ALA Booklist (Fri May 27 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

On MJ's first day of kindergarten, Momma places a sparkly tiara atop the little Black girl's freshly braided hair, crowning her the new Queen of Kindergarten. She follows this with some helpful advice, telling MJ to be caring, kind, helpful, and a bright spot in the classroom. Daddy drops MJ off at school, where she meets her teacher, Ms. Lovingood. In class MJ is put in charge of opening the window blinds for the week, giving her the chance to literally brighten the room. MJ keeps her mother's words in mind throughout the day, comforting a girl who feels homesick and helping a boy pick up the blocks after playtime. MJ is such a queen! Brantley-Newton brings the fun of King of Kindergarten (2019) back in this companion book's vibrant illustrations and racially diverse characters. MJ's kindness and self-assuredness set a wonderful example for readers, who may also be preparing to expand their worlds, whether attending school or participating in a new group activity. A great choice for combating first-day jitters and building confidence.

Horn Book (Mon Feb 06 00:00:00 CST 2023)

This companion to The King of Kindergarten (rev. 9/19) stars MJ Malone, all ready to go in her first-day-of-school outfit (polka dots, denim, and stripes), with rainbow-colored hair bands on freshly done braids, and her mom's sparkly tiara: "I wore this on my first day of school...But today -- you will become the Queen of Kindergarten." According to MJ's conversational first-person text, queenly behaviors include: kindness, caring, and helpfulness, all traits that she displays throughout the school day. More outgoing and self-confident than some of her classmates, MJ gives a new friend a comforting hand-squeeze, helps tidy up the classroom -- shown in Brantley-Newton's friendly, colorful, textured illustrations as a most appealing, child-centric place to be -- and chooses a familiar storytime read-aloud about "a boy getting a royal haircut" (Barnes's Crown, rev. 11/17). Back at home, MJ shares her "perfect" first day with her loving family members, eager to hear all about it, and then she gets ready for bed -- still sporting the tiara. There's no royal drama; from beginning to end, this matter-of-factly reassuring first-day-of-kindergarten story depicts a supportive family, a self-confident protagonist, an expert teacher, and new friends -- all set to have a great school year. Elissa Gershowitz

Kirkus Reviews

Barnes and Brantley-Newton team up for a follow-up to The King of Kindergarten (2019).From the very first page, it's clear that young MJ Malone is ready to face the world-and school. Once Mom bestows her with a glittery tiara and dubs her the queen of kindergarten, MJ is determined to fulfill her duties-brighten up every room she enters, treat others with kindness, and offer a helping hand. Barnes infuses each page with humor and a sense of grace as the immensely likable MJ makes the most of her first day. Barnes' prose is entertaining and heartwarming, while Brantley-Newton's vivid and playful artwork will be easily recognizable for anyone who's seen her work (Grandma's Purse, 2018; Becoming Vanessa, 2021). The illustrator adds verve to the bold young heroine's character-from the colorful barrettes to the textured appearance of her adorable denim jumper, the girl has style and substance. MJ Malone embodies the can-do spirit every parent hopes to spark in their own children, though even shy kindergarteners will gladly find a friend in her. MJ and her family are Black; her classroom is diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.)Just the thing to get uncertain youngsters jazzed for a first day-at school or anywhere. (Picture book. 4-6)