Author: Karen Katz
Illustrator: Karen Katz
Publisher: Owlet Paperbacks; October 1, 2002
Suitable for: 4 and up
Themes/Topics: Multiculturalism, Diversity awareness, Acceptance
Opening: My name is Lena, and I am the seven I am the color of cinnamon. Mom says she can eat me up.
Book Summary: Seven-year-old Lena is going to paint a picture of herself. She wants to use brown paint for her skin. But when she and her mother take a walk through the neighborhood, Lena learns that brown comes in many different shades. Through the eyes of a little girl who begins to see her familiar world in a new way, this book celebrates the differences and similarities that connect all people.
Links to resources:
Author Activity
Extended activities
Before and After activities from Teach Peace Now
Lesson on Diversity: Similarities and Differences
Why I like this book:
This book is a “magically delicious” tale that celebrates diversity in our homes and communities. I love how the author uses tasty and yummy comparisons to showcase the variety of tones and hues of our skin like 'creamy peanut butter' 'cinnamon' and 'chocolate'. This book is great not just for biracial or children of color but every child will love the bold illustrations as they follow Lena as she moves about her community.
2 comments:
This sounds completely precious! I love that she discovers how many shades of brown there are. It sounds like an excellent self-awareness book.
This book sounds so lovely. Thank you for posting!
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