Fridays with Irene: Sam and Gram and the First Day of School, by Dianne Blomberg

Sam and Gram and the First Day of School
By: Dianne Blomberg, Ph.D.
Illustrated by: George Ulrich
Magination Press, 2009.

Starting school for the first time can be very traumatic for children. This is a story devoted specifically for kids who are about to venture out to school for the first time. It shows how Grams can make it easier for kids to face that
first day of school.

Sam is used to spending his days with his grandmother while his parents are at work. However, now that he's old enough to start school, he has to leave the warmth of his grandmother's bosom. Despite her reassurances, he's scared of this big, unfamiliar building as he approaches it. Once he gets into the building, however, things change for Sam. He makes friends, discovers many fun and exciting activities, and realizes that he's not as scared and lonely as he thought he would be.

The book can also be used as an educational tool for parents since it includes a special section that will help them prepare their children for the first day of school with enthusiasm and confidence. The illustrations are lively and bright. This book is a must read for parents, teachers, and the kids that are about to go to school for the very first time.

Reviewed by Irene S. Roth

4 stars

*****

Irene Roth writes fiction and nonfiction for teens and tweens. Irene also writes academically and holds a Masters Degree in Philosophy. In addition, she writes reviews for Stories for Children Magazine, Blogcritics Magazine, Booksneeze, Tynsdale Publishers, The Muse, and is review editor for Humane Medicine International. She has written over 200 reviews, articles, and stories, both online and in print. Irene is a members of the Society of Children's Book
Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), CBI Clubhouse, and the Children's Writer's Coaching Club. Visit her websites at:
http://adolescentgirlsblog.wordpress.com,
http://irenesroth.wordpress.com,
http://rothsbookreviews.wordpress.com,
http://irenesbookreviewsmyblog.wordpress.com