From the moment I read the first line, I new this book would be filled with lyrical moments that explores the relationship between parent and child, child and the natural world, child and friends/family members, and child and their interior world.
When you ask me why your skin is brown,
I will tell you that you are my favorite color.
The author, Gillian Sze, is a poet, and the text’s lyricism and unexpected lines show this:
When you ask me why your skin is brown, I will compare
you to the sweetness of dates, and to the perfection of the
bottoms of freshly baked cookies.
The repeated phrase “When you ask me why your skin is brown…” and lovingly original responses, paired with delightful illustrations, make this book a perfect read aloud.
Activities:
Make a collage using pictures of your favorites things (cut from magazines or printed from the online images) that are different shades of brown.
Make origami brown butterflies, bunnies, or bears.
Pair this book with Magnificent Homespun Brown by Samara Cole Doyon, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita. How are the two books similar? How are they different?
Title: You Are My Favorite Color
Author: Gillian Sze
Illustrator: Nina Mata
Publisher: Philomel, 2022
Ages: Pre-k through early elementary
Themes: skin color, self esteem, parental love
For more perfect picture book recommendations, please visit Susanna Hill’s website.
Jilanne Hoffmann 
What a lovely theme with beautiful illustrations. This is a book all children will enjoy. Love how she works skin color into all of the colors of nature. Very lyrical and a sweet book to gift.
Yes, the narrative and illustrations work well together here to create a complete experience. Very well done!
I’m so glad she didn’t just focus on food, but like Patricia said worked in the colors of nature. I’m intriqued and looking forward to reading this. On my TBR list. Thanks!
Yes, there are a lot of allusions to nature and other things. I think you will enjoy it!