Gold Mom’s Choice Award
Winner Paris Book Festival Best Children’s Book
Runner Up Los Angeles Book Festival Best Children’s Book
Runner Up London Book Festival Best Children’s Book
Winner Best Children’s Book– The Great Northwest Book Festival
Winner Best Children’s Book – The Great Southwest Book Festival
Winner Best Children’s Book–The Great Southeast Book Festival
Winner Best Children’s Book–The Great Midwest Book Festival
This is the perfect book to introduce Kindergarten to your nervous five-year-old! Award-winning teacher Tammy Donahue allays fears by showing what your child will do in Kindergarten with fun illustrations by Lisa White. A progression of classroom seasonal activities, making friends, and all the while…Paisley pirouettes down the hall! This is an excellent read for preschoolers and their families.
Reviewed by Chad Richins for Readers’ Favorite –
A Kindergarten Story, written by Tammy Donahue and illustrated by Lisa White, is a delightful introduction to school life for young readers, narrated through the experiences of four kindergarteners: Kamden, Skyler, Franklin, and Paisley. The book paints a picture of the joys, challenges, and growth that mark a child’s first school year, structured around seasonal changes and art projects that mark the passage of time. Paisley, with her vibrant pirouettes, serves as a central figure tying the narrative together, while the other characters each face and overcome their individual struggles, such as initial anxiety, adjusting to routines, and developing friendships. The repetition of Paisley pirouetting down the hall reinforces the idea of joyful exploration and growth. With relatable characters and cheerful illustrations, this story reassures nervous preschoolers about the exciting journey of starting school. The story emphasizes the transformative power of kindergarten.
I found A Kindergarten Story to be a charming and thoughtful read, perfectly tailored for a young audience. The plot is simple, but its focus on emotional growth and adaptation resonates well with the experiences of children and parents alike. The pace is steady and comforting, mirroring the natural flow of a school year, which makes the story feel real and relatable. The characters each represent a different facet of kindergarten, ensuring that a variety of young readers will see themselves reflected. I loved the themes of individuality, friendship, and growth, which are conveyed in a manner that’s both accessible and reassuring. The writing is playful and rhythmic, with a whimsical touch brought to life by Lisa White’s colorful illustrations. The purpose—to alleviate school-related anxieties—is achieved with warmth and finesse. This book is a must-read for families preparing for that big kindergarten step.