De Colores
on Goodreads (50)
What’s inside...
De colores, meaning 'bright with colors', is a beloved folksong sung throughout the Spanish-speaking world. It is a joyful celebration of the beauty of spring and the strength of love, often accompanied by people holding hands and swaying. The song's vibrant spirit is captured in illustrations by Caldecott Medal-winner David Diaz, who uses acrylic, pencil, and colored pencil to bring the lyrics to life in vivid color.
Discussion points
What colors do you see in the book and how do they make you feel?
Why do you think the author chose to use so many colors?
Can you think of a time when you felt as happy as the characters in the book?
What is your favorite part of the story and why?
How do the colors in the book help tell the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe their favorite color and why it's their favorite before reading to set a colorful mindset.
As you read, pause to discuss how different colors are used and what emotions they might represent within the story.
Relate the colorful illustrations to real-life experiences, asking your child to recall a day that felt particularly colorful or vivid.
After reading, use crayons or colored pencils to draw a scene from the book, discussing the choices of colors and their significance in the storyline.
Ask your child to imagine and discuss how the story might change if different colors were used.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: Through its vibrant illustrations and lyrical text, 'De Colores' introduces children to the richness of Hispanic culture, promoting an understanding and appreciation of diverse traditions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to respect and celebrate cultural diversity in their own communities, enhancing social harmony and inclusion.
Example Lesson: Importance of Nature
Explanation: The book celebrates the natural world, showcasing a variety of animals and the beauty of the rural landscape, emphasizing the importance of nature and environmental conservation.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and protect the environment around them, fostering a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.
Example Lesson: Joy of Singing and Music
Explanation: Music, especially the traditional song 'De Colores', is a central theme, illustrating how music can convey emotions and bring people together.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to express themselves through music and to use it as a way to connect with others, regardless of language or cultural barriers.
Example Lesson: Language Skills Development
Explanation: The bilingual presentation of the book aids in the development of language skills, particularly in learning Spanish as a second language.
Real-World Application: Children can improve their linguistic abilities, which are crucial in an increasingly globalized world, aiding both personal and academic growth.