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The King of Kindergarten
A confident little boy takes pride in his first day of kindergarten.
The morning sun blares through your window like a million brass trumpets.It sits and shines behind your head--like a crown. Mommy says that today, you are going to be the King of Kindergarten!
Starting kindergarten is a big milestone--and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He's dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can't wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he's up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can't wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements--and then wake up to start another day.
The morning sun blares through your window like a million brass trumpets.It sits and shines behind your head--like a crown. Mommy says that today, you are going to be the King of Kindergarten!
Starting kindergarten is a big milestone--and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He's dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can't wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he's up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can't wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements--and then wake up to start another day.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published July 2, 2019
34 people are currently reading
907 people want to read
About the author
Derrick Barnes
28 books252 followersWhere I come from, no one dreams of becoming an author.
I didn’t know any famous African American male authors. I didn’t actually meet one until I attended college. I wanted to be a football player, the next Sean Combs, or a rapper; anything that would instantly provide me with the riches I would need to “move my mama off of the block”. I was raised in a single parent household by my mother, the lovely Miss Catherine Barnes, along with my big brother, Anthony, in Kansas City, MO.
My first attempt at writing a real story was in the fifth grade. I think it was about a group of stray dogs trekking across the country to find a magic bone or something. I can’t remember. But I do remember what it felt like when I finished and read it. It felt powerful to create characters, places, and stories that began and ended the way I wanted them to. After that I wrote songs, poems, plays, and short stories. I also read like crazy. I remember tying a shoestring around a flashlight, hanging it on the bar in my closet, and sitting in there reading encyclopedias. My brother thought I was the weirdest kid ever, but that was my way of traveling, of flying, and dreaming.
When I graduated from high school, I worked a couple of part time jobs and attended a local community college. I received an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration. I went on to Jackson State University, a historically black college in Jackson, Mississippi, where I obtained Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing. It was there that I experienced life altering events and met people that changed me forever. I met my then college sweetheart and now beautiful wife, Dr. Tinka Barnes. I met life long friends (big up to my brothers JG, Killa Don, and Noir). I also became a campus newspaper advice columnist. All three of those occurrences and acquaintances changed my life vividly, but the column, entitled Brown Sugar, gave me the confidence to write with purpose. I also felt like, for the first time, that I had something to say and that people would listen. Who wouldn't listen to a guy with the pen name "Hershey Brown"?
Upon graduation, I moved back to Kansas City with no intentions of using my brand new, shiny Marketing degree in a drab, corporate environment. With the urging of my wife, I sent a writing portfolio to Hallmark Cards, and was hired as the first African-American man in the history of the company as a staff copywriter in 1999. I worked there for three years. I learned so much about crafting my words, about editing, and about constructive criticism. While at Hallmark, I met so many talented artists and was introduced to my now literary agent, Ms. Regina Brooks of Serendipity Literary Agency. Within a month, we had a two-book deal signed with Scholastic. My wife and I also welcomed our first son into the world, Ezra.
My family and I moved to New Orleans, LA so that my wife could complete her medical residency in 2003. While there we had our second son, Solomon, and I landed a deal with Simon Pulse for my first novel, “The Making of Dr. Truelove”. We lived there for two and a half years until we were chased back to Kansas City by the most disastrous force of nature in US history, Hurricane Katrina.
We returned to KC safe and sound. My wife officially finished medical residency and became a full fledged doctor. We had our third son, Silas, and I landed a four-book deal with Scholastic for the ultra popular hit series, “Ruby and the Booker Boys”.
Some days, when I read to my sons or go to schools and read to kids, I can still see that little boy reading encyclopedias by flashlight. Hopefully, a child will meet me and say to themselves, “You know what, it’s possible. I can become an author! I’ve met, and have seen with my very own eyes, a living, breathing author. It’s definitely possible for me.”
It most certainly is.
I didn’t know any famous African American male authors. I didn’t actually meet one until I attended college. I wanted to be a football player, the next Sean Combs, or a rapper; anything that would instantly provide me with the riches I would need to “move my mama off of the block”. I was raised in a single parent household by my mother, the lovely Miss Catherine Barnes, along with my big brother, Anthony, in Kansas City, MO.
My first attempt at writing a real story was in the fifth grade. I think it was about a group of stray dogs trekking across the country to find a magic bone or something. I can’t remember. But I do remember what it felt like when I finished and read it. It felt powerful to create characters, places, and stories that began and ended the way I wanted them to. After that I wrote songs, poems, plays, and short stories. I also read like crazy. I remember tying a shoestring around a flashlight, hanging it on the bar in my closet, and sitting in there reading encyclopedias. My brother thought I was the weirdest kid ever, but that was my way of traveling, of flying, and dreaming.
When I graduated from high school, I worked a couple of part time jobs and attended a local community college. I received an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration. I went on to Jackson State University, a historically black college in Jackson, Mississippi, where I obtained Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing. It was there that I experienced life altering events and met people that changed me forever. I met my then college sweetheart and now beautiful wife, Dr. Tinka Barnes. I met life long friends (big up to my brothers JG, Killa Don, and Noir). I also became a campus newspaper advice columnist. All three of those occurrences and acquaintances changed my life vividly, but the column, entitled Brown Sugar, gave me the confidence to write with purpose. I also felt like, for the first time, that I had something to say and that people would listen. Who wouldn't listen to a guy with the pen name "Hershey Brown"?
Upon graduation, I moved back to Kansas City with no intentions of using my brand new, shiny Marketing degree in a drab, corporate environment. With the urging of my wife, I sent a writing portfolio to Hallmark Cards, and was hired as the first African-American man in the history of the company as a staff copywriter in 1999. I worked there for three years. I learned so much about crafting my words, about editing, and about constructive criticism. While at Hallmark, I met so many talented artists and was introduced to my now literary agent, Ms. Regina Brooks of Serendipity Literary Agency. Within a month, we had a two-book deal signed with Scholastic. My wife and I also welcomed our first son into the world, Ezra.
My family and I moved to New Orleans, LA so that my wife could complete her medical residency in 2003. While there we had our second son, Solomon, and I landed a deal with Simon Pulse for my first novel, “The Making of Dr. Truelove”. We lived there for two and a half years until we were chased back to Kansas City by the most disastrous force of nature in US history, Hurricane Katrina.
We returned to KC safe and sound. My wife officially finished medical residency and became a full fledged doctor. We had our third son, Silas, and I landed a four-book deal with Scholastic for the ultra popular hit series, “Ruby and the Booker Boys”.
Some days, when I read to my sons or go to schools and read to kids, I can still see that little boy reading encyclopedias by flashlight. Hopefully, a child will meet me and say to themselves, “You know what, it’s possible. I can become an author! I’ve met, and have seen with my very own eyes, a living, breathing author. It’s definitely possible for me.”
It most certainly is.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 299 reviews
July 31, 2019
I thought I would enjoy this one more than I actually did. Don't get me wrong; it's a cute book. But the whole "royal" gimmick seems kind of unnecessary (and aimed more at adults than kids), and with a child who has a different understanding of what being king means, the premise could be potentially problematic.
The narration is a bit odd, to begin with. It almost sounds like it's one of the parents talking to the child, but both parents are referred to in the third person, so it's obviously somebody else. (Who? I have no idea.) The boy wakes up and goes about getting ready for school. This part of the book makes references to Chiclets and Osh Kosh (as if all 4- and 5-years olds are going to understand what those signify). Then the boy is off to school.
The problem I see with telling a child that they're the King of Kindergarten is that, if they have an idea of a king as someone who issues orders and expects to be obeyed, they're going to be in for a rough first day. In the case of this book, being king refers more to mastery than it does ruling... but I don't know if children this young are going to have such a nuanced view of royalty. The boy in the story is kind, polite, generous, and thoughtful, which are all great things to model. But it makes me wonder if the whole king thing is even necessary, since it might add a bit of confusion to what is, otherwise, a sweet story about the first day of school. (Making him a knight rather than a king might have made more sense in this context.)
I might have some problems with the text, but I don't really have any issues with the illustrations. They're absolutely adorable! The boy and his classmates are all portrayed with bright, colourful diversity. This is the third book I've read that was illustrated by Brantley-Newton, and I think I like the illustrations here the best.
Overall, I think whether this book works for kids will depend on their concept of what a king is. For those who think it's all about power, it might not work. But for those who have an expanded concept of what it means to be a king, this could be a winner.
Quotable moment:
The narration is a bit odd, to begin with. It almost sounds like it's one of the parents talking to the child, but both parents are referred to in the third person, so it's obviously somebody else. (Who? I have no idea.) The boy wakes up and goes about getting ready for school. This part of the book makes references to Chiclets and Osh Kosh (as if all 4- and 5-years olds are going to understand what those signify). Then the boy is off to school.
The problem I see with telling a child that they're the King of Kindergarten is that, if they have an idea of a king as someone who issues orders and expects to be obeyed, they're going to be in for a rough first day. In the case of this book, being king refers more to mastery than it does ruling... but I don't know if children this young are going to have such a nuanced view of royalty. The boy in the story is kind, polite, generous, and thoughtful, which are all great things to model. But it makes me wonder if the whole king thing is even necessary, since it might add a bit of confusion to what is, otherwise, a sweet story about the first day of school. (Making him a knight rather than a king might have made more sense in this context.)
I might have some problems with the text, but I don't really have any issues with the illustrations. They're absolutely adorable! The boy and his classmates are all portrayed with bright, colourful diversity. This is the third book I've read that was illustrated by Brantley-Newton, and I think I like the illustrations here the best.
Overall, I think whether this book works for kids will depend on their concept of what a king is. For those who think it's all about power, it might not work. But for those who have an expanded concept of what it means to be a king, this could be a winner.
Quotable moment:
March 18, 2019
Say hello to my new favorite first day of school book. This is such a gentle introduction to what to expect in a Kindergarten classroom and it is such a sweet story about making friends and putting positive energy into the world knowing it will come back to you. Ah. I love it so much, I need to go lie down to recover. And, of course, the artwork is stunning and as charming as the story.
September 30, 2020
Derrick Barnes’ work brought a smile to my face from the very first page. Supported by the wonderful illustrations of Vanessa Brantley-Newton, I hold that
The King of Kindergarten
is a fun read, especially during those days of leading up to the first day of school or the first day itself. Who could not enjoy a book with lines like “...garments from the far-off villages of Osh and Kosh. B’gosh!” (Tell the truth: Do kids these days even know about Osh Kosh B’gosh? Or am I showing my age? 😄)
I think you will enjoy this book.
I think you will enjoy this book.
April 3, 2024
Penguin kids on Instagram read this. Who says we're ever too old to be read to is clueless of its joy at any age. Especially for an aspiring children’s series writer 😊
What I like most about Derrick Barnes and Vanessa Brantley-Newton’s The King of Kindergarten besides being read to (giggles) are a few things. The well thought out illustrations. The story invites learning new words with imagination, kindness, confidence, and comfort in the process of the FFT’s or as Brene’ Brown names this the Fn First Time’s.
As a teacher learned to support students as heroes with capes, royalty in gowns, and even a Roman Soldier with a chest plate who barely spoke English from Russia... There were rare choices by any child year after year that we’re attempts to rise to their positions.
Adding to my renowned process through fourteen schools in our district for behavior management strategy including a fresh perspective, six choices, better children, and happier families. Rarely a behavior issue. I'd been developing this process over several decades and different schools. Discovering costumes as a part of the inclusion makes the six decisions even easier to practice for everyone.
Our deal, you can be anyone you dream of being as long as your behavior equals who you imagine you are using the six choices mentored.
Pretend play is the best way I’ve found to support practice for becoming awesome humans at any age. Even grown-ups who dress up do so for the transformation fun while relating to how this can be a useful tool in the behavior management tool kit of success.
Mentoring, to me, means supporting children and youth with opportunities to pretend how they behave matters. Empathizing with their exploration for greatness. While we guide them into excellence.
Showing the science behind pretend creatively as Derrick and Vanessa have is an epic way to demonstrate expectations without being preachy. Encourages interest within the social constructs of being a ’big’ boy or girl in a fun way doing scary FFT’s.
Just think what kind of grown-up the King will be? This reminds me of Simba from the Lion King.
Eventually, regardless of the choices we make along the way, we all aspire for greatness through many years of practice. Derrick and Vanessa are a great team helping young new students overcome FFT’s with this lovely example to assist children feel ready for their next big adventure.
Overall, this or other books by this team are well worth a borrow from the library or purchase for a gift to a child before their first day of school.
Highly recommend teachers suggesting this for new kindergarten parents before their littles go off to school. Then, revisit the book in class. Ask open-ended questions about their feelings or experiences. Especially through art since some may not know how to express their feelings quite yet. Especially when overwhelmed.
What I like most about this book is to extent to which the day is covered. Supporting a template to help ease the newness of the major life changes going on here.
I read this book a few times to make certain I caught nuances. A few notable, the little girl Marie initiates fighting the dragon after the King shows his bravery asking to play. King is pre-equipped for kindness with a cup of pudding to share when he notices the little, Howie, who doesn't have dessert. On the bus ride home the sun is the King's crown through the back window.
There are others you could find with your littles, too.
This book and all it's inclusions is easily a new favorite. Reflecting on the first book I'm releasing next fall that is focused on the struggle one little boy, Joey has on his first day of school helps me see how important a road map of these special FFT’s can support transitions for children.
With the current stay home covid orders and random closures that occur this would be an awesome way to remind our children at more ages how to reintegrate back to school when returning is bound to occur at some point. I'm guessing even teachers and caregivers whether parents or someone else could use support at the moment for all the FFT’s suffered between 2020 and into 2021.
Share cocoa and discuss open-ended questions about all that comes up. From ways to be prepared for kindness of others who are less fortunate or how to become more fortunate by being kind.
Begin confronting new experiences if you're changing schools or lost a family member, your home, more. Imagining what life can be like when we work together to rebuild our new lives.
These answers can lead the children into more insight and us adults, too
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💯❤️
What I like most about Derrick Barnes and Vanessa Brantley-Newton’s The King of Kindergarten besides being read to (giggles) are a few things. The well thought out illustrations. The story invites learning new words with imagination, kindness, confidence, and comfort in the process of the FFT’s or as Brene’ Brown names this the Fn First Time’s.
As a teacher learned to support students as heroes with capes, royalty in gowns, and even a Roman Soldier with a chest plate who barely spoke English from Russia... There were rare choices by any child year after year that we’re attempts to rise to their positions.
Adding to my renowned process through fourteen schools in our district for behavior management strategy including a fresh perspective, six choices, better children, and happier families. Rarely a behavior issue. I'd been developing this process over several decades and different schools. Discovering costumes as a part of the inclusion makes the six decisions even easier to practice for everyone.
Our deal, you can be anyone you dream of being as long as your behavior equals who you imagine you are using the six choices mentored.
Pretend play is the best way I’ve found to support practice for becoming awesome humans at any age. Even grown-ups who dress up do so for the transformation fun while relating to how this can be a useful tool in the behavior management tool kit of success.
Mentoring, to me, means supporting children and youth with opportunities to pretend how they behave matters. Empathizing with their exploration for greatness. While we guide them into excellence.
Showing the science behind pretend creatively as Derrick and Vanessa have is an epic way to demonstrate expectations without being preachy. Encourages interest within the social constructs of being a ’big’ boy or girl in a fun way doing scary FFT’s.
Just think what kind of grown-up the King will be? This reminds me of Simba from the Lion King.
Eventually, regardless of the choices we make along the way, we all aspire for greatness through many years of practice. Derrick and Vanessa are a great team helping young new students overcome FFT’s with this lovely example to assist children feel ready for their next big adventure.
Overall, this or other books by this team are well worth a borrow from the library or purchase for a gift to a child before their first day of school.
Highly recommend teachers suggesting this for new kindergarten parents before their littles go off to school. Then, revisit the book in class. Ask open-ended questions about their feelings or experiences. Especially through art since some may not know how to express their feelings quite yet. Especially when overwhelmed.
What I like most about this book is to extent to which the day is covered. Supporting a template to help ease the newness of the major life changes going on here.
I read this book a few times to make certain I caught nuances. A few notable, the little girl Marie initiates fighting the dragon after the King shows his bravery asking to play. King is pre-equipped for kindness with a cup of pudding to share when he notices the little, Howie, who doesn't have dessert. On the bus ride home the sun is the King's crown through the back window.
There are others you could find with your littles, too.
This book and all it's inclusions is easily a new favorite. Reflecting on the first book I'm releasing next fall that is focused on the struggle one little boy, Joey has on his first day of school helps me see how important a road map of these special FFT’s can support transitions for children.
With the current stay home covid orders and random closures that occur this would be an awesome way to remind our children at more ages how to reintegrate back to school when returning is bound to occur at some point. I'm guessing even teachers and caregivers whether parents or someone else could use support at the moment for all the FFT’s suffered between 2020 and into 2021.
Share cocoa and discuss open-ended questions about all that comes up. From ways to be prepared for kindness of others who are less fortunate or how to become more fortunate by being kind.
Begin confronting new experiences if you're changing schools or lost a family member, your home, more. Imagining what life can be like when we work together to rebuild our new lives.
These answers can lead the children into more insight and us adults, too
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💯❤️
September 4, 2019
I read Derrick Barnes' award-winning picture book, Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut and absolutely loved it so I wasn't surprised to enjoy another picture book written by him. What I love about Derrick Barnes is that he places young black male characters at the forefront of his work. Everyone needs to see themselves in books and Derrick Barnes has a way of using his books to build confidence in his readers. This book focuses particularly on a young boys first day in kindegarten and how he should view himself as a king. This is not meant to illustrate that he is better than anyone else, but that in being a king he has a level of self-confidence that will help him be successful and make lots of friends. I loved the artwork and can't wait to see what Derrick Barnes has in store for readers in the future.
March 24, 2022
Movie time!
May 13, 2020
Very few picture books earned a Newbery in the first hundred years of the award, but Derrick Barnes defied the odds in 2018, taking home a Newbery Honor for Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut. The book's playful way with words must have impressed the ALA committee, and two years later Derrick Barnes rolled out another picture book with a similar vibe, The King of Kindergarten. When you strap on your backpack and stroll into kindergarten for the first time, it marks the end of spending every day at home with Mommy, but don't be sad or fearful: you're not just any kid starting school, you're a regent in your own right. The morning dawns golden and warm; you wash up, dress in your finest duds, then gobble down a satisfying pancake breakfast before boarding the bus and heading to school. You're starting this big day off the right way.
Make good decisions and remember who you are: Mommy's King of Kindergarten, oozing style and class. You greet your teacher and classmates with a smile, eager to make friends with citizens of the kingdom, and then you bear down together on a variety of subjects in the kindergarten curriculum. Learning new shapes, letters, and math concepts isn't easy, but the King never backs down from a challenge. At recess you learn as much as in the classroom, overcoming any shadow of shyness and asking other kids to play. After all, every monarch needs a hero to help save the kingdom from drippy dragons. At lunch you learn to share, not thinking twice about giving up your extra dessert to a kid who doesn't have one. Kindness is a win-win for the King and his new friends, is it not? You round out the day with some musical fun, and then you're back on the bus for home. Lots of adventures await this year with your fellow kindergartners; the King most definitely approves of school.
I like Derrick Barnes's clever wordplay, and Vanessa Brantley-Newton's illustrations fit it perfectly. The King of Kindergarten is a lift for one's spirits before starting anything new, a reminder that a confident kid is halfway to success before they step out the front door. The story brims with positivity, praising good values that establish a friendly rapport with peers. I think The King of Kindergarten is better than Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, more fitting as a Newbery Honor selection even though I probably wouldn't have given either book a Newbery. I might rate The King of Kindergarten two and a half stars, and you can bet I'll be back for more of Derrick Barnes. He never fails to entertain.
Make good decisions and remember who you are: Mommy's King of Kindergarten, oozing style and class. You greet your teacher and classmates with a smile, eager to make friends with citizens of the kingdom, and then you bear down together on a variety of subjects in the kindergarten curriculum. Learning new shapes, letters, and math concepts isn't easy, but the King never backs down from a challenge. At recess you learn as much as in the classroom, overcoming any shadow of shyness and asking other kids to play. After all, every monarch needs a hero to help save the kingdom from drippy dragons. At lunch you learn to share, not thinking twice about giving up your extra dessert to a kid who doesn't have one. Kindness is a win-win for the King and his new friends, is it not? You round out the day with some musical fun, and then you're back on the bus for home. Lots of adventures await this year with your fellow kindergartners; the King most definitely approves of school.
I like Derrick Barnes's clever wordplay, and Vanessa Brantley-Newton's illustrations fit it perfectly. The King of Kindergarten is a lift for one's spirits before starting anything new, a reminder that a confident kid is halfway to success before they step out the front door. The story brims with positivity, praising good values that establish a friendly rapport with peers. I think The King of Kindergarten is better than Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, more fitting as a Newbery Honor selection even though I probably wouldn't have given either book a Newbery. I might rate The King of Kindergarten two and a half stars, and you can bet I'll be back for more of Derrick Barnes. He never fails to entertain.
September 8, 2019
I 💚 this book! The lyrical coolness of Derrick Barnes's (Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut) words combined with the exuberant joyfulness of Vanessa Brantley-Newton's illustrations makes for a perfect start of the school year read aloud.
July 22, 2019
The King of Kindergarten makes my heart melt to see this brilliant Black boy shining with his smile so bright, donning his crown just right. He’s a big boy now, doing big boy things-all by himself! Just the way his mom and dad had prepared him to. When the first day of kindergarten arrives, he is so ready. He washes his face, gets dressed on his own and boards the bus with confidence. He meets his new teacher, says his name with pride, makes new friends and learns new things that he can’t wait to tell his parents about when he gets home. He had a very good day and can’t wait to do it all over again.
Starting kindergarten is a big deal! As parents, we do everything we can to help get our babies ready and when the time finally comes, we’d be hard-pressed to distinguish who is the most anxious about it all; us parents or our children? The King of Kindergarten will encourage every little one who is getting ready for their first day of kindergarten and it might even get their parents ready too. What I loved most about this book was that it was clear that this little boy’s parents clothed him with so much love, joy, encouragement, and a positive self-image. It is something that he carries with him in his heart and mind throughout his day. It is made evident in each of Vanessa Brantley-Newton’s illustrations that he exudes unquestionable confidence. You can see it in his smile and in the way he keeps his head held high.
I highly recommend The King of Kindergarten for families, kindergarten classrooms, and the library (school and public libraries). Honestly, I added this book to my 2019-2020 library order before I’d even read it because of how much I enjoyed Crown: an Ode to the Fresh Cut (that won all manner of awards: Newbery Honor Award, Coretta Scott King Honor Award, and the 2018 Ezra Jack Keats Award). Trust your librarians. We have a knack for finding great books like this one for families and classrooms to enjoy.
Starting kindergarten is a big deal! As parents, we do everything we can to help get our babies ready and when the time finally comes, we’d be hard-pressed to distinguish who is the most anxious about it all; us parents or our children? The King of Kindergarten will encourage every little one who is getting ready for their first day of kindergarten and it might even get their parents ready too. What I loved most about this book was that it was clear that this little boy’s parents clothed him with so much love, joy, encouragement, and a positive self-image. It is something that he carries with him in his heart and mind throughout his day. It is made evident in each of Vanessa Brantley-Newton’s illustrations that he exudes unquestionable confidence. You can see it in his smile and in the way he keeps his head held high.
I highly recommend The King of Kindergarten for families, kindergarten classrooms, and the library (school and public libraries). Honestly, I added this book to my 2019-2020 library order before I’d even read it because of how much I enjoyed Crown: an Ode to the Fresh Cut (that won all manner of awards: Newbery Honor Award, Coretta Scott King Honor Award, and the 2018 Ezra Jack Keats Award). Trust your librarians. We have a knack for finding great books like this one for families and classrooms to enjoy.
July 3, 2019
A young boy, dubbed the "King of Kindergarten" by his loving mother, heads to school for his very first day in this sweet picture-book from author Derrick D. Barnes and illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton. Once there he has a wonderful time, getting to know his new teacher and making friends with his fellow pupils. By the end of the day he is ready to return home, full of exciting news to share with his parents...
Having enjoyed Barnes' Newbery Honor-winning picture-book, Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut , I was curious to pick up The King of Kindergarten, which is only my second title from this author. All in all, I found it an engaging and ultimately heartwarming "first day of school" story, one with a positive, upbeat message for nervous young children. The artwork from Vanessa Brantley-Newton was charming - colorful and cute. Recommended to anyone looking for new books about going to school/kindergarten for the first time.
Having enjoyed Barnes' Newbery Honor-winning picture-book, Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut , I was curious to pick up The King of Kindergarten, which is only my second title from this author. All in all, I found it an engaging and ultimately heartwarming "first day of school" story, one with a positive, upbeat message for nervous young children. The artwork from Vanessa Brantley-Newton was charming - colorful and cute. Recommended to anyone looking for new books about going to school/kindergarten for the first time.
July 22, 2019
I liked the upbeat illustrations, the teacher seemed kind and fun, and there will be friends and
fun things to do. I didn't like the assumption that the reader will do all of the things that the main
character does (wear Oshkosh? take the bus? take a nap?) Also, the "King" theme--does that mean you're the boss of everyone too? Perhaps I've talked to too many teachers who describe a student as "he thinks he's the king"--everything revolves around them syndrome. I'm still looking for more
upbeat books about going to school (loved The Pigeon Has to Go to School!)
fun things to do. I didn't like the assumption that the reader will do all of the things that the main
character does (wear Oshkosh? take the bus? take a nap?) Also, the "King" theme--does that mean you're the boss of everyone too? Perhaps I've talked to too many teachers who describe a student as "he thinks he's the king"--everything revolves around them syndrome. I'm still looking for more
upbeat books about going to school (loved The Pigeon Has to Go to School!)
Read
March 31, 2019Exuberantly illustrated story of a little boy who's excited to go to kindergarten. Absolutely delightful.
October 11, 2019
It's the first day of kindergarten, and this little fellow is off to rule the school as King of Kindergarten. It's a day of happy surprises, and the new king reigns with benevolence and generosity.
An imaginative introduction to the first day of school.
An imaginative introduction to the first day of school.
February 10, 2021
This book is much too cute for my own good. How am I supposed to sleep without drooling with this huge grin on my face?! Such a perfect book to get amped up for a first day of Kindergarten!!
October 18, 2019
This is an uplifting, exuberant book about making friends, playing together, sharing, and loving school. In a great example of the collaboration between the author and the illustrator, Vanessa translates Derrick's "royal" text into a child's joyful "modern" experience of the first day of school.
It is perfect for summer reading before starting school or with children nervous about making new friends. It is also a great book for expanding a child's vocabulary. I was thrilled to see Derrick infused the story with words like garments, majestic, delighted, arise, and magnificent. A delightful book about empowering a child's self-esteem. You don't want to miss this new book by two powerhouse creatives.
It is perfect for summer reading before starting school or with children nervous about making new friends. It is also a great book for expanding a child's vocabulary. I was thrilled to see Derrick infused the story with words like garments, majestic, delighted, arise, and magnificent. A delightful book about empowering a child's self-esteem. You don't want to miss this new book by two powerhouse creatives.
March 25, 2019
A picture book that works for those jitters that kids might have entering school or a new grade, this one features a boy going in to his first day of kindergarten and figuring out a way to capture the excitement of meeting new people, having fun, enjoying the experience, and having the support of family. He'll do fine! He's got a superb teacher who lets them have fun and still take a nap, he dares to ask a girl to play during recess and shares his pudding with another friend, and in the end, he'll return tomorrow to have more fun.
It's lovely and sentimental in a way that all "first day" books are.
It's lovely and sentimental in a way that all "first day" books are.
May 18, 2019
My new favorite book for the first day of school, particularly primary grades. I love the pictures and the magnificent comparisons to the royal life of school. I think the authors did a great job explaining the first days of school. They found ways to explain away the anxiety every student experiences. A great book for courage, confidence, character-centeredness, and friendship. This book is going to be a great addition to any teacher’s shelves.
November 9, 2018
A young boy starts his first day of kindergarten like royalty-- confident, friendly, and ready to learn. There are no nerves here! Colorful, gorgeous illustrations on every page, and filled with nothing but kindness and excitement, with beautiful textured backgrounds that add so much to the joyful mood. Wonderfully inspiring book to help you feel like kindergarten royalty!
March 18, 2019
The perfect book to read to anyone about to start kindergarten. Fun and empowering!
September 8, 2019
I got this book for Chase’s first day of KINDERGARTEN! It features an African American boy who is almost as cute as Chase. I’m always on the lookout for books featuring African American boys.
September 20, 2021
love the cover… cute little book!
September 10, 2019
The King of Kindergarten is a children's picture book written by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. It stars a little boy on his first day of kindergarten, who puts the king in kindergarten.
Barnes' text is rather simplistic and straightforward. It is a wonderfully affirming narrative about going to school for the first time and how much of an adventure it can be. Brantley-Newton's illustrations balance bright colors, patterns, and textures, should put a spring in the step of any reluctant kindergartner.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. When a mother gives her son the titular nickname, it inspires him throughout his first day of school. The child imagines that a chalk-drawn crown is sitting on his head as he walks through the towering doors of the grand fortress and into his Kindergarten Kingdom. It's a day filled with new friends, "a royal rest" (nap time), and acts of nobleness oblige (the boy shares an extra pudding cup with a dessert-less classmate).
All in all, The King of Kindergarten is a wonderful children's book depicting a little boy's first day of kindergarten.
Barnes' text is rather simplistic and straightforward. It is a wonderfully affirming narrative about going to school for the first time and how much of an adventure it can be. Brantley-Newton's illustrations balance bright colors, patterns, and textures, should put a spring in the step of any reluctant kindergartner.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. When a mother gives her son the titular nickname, it inspires him throughout his first day of school. The child imagines that a chalk-drawn crown is sitting on his head as he walks through the towering doors of the grand fortress and into his Kindergarten Kingdom. It's a day filled with new friends, "a royal rest" (nap time), and acts of nobleness oblige (the boy shares an extra pudding cup with a dessert-less classmate).
All in all, The King of Kindergarten is a wonderful children's book depicting a little boy's first day of kindergarten.
June 28, 2019
This is a great, positive introduction to kindergarten. I think the emphasis on being the king of kindergarten gives a special boost of confidence and ownership to kids, while I also appreciate that they're at a round table and sharing, with the messages "Be awesome" "we are kind to each other" on the chalk board behind them. I love the humor in the writing of Derrick Barnes ("You'll use a golden brush to clean Ye Royal Chiclets.") The artwork by Vanessa Brantley-Newton takes it up a notch and makes it extra-special. Kids will love this. It would make me excited to start kindergarten!
September 16, 2022
A boy wakes up and his mom tells him he gets to be the king of kindergarten today. He eats his breakfast and rides the bus to school. The book tells the story about what the boy does at school while he pretends to be the king of kindergarten. On his way home he tells his parents all about his new friends and his nice teacher. He has a great day of kindergarten and can't wait to go back the next day.
I like this book because it gives kindergartens a confidence boost and it would help them to face their fears of going to school for the first time. I also like that it was written as if it was speaking to the reader and not talking about a character.
This would be a good book to read on the first day of kindergarten with your class to boost their confidence. You can let all of the children cut and color their own crowns to wear throughout the day. Lastly you ask the kids if they were a really queen or king what rule would they make; this would be a good way to get to know everyone.
I like this book because it gives kindergartens a confidence boost and it would help them to face their fears of going to school for the first time. I also like that it was written as if it was speaking to the reader and not talking about a character.
This would be a good book to read on the first day of kindergarten with your class to boost their confidence. You can let all of the children cut and color their own crowns to wear throughout the day. Lastly you ask the kids if they were a really queen or king what rule would they make; this would be a good way to get to know everyone.
July 18, 2021
Even though I put the tag African-American, the truth is, there is nothing African-American about this book. The cast is not realistic to the average black American child who will only go to school with other black children. In fact, the protagonist doesn't even interact with other black children in any way. I was actually a little taken aback by this. Black children are in the book, but largely as background characters. I don't think this book was written for black children but for for others. I'm disappointed. Great illustrations. Great plot. But this book is not for black people.
January 21, 2023
I liked that this books shows the first day of school for a Kindergarten boy. It shows him being brave, helpful, and friendly with everyone. The boy invites others to play with him, and is excited about being in school. It truly demonstrates how positive the first day of school can be for those who might be going into the same grade and are not feeling so confident about it.
January 22, 2020
This is a great book for kids about to start school. It looks at school in a positive light and makes kids feel special for starting Kindergarten. I loved the awesome illustrations and the clever word choices.
August 6, 2019
Great illustrations and a fun story about going to kindergarten
August 21, 2019
I liked that this picture book wasn't about being afraid of school but about being excited for it. Sometimes I wonder if all the, I'm scared of school books, only perpetuate the feelings kids have.
September 23, 2019
Cuuuuuute! What a fabulous, confidence-building book!
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