This is a very funny story with a surprise ending. A must for every parent and teacher of young children!


Returning it!   July 13, 2006
 21 out of 44 found this review helpful

I am in the process of returning this book right now. I thought the book might be about a first day starting school - as in Kindergarten or Preschool. Any age would have been fine. I thought the character might be a little nervous not terrified. We are talking about a grown woman - a teacher! I know they get nervous and who can blame them. But this is not the kind of example I want for my daughter. They use the word hate - the teacher says 'I hate this new school' - that's not the kind of language I want to hear from my daughter at the age of 4. If the teacher "hates" school how can we encourage our daughter to be excited about going. This book maybe would have been more appropriate if we had an older child with school experience moving to a new school - its not for preschool or kindergarten kids. The illustrations aren't cute. I have never returned a book. Usually I just pass a book I don't care for on but I just couldn't take it. You may find it cute and clever. I gave it 1 star because I had to. My advice - if you buy it, read it yourself first and keep the handy return policy in mind. We also bought My First Day of School by P. K. Hallinan - that one is very cute for preschool & kindergaten. Thanks for listening.


Surprise ending will surprise and enlighten kids   July 13, 2000
 16 out of 16 found this review helpful

As this delightful picture book shows, first day jitters aren't just for kindergarteners. The first day in a new school has Sarah Jane Hartwell ducking for the covers. Mr. Hartwell tries to ease her nerves with calm reassurance and wise advice.

But Sarah Jane is convinced that staying home in bed is the answer to her general fears about a new school: she doesn't know anyone, no one will like her, it's just too hard and besides, she hates school.

Kids will identify with Sarah Jane's free-floating school anxiety, even if this isn't their first year in a new school. Love's richly-colored ink and watercolor illustrations help build anticipation for the surprise ending to Danneberg's story, a twist that will delight kids and give them a new perspective on the first day of school.

Perfect late August reading for everyone heading back to school.


Everyone has the jitters!   April 2, 2003
 12 out of 13 found this review helpful

Well, this is a superb book for children on the first day of school. The story tells about Sara Hartwell and how she does not want to go to school. She is worried that no one will like her and is extremely nervous about all the things people get nervous about on the first day of school. Mr. Hartwell with much fighting gets Sara to school as the princial is waiting on her to take her to class. When he shows her to the room you find out that Sara is really the teacher! It definitely a new perspective! This is a great way to start a discussion with students about how adults also get nervous and scared and share how they deal with those feelings. I use this book as a great story starter and have my first grade students write about what they have ever been nervous about and have them share and learn from each other's stories. Excellent job Julie Danneberg and Judith Dufour Love!