We Share Everything!

Sylvia Pantaleo is an assistant professor of education specializing in
children’s literature at Queen’s University and the co-author of
Learning with Literature in the Canadian Elementary Classroom.

On the first day of kindergarten, Jeremiah wants Amanda’s book and
when she refuses to relinquish it, he behaves the way he does at home
with his little brother. Jeremiah’s scream and Amanda’s subsequent
stuffing of the book in his mouth result in the kindergarten teacher’s
reminding them that, “[t]his is kindergarten. In kindergarten we
share. We share everything.” She repeats these sentences about sharing
on each occasion she must “flutter” over to settle a disagreement
between Jeremiah and Amanda. And each time she speaks to Amanda and
Jeremiah, the number of flowers, birds, butterflies, and bees
surrounding the airborne kindergarten teacher increases. Only when
Jeremiah and Amanda actually follow the teacher’s instructions and
share by exchanging clothes, does the kindergarten teacher touch
“earth.” When the entire kindergarten class share their clothing,
the teacher faints.

Martchenko’s high-energy watercolors and detailed tableaux nicely
complement the text. Some readers may enjoy Munsch’s formulistic
simple, repetitive plot and read-aloud patterning. Other readers,
including this reviewer, may object to Munsch’s satirical treatment of
sharing and portrayal of kindergarten teachers. Like most of Munsch’s
work, this selection contains the ingredients of a chagrined adult,
stubborn children, and exaggerated situations. Not a first-choice
purchase.