Tan to Tamarind: Poems About the Color Brown

Author(s) Malathi Michelle Iyengar
Illustrator(s) Jamel Akib
Age Group 4-8
Publisher Children's Book Press
ISBN 978-0892392278
Year 2009

This collection of poetry asks young readers: When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Through colorful poetry, it travels the rich spectrum of shades within the color brown, from swirls of henna decorating ochre hands and feet at an Indian wedding to cinnamon lips smiling over a cup of café con leche to leaves drifting like stars onto upturned russet faces in the fall. The poetry, along with the pastel illustrations, encourages young ones to embrace each other's differences while building self-esteem and a healthy self-image.