Gianna Davy

Brenda Rodriquez

Published by The Collective Book Studio

There has often been the belief system that colours are associated with gender, you will still too often hear folks saying “Pink is for girls, blue is for boys”.  Not only is this an archaic way of thinking, but it is also completely out of place in modern society.  However, unfortunately it is ingrained in culture – this book offers an opportunity to rethink the narrative.

“If pink is for girls, then it’s also for squirrels, because no one owns the colors”.  What follows in this book is a celebration of beautiful colours, where we see and find them and the many different places that they belong.  We are asked to consider if the colours themselves argue about which belongs where or do they collaborate to create something new.  We learn that colours are for all of us, we get to choose what colour or colours work for us, we have the right to make that decision.

When reading this book with children, try to focus on the positives, the beautiful colours, the bright illustrations, the “boldness”, but don’t shy away from the subject matter.  Ask children where they think colours belong, invite their perspective about colours being assigned to “gender”, ask why they like a particular colour.  Try to provide supportive language about their right to choose what they like and find clear but positive ways to encourage critical thinking for those who may be stuck in the narrative.  Mostly, ensure the child themselves has the right to choose what they believe, even if it differs from the message.:

To purchase visit: https://bookshop.org/a/104412/9781951412968 

To listen to the read aloud of this story please visit YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYwwGxgjink