King of the Classroom

About this book

It’s the first day at school for one little boy, and his mum and dad are determined that he be excited and happy about it. Mummy says her little boy is going to be King of the Classroom! Before he gets there, he’ll use a golden brush to clean Ye Royal Toothlets and eat a breakfast fit for a King.

Once at school, our kind, friendly king greets his kingdom cheerfully and takes a seat at the Round Table; important matters such as letters, numbers and shapes are discussed. At break time, the little boy is brave, like a king, and asks a little girl to play with him. Not only does she say yes, but she helps them fight a giant fire-breathing dragon! Finally, at the end of his first day at school, the King of the Classroom returns home to tell his subjects all about his amazing day.

This wonderfully empowering picture book for little ones not only assuages their possible fears about starting school or nursery but models a celebratory approach to the big day with an upbeat story about being confident. Barnes and Brantley-Newton’s book also features a black little boy as a protagonist and his supportive mum and dad, which is wonderful to see, especially in a picture book chronicling everyday life for little ones, where BAME families are still sadly under-represented.