Kindergarten, Here I Come! by D.J. Steinberg – A Heartwarming Journey for Little Learners

Introduction: A Delightful Introduction to School Life

Starting kindergarten is a monumental milestone—for both children and their parents. The mix of excitement, nerves, and curiosity is perfectly captured in Kindergarten, Here I Come! by D.J. Steinberg. This charming picture book, illustrated by Mark Chambers, is a must-read for any child about to embark on their first school adventure.

But is it just a simple rhyming story, or does it offer something deeper? As someone who has read countless children’s books (both as a parent and a reviewer), I was pleasantly surprised by how well Steinberg balances fun, reassurance, and educational value. Whether you’re a parent looking to ease your child’s nerves or a teacher searching for a great read-aloud book, this review will break down why Kindergarten, Here I Come! deserves a spot on your shelf.

Plot Summary: A Day in the Life of a Kindergartener

Kindergarten, Here I Come! follows a young child’s first day of school, capturing all the little moments that make kindergarten special. From waking up early to meeting new friends, participating in classroom activities, and even dealing with small anxieties, the book covers it all in a lighthearted, engaging way.

Rather than a continuous narrative, the book is structured as a collection of short, rhyming poems—each highlighting a different aspect of the kindergarten experience. Some of the key moments include:

  • The Morning Rush – The excitement (and chaos) of getting ready for school.
  • Meeting the Teacher – A reassuring introduction to the classroom leader.
  • Making Friends – The joy (and sometimes awkwardness) of new friendships.
  • Classroom Fun – From storytime to arts and crafts, the book showcases the best parts of school.
  • The End of the Day – A sweet conclusion that leaves kids eager to return.

The book avoids heavy conflict, instead focusing on the positive, everyday experiences that make kindergarten memorable.

Character Analysis: Relatable and Encouraging

While the book doesn’t have a single protagonist, the unnamed child at the center of the poems is incredibly relatable. Their emotions—excitement, nervousness, pride—mirror what real kids feel on their first day.

  • The Child – Represents every kindergartener, making it easy for young readers to see themselves in the story.
  • The Teacher – Warm and welcoming, reinforcing the idea that school is a safe, fun place.
  • The Parents – Though not heavily featured, their supportive presence reassures both kids and caregivers.

The lack of specific names or backgrounds makes the book universally appealing, allowing any child to project themselves into the story.

Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Rhymes That Resonate

Steinberg’s writing is playful, rhythmic, and easy to follow—perfect for early readers. The short, rhyming verses make it ideal for read-aloud sessions, while the repetition helps reinforce key concepts.

Why the style works:

  • Engaging Rhymes – Catchy and fun, making it easy for kids to remember.
  • Bite-Sized Poems – Each page covers a new topic, keeping young attention spans engaged.
  • Gentle Humor – Lighthearted moments (like a lunchbox mishap) add charm without overwhelming.

Mark Chambers’ illustrations complement the text beautifully, with bright, expressive characters that bring the words to life.

Themes & Deeper Meaning: More Than Just a School Story

At its core, Kindergarten, Here I Come! is about:

  1. Independence – The child learns to navigate new experiences without constant parental guidance.
  2. Friendship – The joy of meeting new people and forming bonds.
  3. Resilience – Small challenges (like a spilled snack) are shown as normal and manageable.
  4. Excitement for Learning – The book frames school as an adventure, not something to fear.

These themes make it a great tool for parents and teachers to discuss school readiness.

Personal Reading Experience: Why This Book Stood Out

As a parent, I’ve read many “first day of school” books, but this one stood out for its authenticity. My child loved the rhymes and giggled at the funny moments (like the “oops-I-forgot-my-shoes” scene). More importantly, it sparked conversations about what kindergarten would be like, easing some of those first-day jitters.

For teachers, this would be a fantastic first-week read-aloud to create a sense of excitement and belonging.

Comparison to Similar Books

How does it stack up against other kindergarten-themed books?

  • Vs. The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn – While The Kissing Hand focuses on separation anxiety, Kindergarten, Here I Come! leans into the fun aspects of school.
  • Vs. Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate – Both are great, but Steinberg’s book is more accessible for younger readers due to its simpler structure.

This book is less about emotional reassurance and more about celebrating the little joys of school—making it a unique addition to the genre.

Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

Strengths:
✅ Perfect pacing – Short, engaging poems hold attention.
✅ Diverse representation – Illustrations include kids of different backgrounds.
✅ Encouraging tone – Makes school feel exciting, not scary.

Minor Weaknesses:
❌ Lacks a strong narrative arc – Some may prefer a more structured story.
❌ Limited conflict – Kids who need deeper emotional reassurance might need a supplemental book.

Still, these are minor quibbles—the book achieves exactly what it sets out to do.

Who Should Read This Book?

  • Parents of soon-to-be kindergartners – A great way to prep kids for school.
  • Preschool & kindergarten teachers – Excellent for classroom read-alouds.
  • Librarians & educators – A staple for back-to-school reading lists.

Best for ages 3-6, though older kids who enjoy rhyming stories might still appreciate it.

Memorable Quotes & Passages

A few standout lines:

“I pick out my clothes, I’m ready to go.
I’m wearing my favorite shirt—just so you know!”

“We paint and we scribble, we cut and we paste.
Our classroom’s the best—there’s no time to waste!”

These snippets capture the book’s joyful, upbeat tone.

Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Kindergarten Prep

Kindergarten, Here I Come! is a delightful, reassuring, and fun introduction to school life. Its playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations make it a hit with kids, while its positive messaging makes it a winner for parents and teachers.

If you’re looking for a book that celebrates the excitement of kindergarten without glossing over the small challenges, this is it.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions for Readers:

  • What was your (or your child’s) favorite part of the book?
  • How did this book help prepare for the first day of school?
  • Do you prefer story-driven or poem-style books for kids?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 📚💛

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