A Colorful Beginning

This feels like two books smashed into one. Most of the first half is an introduction to different animal characters on their way to school. There is a distinct format and pacing to the first half of the book. Even the artwork is distinct. The pages are mainly white. The character is a sketch and color. However, the last pages are full color. In end all the critters are in the classroom adding and mixing together. Everything about this feels like two different books. One feels like the first book where they’re all on their way to school and the second book is what happens when they get to school. Except there’s nothing in between the two. It needs a break. It needs to end. I do like the artwork but going from the stark white to the show more full color is a choice. Also the font size changes between the first half and the second half. And the font size changes because the words almost quadruple from the first half of the book to the second. I like the first half of this book. The first half of this book is a great book. The second half is too wordy. Extremely repetitive. To say the red ladybug and the orange butterfly mix their red and orange color. It is repetitive and almost makes you want to stop reading. show less

This book had a great start with lots for kids to learn from and enjoy--color words, cute illustrated animals, and lots of chances for the reader to make fun sounds as they read the book out loud. However, once the animals got to school, this book then felt like it became a second book inserted into this one. We go from the colors of the animals and how they feel about school to colors of mixing paint. And somehow mixing paint colors is supposed to help them "learn how important they are, each in their own way." Unfortunately, the concept that's trying to happen here doesn't come across well and the audience this book is targeted for isn't going to get it.

A wonderful book to read to a child before they begin their first day of school, or to read to a class on their first day of school. It shows them that no matter what their differences they are all better together. Plus, you get the added bonus of teaching children about mixing colors. A win, win if you ask me.

This cute picture book is all about color. As you read this book to your youngest they learn about the color of certain animals. Then they learn what happens when two colors are blended together. They also learn the importance of sharing and celebrating differences. Cute, simple and educational.

A cute book for kids who are learning their colors. :) I enjoyed the illustrations a lot, but felt it was a bit long in some spots.

The green frog is preparing for her first day of school, but she is nervous, wondering what she will learn. Next, it’s time for the black ant. Finally, he packs his lunch and gets ready to go to school. Similarly, a spider, a squirrel, a ladybug, a butterfly, and many others prepare for their first day of school. Mr.Mole, their teacher, gives them a warm welcome and asks them to he asks everyone to paint something. Did they all paint, and what happened afterward?

We picked this book for its cover. The storyline talks about how many nervous students prepare for their first day of school and how they become friends by the end of the group activity and ease the tensions. The illustrations are dazzling and work really well with the show more storyline.

A Colorful Beginning by Raven Howell is a brightly illustrated book that will appeal to those looking to start their first day of school. show less

Great illustrations and a lovely story about sharing, building friendships and collaboration. Ideal book to read to our youngsters introducing colors and working together to achieve results. The story flowed well and keeps one reading to the end. Delightful drawings and illustrations.

I received a free copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Readers program