HURRAY FOR PRE-K!

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)