Books for the public schools....yes or no?

I wouldn't worry about it for kinder. Seconding the "What your Kinder Needs to Know" book, and then read lots of good stuff from the library. There are lots of free things out there - google "homeschool freebie of the day" to find a resource that has lots of stuff that you can access on the internet or download to your computer.

Ambleside Online has suggestions, (if you are a fan of Charlotte Mason) much of which you can get from the library. There are math worksheet sites (I have one who loves worksheets) and lots of science and history places. As well as art and music.

I am using a text book for my older kids (1st, 4th and 6th) for our state history. I am reading it to them, but mostly we are doing lots of field trips as that is the stuff that will help them to remember and make the stuff I read relevant. Much, I must say, is over the head of my youngest, but some things, based on our personal situation, he probably understands better than the 7th graders that the book is intended for.

But kinder books? Nah. Kinder kids write in most of their books, so you would probably have to buy them anyhow. Look for the Brain Quest workbooks and see what you think of them - I have heard good reviews of it. Of course, you do want to do lots of hands on fun stuff too.