The Class

In showing a diverse bunch of kid personalities, appearances, backgrounds, and behaviors on the first day of school, a certain amount of excitement is built-in to The Class, but because the individual differences are shown in an understated way with respect, ease, and fun, they are also reassuring: "I guess it's okay that I feel different," we find ourselves thinking. And this book makes us remember that the first day of school is part of a regular rhythm of life and a fixture in towns all over the place, and so we feel further reassured.I also like how many different things are going on in this simple-seeming book. You know how kids like tracking things through a book? In this one, it's fun to follow specific items as the morning unfolds but even more absorbing to follow and savor all the kids' different individualities. It's one thing (and a very important, requisite thing) to capture racial diversity, but it's even trickier to visually capture folks' very natures. Gee does this so well! And traits sometimes seen as "negative" are treated equally beautifully and calmly by both the words and the illustrations. I can't emphasize what a relief this feels like when you're reading it: quite remarkable, actually.The book also can do double duty as a number book but without the sometimes monotonous aspects that can feel -- I confess! -- depleting to an adult on the millionth read-through.But my favorite thing is how the book's progression and layout succeed in turning all the different kids into *one class* by the glorious full-spread last page. Each kid still maintains their uniqueness AND they are united at the same time. Beautiful. What a great book for getting 4-7 year olds ready for back-to-school. Also nice for a teacher to have in the classroom! I'm buying some as gifts right now.PS -- Did I mention it's just plain charming? Even if it didn't do any of the above, it would be worth it for the delight factor alone!

My daughter love this book is her favorite now.

A group of twenty children prepare for their first day of Kindergarten in this witty and charming picture book. The book starts with the different ways the children wake up from those who are up early to the grumpy ones to those who want to sleep and sleep. Next comes putting on clothes, then brushing and combing hair, and putting on shoes. Breakfast is next with pancakes or cereal or juice. Backpacks are put on, children catch the bus, are driven to school or walk. Emotions run high. And then finally, all twenty are at school and ready to begin!Ashburn beautifully combines the normal day routines of children filled with teeth brushing, bathroom and breakfast with the unique things about the first day of Kindergarten like backpacks and having to be ready at a certain time. She also intertwines the emotions of the day with some children unable to sleep, others grumpy throughout, and some tearing up on the way to school. This is a way to show all of the different reactions to school but to also assure children that they are more alike than they may think.The illustrations by Gee are gentle and cheerful. They capture each child and fill the page with diversity. She is also great at showing the mixed emotions of the day and the variety of reactions that children have. The use of lots of white space allows children to see themselves on the page, talk about what they will have for breakfast, about their nerves and more.A perfect book to share with children heading to their first day of preschool or Kindergarten whether you are a parent or a teacher. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

This is a rhyming and counting book about the first day of school.It shows the sleepy children, the grumpy children, the late children, the bedhead children, who forgets to knock on the bathroom door - yikes!, who has pancakes for breakfast, who drops their plate, who walks to school and who rides the bus.Finally, they all safely arrive and meet their joyous teacher. Lots of diversity in the class.Children who are worried or excited about the first day of school will enjoy this book - good for preschool, kindergarten and first grade.Should prompt good discussion about what to expect on the first day of school. Fun illustrations, too!

Wonderful rhyming read-aloud with lively illustrations that open door to discussions about all the feelings a new school year brings.