First Day Jitters (The Jitters Series)

THE BESTSELLING KIDS PICTURE BOOK: Calm first day of school anxiety with this classic back to school book that reminds students K-3 that everyone gets the jitters!

Includes a Certificate of Courage for First Day Completion and a First Day Memories Sheet!

Ink-and-watercolor illustrations and a “funny and insightful” story make this a teacher-
approved classroom read aloud (Booklist)!

Sarah Jane Hartwell has that sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach—she’s nervous and doesn’t want to start a new school year. She doesn’t know anybody, and nobody knows her. It will be awful. She just knows it.

With a little convincing from Mr. Hartwell, Sarah Jane reluctantly heads to class. Shy at first, she’s quickly befriended by Mrs. Burton and is reminded that everyone at school gets the jitters sometimes.

A beloved and bestselling back to school picture book, Sarah Jane’s relatable story and surprise ending will delight kindergarteners, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders who are anxious about their first day of school.

Please check my website at www.juliedanneberg.com.

As a child, when I played at being grown-up, I never imagined myself as a writer. Instead I dreamed of being a famous chef, a secret agent, or a psychologist. I didn't end up becoming any of those things. Instead, I became a teacher.

I started off as an elementary school teacher, and thanks to my job, read lots and lots and lots of children's books. Not only was it fun, I witnessed, first hand the profound impact a good book can have on a child. It didn't take long before I was motivated to try and write books like the ones I enjoyed reading.

Later, when I became a mother, I began to seriously consider becoming a writer during our weekly trips to the library with my children. I think I enjoyed story time more than they did! The funny thing is that my kids eventually graduated from the children's section of the library and I never did. I still go to the library at least once a week, and while I don't sit in on story time anymore, I do leave every week with an armload of picture books.

Looking back I see how being a children's writer has helped me bring together many of my interests—teaching, traveling, and being creative.

After several years of teaching elementary school, I ended up teaching middle school, and I loved it. I am now newly retired and am enjoying immersing myself fulltime in writing and teaching writing to others.

My husband and I live in Boulder, Colorado where I enjoy reading, quilting, hiking, biking, and spending time with my family.

"Every child who has moved to a new school or is simply reluctant to start a school year can identify with this wittily drawn and suspensefully told story. From the moment she awakens on the fateful day to the moment she steps into the classroom, Sarah Hartwell imagines the worst. Love's ink-and-watercolor illustrations add humor to Sarah's fears, which range from bratty kids to a police search when she doesn't show up. Mr. Hartwell's reassurances don't seem to be much help. The pictures mirror the jangled nerves and outsize expectations (the double-page spread of a looming, prisonlike school is priceless) everyone faces when they are new, all of which leads to a nifty surprise ending that is a delight. Funny and insightful."—Booklist

"First Day Jitters which was written by Julie Danneberg and illustrated by Judy Love, makes a great companion book to Wemberly Worried. In the opening pages, we meet a certain Sarah Jane Hartwell, who's in the midst of her own first-day-of-school-related panic attack. Sarah Jane is buried under her covers so far that you can't even see her face. In fact, you have no idea what she looks like until the very last page of the whimsical book, which suddenly delivers a sly and funny twist..."—Newsweek

First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg, illustrated by Judy Love, is a delightful and reassuring children's picture book that explores the nervous feelings that often come with starting something new. Best known for its humorous twist ending, the story reminds readers that anxiety is a normal part of unfamiliar experiences, no matter how old someone is. Through simple storytelling, expressive illustrations, and relatable emotions, the book offers comfort to children preparing for a new school year while encouraging empathy and confidence.

The story begins on the first morning of a new school year. Sarah Jane Hartwell is hiding under her blankets, refusing to get out of bed. She insists that she does not want to go to school because she is afraid. Everything about the day feels unfamiliar, and she is convinced that she will not fit in. Her worries seem overwhelming, and she would much rather stay at home where she feels comfortable and safe.

A man named Mr. Hartwell patiently tries to encourage Sarah to get ready. He reminds her that everyone has to attend school and assures her that things will be fine once she arrives. Sarah, however, continues to resist. She complains that she does not know anyone, worries that people will not like her, and imagines all the things that could go wrong. Her fears reflect the thoughts many children have before their first day at a new school, making her emotions easy to understand.

Despite her reluctance, Sarah eventually gets dressed and prepares for the day. Even as she leaves the house, she remains anxious and uncertain. She drags her feet, hoping to avoid the experience altogether. Mr. Hartwell continues offering calm reassurance, encouraging her to face her fears one step at a time. His patience and understanding show the importance of supporting someone who feels nervous rather than dismissing their emotions.

As they travel to school, Sarah's anxiety grows even stronger. She imagines being surrounded by strangers and worries that she will feel alone. The closer they get to the building, the more convinced she becomes that she should turn around and go home. The illustrations capture her expressions of worry and hesitation, allowing readers to recognize the emotional weight she is carrying.

When they finally arrive, the school is bustling with activity. Children are talking with friends, parents are saying goodbye, and teachers are welcoming students into the building. Instead of feeling excited, Sarah becomes even more frightened by the busy environment. She clings to the idea that she does not belong there and begs not to go inside. Her reaction mirrors the uncertainty that often accompanies major life transitions, especially when people are entering unfamiliar surroundings.

With gentle encouragement, Sarah enters the school. Almost immediately, she is greeted warmly by people who seem genuinely happy to see her. The principal welcomes her with a smile, and several staff members introduce themselves kindly. Sarah is surprised by the friendliness around her, though she still feels uncertain about what lies ahead. These positive interactions begin to ease her fears, showing how a welcoming environment can make a significant difference for someone who feels anxious.

As Sarah walks through the hallways, more people greet her with enthusiasm. She realizes that everyone expects her to be there and wants her to feel comfortable. Although she is still nervous, she slowly begins to relax. The story gently demonstrates that first impressions are not always as frightening as people imagine and that kindness from others can help reduce fear.

The most memorable moment comes at the very end of the story, when readers discover an unexpected twist. Throughout the book, it seems as though Sarah is a young student nervous about her first day of school. However, it is finally revealed that Sarah is actually the new teacher. She walks into her classroom, where a room full of eager children waits to meet her, and introduces herself with a welcoming smile.

This surprising ending completely changes the reader's perspective. It reveals that feelings of nervousness are not limited to children. Adults also experience anxiety when beginning new jobs, entering unfamiliar environments, or facing important life changes. Sarah's fears were just as real as those of any child, making the story's message even more meaningful. The twist encourages empathy by showing that teachers and students often share many of the same emotions on the first day of school.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its ability to normalize anxiety. Rather than portraying nervousness as weakness, it presents those feelings as a natural response to change. Whether someone is a child entering a classroom for the first time or an adult starting a new career, uncertainty is something everyone experiences. The story reassures readers that these feelings usually fade once they begin participating and connecting with others.

Julie Danneberg's writing is simple, engaging, and filled with gentle humor. The dialogue feels natural, and the pacing builds suspense toward the unexpected conclusion. Judy Love's colorful illustrations beautifully complement the story by capturing Sarah's changing emotions, from fear and hesitation to growing confidence. The expressive artwork helps young readers understand the emotional journey even before they fully grasp the surprise ending.

Beyond its entertaining plot, the book offers valuable lessons about courage, empathy, and resilience. It encourages readers to face new experiences despite their fears and reminds them that everyone, regardless of age, sometimes feels uncertain. It also highlights the importance of kindness, patience, and encouragement in helping others adjust to unfamiliar situations.

Overall, First Day Jitters is a warm, funny, and reassuring picture book that has become a favorite for families and classrooms alike. Julie Danneberg and Judy Love create a story that captures the universal emotions surrounding new beginnings while delivering a memorable twist that delights readers of all ages. Through its relatable characters, comforting message, and playful storytelling, the book reminds us that feeling nervous is perfectly normal—and that taking the first step often leads to confidence, friendship, and exciting new opportunities.