The Colors of Us

Last updated Monday, January 5, 2004

Author: Karen Katz
Illustrator: Karen Katz
Date of Publication: 1999
ISBN: 0805058648
Grade Level: Kindergarten
Date(s) Used: January 2004

Synopsis: "My name is Lena and I am seven. I am the color of cinnamon. Mom says she could eat me up." Lena is going to paint a picture of herself. She wants to use brown paint for her skin. But when Lena and her mother take a walk through their neighborhood, Lena sees that there are many different shades and tones of brown. Seen from an artist's point of view, skin colors are subtle, varied--and cause for celebration!

Discussion topics:

• What are the colors of the people in the group -­ Use foods to describe.
• What kinds of foods are brown? White? Yellow? Red? Make a list on the board.

Craft ideas:

• Trace everyone’s hands onto paper, and color in as in the book.
• Draw your family portrait with the different colors.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don’t have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!