How to Be Confident in Kindergarten: A Book for Your Backpack

Cheerleading rhymes reinforce the importance of self-confidence in this upbeat kinder-companion. From making new friends and playing an unfamiliar game to singing on stage and doing show and tell, Steinberg affirms: “When you take a look in the mirror,/ who’s that kid looking your way?/ It’s a person who’s kind and thoughtful and smart/ and whose confidence grows every day.” Facing each stanza are candy-colored digital renderings that feature kids and caregivers of varied abilities and skin tones as they engage in activities such as stacking blocks, practicing handwriting, and making crafts. Comparing confidence-building to biking (“It may start out hard, but the more you ride,/ look how easy it suddenly feels!”), Steinberg and Hammond spotlight the importance of persistence in transforming uncertainty into assurance in this sprightly aid. Ages 3–5. (May)