Before Colors Where Pigments and Dyes Come from

Name: Before Colors Where Pigments and Dyes Come from
ISBN: 9781419757068

by Annette Bay Pimentel

For the curious child who wonders how everyday things came to be, this book reveals the fascinating history and science behind the colors we see, from ancient dyes to modern pigments.

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About This Book

A parent would reach for this book when their curious child starts asking not just 'what' but 'how' and 'why' about the world, particularly the vibrant colors in their art supplies or clothes. This fascinating nonfiction book uncovers the secret history of color, explaining how for centuries, pigments were sourced from surprising places like crushed insects, rare minerals, and delicate flowers. It masterfully blends science, history, and art, nurturing a child's natural sense of wonder and creativity. Perfect for independent readers aged 8 to 12 or for a shared family read, it encourages kids to see the extraordinary stories hidden within ordinary things, fostering a deeper appreciation for both nature and human ingenuity.

Curiosity & Wonder Art & Creativity History Science Experiments Nature & Outdoors Creativity & Imagination

What Parents Should Know

Sad ThemesMild

Factual descriptions of animals (insects, snails) being killed in large numbers to create dyes.

Sensitive Topics

The book deals with historical practices that involved killing animals to create dyes. For example, it describes harvesting thousands of murex snails for Tyrian purple and cochineal insects for carmine red. The approach is factual, scientific, and historical, not gratuitously graphic. It presents these facts as part of the process without dwelling on animal cruelty, but the information is direct. There is no religious content.