December is here, my dear friends. I’ve always looked forward to this time of year – the joy of holiday celebrations – the quiet moments of reflection as I think back on what I’ve done and look ahead to what I still want to accomplish.
But it’s been a very difficult year for our country. And there is trouble in so many parts of the world. Perhaps it was meant to be that I discovered today’s Perfect Picture Book when I connected with the author’s wife. The message is one of inclusivity and love.
THE COLOR MACHINE
Written and illustrated by A.H. Taylor
Publisher: A.H. Taylor (2016)
Ages: 4-8
Themes:
Inclusivity, working together
Synopsis:
From Amazon:
The town of Colormazoo has been turned inside out, everywhere you look there’s a scream and a shout. The Color Machine has broken down and the townspeople march to the Mayor.
Opening Lines:
“In the town of Colormazoo
where color is very important,
shouts of riot and rumpus grew
when the Color Machine was broken.
Why I like this book:
- If you are a fan of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax and The Cat in the Hat, as I am, you will love this book.
- The text is rhythmical and often rhyming…simple enough for a young child to follow along.
- The illustrations are unique…bold yet simple line drawings.
- I absolutely love the message – perhaps the answer to the world’s problems is for someone to break the world’s color machine – it certainly worked in the town of Colormazoo.
RELATED ACTIVITIES
Most kids love to listen to a story. But we can extend the learning by discussing and asking questions or participating in follow up activities. You and your child can:
- Draw a picture of a favorite character or scene from the story. Mount it on cardboard and cut into pieces to make a puzzle.
- Make a list of special words from the book. Older children can construct a word find puzzle.
- Think of a different ending.
- The author has made a free Kindle edition available for a limited time: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01N0K2R4Y/
I hope you all have a lovely weekend. I’ll be working on my entry for Susanna Hill’s Holiday Contest. If you are interested in joining in the fun, click here,
A week from Saturday, we’ll be having a special Will Write for Cookies post spotlighting author Jessica Lawson.
And the week after that, hold on to your hats for the interview with Duncan Tonatiuh and a GIVEAWAY.
And the week after that…will be Christmas Eve and my son and his family will be here from Chicago! There will be lots of cooking and baking and smiling, for sure.
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
I have to read this book. I agree, the timing of this book is important so that parents/teachers can discuss inclusion with kids. Important message and share!
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Thanks for stopping by, Patricia…with all that went on this past year with things that were said during the election…and stuff that happened in our cities, I did feel this was a really important book to share. Glad you agree. 🙂
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I’ll definitely check this one out! Thanks for the rec, Vivian :).
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You are welcome, Maria…I hope you grab a Kindle copy at least so you can see why I loved it. 😉
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I’ll check it out! Thanks, Vivian!
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I hope you get a copy, Beth. By the way, I just bookmarked YOUR blog post today…it looks fantastic…and I know it will be helpful as I revise my stories…heart is so hard to get right. )
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Thanks for sharing this one, Vivian. Sounds like it could spark some important discussions.
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Definitely, Gabi…I think this story will be especially valuable for opening the door on conversations about important topics both at home and in school.
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Definitely see the resemblance to Suess. Though I haven’t seen this book around, I’ll be keeping my eyes open. Thanks for the review.
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You can check it out on Amazon’s Kindle platform, Joanne. it’s not free anymore, but it has a ‘look inside’ feature. Glad you stopped by for the review. 😉
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Wow, imagine if we could zap all color away. What a huge thought! I can see how this book can start great discussions.
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Yes, wouldn’t that be awesome if we could do that, Leslie…although I guess what we really need is a heart that sees all colors as beautiful. 🙂 😉 loved your post today…how amazing that your mom did illustrating for a science series for kids.
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A world without color … I would miss the diversity of apple varieties or rainbow carrots. But I do think we need to be more “color-blind”
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Exactly, Sue…the many varieties of people are beautiful…just like heirloom tomatoes…we can embrace them all. 🙂
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Interesting book. I think I need to go find it. Thanks for discussing it!
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Thanks for stopping by, Maria…it kind of came out of the blue…but I knew I had to spotlight it today. 😉
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You’re SO right Vivian–we definitely need books like this right now! Thank you.
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Hey Lindsey…thanks so much…I do believe that picture books can help us move in the right direction, not only with kids, but with their parents also. 😉
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Boy do we need to read lots and lots of books like this more than ever. Thanks for the review, definitely going on my list to read.
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Glad you enjoyed it, Keila…it’s one I would highly recommend…and it’s so short…even kids with short attention spans will be able to sit to hear it.
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I love this book! I met the author and his wife recently–lovely people!
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Oh my…that is awesome,Randi…I just connected with them on FB…and I’m thrilled because I would not have known about this book. 🙂
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Interesting story Vivian and would certainly spark conversation and questions in the classroom. I also love pencil drawings.
You have busy weeks ahead, enjoy!
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Sounds wonderful. Thanks for the review!
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I love the concept of this book and will have to look for it so I can read it myself. Thanks Vivian. I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas!
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