Danneburg, Julie. Teacher Jitters. Judy Love, Illus. Charlesbridge, 08/2025. [28]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-434-8. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.
Mrs. Hartwell tells her class that she is very nervous about going to a class for teachers tomorrow, so her students give her ways to calm her jitters. Verbal encouragement, notes, and markers to draw with are all discussed, provided, and ultimately used during the teacher’s jittery day. While the story may be helpful for those feeling anxious, the watercolor and ink illustrations are a mixed bag. The class of nervous teachers seems to be drawn just right, but the students seem a bit off, as they appear older than they should be and have overly expressive, angled faces. The story is useful to help young readers learn coping mechanisms and to show that even teachers get nervous in unfamiliar settings.
Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library