Each day leading up to the April 14 announcement of the Minnesota Book Awards, we highlight one of the thirty-two finalists. Today we feature 2012 Children’s Literature Finalist:
The Last Day of Kindergarten
Nancy Loewen (illustrated by Sachiko Yoshikawa)
Category Sponsor: Books For Africa
Today is the last day of kindergarten, and a little girl wishes it were the first day again – when everything was exciting and new, and there was such a fun year in store. But then she realizes that graduating is exciting, too, and maybe first grade won’t be so bad, after all!
An excerpt from The Last Day of Kindergarten:
Today is the last day of kindergarten.
I wish it were the FIRST. Then I’d meet Mrs. Popinski all over again.
I’d hang my very own backpack on my very own hook…
Nancy Loewen holds an MFA in creative writing and works in educational publishing. She lives in the Twin Cities. Click here to visit her website.
Reviews:
“A solid read on any day, but the perfect title to get your youngster revved up for first grade, or any new life challenge!”
– Minnesota Book Awards judge
“The Last Day of Kindergarten can help a child work out any apprehension he or she has about going into the first grade. Overall, it is excellent book for any child going from kindergarten to first grade.”
– Examiner.com
Award winners will be announced at the 24th Annual Minnesota Book Awards Gala on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel – Saint Paul Riverfront. The opening reception begins at 7 p.m. followed by the awards ceremony at 8 p.m. New this year: a post-awards “Epilogue Celebration.” Tickets are available online or by calling 651-222-3242. Click here for more information.
Have you read The Last Day of Kindergarten? What are your thoughts? We welcome your comments!
The author is on Facebook.
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