The Last Day of Kindergarten

K—Loewen's young heroine remains unnamed, but she is clearly "every child" as she waxes nostalgic about the year that has passed. The simple plot involves the typical last day clean-up, leading toward the triumphant "graduation" assembly. There is plenty to reflect on, but the teacher, Mrs. Popinski, directs her students to think about the future. Included in the text are excellent discussion questions that focus on summer plans and first-grade privileges. Yoshikawa's irresistibly sweet illustrations are perfect for children ready to emerge from the kindergarten cocoon and rejoice in their achievements. If the emphasis on a single grade level limits your audience, consider Nancy Poydar's Last Day, Hooray! (Holiday House, 2004) for the youngest students and Louise Borden's The Last Day of School (S & S, 2006) for a somewhat older crowd.—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT