Parents' Guide to

Colors

By Kevin McCaffrey, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

A series of rhythmic word-jazz poems.

Book Ken Nordine Poetry 2000
Colors Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 18+

Based on 1 parent review

mandy J.
mandy J. Parent of 8 and 13-year-old
November 30, 2017
age 18+

Colors Review by: Soccer Mom Mandy

OK... So I let my 13 son read this book... worst mistake I have ever made in my whole christian life!!!!!! This book talks about... FLESH!!!! And my son is not old enough to know about that type of thing!! BLOODY FLESH??????? This is unbelievably innapropriate for 8th graders!!!!!!!!!! I am so infuritated!!!!!!

This title has:

Great messages
Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
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What's the Story?

A series of rhythmic word-jazz poems explain the subtle differences within fifteen colors, incorporating emotions, situations, and the natural world. Drescher's art whimsically explodes off the pages--the perfect complement to this wildly conceptual package.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Ken Nordine's descriptive text deserves to be read out loud while listeners pore over Henrik Drescher's fascinating collages. In fact, one might read these poems and hear Nordine's own familiar NPR broadcast voice.

Adult children's-book collectors will love this book, but many children just won't get it. This book was read to children of various ages and sophistication levels, and although they all were immediately drawn in through the pictures, some of the concepts and subtle references went over their heads. Read it and share it with your kids, but don't expect them to return to it on their own.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about hues. What kind of "personality" do you think different colors and shades have? Do you ever think of other things (words, objects) as having personalities?

Book Details

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