OFF TO FIRST GRADE by Louise Borden & Joan Rankin

What a nicely done read-a-long book. I have to classify this one as a read-a-long as it is probably at too high a reading level for beginning first graders, and that is for whom the book has been written. This is good though, as it will give the parent or the teacher plenty of opportunity to discuss those important first days at school, and it will most certainly introduce the children to some new, not too complicated words.

Written by Louise Borden and illustrated by Joan Rankin, Off to First Grade is a well done, attractive piece of work. The book follows a new class of first grade students on their first day of school, starting at home. The characters are critters of various sorts, rabbits, dogs, cats, lions and other creatures, appropriately dressed for school. The author features each child, in alphabetical order, starting at home, then to the school buss, or via car, or walking, or by car, and then school. They meet their teacher get to know their teacher and become familiar with the school.

The book is large and the print used is quite readable…no squinting here. The text fits perfectly with the wonderful illustrations by Rankin. Each picture is done in gentle, non-threatening colors which show plenty of action and are well executed. I like both the writer’s style and that of the artist. Animals are always a sure hook for children. You can get hour upon hour of conversation from them just by standing in front of a first grade class and saying “cat” or “dog” or “pet bird.” You will be absolutely smothered with pet stories. I substitute teach, being retired, and a book like this is a wonderful thing for me. The animals featured here are cute and loveable. I love their various expressions and the artist has used eyes to express them very effectively.

But the final and most important test, the one that the book will fall or stand on, is the reaction of the children to whom it is read! I was lucky here. My daughter is a first grade teacher of nineteen years and she is presently holding her second session of summer school with her first grade class. I loaned her the book and asked her to read it to her class and report the response. I am happy to say that is was a tremendous hit with the kids and she even had requests for second and third readings. A children’s book just does not get a better endorsement than this. My daughter found that each page, with very little prompting on her part, brought dozens of questions and then first grade discussions at to their first day experiences. This is a good thing.

Recommend this one for your home library and certainly recommend it for any first grade class room.

Considerations:::
The Accelerated Reading designation for Off to First Grade is 3.5, which means that the average 3rd Grader in the 5th month of school should be able to read this book without getting frustrated by the vocabulary.