a direct and indirect way - because I do remember having photos of my parents with me as a kiddo in elementary school too.

; one, the fact the main character is a mouse

[Erika Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. Book Summary in your own words
Henry is looking forward to starting kindergarten. But he is not sure if he wants to stay when he first arrives. There are new people he does not know. His parents and teacher show him the many different things there are to do and he feels better.
2. Grade level, interest level, lexile
Grade K
3. Appropriate classroom use (subject area)
“Self-Esteem” and “Back to School”
4. Individual students who might benefit from reading
Students who have difficulty starting a new school or a new grade. Students who need an extra boost in confidence.
5. Small group use (literature circles)
In small groups, the students will talk to each other about what frightens them most about starting something new with people they do not know.
6. Whole class use (read aloud)
As a whole class, we will read the book and then write about what we like in our kindergarten class.
7. Related books in genre/subject or content area
Genre: Comedy
8. Multimedia connections (audio book, movie) available
Related books: The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing and Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate

[DivaDiane SM · Rating 3 out of 5]

My son likes this one. It helps him think about what he needs to do to get ready for school, but otherwise, it's not that exciting.

[Hannah Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry, an endearing mouse, is so excited about Kindergarten and all the fun activities he will get to do like painting, counting and singing songs. But when Henry arrives at Kindergarten, he’s not sure he’s truly ready and has second thoughts. After a bit of time in the classroom, he soon discovers that he’s been ready all along and has a really, fun day in Kindergarten.

The illustrations in this book are very child friendly and colorful, which will adhere to younger children to get to want them to read it as well as stay engaged, along with making children feel good about themselves and gives them an extra boost of confidence for their first day of Kindergarten.

This is a very cute story, as many children can relate to it with being scared about starting school. This book helps children understand all the fun and interesting activities that happen in Kindergarten, but also that it’s ok to be nervous and unsure how Kindergarten will go. Perfect for parents to share with their children.

[Lisa Burgess · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come (1999, bilingual in 2004) by Nancy Carlson at the Mount Vernon New York Public Library.
The standard story line depicts a boy looking forward to going to school for the first time, being overwhelmed on his first day, and (with the help of his mother, a woman teacher, and a girl classmate) deciding to stay.
The illustrations are bright and cheerful, using grey mice instead of people for the main character’s family. Other people are depicted using pink pigs, white rabbits, brown dogs etc. The illustrations depict traditional gender roles in terms of dress and division of labor.
The layout is clear, with readable English above and Spanish below the illustration.
The adult reader can use the book for a discussion about starting school, but should be aware that the illustrations reinforce the central position of boys and peripheral position of women as helpers. Child readers will enjoy reading as they prepare for their first day at kindergarten.

[Ellwyn Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the first day of Kindergarten and Henry is bursting with excitment about finally starting. He eats a good breakfast, packs his bag and talks about all the things he's going to do when he gets there.

But, when he arrives the first day jitters set in. It's all so overwhelming. The building is so big; there are so many new faces. After some gentle persuasion, Henry takes a look around the classroom and decides kindergarten is going to be as much fun as he thought.

Carlson has captured the exuberance and hesitation most kindergartners feel when starting school. I met many students who acted the same as Henry, in the end, they also realized school was the place to be and stayed.


One of the things I liked most about the book was the discussion between Henry and his mother about the school day. It sets the stage for children and gives them an idea of what to expect when they finally arrive.

[Guineth Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look Out Kindergarten is about a mouse named Henry, who is more then ready to start Kindergarten. From the moment he wakes up, he's ready to start his first day. He's very curious to find out he'll be reading, painting, practicing counting. But once they do arrive at school and sees how big his school actually is, he gets home sick and thinks twice about actually going to school, he finds everything very scary and doesn't feel ready. Once Henry examines the classroom, he sees numbers, letters and a painting station and makes a friend he tells his mom he'll be fine.
What I liked about this book is how the author makes the first day of Kindergarten exciting. I can relate because I know I was extremely happy to start school, I like how the character is ready for school the moment he wakes up and has a positive attitude. I think young children would absolutely love this book.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found out last year that I was going to be a grandmother. When I went out with my mom in January of this year, we did a little free library hunting and came across one with a lot of children's books. This being one. I grabbed some for Baby Boy (didn't know he was a boy at that time). Decided to pick up one today for a 24 hour "relax and read-athon" I'm doing that says to read a short book. This is what I chose. (There's also "self care" type of prompts as well).

Plus, I needed to break up the weirdness that is "The Housemaid" by Freida McFadden lol

This book is as cute as it looks. Easy to read of course & can prepare little one for kindergarten when its time but of course, it'll be read to him long before kindergarten as well. :-)


Baby boy's due date is June 17, so, anyway now really. <3

[Shirley Kingery · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful picture book for your five year old who is just getting ready to start kindergarten! The adorable colorful pictures showcasing really cute and diverse animals, are full of cheer and warmth and provide a cozy feeling to help quell the fears a child may have about this scary new episode in life about to unfold.

This quality Dolly Parton Imagination Library edition is sent as the final installment of that organization's books that are sent to a child from birth to age 5. It marks their "graduation" from the Dolly Parton program and includes a warm message from Dolly herself. As with the other volumes in the Imagination Library, it includes links to a Dolly Parton song and reading activity suggestions from the Library of Congress.

[Well-Read Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved that it explains many of the learning activities kids will have to do in kindergarten and went over necessary morning routine/good hygiene habits needed before leaving the house. Henry is very relatable to our own little future students because he is so excited he forgets to be shy/scared until he actually gets to kindergarten. He quickly gets over it when he sees whats waiting for him in the classroom. That part will probably be different for each child, but this book gives only a positive look into whats waiting for them as they will have to leave their comfy homes and become "big kids' on their own.

https://wellreadmama.com/kindergarten...

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid choice for those looking for a first day of kindergarten or even preschool. Nancy Carlson’s 1999 release is positive and upbeat, showing morning prep at home and possible activities that will occur during the school day. Henry does have some nervousness when it the time comes to actually walk into the classroom, but the anticipation of all that will happen convinces him that this will be a great day. Carlson’s book is filled with anthropomorphized animals and her illustrations are brightly colored, but a little dated looking. Try King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes if additional and/or more recent and people-filled start of kindergarten books are needed.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a thrift store find for me and I was intrigued to buy it because I feel that it is a great book for towards the end of preschool or on the first day or kindergarten. It shows the excitement of little Henry as he prepares and gets read for his first day of kindergarten but also shares the anxiety a kindergartner may have walking into the classroom for the first time. I also like how all of the kids in the classroom are different animals and shows diversity in a slightly different way.

[Ten_zillions · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cute book would be great for parents and teachers to read for the first day of school. This little guy is so excited for his first day that his mother has to remind him of everything he has to do before he gets there. This book uses repetitive phrases so that children can join in and predict what will be said next. This book allows children to see that it is okay to have different emotions throughout the day and how to work through them.

[Amy Buthelezi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story teaches children the daily routines centered around going to kindergarten. It teaches children independence and self-sufficiency as they grow up and go off to school. Although Henry wanted to go home when he first got to school because everything seemed different, he soon realized the familiarity of many things at school, and quickly changed his mind. I like this story because it shows children that learning can be fun and exciting.

[Sterlande Altidor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that that this is a great book for all parents to read to their little ones that are starting kindergarten or going to school for the first time. This book is very colorful, the pictures in this book are really great, and the story reassures how good starting school is. It is also a good way for parents to teach their children basic math, color, and doing other activities with them.

[Manal Cheikh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would be a perfect book to read. This book is based on everyday life experiences and children go through this all the time. help get children ready for school. It is about a mouse who is so excited to start Kindergarten. He wakes up and starts his morning routine, eats a good breakfast and walks to school with his mother.

[Clwseattle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come is a bright happy and positive!

Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come is one of about 25 'kindergarten' books I'm reading before I buy one for my grand who starts kindergarten this year. I enjoyed Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come and I think it's going to be on my short list for a kindergarten keepsake! Yay!

[Emily Briano · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read Dolly's letter to Catherine, an Imagination Library Graduate, on the first page of this book I pretty much lost it and sobbed for a few minutes. Catherine didn't know what to think, so I had to explain my tears. What an amazing program and this is the perfect book to send her little readers off to Kindergarten.

[Haley Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only fiction thing about this book is that mice are the main characters. I loved reading this to my Pre-K class because it really prepares them for kindergarten. They may be scared or clueless, but this book helps to let students know what is to come.

[Leigh Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a cute story line and colorful pictures. it would be great for getting children ready for their first day of kindergarten as a parent. A teacher could use it on the first day of school as a way to welcome the children in.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute book about what a child might experience on the first day of Kindergarten. I would only use this book for Kindergarten because any other grade could not relate to it. This book is easy to understand and students would benefit most from it if a teacher read out loud to them.

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book for children to read on their first day of kindergarten. It shows them that you can have fun in school and what to look forward to. It has colorful pictures and children will enjoy reading this book.

[Maliha Arman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfect book to have in your class when children first start kindergarten. It teaches the routine and describes the differences between kindergarten and other classes. Children can know what to expect when entering a larger and different classroom.

[Anita Marlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children will love the big, colorful and lovely pictures. Teachers can read it on the first school day, and ask them to compare what the differences between the book and the real life. It is good to read to age 4 to 6.

[Melissa Namba · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice introduction to Kindergarten and sets adequate expectations. I appreciated that Henry still got scared when he first entered the school, just like most kids do. Simple and accessible for toddlers.

[Adrianna Kluge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story that an educator can read to children about entering kindergarten. In this book, it is the first day of kindergarten and Henry can't wait to paint pictures, sing songs, and practice counting. When he gets to school, though, he's not so sure he's ready for kindergarten. I rated this 5 stars because he gets scared and nervous but ends up having fun and exploring the classroom based on things that relate to him!

[Le Maistre Chat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure why my 2 1/2 year old is already asking me to read her books about starting Kindergarten, but here we are.
Looks like a well-thought-out book for addressing the fears 5 year olds have about starting school.

[Andrés · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not a huge fan of the illustrations (or mice, generally). The text about Henry's morning at home and at school on the first day of kindergarten addresses the activities and anxieties that come with the day and are generally positive and instructional for little ones.

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It doesn’t seem like this list of what to expect when kids start kindergarten tried very hard to embed itself within any type of story. Plus, it describes a version of kindergarten that is largely lost to the past. The intent is noble, though, and the illustrations are cute even if not lovely.