Carla B. (puppyluv) reviewed on + 552 more book reviews
Age Range: 5 to 8
From The Critics
Children's Literature
This delightfully illustrated verse introduces children to differences using color. From the inside front cover to the back cover, this book is filled with colorful drawings that will bring familiarity to the youngest reader. Children will see that the color of things is merely a difference to be noted but not used to limit. They are asked if the color of a cat makes him purr differently, or if the color of a spider would make him less scary. This is a book brimming over with happiness and positive imaging which makes it an excellent choice for preschool and daycare workers seeking to discuss differences with the younger child. Parents may also wish to add this book to their home library to help teach children about tolerance. Elementary media specialists will not want to overlook this author. Her books are bright, easy to read, and perfect for sharing during storytime.
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 1-At first glance, this lively look at colors seems like the hundreds of other concept books for this age group. However, no single color is named in the entire text. Instead, Siomades explores the relationship between colors and the identities and functions of familiar animate and inanimate objects. For example, "If I made the sun this color (blue), would it still be just as hot?" "If I made my beets this color (yellow), would they taste like beets or not?" Most importantly, the author asks, "What if I were not the color that I was meant to be...Would you still be my friend? Would you still like me?" The attractive illustrations are akin to Eric Carle's collages and feature such delights as a big aqua gorilla, a gray peacock, and the long neck of a blue giraffe. Children will think the book is one of those silly games where they can determine what is wrong with this picture, but some guidance will be necessary for them to get the subtle underlying message. This twist on the adage "You can't judge a book by its cover" will certainly add to discussions of how color applies to perceptions and preconceived ideas.-Torrie Hodgson, Burlington Public Library, WA
From The Critics
Children's Literature
This delightfully illustrated verse introduces children to differences using color. From the inside front cover to the back cover, this book is filled with colorful drawings that will bring familiarity to the youngest reader. Children will see that the color of things is merely a difference to be noted but not used to limit. They are asked if the color of a cat makes him purr differently, or if the color of a spider would make him less scary. This is a book brimming over with happiness and positive imaging which makes it an excellent choice for preschool and daycare workers seeking to discuss differences with the younger child. Parents may also wish to add this book to their home library to help teach children about tolerance. Elementary media specialists will not want to overlook this author. Her books are bright, easy to read, and perfect for sharing during storytime.
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 1-At first glance, this lively look at colors seems like the hundreds of other concept books for this age group. However, no single color is named in the entire text. Instead, Siomades explores the relationship between colors and the identities and functions of familiar animate and inanimate objects. For example, "If I made the sun this color (blue), would it still be just as hot?" "If I made my beets this color (yellow), would they taste like beets or not?" Most importantly, the author asks, "What if I were not the color that I was meant to be...Would you still be my friend? Would you still like me?" The attractive illustrations are akin to Eric Carle's collages and feature such delights as a big aqua gorilla, a gray peacock, and the long neck of a blue giraffe. Children will think the book is one of those silly games where they can determine what is wrong with this picture, but some guidance will be necessary for them to get the subtle underlying message. This twist on the adage "You can't judge a book by its cover" will certainly add to discussions of how color applies to perceptions and preconceived ideas.-Torrie Hodgson, Burlington Public Library, WA
