Today we read "All the Colors of the Earth" by Sheila Hamanaka. A few weeks ago, we read "The Colors of Us" by Karen Katz. Both books are delightful with wonderful illustrations and meaning on the difference of our skin colors.
Here are some brief insight:
All the Colors of the Earth
Here are some brief insight:
All the Colors of the Earth
- written in a more poetic style and linked our skin colors to the beauty of planet earth
- illustrations are soft and rich in color - a pastel feel to it
- younger children (age 5 and under) will not fully understand the meaning behind it
The Colors of Us
- written in short sentences - easier to understand
- illustrations are more bright and colorful - simple strokes and appeal more to kids
- compare our skin colors to food and daily items - easy for kids to relate
- younger children might understand the meaning behind it better
- link all the different colors via our nationality - a good way to teach children about race and shades of colors together (a good art concept)
Both books are nicely done, but I do prefer "The Colors of Us" a little more for I have two younger children. I also love the art concept added into the book. As I discuss with my three children, I can see how the oldest one was able to recognize more shades of colors and link it more with things around us while the younger ones were eager to ask questions and explore the difference in colors.
"All the Colors of the Earth" might be better for older children as they can appreciate the poetic and illustrations better. I like to do crafts after reading certain books. It has been my goal to point out the use of different techniques in children's book illustration for my children to copy and explore.