Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 15
 Remember how scary that first day of school could be? Children will relate to this one! June 21, 2007
K. Corn (Indianapolis,, IN United States)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
As the mother of three, I vividly recall how anxiously my kids awaited that fateful first day of school, filled with a mixture of excitment and fear. Clearly, the author of this book, Janice Savage, also understands. She has written a book which neither pretends that uncomfortable moments don't happen or blows them out of proportion.
Young children should relate to Charlie, whether they have some bumps along the road in school - or not. Things don't go swimmingly for Charlie, at first and he feels just terrible about it. But with the right support, he not only survives but manages to maintain a decent attitude. Realistic, not syrupy and a book kids will find honest and reassuring.
Perfect for the First-Grader-to-Be... and beyond July 31, 2007
Julie Jordan Scott (Bakersfield, CA United States)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Like Charlie, my little boy is starting first grade in just a few weeks now - and my little boy is experiencing anxiety even this far away from school and we are using Janice Savage's brightly illustrated, cleverly told story of Charlie to ease him into the idea that he will actually be in first grade soon, not kindergarten... that he will have a new teacher and some new friends... and it is ok to be scared, we understand.
Charlie is happy to be at school, it is a beautiful day surrounded by friends when the unthinkable happens - too many numbers and a question tossed his way that he can not immediately answer. (It reminds me of a recurring dream I had for years after I graduated from college, too, for that matter!)
None of his classmates are mean to him about it, though - they all continue to go about their business from what we see and read... and Charlie gets advice from his parents, which reminded me that one of the ways to help my little almost-to-be first grader is to tell stories of first grade, so he knows we have all gone through first grade and come out ok. Right now when we mention first grade, he has been known to lie on the couch and pull a blanket over his head.
So we leave "Charlie" on the coffee table where he can see it and pick it up when he is ready. The older children read it aloud so he can hear it but it isn't "pushed" on him. It engages even without him looking at the illustrations when we read it, but those illustrations are classic, exceptionally enjoyable.
Highly recommended.
Charlie and the Thinking Traps August 15, 2007
My Uncle Stu (Boston)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
"Charlie's First Day in First Grade" uses humor and robust illustrations to tell the story of Charlie's attack of classroom performance anxiety. It is a cute story that can also be used as a launching point for discussing school anxiety with your children. We see the situation unfold through Charlie's eyes, complete with the cognitive distortions that feed anxiety: everyone is looking, everyone cares, everyone else knows the answer, everyone will remember this moment from now on. Of course, with just a little bit of time and advice from family, he is able to return to school and have a nice corrective experience, which he also distorts and amplifies in his mind but this time for good use.
I'd love to suggest a sequel, where Charlie masters a course of bio-feedback and goes on to a career as a virtuosic bassoonist. He goes on to marry a pagan librarian and together they discover the manuscripts of the lost Mozart bassoon concerti, but in the process inadvertently get themselves embroiled in an international conspiracy involving Russian submarines, Wal-Mart, Aer Lingus, and Larry King. Wait, wait, maybe I'll write that story. Never mind. You can't have it, Janice, I said it here first, August 15, 2007, M. Libman.
Beyond the value of the story and illustrations themselves, it is also a brisk read, so a very practical book to have around at bedtime when the children are clambering for just one more book.
Funny, bold illustrations! June 5, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
The book illustrates perfectly what happens to children on the first day in first grade. This is perfect for kids entering the first grade especially if they are going to a new school.
loved it!
Wonderful story, great illustrations! June 6, 2007
Julia B. Livingston (New York, NY 10021)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This is such a fantastic book! The bold, colorful illustrations catch the kids eyes and the story is something that everyone can relate too, particularly kids that are just entering school. I highly recommend it!
Showing reviews 1-5 of 15
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