Royalty is a metaphor used to playfully describe what an African American boy’s experiences will be on his first day of kindergarten. When the boy awakens, the sun “sits and shines behind your head like a crown.” The child is called “King of Kindergarten” by his parents, who don’t emphasize any hierarchy, just affirmation throughout the upbeat narrative. The funny, future-tense voice of his father in the second-person narrative is also full of practical advice: “You will show your bravery at recess when you go up to one of your classmates and ask, 'Marie, do you wanna play with me?’” Bright, hand-drawn and digital artwork adds to the humor, in addition to showing the boy’s affirming, Afro-centric home and a diverse cast of children and adults in the community and at school. (Ages 3–7)

A New York Times bestseller!

A confident little boy takes pride in his first day of kindergarten, by the Newbery Honor-winning author of Crown.

The morning sun blares through your window like a million brass trumpets.It sits and shines behind your head--like a crown. Mommy says that today, you are going to be the King of Kindergarten!

Starting kindergarten is a big milestone--and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He's dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can't wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he's up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can't wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements--and then wake up to start another day.
     Newbery Honor-winning author Derrick Barnes's empowering story will give new kindergarteners a reassuring confidence boost, and Vanessa Brantley-Newton's illustrations exude joy.