Mixed: A Colorful Story
on Goodreads (233)
What’s inside...
In this companion to Arree Chung's stand-out picture book A Colorful Story, the colors in Mixed City re-evaluate what it means to be a family. When colors care for each other, they mix, creating families in various colors, shapes, and sizes. However, change in these attributes may occur, bringing challenges that may evoke feelings of worry or sadness. A Blended Family is an inspiring tale that celebrates the resilience and beauty of remixed and chosen families and highlights the enduring strength of love despite change or loss.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did seeing the colors mix together make you feel?
Why do you think the Red, Yellow, and Blue colors decided to live separately at first?
What can we learn from the new colors when they started mixing?
How do you think the story would have changed if one color didn't want to mix?
Can you think of a time when you mixed with someone different and created something new or learned something?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child how they interpret the separation and mixing of colors, relating it to real-life scenarios of teamwork or diversity.
Highlight the creativity and joy that comes from mixing and trying new things together, just like the colors in the book.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story and its characters, fostering emotional intelligence and empathy.
Connect the story's themes to your child's experiences at school or with friends to make it relevant and relatable.
Use the illustrations in the book as a visual aid to discuss the beauty of diversity and collaboration.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: In 'Mixed: A Colorful Story', primary colors initially live segregated lives, but when they start mixing, they create new, unique colors, demonstrating the beauty of diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by appreciating and respecting people's differences in their classrooms and playgrounds, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Unity and cooperation
Explanation: The story highlights how colors working together can lead to better outcomes than when they are apart, symbolizing the power of unity.
Real-World Application: This can be mirrored in children's interactions by encouraging teamwork and collective problem-solving, teaching them the value of achieving goals together.
Example Lesson: Creativity and self-expression
Explanation: The mixing of colors leads to the creation of new shades and possibilities, showing how blending diverse elements can lead to creativity.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to experiment with their own creative projects, whether through art, writing, or play, showcasing their unique ideas and perspectives.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and openness
Explanation: The book teaches that acceptance can lead to a harmonious and vibrant community, as seen when the colors combine and coexist peacefully.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be open to new experiences and people, helping them build positive relationships with those who are different from them.
Example Lesson: The importance of change
Explanation: The story illustrates that change is a positive force that brings about new and exciting outcomes, as demonstrated by the new colors formed.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that changes in life, such as moving to a new place or changing schools, can lead to positive growth and learning.