The Night Before First Grade Picture Book by Natasha Wing

The Night Before First Grade by Natasha Wing brings the rhythms of Clement C. Moore's classic Christmas poem to the classroom, following best friends Penny and Jenny as they prepare for their big first day with matching outfits and high hopes. When they arrive at school to find themselves in separate classrooms, the girls face an unexpected challenge that tests their friendship and pushes them to meet new classmates. Deborah Zemke's cheerful illustrations pair with Wing's rhyming text to create a national bestseller that helps kids ages 4-6 understand what first grade really feels like, complete with a sweet surprise ending that reminds readers how school days can turn out better than planned.

• Rhyming picture book that borrows the familiar "T'was the night before" structure to make the transition to first grade feel less scary and more like an adventure
• Penny and Jenny's story shows kids how to handle disappointment when plans change and friends end up in different classes, a common first-grade worry
• Reading level suits pre-readers and early readers in the 4-6 age range, with simple rhymes that make the story easy to follow during bedtime read-alouds
• National bestseller status reflects how well this book connects with families facing back-to-school anxiety, and it works as a classroom read during the first week of school