cover image ABC Ready for School: An Alphabet of Social Skills

ABC Ready for School: An Alphabet of Social Skills

Celeste C. Delaney, illus. by Stephanie Fizer Coleman. Free Spirit, $15.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-63198-174-6

New author Delaney draws on her background as an occupational therapist in this picture book, which uses the alphabet to introduce a series of social and emotional learning skills designed to prepare young children for kindergarten. Each page highlights a letter within a key word or phrase, followed by a description of how a child might experience the concept, and Coleman’s expansive cast of diverse children demonstrate it in action. (“Play./ You will play during your days at school./ You will use your imagination and pretend./ When you play games, you can help your team”). Other examples include “Move past mistakes,” “Be yourself... and be honest,” and “Express yourself.” Activities for young readers, as well as resources and information for caregivers, are included in the final pages. The blend of confident voice and positive tone renders this a pleasant primer. Ages 3–6. (Apr.)