Amie Rose Rotruck (Children's Literature)
Before children go to kindergarten they accomplish many things. All the accomplishments of every age from newborn to five is outlined. From drinking juice from a red sippy cup to getting a big bed, from pedaling a tricycle to blowing bubbles--children learn so many things as they grow up. By age five, they are ready for kindergarten and can do all sorts of things. This book falls into the category of a “children’s book written more for grown-ups than children.” Despite the title, kindergarten only comes into the story on the very last page. Also, the last line implies that ALL children go to kindergarten at age five, which is not the case. The poetry does not always follow the same cadence or rhyme structure. The plot is very thin and a bit too syrupy for children to ever really enjoy. 2006, G.P. Putnam’s Sons/Penguin, $15.99. Ages 4 up.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, March 1, 2006 (Vol. 74, No. 5))
This cute-as-a-button cub has achieved a lot on his way to kindergarten. Not, as the title seems to indicate, on a meandering walk to the schoolyard, but rather over the five years leading up to his exciting entrTe. From newborn forward, the snappy, rhyming text extols milestones such as, to start with, burping and crying. But at one year the cub is pulling himself up and trying to eat ants. Later he's learning to pedal a tricycle, drawing, brushing his own teeth, singing the ABC song and dancing along, buckling his own seat belt and paddling the length of the pool. Careful observers will watch for the cub's unmentioned mouse pal on every page. The oil pastels give vibrancy and soft lines to the action populated by an array of adorable young animals. The simple buoyancy of the text will help create positive anticipation for starting school. For toddlers, each of the cub's successes is something to aim for, and older kids can applaud how far they have come themselves. 2006, Putnam, 32p, $15.99. Category: Picture book. Ages 3 to 5. © 2006 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Fall 2006)
This enjoyable rhyme lists the achievements of a young bear who learns new skills year by year until it's time to start kindergarten. "You're cool, smart, and funny; you know things galore... / 'Cause now you are FIVE / and a baby no more!!!!!" Illustrations in glowing colors portray a jaunty bear who looks suitably proud of all those accomplishments. Category: Preschool. 2006, Putnam, 32pp, 15.99. Ages 2 to 5. Rating: 3: Recommended, satisfactory in style, content, and/or illustration.

Bethany Powell (The Lorgnette-Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 19, No. 4))
In this book, Bear remembers all of the milestones he has accomplished each year of his life. Now that he is five, he will go to kindergarten! While reading this book, children will enjoy thinking about what they have learned each year. The illustrations are bright and colorful. I highly recommend this book for any pre-k or kindergarten classroom. It will also be a hit with parents of young children as they watch their children grow up and get ready for kindergarten. Fiction, Highly Recommended. Grades PreK-K. 2006, Putnam, Unpaged., $15.99.