Look How Much I've Grown in KINDergarten

Written by the kindergarten teacher and Instagram influencer affectionately known as the Tutu Teacher, comes a KINDergarten story about celebrating all the amazing ways children grow-- inside and out-- throughout the year.

Spring has sprung in KINDergarten! Flowers grow just outside the classroom. The trees are budding, and even baby birds begin to chirp, but Mason isn’t feeling very cheerful. Mason sees her friends getting better at everything, but she doesn’t think she can do anything right.  

But Mason's favorite teacher Ms. Perry has an idea... a growth chart! It’s not like other growth charts that measure how tall children grow, it’s a place for students to put how they each want to change and grow over the next few months. Sure, some students want to get taller, but others have different goals. Reynaldo wants to learn the sound of every letter in the alphabet, Irene wants to learn how to ride a bike without training wheels, and Mason, well Mason wants to grow in every way!

This reassuring story told by Vera Ahiyya and brought to life by Joey Chou's exuberant illustrations will help every young reader feel more comfortable in kindergarten by reminding them that we all shine in different ways. And as kind Ms. Perry says, “It is always ok to ask for help. Seeds don’t grow all on their own. They need the help of the sun, good soil and water to grow—— just like you!”

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.