The Best Seat in First Grade

Written by: Katharine Kenah

Illustrated by: Abby Carter

Harper Collins Publisher, 2020. Easy Reader.

It's the first day of first grade and Sam is so excited he nearly falls off his chair! Class begins and Sam must wait while the other students share news of lost teeth, going to soccer camp, and getting new glasses. Finally, its Sam's turn. Sam excitedly tells the class that this summer his elephant had a baby and her name is Daisy. Sam's classmates don't believe Daisy is real, after all no one has an elephant. But Sam keeps talking about Daisy and insists that she is real. One day the teacher, Mr. Leon announces that the class is going on a field trip to the zoo, and Sam can't wait! He has a surprise for his class.

I really enjoyed this sweet story, it reminded me of the excitement you feel on the first day of school and the anticipation of sharing stories with your class during show and tell. Children and adults can both relate to Sam as they think about their own experiences in first grade. A perfect book for children who are learning to sound out words and read short sentences. The familiar and simple words in the story will help give readers the confidence they need to begin reading on their own.

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