The World Needs More Purple People

Penny tells the reader what kind of things make for a "purple person" -- being curious, asking questions, standing up for others, working hard, etc.

So I picked up this book almost entirely because I like the author's acting work. The title didn't speak to me so I was curious to see where it went. Most of the book is a very typical 'be kind' sort of book, not terribly different from many other books written that talk to young kids about being a good person.

However, I didn't really understand the "purple person" part and why that was needed as a descriptor for what otherwise just seemed like being a caring, considerate person. The premise seems to be that being purple is a state of mind, not an actual physical characteristic ... but why show more "purple"?

So I did a bit of digging and it seems to come from the idea of not caring if people are 'black, white, purple, or green.' A lot of people on the Internet seem mad that this book isn't properly tackling racism, although I'm not quite sure if that's really what it's trying to do ... ? There is one line that says, "PURPLE laughing helps us remember the things we share and forget what we thought made us different," that at first glance sounds soothing like we are all in harmony, but it also makes it seem like differences are bad, which they aren't necessarily.

The illustrations are interesting; I don't love the style per se, but I do like that they feature a diverse cast of kids and that there are funny little details in them like a book titled "Gargoyles Love Enchiladas," which seems like a reference (dig?) to the picture book "Dragons Love Tacos."

Final verdict is that I didn't love it but I didn't hate it. I see the concerns that people online expressed, but it also seemed like many of the people getting the angriest about this book didn't actually read it. I don't think I would recommend this title per se, but it wasn't as terrible as some folks were making it out to be (or as wonderful as some other folks were making it out to be!). show less

I know reviews are mixed online, but I loved this story. It may not have delved deep into racism like a lot of people expected, but I still thought it was a fantastic way to shine a light on kindness and being a helper and being true to yourself. I think it’s great to tell children to laugh and love and ask a ton of questions. The images were also adorable and full of snot and laughter.

This book sounds like Kristen Bell. It does have a co-author in Benjamin Hart, but it feels like Kristen Bell. The woman you see in interviews, in movies, on podcasts. This feels like her. The book is mainly about being yourself and helping others and the more you do that the more purple you become. That we are all better together when we help everyone else out. I love this. It’s a nice concept. The idea is there. I think it’s presented well. It is overly long. Something more used for school than Storytime necessarily. I think this book is well done with the speech variables versus the words of the story. The illustrator Daniel Wiseman has done a fantastic job. This book is fun from beginning to end.

I know there are a lot of critiques of this book because it seems like the authors are trying to exemplify color blindness in children, but I think it is about people first language. When learning about disabilities, the first thing you learn is to put the person first when naming the disability and I think this book highlights that by way of race. I can see the other point of views, but I also know through research and reading of the book that the authors simply want to show kids that your race should not matter, what matters is who you are and how you treat people. I will personally be putting this book in my classroom because I believe that kindness, curiousity, and generosity are important. Knowing what makes each other different is show more amazing and wonderful, but for young children the most importnant thing is that we show that our skin color differences don't matter as much as being a good person to all alike. I love how this book shows the reader that no matter what you can be a good person and being a good and kind person to everyone makes a huge difference. WIth all the division in the world, it is important for our children to know that we are all truly the same and our similarities are what join us, but our differences are what make us unique. show less

This story is written in such a clever way. Penny, the main character, asks the reader if they know how to be a purple person. Through a series of silly examples, Penny shows readers that to be a purple person they need to ask questions, laugh, use their voice, work hard, and be themselves. The story encourages readers to embrace others, work together, and be proud of who they are, just the way they are. The illustrations are vibrant and appealing. The story resonates with adults and children alike.

“The World Needs More Purple People” by Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart is a colorful and illustrative tale, walking through the instructions and steps to becoming a “purple person” and what a “purple person” is. It’s told in a funny and quirky manner, that encourages curiosity, engagement, discussion and exploration. “Purple questions are the kind that help you learn something really BIG about the world or something really small about another person” (Bell and Hart). This book shows what it means to be kind, curious and community/family oriented. It encourages accepting other’s differences and learning more about the world around you, and then using what you know and learn to speak up and find ways to be actively show more involved in making change. This book shows a diverse group of characters both with race, age, and culture. This book incorporates social-emotional learning, cultural acceptance, and fosters kindness and compassion for and with others. show less

This book brings about the realm of inclusion and representation of children's backgrounds. Through the author and illustrator's uses of "purple people". Within this aspect, each and every child who reads this book can identify within these realms. They can identify despite their own challenges with their backgrounds and cultures. I would recommend this book to really any age group. Any age group would be appropriate for this book because of the content, as inclusion and representation are two aspects that should be discussed at any age for children.