Written by kindergarten teacher and Instagram influencer affectionately known as the Tutu Teacher, comes a picture book about a class that creates a kindness pledge to ensure that their class is the kindest it can possibly be. It’s the first day of Kindergarten and Leo isn’t at all ready. Leo is a quiet kid and would prefer to stay home. Over the summer, his new teacher, Ms. Perry sent a letter asking her students to think about how to show kindness in school. She explained that they would be making a kindness pledge, and each student should bring one way to show kindness on the first day. As it turns out, Leo’s classmates have lots of ideas about kindness: like raising your hand, never leaving anyone out, and apologizing if you hurt someone’s feelings. At the end of the first day, Ms. Perry asks if anyone witnessed something they’d like her to add to the kindness pledge? Lots of hands shoot up in the air. Several classmates say they noticed Leo returning crayons to the box, holding the door for everyone, and helping a friend who fell. Leo smiles as he realizes he really does know a lot about kindness after all. A story reassuringly told by Vera Ahiyya and brought to exuberant life by illustrator Joey Chou, this story about a classroom coming together to make a kindergarten into a KINDergarten is sure to calm the nerves—and offer inspiration—to new kindergartners and the adults in their lives. PreS-K-Leo, who likes to be quiet, is worried about starting kindergarten. He's learned that on his first day of school he will have to talk to the entire class about being kind. For the next few weeks before school begins, he shares his concerns with his dad, his grandmommy, and even Tulip, his cat. When school begins, Ms. Perry, his teacher, eases his worries by introducing him to students who like the quiet activities he does, such as playing with chalk and blocks. Although he still feels his heart racing, Leo is able to contribute to a kindness pledge his class makes together. Readers will see easy, common activities (words and actions) they can mimic not only on their first day of school, but throughout the year and in different settings. Behaviors include saying "please" and "thank you," helping others, cleaning up, and saying, "I'm sorry." Cheerful illustrations depict a fun, interactive learning environment that will give children a sneak peek of what to expect from school. VERDICT This would be a wonderful book to read aloud on the first day of kindergarten so classes could create their own kindness pledge and then share it with others.-Tanya Boudreauα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. ★ "Ahiyya tunes into her upbeat, proactively compassionate vibe in this story of an introverted kindergartner tenderly guided through an uncertain first day by a teacher devoted to the power of kindness." — Publishers Weekly , starred review "Will help alleviate fears and start kids thinking about ways to create their own KINDergartens." — Kirkus Reviews "A wonderful book to read aloud on the first day of kindergarten so classes could create their own kindness pledge." — School Library Journal Vera Ahiyya has taught Kindergarten and first grade for the last 15 years in Austin, Boston, and Brooklyn. Vera’s online presence is dedicated to influencing other educators by spreading her vast knowledge and love of diverse children’s books. Vera’s unwavering commitment to social justice and diversity is also the focal point of her professional development presentations for other educators. Vera lives in Brooklyn with her husband Lonnell and her dog, Mozi. Joey Chou is an animation artist and children's book illustrator. He has illustrated the Little Golden Books I'm a Reindeer, 'm a Ballerina, I'm a Unicorn, I'm a Dragon, and I'm a Narwhal . illustrator site: joeyart.com Instagram: choochoojoey
