The Queen of Kindergarten
#2 in The King of Kindergarten Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (454)
What’s inside...
A confident little Black girl has a fantastic first day of school in this companion to the New York Times bestseller The King of Kindergarten. MJ is more than ready for her first day of kindergarten! With her hair freshly braided and her mom's special tiara on her head, she knows she’s going to rock kindergarten. But the tiara isn’t just for show—it also reminds her of all the good things she brings to the classroom, such as her kindness, friendliness, and impressive soccer skills. Like The King of Kindergarten, this book is perfect for reinforcing excitement and building confidence in the newest students.
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt on her first day of kindergarten?
What does it mean to be a 'queen' in the context of this story?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like the character did?
What are some ways you can be kind at school?
Why do you think kindness is important?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set a positive tone by sharing your own kindergarten experiences, focusing on moments of kindness.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about starting or returning to school, relating them to the story.
Praise specific examples of kindness your child mentions, whether from their experiences or the book.
Discuss the character's actions and explore why they might have chosen to act kindly.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene, focusing on how the characters might be feeling.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Confidence Building
Explanation: The protagonist of 'The Queen of Kindergarten' portrays strong self-assurance as she navigates her first day of school. Her positivity and readiness to face new challenges emboldens her spirit throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by facing new situations at school or in social settings with a positive attitude, helping them to develop resilience and self-esteem.
Example Lesson: Kindness and Inclusivity
Explanation: The book emphasizes treating everyone with kindness and being inclusive, which is demonstrated through the protagonist's interactions with her classmates, making sure no one feels left out.
Real-World Application: Children learn to extend friendship to peers who might seem different or new, fostering an environment of acceptance and unity in real-life social scenarios.
Example Lesson: Importance of Preparation
Explanation: The story showcases how being prepared, like having school supplies ready and knowing what to expect, can ease anxiety on the first day of kindergarten.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to prepare for new experiences, whether it's packing their school bag the night before or rehearsing a presentation, to alleviate nervousness and enhance confidence.
Example Lesson: Embracing Learning
Explanation: The narrative highlights the excitement around learning new things, whether it's reading, playing, or interacting with others.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to approach learning with enthusiasm and curiosity, making educational activities joyful and rewarding.