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Mohrbooks Literary Agency
Sebastian Ritscher
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English
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OUR SKIN

Isabel Roxas Megan Madison Jessica Ralli

A First Conversation About Race

Based on the research that race, gender, consent, and body positivity should be discussed with toddlers on up, this read-aloud board book series offers adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way.
Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this topic-driven board book offers clear, concrete language and beautiful imagery that young children can grasp and adults can leverage for further discussion.

While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it's hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about issues like race and gender from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice.

This first book in the series begins the conversation on race, with a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult. Stunning art accompanies the simple and interactive text, and the backmatter offers additional resources and ideas for extending this discussion.

Jessica Ralli is the Coordinator of Early Literacy Programs at Brooklyn Public Library, where she develops and manages programming for BPL's award-winning First Five Years initiative. She received her MA in Early Childhood Special Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and previously taught in schools, childcare centers, and museums. She has written about early literacy and library services for young children in School Library Journal (where she co-authors the "First Steps" column with Rachel G. Payne) and has presented on play-based learning at the American Library Association Conference, Young Child Expo, and the Bank Street Center for Children's Literature.
Megan Pamela Ruth Madison is a lifelong student of radical Black feminism and an early childhood educator. She holds an MS in early childhood education from Dominican University and a BA in studies in religion from the University of Michigan. She is currently pursuing her PhD at Brandeis University's Heller School for Social Policy. When she's not working on finishing up her dissertation, she works as a trainer for the Center for Racial Justice in Education, the Human Root, and the New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute, facilitating workshops for teachers on race, gender, and sexuality.
Isabel Roxas is an author/illustrator, micro-publisher, ceramicist, and avid reader. She was born in Manila, Philippines, and was raised on luscious mangoes, old wives' tales, and monsoon moons. She now works in the backroom of an art gallery in Manhattan where she writes and illustrates stories, designs books, and creates small objects in clay and resin. Her illustrator credits include picture books Hello Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly (2018 Newbery medal winner), Let Me Finish! by Minh Lê (named an NPR Best Book of 2016) and Day at the Market by May Tobias-Papa (2010 winner of the Philippine National Book Award). Isabel is the founder of Little Big Time Press, where she publishes artist books and zines for children. She is also a frequent contributor to Babybug and Ladybug Magazine. Her work has been recognized by American Illustration, HOW Magazine, and 3x3 Magazine of Contemporary Illustration. Her debut comic book for young readers, The Adventures of Team Pom: SQUID HAPPENS, will publish in June 2021. Follow her on Twitter @studioroxas and Instagram @studioroxas.
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Book

Published 2021-05-25 by Rise x Penguin Workshop

Comments

A conversation starter for adults and children on race, racism, and what to do about it... The book skillfully tackles a broad range of topics, from identity terms to White supremacy, in direct and kid-friendly language. The nuanced summary of the different ways racism manifests is concrete and sure to spark important dialogue between children and the adults they read with... An accessible, important addition to any anti-racist bookshelf.

Constructing a book on this topic meant for young children is no easy feat. However, the book lives up to its promise by opening the door to rich conversations with explanations that are age-appropriate... This timely book is essential for all collections.

[A] fabulous book... Our Skin packs a great deal of information into its minimal pages while never becoming overwhelming.

OUR SKIN is a 2022 ALA Notable Children's Books (excluding the ALA award winners), which identifies "the best of the best in children's books"!

[A] vibrantly illustrated board-book for ages two through five about race, racism and loving the skin that your in.

Publishers Weekly (879.1k UVPM) included OUR SKIN in a roundup of "Books for Budding Activists": The first in this heavily researched board book series begins a conversation on race, with an approach that aims to support both the child and the adult. Backmatter offers additional resources and ideas for extending this discussion. Read more...

Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and injustice activism, Our Skin provides a great starting point for further conversations.

Motherly (864.4k UVPM) included OUR SKIN in a roundup of books to "Start Conversations Around Race and Cultural Understanding" - It's never too early to introduce your child to the topic of race, discrimination and cultural understanding. Read more...

Children and adults can come together over this book, which takes apart the meanings of race and skin color at the foundational level. It's a stepping stone on the path to understanding what it means to be human, with cheerful art and easy language.

[This] is the book we've been waiting for! Ralli, Madison, and Roxas did an incredible thing: they explained race and racism to young children, [and] also provided guidance to the adults who will read it to children.

Dutch: Rose ; Korean: Totobook

This accessibly written, adroit primer prompts the youngest readers to consider how skin tone relates to race and ethnicity, societal treatment, and justice... [C]learly emotive characters by Roxas, vibrantly rendered and digitally collaged, are of varying age, ability, religion, and skin tone. An ideal conversation starter for any child. Back matter relays opportunities for adults to begin talks about skin color, race-related observations, family diversity, identity terms, and more

If there were ever a concept that was difficult to break down into terms accessible to young children, it is the concept of race, so adults will welcome Our Skin for its ability to do just that.

OUR SKIN: A FIRST CONVERSATION ABOUT RACE is an Indie bestseller School Library Journal Best Books of 2021 Parents Magazine Best Books of 2021 AV Club's Best Picture Books of 2021 The News & Observer's Best Books of 2021 for Kids TODAY.com holiday gift guide