School Library Journal Review
PreS-K--Making the jump to kindergarten can be intimidating for children and caregivers alike, but it is also an exciting time of growth and independence. This book gives readers the encouragement and validation they need to be able to approach kindergarten with confidence. Additionally, it provides caregivers with tangible tools they can use to practice and reinforce critical concepts with their children. From body awareness and creativity, to the understanding of letters, numbers, colors, and shapes, there are many skills young children can improve upon that will embolden them the first day they step through the door to their kindergarten classroom. Preschool-aged readers will relish the design of this book as they show off all they know while reading it. Short phrases spoken directly to the reader encourage participation, and young children will love stepping into each page. A variety of characters appear in the illustrations, depicting several backgrounds and family types to ensure that readers will recognize themselves in the pages. Blocky, digitally rendered images embody the feeling of kindergarten while enhancing the visual appeal of the book. Additionally, a note at the end of the book gives caregivers practical and accessible steps to follow to support their child as they prepare for kindergarten, which is sure to be appreciated. VERDICT Whether read aloud in classrooms or shared at home, this is an enjoyable and helpful tool to promote kindergarten readiness in young children.--Mary R. Lanni
Publisher's Weekly Review
"You are ready for kindergarten," proclaims the titular refrain driving Freitas's supportive instruction on school readiness, which simultaneously models activities for caregivers and propels chirpy prose along. Direct narration seeks to motivate via concept-driven examples of developmental milestones seen as prepping kids for school: "Count the shoes on your feet./ Count the stairs going down.// You have fun with numbers./ You are ready for kindergarten," one spread suggests, while others emphasize knowledge of body parts, concepts, and an interest in "making/ beautiful messes" via arts and crafts. Andersen's bright digital illustrations employ bold, shapely geometric graphics. Chronological scenes feature figures of different abilities and skin tones as they awaken and dress, travel to school, and then enjoy an active day of play, preparing rising kindergartners to handily navigate the school year to come. A note to caregivers concludes. Ages 4--8. (June)
Kirkus Review
You might be more prepared for the first day of school than you think! How do you know when you--or your child--are ready for kindergarten? This upbeat book will tell you both, in specific detail. "Have you ever tried to point to your head, shoulders, knees, and toes?" Do you listen to, and tell, stories? Do you like to make art? Count steps or shoes? Do you love colors? Can you identify some shapes? Sing the alphabet song? Like active play? Know your name and can introduce yourself to others? You are ready--to learn, explore, try new things, and have fun! Bright yellow blocks of color offer a background for equally scintillating patches of vibrant primary blue, red, and green and touches of teal, maroon, pink, orange, purple, and more. The children have extra-large shining eyes and smiles and are diverse in skin tone. One child uses a wheelchair. The pages are crowded, but because the illustrations are shadowless and flat, like colored paper-collage, they are very legible. This book provides a great deal of joyous reassurance, especially for those who missed nursery or preschool and are new to school settings. Their caregivers get similar specific encouragement on preparing children for kindergarten in the final pages. Buoyant and useful--for children, teachers, and parents alike. (Picture book. 4-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
