KINDERGARTEN GETS READY

A meticulous tour of classroom preparation.

Mr. Bee, a trim, bespectacled, brown-skinned teacher in a cozy red cardigan and white sneakers, transforms his packed-up classroom into an inviting learning environment over the course of a week. Oswald’s gouache and colored pencil artwork radiates calm competence as Mr. Bee opens windows, sweeps floors, arranges books spine out, and organizes blocks, dress-up clothes, and art supplies into clearly labeled spaces. The text remains refreshingly spare—just enough to anchor each task without overwhelming young viewers who will want to linger over every detail in each illustration. Oswald uses horizontal lines to depict shelving and furniture, creating stability and order, while cheerful pennant banners and a rainbow alphabet rug introduce movement and energy. Warm earth tones dominate the palette, punctuated by colorful classroom objects including rainbow-colored chairs and school supplies. Mr. Bee’s friendly demeanor (his gentle smile never wavers) and methodical approach model both care and capability. Sharp-eyed readers will track class hamster Yoshi throughout, adding treasure-hunt appeal. The final spread’s arrival of diverse, eager students validates all this loving preparation—and implicitly reassures anxious youngsters that grown-ups are working hard to make their new school feel safe and welcoming.

A pitch-perfect antidote to first-day-of-school anxiety that celebrates thoughtful educators and organized spaces.