Common Sense Media Review
By Tracy Moore
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Warm book guides preschoolers through kindergarten nerves.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Monkey is about to start kindergarten, but he's not sure he's ready. What if he forgets the alphabet? Or the snacks have peas in them? Or he doesn't make new friends? As his mom and family listen to his worries, Monkey goes through all his fears one by one until it's time for the big day, and he soon learns that preparation helps and his fears are unfounded.
Is It Any Good?
This gentle book has a simple premise and a simple message: Kindergarten is a big deal, but it's all going to be OK. Even the most prepared preschoolers have some anxiety about this new experience, and it's all covered in MONKEY: NOT READY FOR KINDERGARTEN: fear of not making friends, of not having a nice teacher, of not having familiar surroundings, of not knowing what you're supposed to know. But with the soft illustrations in colored pencil and goauche and simple, well-described fears, the book sets minds at ease by showing kids the way preparedness is as essential to new experiences as a positive outlook in a supportive environment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about starting kindergarten. What do you think it will be like?
Do you have worries about starting kindergarten that are the same as Monkey's? If not, how are they different?
Parents and older kids can share their memories of starting kindergarten.
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Marc Brown
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Knopf Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : June 23, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 7
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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