Kindergarten Kingdom

The King of Kindergarten
by Derrick Barnes ill by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Hold your head high and greet everyone with a brilliant, beaming, majestic smile.
For you are the King of Kindergarten

Leaving the security of home and family to attend school can be a daunting event in the life of a five-year-old. ​That's not the case for this kid.

The King of Kindergarten features a youngster who is capable and confident. He awakes early for his first day of school, washing up and dressing himself.  Well, almost. Shirt, overalls, socks. No problem. However tying shoelaces has yet to be mastered. Anyone who has worked with five-somethings will appreciate this visual detail.

With preparation and encouragement from his parents, this guy is ready for the day's challenge!  He's got a bright smile, has practiced saying his name, is ready to give a friendly wave, and even brought a chocolate pudding cup to share.

Barnes gives immediacy to the narrative, writing in second person future tense. Parents describe to their son not only what will happen when he goes to school, but offer suggestions on how he can respond in each new situation. 

Brantley-Newton's illustrations are bursting with exuberance. Each page is a joyous celebration of color.  Sunshine motifs sparkle across the pages. The morning rays are trumpets, heralding the beginning of a new adventure.

Obviously, a crown is the central image.  Crowns appear on bathroom linens and home furnishings. This regal symbol is subtly reinforced with a "king of beasts" toy lion and matching slippers. As he approaches the entrance to the school, only the boy sees in his reflection a royal coronet. His crown is again visible on the final page. The art invites close observation and further discussion.

While The King of Kindergarten's target audience is young children, the picture book also serves as an excellent tutorial for parents and care-givers. Want to help your child successfully transition into the world of preschool or school? Follow the lead of these parents.  Talk through the day in advance and prepare youngsters for a positive school experience.

A child must learn early to believe that he (she) is somebody worthwhile and that he (she) can do many praiseworthy things. The child must have the love of family and the protection they give in order to LIVE and FLOURISH.
                                                                                                                                 Bejamin Mays

Note: The pronouns "she" and "her" are not a part of the original quotation, but were added by this reviewer.

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: July 2, 2019  Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books  ISBN: 978-1524740740