Description
A child who looks different from her mother finds beauty and belonging in this new book from the creator of the New York Times bestseller I Sang You Down from the Stars
Izzy’s favorite place to be is in Mama’s arms—skin to skin, safe and warm. One night, cuddled up on Mama’s lap, Izzy notices something she’s never noticed before: her skin is the color of chocolate, but Mama’s skin is the color of sand.
When Izzy realizes she’s different from Mama in other ways, too, she feels sad and confused. She wants to be beautiful like Mama! But Mama addresses Izzy’s disappointment with a gentle, loving refrain: You’re part of me, and I’m part of you. I’m beautiful like me, and you’re beautiful like you. Finding lessons from nature and repeating her affirming message, Mama encourages Izzy to see her own unique beauty.
This story about a multiracial child navigating identity and belonging draws from author Tasha Spillett’s own experience growing up as an Afro-Indigenous girl. Lyrical text and warm, lively illustrations show Izzy’s journey as she learns to celebrate the differences that make her uniquely beautiful, and the connection to her mother that transcends physical traits.
Author Bio
New York Times–bestselling author Tasha Spillett, PhD, (she/her/hers) draws her strength from both her Inninew and Trinidadian bloodlines. She is a celebrated Afro-Indigenous educator, poet, and emerging scholar. Tasha is most heart-tied to contributing to community-led work that centres on land and water defence, and the protection of Indigenous women and girls. Her books include the award-winning graphic novel series Surviving the City and the celebrated children’s book, I Sang You Down from the Stars. @TashaSpillett
SALINI PERERA has been making art for as long as she can remember. Now, she gets to make art for picture books—a lifelong dream come true. She was born in Sri Lanka and grew up in Scarborough, Ontario. She lives in Toronto with her husband Michael and their three cats, Victoria, Albert, and Alice.
Video Media
Prizes
- American Indians in Children’s Literature Best Book of 2022Commended 2022
- CBC Kids ReadsJoint winner 2023
- Ontario Library Association Top Ten Best Bets ListCommended 2022
- FOLD Kids Book-of-the-MonthCommended 2023
- Toronto Public Library First and Best ListCommended 2023
- A Loan Stars Jr. Top 10 SelectionCommended 2022
- Teacher Favorites AwardCommended 2023
- A CBC Best Canadian Picture Book of 2022Commended 2022
Review Quotes
"Readers will be touched by the bond between mother and daughter. The illustrations are also warm and reveal the tenderness between the two."
— Booklist"The key takeaway for us was the ability to recognize that everyone is beautiful – even if their beauty is different than ours."
— The Canadian Homeschooler"Spillett’s quiet text strikes a steady rhythm of call and response: Izzy’s uncertainties and her mother’s answering refrain that celebrates rather than dismisses the pair’s differences ... A lovely accompaniment to any cuddle."
— Kirkus Reviews - STARRED REVIEW"This could give rise to story hour discussions of differences that matter and those that do not ... [A] sweet portrait of a mother-daughter relationship."
— School Library Journal"A must read for all families and early childhood settings."
— Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database