Brown
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
Stands out for positive messages and positive role models.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Brown offers a poetic celebration for the many shades of the color and its loving nature. The book was created by two women of color. Author and poet Nancy Johnson James spotlights the love held between members of a diverse family, whose beautiful skin tones are brought to life by illustrator Constance Moore. The story emphasizes the distinctive qualities of each family member, as characterized by their special shade in the brown rainbow, truly honoring and idealizing what it means to be a brown family.
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What's the story?
The color BROWN, and all of its unique shades, are praised in this love letter to the main character's family. A brown-eyed boy, the color of gingerbread, affectionately labels each of his family member's skin shades with creative names. Each hue of brown, from cinnamon, to chocolate, to copper, is celebrated for it's perfection. The boy explores how his family may look different but are connected by their sincere love for one another.
Is it any good?
In this perfectly illustrated ode to a family's love and interconnectedness, diversity is acknowledged in a special way. Brown gives children of color the opportunity see a reflection of themselves and their family members on the pages. The author includes several similes that facilitate creative thinking and categorization skills for young readers. The watercolor and crayon drawings bring a sense of familiarity and warmth to the pages. The beautiful nature of the color brown is equated to "many shades of love."
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the characteristics of the folks in Brown. What makes them different from and the same as members of their family?
What color would you call your skin's hue? Could you name the color after a food, something in nature, or a toy?
Draw or paint portraits of you and your family members. Pay special attention to all of their unique features.
Book details
- Author: Nancy Johnson James
- Illustrator: Constance Moore
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
- Publication date: September 15, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 3 - 5
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: December 2, 2020
Our editors recommend
For kids who love self-esteem books and tales of Black and Brown kids
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