
By Katie Kissinger, Chris Bohnhoff (Illustrator)
Discover the science and beauty behind our diverse skin colors.
Explore the vibrant world of skin tones with a bilingual book that explains the science of melanin and ancestry. Through colorful photographs, children learn to embrace diversity and challenge stereotypes. Unique activities encourage deeper conversations about identity and acceptance, fostering a positive understanding of our rich, varied world.
"People have many different colors of skin. Even though we often say the words, 'He is black,' or 'She is white,' all of us have skin that is a different shade of brown."
— from the book
The essential resource for 20 years! Celebrate the essence of one way we are all special and different from one another–our skin color! This bilingual (English/Spanish) book offers children a simple, scientifically accurate explanation about how our skin color is determined by our ancestors, the sun, and melanin. It’s also filled with colorful photographs that capture the beautiful variety of skin tones. Reading this book frees children from the myths and stereotypes associated with skin color and helps them build positive identities as they accept, understand, and value our rich and diverse world. Unique activity ideas are included to help you extend the conversation with children. Katie Kissinger, MA, is an author, activist, educator for social justice, and an early childhood education college instructor. She is founder and a board member of Threads of Justice Collective, an informal group of educators who work together to promote social and cultural justice for all children and families. Katie lives near Portland, Oregon. Chris Bohnhoff earned a degree in English from Carleton College and then attended the Rocky Mountain School of Photography. Chris takes pictures in his hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and beyond.
What color skin do you have? What color skin do others in your family have? Can't find the right color? Do the activity in the back and mix up paint to get the closest color, and try to find a name for it.
As you go through the book, point out the skin color of each person featured in the book as well. What else do you notice about their appearance? Who is in their family?
Talk about your ancestors. Where did they come from? If you don't know, can you guess based on the color of your skin?
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Top contributors: Kathy Ellen Davis · Marmee · B is for Bookworm