馬立平中文法 doesn't start pinyin till 3rd grade(If I remember correctly). Most Chinese schools start pinyin in 1st grade, so the kids won't mixed up with Phonics they are learning in K.
馬立平中文法 is harder than most other Chinese books, especially the higher grade level.
We use this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Chinese-Made-Easy-Textbook-Simplified/dp/9620425847
