Monkey: Not Ready for Kindergarten - Hardcover

Brown, Marc

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0553496581 ISBN 13: 9780553496581

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2015

Synopsis

Marc Brown, creator of the beloved Arthur books and TV show, offers a charming new character—and a fun and reassuring story about preparing for the first day of school.
 
Kindergarten is only a week away . . . but Monkey is NOT ready. What if he gets on the wrong bus? What if they don’t have any red crayons? What if he doesn’t like the snacks? What if he doesn’t make new friends? There are so many thoughts running through Monkey’s head!  But step by step, his family eases his worries: they get him a new backpack, help him read books about school, prepare his lunch, and make sure Monkey is excited—and ready—for the Big Day.

About this title

About the Author:

MARC BROWN is the creator of Arthur, the aardvark star of many books and a six-time Emmy Award–winning PBS television show. He is also the author and illustrator of In New York, as well as the illustrator of Wild About Books, Born to Read, Zoozical, and Wild About You!, all by Judy Sierra, and Dancing Feet! and Farmyard Beat by Lindsey Craig.

Marc and his wife, the artist and psychologist Laurie Krasny Brown, live in New York City and on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts. You can visit him at MarcBrownStudios.com.

From School Library Journal:

PreS—Monkey draws on his supportive family to combat first-day-of-school jitters in this new picture book. His parents and big brother are very excited about kindergarten, but Monkey isn't so sure. Along with the usual list of worrisome "what ifs," Monkey doubts he even needs kindergarten. After all, he can count to 12, and he's pretty good with the alphabet. Brown's narrative models a family-centered approach to combating common preschool fears as Monkey and his family prepare together for the big day. Monkey plays teacher, demonstrating for his "students" (Mom and Dad) how to count, and they visit the library to read books about starting school. A playdate with some of his potential classmates gives him a chance to start making friends early, and the night before, Monkey helps get everything ready. Throughout, the emphasis is on Monkey as an active participant in the preparation, taking ownership of this new experience. He picks out his own lunchbox, helps pack his lunch, and even selects a favorite book to remind him of home. With his big, expressive eyes, Monkey is the center of Brown's vibrant spreads. Colored pencil and gouache illustrations and childlike hand lettering illuminate Monkey's personality and keep the story grounded in his perspective. VERDICT While not breaking any new ground, Brown's kid-centered perspective and accessible model for preparation make this title rise to the top of its class. A first purchase.—Chelsea Couillard-Smith, Hennepin County Library, MN

About this edition

• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 0553496581
• ISBN 13: 9780553496581
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32