KINDergarten

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3

Written by kindergarten teacher and Instagram influencer affectionately known as the Tutu Teacher, comes a picture book about a class that creates a kindness pledge to ensure that their class is the kindest it can possibly be.

It’s the first day of Kindergarten and Leo isn’t at all ready. Leo is a quiet kid and would prefer to stay home. Over the summer, his new teacher, Ms. Perry sent a letter asking her students to think about how to show kindness in school. She explained that they would be making a kindness pledge, and each student should bring one way to show kindness on the first day.

As it turns out, Leo’s classmates have lots of ideas about kindness: like raising your hand, never leaving anyone out, and apologizing if you hurt someone’s feelings. At the end of the first day, Ms. Perry asks if anyone witnessed something they’d like her to add to the kindness pledge? Lots of hands shoot up in the air. Several classmates say they noticed Leo returning crayons to the box, holding the door for everyone, and helping a friend who fell. Leo smiles as he realizes he really does know a lot about kindness after all. 

A story reassuringly told by Vera Ahiyya and brought to exuberant life by illustrator Joey Chou, this story about a classroom coming together to make a kindergarten into a KINDergarten is sure to calm the nerves –and offer inspiration—to new kindergartners and the adults in their lives.

About the Author

Vera Ahiyya has taught Kindergarten and first grade for the last 15 years in Austin, Boston, and Brooklyn. Vera’s online presence is dedicated to influencing other educators by spreading her vast knowledge and love of diverse children’s books. Vera’s unwavering commitment to social justice and diversity is also the focal point of her professional development presentations for other educators. Vera lives in Brooklyn with her husband Lonnell and her dog, Mozi.

JOEY CHOU is an animation artist and children’s book illustrator. He has illustrated the Little Golden Books I’m a Reindeer, ’m a Ballerina, I’m a Unicorn, I’m a Dragon, and I’m a Narwhal.

illustrator site: joeyart.com Instagram: choochoojoey

Author Residence: Brooklyn, NY

JOEY CHOU is an animation artist and children's book illustrator. He has illustrated the Little Golden Books I'm a Reindeer, 'm a Ballerina, I'm a Unicorn, I'm a Dragon, and I'm a Narwhal. illustrator site: joeyart.com Instagram: choochoojoey  

Illustrator Residence: Los Angeles