Picture Day Jitters

"Picture Day Jitters" by Julie Danneberg is a humorous story about a young student in Mrs. Hartwell's class who is nervous about picture day.

Sarah Jane  is worried about how her picture will turn out, fearing messy hair, wrinkled clothes, and the dreaded possibility of a goofy expression. The book follows her through a series of amusing incidents as she prepares for picture day, each mishap only adding to her anxiety.

As the day unfolds, Sarah Jane tries to look perfect, but things do not go as planned. Despite her best efforts, she has an unconventional look that she thinks will ruin her school photo.

However, the book ends on a positive note as Sarah Jane realizes that her picture is unique, capturing who she really is—a reminder that authenticity and embracing imperfections truly make someone special.

The main themes of "Picture Day Jitters" include self-acceptance, dealing with anxiety, and finding confidence. It portrays children's common fears about presenting themselves in a certain way and how they can overcome these worries by embracing who they are. The book’s humor makes it an enjoyable read, while the message encourages young readers to take pride in their individuality.

Judy Love's illustrations play a significant role in conveying the humor and emotions of the story. Her artwork captures the chaos and comedic elements of Sarah Jane’s attempts to perfect her look, as well as the expressions of nervousness and excitement on picture day. You'll laugh as you see a tether ball go awry.

The educational value of "Picture Day Jitters" lies in exploring common childhood fears and anxieties. It provides an opportunity to discuss topics like self-esteem, dealing with stress, and the importance of not striving for perfection. The book’s humor helps make these important discussions more approachable for young readers, allowing them to relate to Sarah Jane’s experience without feeling overwhelmed.

Educational Benefits

1. Promotes Self-Acceptance: The book encourages children to accept themselves as imperfections and all. By showing Sarah Jane embracing her less-than-perfect photo, the story helps kids understand that true beauty lies in authenticity.
2. Helps Manage Anxiety: Picture day is a familiar situation that can cause anxiety for many children. The book provides a way for readers to relate to and discuss their worries about appearances or fitting in, offering reassurance that it’s okay to feel nervous.
3. Encourages a Growth Mindset: By showing Sarah Jane's journey from worrying about perfection to embracing her unique picture, the book encourages children to develop a growth mindset. It helps them understand that making mistakes or not being perfect is a part of life and that they can learn to be comfortable with who they are.
4. Fosters Empathy: Through Sarah Jane’s experiences, children can better understand and empathize with others who might also be feeling nervous or insecure. This can help them support friends who may be anxious and foster a sense of community and understanding among peers.

About Julie Danneberg and Judy Love

Julie Danneberg is an acclaimed author in children's literature, best known for her relatable and humorous stories that often revolve around school life. Her popular "First Day Jitters" series, including "Picture Day Jitters," captures the everyday challenges children face in school, from first-day nerves to the anxieties of picture day. Danneberg’s writing is characterized by her ability to take common childhood experiences and present them in a funny and reassuring way.

Illustrator Judy Love, whose school day picture adorns the back flap of the book, also drew pictures for Can I Bring My Pterodactyl to School. She is known for her lively and expressive artwork in children's books. She lives in North Carolina.