All the Colors of the Earth

Sheila Hamanaka has managed to turn difference of color into pure poetry. In "All of the Colors of the Earth," she begins: "Children come in all the colors of the earth" and describes what she means both in gorgeous illustrations and soaring poetry.

The softly-colored pictures by the author/illustrator show the similarities between the diversity of color on the planet, and those who inhabit it. For example, one girl is described as having a complexion like the "crackling russets of fallen leaves." Two little boys playing on the beach have skin the color of "the tinkling pinks of tiny seashells by the rumbling sea." All children, she avers, no matter what color, are united by love, for "love is amber and ivory and ginger and sweet." show more "Children come in all the colors of love, In endless shades of you and me."

Evaluation: This book celebrates difference, and encourages kids to see it as part of nature itself, and as beautiful. show less

This book jumped out at me with its beautiful illustrations and flowing, poem-like quality. I love how the author-illustrator, Sheila Hamanaka, includes curved, flowing text and muted colors that resemble watercolors; both make the book calming. The book is an "echo structure;" it has the same first line and last line: "Children come in all the colors of the earth and sky and sea." The body text of the book includes beautiful metaphors, similes, onomatopoeia and personification to describe the shades of children across the earth. For example: "The whispering golds of late summer grasses, And crackling russets of fallen leaves, The tinkling pinks of tiny seashells by the rumbling sea." Overall, this is a gorgeous book that celebrates the show more diversity of children and rejoices in their reveling in the beauty of life and the earth. show less

Hamanaka, Sheila. All the colors of the Earth. (2007). New York: Weston Woods Studio.

This story was inspired by the author’s children’s multi-ethnic heritage. The story starts by stating that children come in all the colors of the earth and it names colors of animals and things in nature, while in the background can be heard realistic sounds made by those animals and things. Then the story compares love and objects and colors in nature. The narration by Crystal Talietero is expressive and gentle and expresses the wonder of children, nature, and love. There is also jaunty background music that sets a happy mood but doesn’t distract from the story. After the story ends, the narrator and children sing the words of the book.

I had to show more re-listen to the story two times to see if there were patterns and/or connections between the animals, objects and human features listed. I found it very easy to get a clear idea of the tone and theme of love and joy in children from the narrator’s voice, the background music, and sound effects, and key words, such as colors, glows, crackling, and love. However, I wished I had the additional input of the print book’s pictures to get the full impact of this picture book. I also found myself trying to imagine what the pictures in the book looked like, how color was used, and what style of drawing was used. Listening to this picture book instead of reading it and looking at the pictures was on the one hand satisfying because of the soothing voice, happy music and fun sound effects. On the other hand, I really missed seeing the pictures. It would have been ideal to look at the book while I listened to the audio book. show less

A celebration of the variety of skin tones in humans and their equivalents in nature.

One of those books where I like the point of it, but I also find it's rah-rah inspirational tone exceedingly boring to read.

FOR REFERENCE:

#1541 in our old book database. Rated: Indifferent.
Rated "Indifferent" by Adelia.

This book is very interactive yet at the same time shows the different cultures and backgrounds that we as humans all come from. I loved this book because it is fun and the illustrations are great.

I am a first grade teacher and I use this book in my clasroom every year. It celebrates the beauty of all skin colors, hair colors and eye colors. This book teaches children that they are beautiful and that the people around them (even those who look very different from them) are beautiful as well! The small amount of text makes it short and easy to read, so the focus of a child's attention can be on the message of the book.

Lovely poem with terrific pictures. Don't expect a story or a sing-song rhyme. Instead, read it for a celebration of childhood... any childhood, not just the one that your little is enjoying.

Ah, I can't say it well. Just know that it's a strong 4 star read for me, and a strong recommendation for families.