First Day Jitters / Last Day Blues

Geared towards ages 4-8, this compilation includes two iconographic-animated stories by author Julie Danneberg (who also narrates) and illustrator Judy Love: First Day Jitters (2000) and Last Day Blues (2006). First Day Jitters finds reluctant protagonist Sarah Jane Hartwell struggling on her first day of school. “I just hate it, that's all!”, says Sarah Jane, who pulls the bedcovers over her head, whines throughout breakfast and in the car, and is eventually escorted by the school principal to her class…where—in a neat little twist—she's introduced as the new teacher. Last Day Blues focuses on the last week of Mrs. Hartwell's class before summer break, as the children enjoy the teacher's special sugar cookie treats, collaborate on a present to show Mrs. Hartwell their appreciation, and speculate on how much she'll pine for them over the next few months (although the finale makes clear that the teaching staff is just as thrilled about vacation as the kids). The stories here offer a solid reminder that kids and adults sometimes share the same fears and feelings. DVD extras include a “Sharing My Story” audio segment in which Danneberg talks about her real-life own experiences as a teacher. Recommended. Aud: K, P. (J. Williams-Wood)