Ready, Set, Kindergarten

June 1, 2015
One little girl tells readers the many things she knows how to do and the ways those everyday activities help her to be ready for kindergarten. "Whoosh on my jacket. Smoosh on my shoes. Dressing myself. I'm getting ready! // Looking at signs. Calling out letters. Finding some words. I'm ready to learn." Painting and cutting help her fingers get ready to work; exuberant play outside gets her body ready to move. Her imagination gets a workout at the beach baking a sand cake. But some things are not so easy, like sharing with friends, though she's ready to try apologizing. Finally, the first day of kindergarten arrives. She toasts some bread, pours some milk, and then is off. "I think I'm ready!" Bright colors and an ever present beloved stuffed mouse will keep readers' attention. Arbour's little girl has brown hair, light-brown skin, and a delightfully upturned little nose. Observant readers will catch glimpses of Mom and Dad and realize she is biracial, though adults are treated rather like those in the "Peanuts" cartoons-this is all about a little girl's determination and pride in her accomplishments. A celebration of independence that will have soon-to-be kindergartners counting all the ways they are ready for school. (Picture book. 3-5)

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