Look How Much I've Grown in KINDergarten

January 1, 2024
Everything grows better with a little help. Mason doesn't want to attend school anymore because there are things she can't do and everyone else seems to do everything right. Mom encourages her to discuss these concerns with her teacher the next morning. Mason does, and at school, Ms. Perry thanks her for articulating her feelings. Later, Ms. Perry announces that, since today's the first day of spring, the class's morning meeting will focus on growth. She tells the class that everyone's growing and changing in myriad ways. Next day, Ms. Perry displays a chart on which she invites students to indicate ways they'd like to grow. Ms. Perry encourages Mason to reflect on how much she's growing--she knows the letters in her own name, for instance, and is "growing to be a reader"--and provides tools to help Mason learn to tie her own shoelaces. Mason begins to realize that some classmates also need help learning a few things. On the last day of school, Ms. Perry reminds everyone it's always OK to request help in order to grow. This is a rather bland story, but it should reassure youngsters who feel doubtful about their ability to learn new skills. The colorful digital illustrations depict a multiracial cast of characters in a lively, active classroom setting. Mason, her mom, and Ms. Perry have skin in various shades of brown. A valuable reminder that learning and growing take time, practice, and patience. (how to write a thank-you card, author's note, tips for fostering a growth mindset) (Picture book. 4-7)

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March 1, 2024

PreS-K-Mason doesn't want to go to school because she's worrying about the things she can't do: tie her shoes, draw a picture of her favorite flower, and know all the letter sounds. Her mother suggests they talk to Mason's teacher, Ms. Perry; the following day, Ms. Perry explains to the class, "Some growing can happen quickly, and some can take a long time." The students all share ways they'd like to grow, such as learning to ride a bike and making more friends. Mason says she wants to learn to tie her shoes and then proceeds to use the "shoe basket" with pictures and books to help her practice. The next morning, she walks into class with a huge smile and the teacher announces "You grew overnight! Some growing happens like that." A matter-of-fact narration, a teacher who thanks her students for sharing their fears, and a long but accessible text combines with Chou's vibrant digital spreads that seem ready to bust out of the borders. Mason, with light tan skin, green eyes, and dark reddish hair, wears her concerns on her face while she figures things out. The last spread features the happy looking class of children (diverse in physical appearance) in a garden on the last day of school, ready to move on to first grade. VERDICT A dose of comfort for the littlest learners feeling overwhelmed by all the skills they're working on, this might be a perfect book to pull out for kindergartners during the second half of the year when the books about starting school are a distant memory.-Carrie Voliva

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