In this companion to the collaborators' The King of Kindergarten, a Black girl named MJ Malone is given a tiara by her Momma and instructed in the ways of kindergarten sovereignty: "First, us queens brighten up every room we enter. Second, us queens are caring and kind. And third, the good ones are always helpful to others," Barnes writes. A quick study, MJ takes on the "brightening" role of window monitor ("It'll be my job to open up the blinds and let the sunlight in"), comforts a homesick classmate, and helps another put away blocks. Brantley-Newton embellishes inclusive classroom scenes with swirls and bubbles of cheery color, limning kindergarten as a happy, busy place from day one, with plenty of opportunities to shine ("Did I tell you how good I am at soccer? Don't let the tiara fool ya"). Making MJ the narrator underscores her confidence, maturity, and sense of belonging, helping the protagonist--and readers--feel that she's got this. Ages 3--5. (May)

PreS-K--Highly recommended for all royalty entering kindergarten, as well as others who can see themselves bringing their special gifts to make their school, and world, better by their actions and positive spirit.

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.

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.

On MJ's first day of kindergarten, Momma places a sparkly tiara atop the little Black girl's freshly braided hair, crowning her the new Queen of Kindergarten. She follows this with some helpful advice, telling MJ to be caring, kind, helpful, and a bright spot in the classroom. Daddy drops MJ off at school, where she meets her teacher, Ms. Lovingood. In class MJ is put in charge of opening the window blinds for the week, giving her the chance to literally brighten the room. MJ keeps her mother's words in mind throughout the day, comforting a girl who feels homesick and helping a boy pick up the blocks after playtime. MJ is such a queen! Brantley-Newton brings the fun of King of Kindergarten (2019) back in this companion book's vibrant illustrations and racially diverse characters. MJ's kindness and self-assuredness set a wonderful example for readers, who may also be preparing to expand their worlds, whether attending school or participating in a new group activity. A great choice for combating first-day jitters and building confidence.