The Colors of Us

In 'The Colors of Us,' seven-year-old Lena embarks on a delightful journey of self-discovery and community observation. As she prepares to paint a self-portrait, she initially thinks of her skin as simply 'brown.' Her mother takes her on a walk through their diverse neighborhood, where Lena meets friends and neighbors, each with their own unique and beautiful skin tone, from 'cinnamon' to 'honey' to 'chocolate milk.' This heartwarming story, inspired by author Karen Katz's own adopted daughter, gently teaches children about the rich variety of human skin colors, fostering acceptance, empathy, and a positive self-image. It's a wonderful tool for discussing diversity and celebrating what makes each person special.

A positive and affirming look at skin color, from an artist's perspective. Seven-year-old Lena is going to paint a picture of herself. She wants to use brown paint for her skin. But when she and her mother take a walk through the neighborhood, Lena learns that brown comes in many different shades. Through the eyes of a little girl who begins to see her familiar world in a new way, this book celebrates the differences and similarities that connect all people. Karen Katz created The Colors of Us for her daughter, Lena, whom she and her husband adopted from Guatemala six years ago.