Elizabeti is preparing for her first day of school. Her Mom braids her hair, she says good-bye to her little cat and hugs her little brother and sister. Elizabeti’s School is a contemporary Tanzanian story about how Elizabeti prepares and experiences her first day of school and then realizes the wonders and joys of learning. It’s a multicultural and wonderful adventure for any child who is going off to school for the first time.
Title: Elizabeti’s School
Author: Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen
Illustrator: Christy Hale
Publisher: Lee and Low Books – New York, New York
Publication Year: 2002
About Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen: Author of two award-winning books (Elizabeti’s Doll and Mama Elizabeti), Ms. Stuve-Bodeen was a Peace Corps volunteer in Tanzania in the 1980’s. She now lives in Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in Hawaii with her husband and their children.
Review: A very nice and engaging story about Elizabeti’s first day of school. She is nervous but excited for the new adventure. As her Mother braids her hair, she fidgets. She puts on her school uniform and twirls. She hugs her little brother and sister goodbye – but wonders what they are doing and if they will miss her – because she will sure miss them. Her older sister brings her to school and shows her the ropes – but while Elizabeti misses her family – she enjoys learning to count to five in Swahili, writing her letters, learning to play Machaura – a game with rocks, and learning a beautiful dance.
When Elizabeti returns home, she shows her family all the things she has learned that day – and get’s a surprise of her own!
Elizabeti’s school is a fantastic way to explain to children the wonders that await for them in Kindergarten. Yes, Elizabeti misses her family during the day – but the exciting things that she learns is worth being away for a while. At the end of the day – when the house is quiet, Elizabeti decides she wants to go back to school the next day to experience all the wonders that lay in store – she always returns home at the end of the day – and that’s good because home is the best place to be.
Please Click to Tweet to Share With Other Children Preparing For Their First Day of School
This is an excellent read for any young child – at home or at school. It’s a great story and it teaches about language (Swahili) and culture. It talks very well, about the anxieties and anticipation of new things. I give Elizabeti’s school 5 stars!
Ages: 4-6
Rating: 5 Stars
This post was created (in part) for conclusion in the Kid Lit Blog Hop on Mother and Daughter Book Reviews.
Twitter: GrowUpMadison
says:
Sounds like a fantastic book. Maybe a little too grown up for Madison but I’m sure she will still enjoy looking at the pictures. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Growing UP Madison recently posted…Baby’s Journey Towel Warmer Review and Giveaway
Yeah, it may be a little old for Madison, but I’m all about reading to them anyway. It instills a love for words. That can’t be bad, can it?
Thanks so much for stopping by. Always love seeing you here.
Lisa recently posted…Mommy Monday Blog Hop – Week 7
Twitter: DTWMSE
says:
What a wonderful book review! I’m going to check in our library to see if they have it. {Crossing my fingers} I’m sure my 5 yr. old will love this book! Thank you
Frances recently posted…Spanish Language Summer Program Day 6: Los Animales (The Animals)
I think they might. We have it in our library.
I really hope you enjoy it. I think it’s an excellent book. The illustrations are watercolor. Fabulous!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Frances!
Lisa recently posted…Mommy Monday Blog Hop – Week 7
Twitter: CarolynSidwell
says:
Stopping over (really late!) from the Kid Lit Blog Hop! I love how you structure your reviews – they’re very easy to read and concise (what a blessing). I’m looking forward to more of what you have to share! See you next time at/on the hop!


Carolyn recently posted…Welcome to My New Blog!
Thanks so much Carolyn.
I look forward to being introduced to your new blog.
Have a great week!
Lisa recently posted…Color My Bath – Review and Giveaway
Hey Carolyn,
I tried to leave a comment on Beth’s blog, but the comments aren’t working. I keep getting a 403 error no matter if I try to leave the comment by signing into wordpress, twitter or facebook.
Might want to look into it.
Lisa
Lisa recently posted…Color My Bath – Review and Giveaway
Twitter: MudHutMa
says:
What a great review – I’m always on the look out for books showing life in other parts of Africa and I haven’t heard of this one. I’ll be looking for it!
Jody recently posted…DIY Homeschool: Pre-K Curriculum Guidelines
Thanks Jody. I hope you are able to find it in your library. It was a great book!
Actually, I have a book of many stories all over Africa. I will talk about it on Saturday. You might find it very interesting!
Lisa recently posted…Lessening The Competitive Environment In The Home
Twitter: DoodlesandJots
says:
This one would be a good one for us to check of since my son is starting kindergarten. It would be neat to compartment similarities and difference from his experience to hers.
Ann recently posted…5 Faves
It’s a really great book. It does address some of the anxieties, being away from home and worrying about what’s going on – wondering what everybody is doing.
It’s really well done in my opinion. The watercolor illustrations are beautiful. It’s a great story!
Lisa recently posted…Happiness is Making Squishable Baby Wool!
Twitter: msm_mar
says:
Sounds like a very neat book, I need to check it out!
Maria
Maria recently posted…How to Prepare My Child For Preschool or Kindergarden
It’s cool!
Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa recently posted…Happiness is Making Squishable Baby Wool!