The Night Before Kindergarten

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Putting an uplifting spin on a classic poem, this charmingly illustrated and lyrical picture book about starting kindergarten will help kids—and their parents!—prepare for the big day.

“T’was the night before kindergarten,
And as they prepared,
Kids were excited,
And a little bit scared.”

Tomorrow is the first day of kindergarten! But what can the kids expect when they first arrive? Join the children as they prepare for school, packing supplies, posing for pictures, and—the hardest part of all—saying goodbye to Mom and Dad. But maybe it won’t be so hard once they discover just how much fun kindergarten really is! Colorful illustrations illuminate this encouraging story, perfect for introducing little ones to a big milestone.

Natasha Wing was born in Connecticut and now lives in Colorado. After graduating from Arizona State University, she worked in advertising for a number of years. It wasn't until 1991 that she decided to write children's books. Luckily she sold her first book within six months and has been writing children's books and articles ever since. Some of her books have even ended up on bestseller lists, including the wildly popular The Night Before series.

"I'm curious about many things - people, holidays, underdogs, little known historic figures - and translate my excitement for a topic into books for kids to enjoy. Story ideas are popping into my head all the time, so you never know what my next book will be. But that's what's so fun about writing."

To find out more about Natasha Wing go to www.natashawing.com. Natasha also writes under the pen name Hester Applebee.

Favorite Children's Books: The Polar Express (I have a signed copy!), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Cat in the Hat, The Golden Compass, Harry Potter; Favorite Season: Fall; Favorite Tree: Maple; Favorite Colors: Cranberry red and fuschia pink; Pet: Purrsia the lynx point kitty Professional: Member of Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators, Children's Book Insider.

The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing, illustrated by Julie Durrell, is a heartwarming children's picture book that captures the excitement, nervousness, and anticipation surrounding a child's first day of kindergarten. Inspired by the familiar rhythm of the classic poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, the story gently guides young readers through the emotions and preparations that come with starting school for the very first time. Through cheerful rhymes and colorful illustrations, the book reassures children that although beginning kindergarten can feel a little scary, it is also the start of a wonderful new adventure filled with learning, friendship, and fun.

The story begins on the evening before the first day of kindergarten. Across different homes, children are busy getting ready for the important day ahead. Parents help them gather everything they will need, including backpacks, school supplies, lunch boxes, and new clothes. There is a feeling of excitement in the air as families prepare together, making sure nothing is forgotten. The simple routines of packing bags and choosing outfits become meaningful because they mark the beginning of an important milestone in each child's life.

Although the children are eager to begin school, many of them also experience understandable feelings of uncertainty. Some wonder what their teacher will be like, whether they will make new friends, or if they will enjoy their classroom. Others simply feel nervous because they are entering an unfamiliar environment for the first time. The story acknowledges these emotions in a gentle and comforting way, showing children that it is perfectly normal to have mixed feelings before a big change.

As bedtime arrives, parents tuck their children into bed with reassuring words and warm hugs. Even though the children are supposed to be sleeping, many find it difficult to settle down because their minds are filled with thoughts about the next day. They imagine colorful classrooms, exciting activities, and the many new experiences waiting for them. The illustrations capture these feelings with cheerful scenes that reflect both anticipation and curiosity, helping young readers see that they are not alone in their excitement.

Morning finally arrives, and the children wake up ready for their first day of kindergarten. They get dressed in their carefully chosen outfits, enjoy breakfast with their families, and make final preparations before leaving home. Parents often feel just as emotional as their children, proudly watching them take this important step toward becoming more independent. The story gently reminds readers that starting school is a significant moment for the entire family, not just for the child.

When the children arrive at school, they see many other boys and girls who are experiencing similar emotions. Some children smile confidently, while others hold tightly to their parents' hands or appear shy and uncertain. Teachers warmly welcome each student, creating an atmosphere that feels friendly, safe, and inviting. Their kind greetings help ease the children's worries and encourage them to begin exploring their new surroundings.

Inside the classroom, the children quickly discover that kindergarten is filled with exciting opportunities. They meet their classmates, introduce themselves, and begin making new friends. They explore colorful learning centers, read books, create artwork, play games, sing songs, and participate in group activities. Every new experience helps them become more comfortable in their unfamiliar environment. What once seemed intimidating gradually becomes enjoyable as they realize they are surrounded by caring teachers and classmates who are all learning together.

The story highlights the importance of friendship during this transition. Children who may have arrived feeling lonely or uncertain soon find others who share similar interests. Through playing, talking, and working together, they begin forming connections that help build confidence and a sense of belonging. These early friendships demonstrate that school is not only a place for learning academic skills but also a place where meaningful relationships begin.

Throughout the day, the children become more independent. They learn classroom routines, follow simple instructions, and discover that they are capable of accomplishing many tasks on their own. Small achievements, such as hanging up a backpack, sharing supplies, or participating in a group activity, help build self-confidence. The story celebrates these everyday successes, showing that personal growth often happens through small but important experiences.

Parents also experience their own emotional journey. Although saying goodbye in the morning may have been difficult, they eagerly wait to hear about their children's first day. When school ends, the children return home full of stories about everything they have seen and done. They excitedly share details about their teacher, new friends, classroom activities, and favorite moments from the day. Their enthusiasm reassures parents that the transition has gone well and that kindergarten is becoming a positive part of their lives.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its ability to normalize feelings of nervousness. Rather than pretending that children should be fearless, it acknowledges that starting something new can be both exciting and intimidating. By showing that nearly every child experiences similar emotions, the story helps reduce anxiety and builds confidence. Young readers learn that courage does not mean never feeling afraid—it means trying something new despite those feelings.

Julie Durrell's bright and expressive illustrations beautifully complement Natasha Wing's playful rhyming text. The cheerful artwork captures the excitement of classrooms, smiling teachers, colorful school supplies, and happy children engaged in learning. Every page is filled with welcoming details that help make the school environment feel inviting rather than overwhelming.

Beyond preparing children for kindergarten, the book also emphasizes broader themes of growth, independence, curiosity, and lifelong learning. It encourages children to view school as an exciting place where they can discover new ideas, develop friendships, and gain confidence in their own abilities. Parents, teachers, and caregivers can use the story as a conversation starter to discuss feelings, answer questions, and ease first-day worries.

Overall, The Night Before Kindergarten is a warm and reassuring picture book that gently prepares young children for one of the most important milestones of early childhood. Natasha Wing combines comforting rhymes with Julie Durrell's joyful illustrations to create a story that celebrates new beginnings with warmth, humor, and optimism. Through its relatable characters and encouraging message, the book reminds readers that every great educational journey begins with a single first day, and that stepping into the classroom with curiosity and courage can open the door to countless new adventures, friendships, and opportunities to grow.