Kindergarten Gets Ready is an exemplary back-to-school book with a clever focus: what happens as a teacher prepares his classroom before the school year starts. After Mr. Bee bikes to school, he opens up his dark, deserted room, where he sees stacks of chairs and boxes of supplies. Naomi Danis’ text is simple and straightforward, letting Pete Oswald’s wonderful illustrations invite young readers into this process. As Mr. Bee gazes around his classroom, the text notes: “He has a lot of work to do.” With a beard, big glasses and graying hair, this kindhearted professional looks ready for anything.
From the start, there is much to see. Mr. Bee is accompanied by the class guinea pig, Yoshi, and readers will enjoy searching for his whereabouts on each spread. As Mr. Bee does various tasks—dusting, sweeping, unpacking books, shelving games and puzzles—the classroom becomes increasingly bright and cheery. Even the most nervous young students will likely be intrigued by the prospect of the year’s many activities.