Horn Book Review
This companion to The King of Kindergarten (rev. 9/19) stars MJ Malone, all ready to go in her first-day-of-school outfit (polka dots, denim, and stripes), with rainbow-colored hair bands on freshly done braids, and her mom's sparkly tiara: "I wore this on my first day of school...But today -- you will become the Queen of Kindergarten." According to MJ's conversational first-person text, queenly behaviors include: kindness, caring, and helpfulness, all traits that she displays throughout the school day. More outgoing and self-confident than some of her classmates, MJ gives a new friend a comforting hand-squeeze, helps tidy up the classroom -- shown in Brantley-Newton's friendly, colorful, textured illustrations as a most appealing, child-centric place to be -- and chooses a familiar storytime read-aloud about "a boy getting a royal haircut" (Barnes's Crown, rev. 11/17). Back at home, MJ shares her "perfect" first day with her loving family members, eager to hear all about it, and then she gets ready for bed -- still sporting the tiara. There's no royal drama; from beginning to end, this matter-of-factly reassuring first-day-of-kindergarten story depicts a supportive family, a self-confident protagonist, an expert teacher, and new friends -- all set to have a great school year. Elissa Gershowitz July/August 2022 p.84(c) Copyright 2022. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Barnes and Brantley-Newton team up for a follow-up to The King of Kindergarten (2019). From the very first page, it's clear that young MJ Malone is ready to face the world--and school. Once Mom bestows her with a glittery tiara and dubs her the queen of kindergarten, MJ is determined to fulfill her duties--brighten up every room she enters, treat others with kindness, and offer a helping hand. Barnes infuses each page with humor and a sense of grace as the immensely likable MJ makes the most of her first day. Barnes' prose is entertaining and heartwarming, while Brantley-Newton's vivid and playful artwork will be easily recognizable for anyone who's seen her work (Grandma's Purse, 2018; Becoming Vanessa, 2021). The illustrator adds verve to the bold young heroine's character--from the colorful barrettes to the textured appearance of her adorable denim jumper, the girl has style and substance. MJ Malone embodies the can-do spirit every parent hopes to spark in their own children, though even shy kindergarteners will gladly find a friend in her. MJ and her family are Black; her classroom is diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Just the thing to get uncertain youngsters jazzed for a first day--at school or anywhere. (Picture book. 4-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
