Elijah has many first hurdles to overcome, and nothing seems to be working to calm his nerves. Daniel's pep talk made it even worse. How was Elijah going to make it through his first day? Only one thing he knew would work and that’s what he was going to try. Enjoy reading this book and see how Elijah faces one of his biggest fears.
Elijah has many first hurdles to overcome, and nothing seems to be working to calm his nerves. Daniel's pep talk made it even worse. How was Elijah going to make it through his first day? Only one thing he knew would work and that’s what he was going to try. Enjoy reading this book and see how Elijah faces one of his biggest fears.
A little boy must face down his fears about starting a new grade at a new school in Ethan L.E. Morris’s delightful and uplifting picture book, Elijah’s First Day in the 1st Grade.
The summer holidays are over and it’s time for school. When Elijah’s mom wakes him up to remind him that it’s time for school, he’s pretty anxious. After all, Elijah (love that name!) doesn’t have any friends at Blessing Elementary School. He hopes that will change by the end of his first day. But in the meantime, Elijah must find the courage to overcome his greatest fears about the new school.
Elijah’s so nervous about school that he considers sneaking his favorite toy teddy bear, Jhi, into his school bag. The boy rejects the idea when he realizes that the other kids will laugh at him for bringing a teddy bear to school. Besides. Doesn’t he have enough to worry about already?
After Elijah’s mom makes him his favorite breakfast, Elijah and his older siblings jump into the car while Mom drives them to school. Although Elijah enjoyed kindergarten with its “special playtimes, cool toys, and weekly science discovery trips,” he’s not too sure about taking the big step into first grade. In fact, he’s especially apprehensive about meeting his new teacher, Ms. Lashay. She has a reputation for being “mean,” piling on the homework, and not liking kids!
Remembering a key verse from Joshua 1:9, Elijah prays for courage as he faces first grade and the dreaded Ms. Lasha. Elijah soon discovers…. Oh, wait. You’ll have to read the book yourself to find out what happens next.
There is so much to love about this book! For example, the mom is portrayed as kind, supportive, and compassionate. The pacing is brisk. The tone is soft, gentle, and upbeat. The ebullient writing style bubbles with encouragement. Gently faith-flavored, this sweet story brims with empathy and understanding. The illustrations are top-notch and will keep young readers engaged. Refreshingly, Elijah’s First Day isn’t a book that talks at children but with them, calmly and gently addressing common fears about starting school and offering ways to overcome same.
Indeed, Elijah’s First Day would make an excellent addition to any home or school library. It would also make a perfect gift or read-aloud for or with any child who’s anxious about starting school.
This one’s a winner! I loved it! You will, too. And so will your little’un(s).
More good news: There are reportedly more Elijah works in the pipeline. I can’t wait!