This Thing Called Kindergarten
Meet Dolly Venables
Hi! I’m Dolly Venables, bestselling author of This Thing Called Kindergarten. With your help, we earned #1 New Release in the following categories: Children’s School Issues, Children’s Books on Emotions & Feelings, Children’s Books on Seasons, and Children’s Books on First Day of School. Here’s a short video about my journey. Let me know what you think?
Meet Annie
A blonde haired, blue eyed little girl whose big day has arrived.
It’s time for Annie to start Kindergarten.
The problem is, she doesn’t want to go.
She is quite content staying home with her Mama where she is
safe and secure and a tiny bit spoiled by the most important woman in her life!
After a little gentle encouragement from her Mother,
Annie goes to Kindergarten and discovers a whole new world of fun, fantasy,
and friendship. Every day brings new adventures and she is amazed by it all.
Annie quickly realizes she is going to enjoy “this thing called Kindergarten” very much.
The Author
Dolly Venables was raised in the Black Hills of South Dakota before relocating to the eastern part of the state in Huron, where she currently lives with her husband, Gary.
Dolly Venables became a Best Selling Author with her debut book, “This Thing Called Kindergarten” in 2023. She enjoys photography, birding, creating stained glass art, traveling, socializing with family and friends, and, of course, writing.
Book Signing
Wonderful day at the Huron Public Library. Dolly would love to visit your library too! Reach out to learn more!
I know you’re going to love this Positivity Poem!
I hope it finds a place in your heart and a place in your home!
Set it by your bed.
Carry it in your head.
Put it on your mirror.
Always keep it near.
It doesn’t matter where you position this Positivity Poem,
just don’t store it away.
Because it’s important, it’s vital,
to a perfect start to a perfect day!
Free Gift
Annie’s World
Annie, Mama, Mrs. Swisher, Debbie, and Betsy
Dedicated to the late Diane M. Swisher
Mrs. Swisher was an amazing, highly regarded Kindergarten Teacher in the Huron, SD School District. Her genuine love for each and every child she taught changed lives, one student at a time.
You truly made a difference Diane.
Gone too soon, you are missed.
Annie discovers that change really can be a good thing if you’re willing to take chances and embrace new opportunities!
The Author
Before moving to the eastern part of the state, Dolly Venables was raised in the Black Hills of South Dakota. She and her husband Gary still call Huron home.
For several years, Dolly was employed at Washington Elementary School where she had the opportunity to work with a phenomenal Kindergarten Teacher named Diane Swisher who inspired the book “This Thing Called Kindergarten”.
Diane loved and nurtured students (now adults) that continue to share stories of how she helped them realize their full potential.
Dolly’s love for writing motivated her to write this book so that students everywhere would know that Kindergarten will be an unbelievable year of their life that they will never forget. Now a bestselling author, Dolly continues writing books.
The Illustrator
After a stint playing bass in a punk band, Stephen Riggins began his career as a graphic designer, eventually working his way up to Vice President in the experiential design and advertising industry, and then, Chief Marketing Officer of an international development agency. Currently Stephen is an illustrator, designer, and educator who draws and creates things on his family farm somewhere in the American Midwest.
Contact us
Interested in having Dolly Venables do a reading or speaking event?
Please provide details and we will be in touch shortly!
We can't wait to hear from you.
What People Are Saying
“Really enjoyed all the positive lessons of kindness and resilience throughout this book. Highly recommend!” - Becky J.
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“Such a wonderful story about a teacher that truly goes above and beyond-- like many we all know! Great read for anyone, but especially those with children around Annie's age that may need some encouragement to start something new. ” - Lindsey L.
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“Loved everything about this book. Annie could easily have been my granddaughter Ellis. Cannot wait to share this with her, her dad had Mrs. Swisher. Mrs. Swisher taught our boys so much, how to be brave, kind, helpful and basically to be good little citizens. That being said I do believe this book is bigger than kindergarten, we can take something from the messaging and incorporate it into our daily lives. Wonderful book.” - Lisa S.
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“As an elementary teacher, I read many children’s books to my students This thing Called Kindergarten will become a class favorite. As a grandma, I will enjoy sharing it with my kindergarten grandson.” - Gene
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“This sweet and meaningful book is a delight. As someone who remembers my kindergarten teacher from 55 years ago, we see the significance a teacher can have on children. Not only does Mrs. Swisher teach in the classroom, she offers love and support to Annie along the way! It makes for an excellent and relatable gift!” - Sarah S.
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“This book should be part of every child’s preparation for kindergarten. With exposure to this story, parents of preschoolers can assure their child that kindergarten will be a busy, safe place. Love that it rhymes and the illustrations are delightful.” - Amazon Customer
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“I loved this book! As a parent, I am excited to share it with my son as we look forward to his first day of Kindergarten. Dolly really captures the adventures that make childhood so special. The illustrations are magical and it brings back so many memories. I had some really excellent teachers as a kid so feel like I know Ms. Diane Swisher in spirit.” - Ashley D.
