Hurray for pre-K!

School Library Journal

PreS-A colorful photographic introduction to a day at preschool. Unfortunately, the brief sentences describing the daily activities (playing, singing, snacking, painting, reading, etc.) are often simplistic and awkward ("We eat snack./eat eat eat"). A verb is highlighted on each double spread: first printed at the top of the page and then emphasized in a contrasting color within the text. In addition to several large photos of the busy children, one cropped picture accompanied by the featured word appears repeatedly at the bottom of each right-hand page. The pictures lend themselves to discussion, such as one for the word "feel," which shows a teacher rushing to help an almost tearful boy. The endpapers are covered with children's paintings of flowers. Supplemental fare.- Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|

Kirkus Reviews

Colorful photographs combined with brief text give young readers a taste of pre-kindergarten. Senisi's (Reading Grows, 1999) photo-journal follows a group of children through the course of an ordinary day at preschool. A series of pictures, each grouped according to theme, focus on children participating in a multitude of fun, familiar activities: dress-up, reading, snack time, singing, painting, and so on. Each two-page spread features a single word, printed in large block letters, that summarizes an action or emotion. Placed directly below that is a short sentence or two which incorporate the highlighted word. Lively photographs depict a multicultural group of children engaging in related activities. Three smaller, identical pictures, excerpted from one of the larger photos, are located on the bottom of the facing page, with the featured word inserted between each picture. Senisi's text ranges from pragmatic to philosophical. The declaration "BE. I can be myself in Pre-K" is accompanied by a photo-collage of the children's faces, reflecting their individual personalities and emotions—thoughtful, joyous, intent. Senisi is careful to present a well-rounded view of preschool, making certain to incorporate the many emotions a child may experience. In the section for feeling, she reassures readers that if they should feel sad, they can ask for help. Ideal for the very young, this simple, direct book focuses on concepts already familiar to readers and puts them into the framework of a day at school. A vibrant, honest book that will soothe anxious newcomers and generate enthusiasm for their exciting foray into academia. (Picture book. 2-5)