The Colors of Us

Brief Description:
Seven-year-old Lena is going to paint a picture of herself. She wants to use brown paint for her skin, and learns that brown comes in many different shades. Through the eyes of a little girl who begins to see her world in a new way, this book celebrates the differences and similarities that connect all people. Full color.

Marc Notes:
Issued in paperback in 2002.; Seven-year-old Lena and her mother observe the variations in the color of their friends' skin, viewed in terms of foods and things found in nature.

Biographical Note:

Karen Katz has written and illustrated many books for children, including Can You Say Peace, My First Ramadan, Counting Kisses and Where is Baby's Belly Button. Long inspired by folk art from around the world, she was inspired to write her first book, Over the Moon, when she and her husband adopted their daughter from Guatemala, and she wanted to tell the story of welcoming Lena into their lives. Katz loves to paint and experiment with texture, color, collage and pattern. Besides an author and illustrator, she has been a costume designer, quilt maker, fabric artist and graphic designer. Katz and her family divide their time between New York City and Saugerties, New York.

A positive and affirming look at skin color, from an artist's perspective.

Contributor Bio:Katz, Karen
Karen Katz has written and illustrated many books for children, including The Colors of Us, Can You Say Peace, My First Ramadan, Counting Kisses and Where is Baby's Belly Button. Long inspired by folk art from around the world, she was inspired to write her first book, Over the Moon, when she and her husband adopted their daughter from Guatemala, and she wanted to tell the story of welcoming Lena into their lives. Katz loves to paint and experiment with texture, color, collage and pattern. Besides an author and illustrator, she has been a costume designer, quilt maker, fabric artist and graphic designer. Katz and her family live in New York.