Magnificent Homespun Brown: A Celebration
What’s inside...
If Walt Whitman were reborn as a vibrant young woman of color, this is the book he might write. America, we hear you singing! With vivid illustrations by Kaylani Juanita, Samara Cole Doyon sings a carol for the plenitude that surrounds us and the self each of us is meant to inhabit. Coretta Scott King 2021 Honoree.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes someone or something magnificent?
How do the descriptions of different shades of brown in the book make you feel?
Can you think of other things in nature or at home that are the color brown and magnificent?
Why do you think it's important to celebrate all the different colors we see in people and the world?
How can we show appreciation for the beauty in ourselves and others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they think 'magnificent' means. Compare their thoughts after experiencing the book.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite illustration and relate it to the colors and objects they see daily.
After reading, invite your child to create a drawing or collage of their own 'magnificent' items or people using various shades of brown.
Discuss personal experiences or family stories that celebrate diverse backgrounds and cultures, linking them to the book’s theme of embracing one’s own color and identity.
Praise your child for their observations and insights, reinforcing their confidence in expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The book celebrates various shades of brown, showing the beauty in diversity and promoting acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect differences in skin color and cultures among their peers, fostering inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Self-Acceptance
Explanation: Through poetic language, the story encourages children to love and accept themselves as they are, highlighting inner beauty.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children build self-esteem and confidence, crucial for their mental and emotional development.
Example Lesson: Connection to Nature
Explanation: The narrative beautifully ties the colors of brown to elements in nature, enhancing a child's appreciation for the environment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to observe and cherish nature, promoting environmentally responsible behaviors as they grow.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The lyrical prose and imaginative comparisons in the book foster creativity and artistic expression among young readers.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to express themselves through art, writing, or verbal storytelling, enhancing their creative skills.
Example Lesson: Family Bonds
Explanation: The book depicts warm scenes of family gatherings, emphasizing the importance of familial support and togetherness.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value and nurture relationships with family members, strengthening familial ties.