Reading order
| # | Title | Published | Author | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Just For You! Low-down Bad-day Blues | 2004 | Derrick Barnes | Buy |
| 2 | Just For You!: Stop, Drop, And Chill | 2004 | Derrick Barnes | Buy |
| 3 | The King of Kindergarten | 2019 | Derrick Barnes | Buy |
| 4 | King of the Classroom | 2020 | Derrick Barnes | Buy |
| 5 | The Queen of Kindergarten | 2022 | Derrick Barnes | Buy |
| 6 | Like Lava in My Veins | 2023 | Derrick Barnes | Buy |
| 7 | Santa’s Gotta Go! | 2023 | Derrick Barnes | Buy |
| 8 | I Got You | 2025 | Derrick Barnes | Buy |
This collection of picture books from Derrick Barnes spans over two decades of his career. The earliest entries are the Just For You! early readers from 2004, which were among his first published works. More recent titles like The King of Kindergarten and The Queen of Kindergarten have become popular choices for read-alouds in classrooms and homes.
Barnes has a knack for writing picture book text that feels both lyrical and grounded. Books like Like Lava in My Veins and Santa’s Gotta Go! show his range, from emotional depth to outright silliness. His picture books tend to feature strong, confident kids facing relatable situations.