K is for Kindergarten

September 1, 2017

PreS-K-The alphabet frames this collection of activities for kindergarten, highlighting 26 (and more) words and challenges for youngsters anticipating the highlights of a school day. As rhyming verse introduces each activity, a sidebar lists Countdown and Challenge activities for more adventurous readers and their parents. Animated cartoon faces of children enjoying learning fill double-page views of the kinderworld. Bouncing balls, crayons, excited grinning faces peering out school bus windows, and plenty of books to read and instruments to play paint a picture of happy classroom experiences. Amid the expected sights, a bit of humor features the impossibility of bringing a beloved pet elephant to school. "P.S. If your elephant is too big to sit on your desk, please leave him at home!" In contrast to the subdued palette of the cover, the interior art is vibrant and active, flowing easily to draw readers from page to page. VERDICT A suggested general purchase for most libraries, this well-organized book will encourage readers to practice new words, learn through hands-on creativity, and face new challenges. A solid selection for one-on-one and small group sharing.-Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2018
This alphabet rhyme/activity book mash-up walks preschoolers through what to expect when starting kindergarten. A generic rhyming text with awkward irregular rhythms is paired with pleasant-enough illustrations featuring a diverse group of children getting ready and looking excited; "Kinder Countdown" and "Kinder Challenge" sidebars (tangentially related to the letter) contain some useful activities and school-preparation ideas for families.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)