What Color Is Caesar?

In Maxine Kumin's gentle chapter book, 'What Color Is Caesar?', a lovable black and white dog named Caesar grapples with a fundamental question of identity: Is he primarily white with black spots, or black with white spots? His quest leads him to consult other black and white animals, from skunks to zebras, each offering a perspective that only adds to his confusion. This sweet story subtly explores themes of self-perception, belonging, and the unique qualities that make each individual special. It's a wonderful read-aloud for younger children and an accessible independent read for early elementary students, sparking conversations about how we see ourselves and how others see us.

Caesar sets out to discover if he is a white dog with black spots or a black dog with white spots, but asking other black and white creatures only confuses him further.