Some people say kindergarten is no place for a buffalo. How crazy is that?
Written by Audrey Vernick ; illustrated by Daniel Jennewein
This is a hilarious and helpful how-to book filed with tips for getting your buffalo through his first days of kindergarten. The clever narrative voice makes this a fun read-aloud, and the simple line drawings make the book very cartoon-like and accessible. The style and feel is slightly reminiscent of Mo Willems’ Pigeon series, and could be recommended to fans of those books. Much like those books displace the desires and argumentative tricks of children onto a pigeon, in this book a child’s fears and apprehensions about going to school for the first time are expressed and dealt with vicariously through the example of the buffalo. In addition to many funny moments, the unsaid message of the book is that if this awkward buffalo can make it in kindergarten, so can you.
Review by Joshua Whiting, GSD Library Media / Ed. Tech. Department
Rating: 4 Stars
Interest Level: Grades Pre-K-2
Audrey Vernick – Official Website
Daniel Jennewein – Official Website
Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten?
Written by Audrey Vernick ; illustrated by Daniel Jennewein
Balzer & Bray
32 pages
Release Date: June 22, 2010
ISBN: 9780061762758 (hardcover)
Also check out the sequel: Teach Your Buffalo to Play Drums
I’ve got a set of the two Buffalo books to give away. I’m giving them to an author of a random comment, so comment here within the next 48 hours indicating you would like a chance to win! Thanks.
These sound like great books, Josh. If they remind you of the pigeon books, I’m sure our students will love them.
This sounds like a great book for back to school. I like buffalo even if they really are called bison. Kids need all the help they can get in realizing many of their fears are unfounded.
Thank You! This has been so helpful.
This sounds like a funny and clever way to help young children feel comfortable with going to school for the first time. We have been reading books like this at home with my grandchildren as two of them are that age. I would love to have a copy of this book for our library. Now I have to go to the public library and check out the sequel…buffalo and drums sounds like a great funny combination.
I am a great Mo Willems fan and would love to be entered in the drawing for this book.
Thanks Josh!
Sounds like fun! We enjoyed reading “Never Ride Your Elephant to School” by Doug Johnson last week. It is a story with some tongue-in-cheek humor, too. Love Mo Willems, and would love to add Audrey Vernick’s stories to our library! Thanks for the great web site!
Dian,
Congratulations, your school is the winner of the Buffalo two-pack.
Thank you! I loved your thoughtful review of my books, Any time anyone likens my work to Mo Willems’, it’s cause for celebration.
(Please don’t enter me in the drawing!)
I would love a copy of this book. It sounds hilarious!