Parents' Guide to

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten

By Sharon Asta, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Calms first-day-of-kindergarten fears.

Book Joseph Slate Coming of Age 1996
Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten Poster Image

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What's the Story?

It's the first day of kindergarten. Miss Bindergarten and twenty-six alphabetically named animal students spend the morning getting ready for their big day. While excited soon-to-be students overcome their fears, their new teacher has her share of humorous mishaps arranging the classroom. Lively illustrations and a relevant topic make this a great choice for preschooler or kindergartner.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
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Kids say (1):

Here's a book that encourages reading, calms first-day-of-kindergarten fears, and delights the eyes and ears all at the same time. It's a favorite with young children, parents, and teachers alike. Catchy rhyming sentences introduce children to the school environment and to the concepts of self-reliance and respect.

Young readers will see many skills they are striving to master, such as dressing themselves and tying shoelaces, modeled by the charming animal students. Children will also see Miss Bindergarten's struggles to get ready, reinforcing a comforting sense that teachers have things in common with their students. The bright watercolor and ink illustrations entice young readers to linger over details. Children will recognize their own anxieties and excitement mirrored in the faces and antics of the characters.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the first day of school. Kids: How will you get ready? What are you looking forward to? What do you think your teacher is doing to get ready for you?

Book Details

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