Title: Happy in Our Skin
Written by: Fran Manushkin
Illustrated by: Lauren Tobia
Published by: Candlewick Press, 2015
Themes/Topics: diversity, self-acceptance, skin
Suitable for ages: 2-5
Opening:
Look at you! You look so cute in your brand-new birthday suit. This is how we all begin: small and happy in our skin.
Synopsis:
This is a rollicking rhyming picture book for the very young on how wonderful it is to be born you and the amazing nature of our skin. It grows with us and heals and protects and comes in all sorts of colors and unique markings (freckles, birthmarks, dimples, scabs.) The book centers around a biracial family, with three young children who share their dad’s darker colored skin coloring but Tobia’s full cast is multiracial; kids in summer garb (more skin showing!) having fun in various city locations.
Why I like This Book:
Skin is a wonderful thing to explore and celebrate with children. This is a super fun way to share diversity with kids and which child hasn’t asked questions about itchy skin, freckles, colors etc The illustrations are boisterous and joyful and the urban setting is great for this diverse group of kids. I like the addition of the mom with glasses and one in a wheelchair in the title page, and a child in a wheelchair playing ball on the cover. This is a no-brainer for pre-K and toddler groups wanting to look at how wonderful it is to be you.
Activities/Resources:
Go around your group and find something different about every child’s skin (sunburn, scar, freckles…)
NB: The meter changes for spread to spread and while it flows well, if I were reading it to a class, I would pre-read it to get a feel for the text.
Each week a group of bloggers reviews picture books we feel would make great educational reads. To help teachers, caregivers and parents, we have included resources and activities with each of our reviews. A complete list of the thousands of books we have reviewed can be found sorted alphabetically and by topics, here on Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
This book looks wonderful! I’m going to look for a copy for my kindergarten class.
Great. If I was still working with the littlies I would use it myself.
What a sweet beginning! I look forward to reading this!
It draws you in, right?!
Love the opening. This is one I want to read!
A lovely pick!
I’m interested to see how in depth with the science this book goes. Thanks for pointing it out, Joanna. 🙂
Well it is pitch perfect for the target age, which can understand skin holding us in, healing of owies etc.
Howdy, Joanna! I just love this book…the rhythm and rhyme are so much fun. And the author has done a clever job of incorporating all the info into a story that flows and entertains while at the same time, educating us. Great share for PPBF. 😉
Right, it is rich in language, diversity and info.
Putting it on my list! Thanks for sharing!
I had the same thought as Wendy! 🙂 Thanks for bringing the book to our attention!
this sounds so fun! we are all born with our skin and need to figure out how to be comfortable in it…. and I love the freckles and scars…
This looks fabulous. Definitely picking this one up. Thanks, Joanna