When You Go to Kindergarten by James Howe

Illustrated by Betsy Imershein. 48 p., Morrow, 1994.

This non-fiction book, which is illustrated with photographs, describes kindergarten activities, and anticipates questions that many children may have about kindergarten (for example, What if I get lost? Where is the bathroom?). The emphasis is on day-to-day activities, such as listening to stories and painting, but there are also reassuring statements about children's feelings; for example, that it may be hard when you don't know anyone, but soon you'll make friends. The distinction between kindergarten and preschool or day care is made explicitly. This book is fairly regionally specific: photographs are of schools in the New York City area, the term "nursery school" is used exclusively (rather than preschool), and the author tells children that they will probably take a school bus, or maybe have someone walk them to school (although in other places children are often driven to school in cars). An introduction for parents is included. This book gives children lots of information about what happens in kindergarten in a matter-of-fact, positive way.

Ages 4-6
Main character's cultural background: none
Cultural context: multicultural