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ColorFull: Celebrating the Colors God Gave Us
Why be colorblind when we can be colorFULL instead?
Imani and Kayla are the best of friends who are learning to celebrate their different skin colors. As they look around them at the amazing colors in nature, they can see that their skin is another example of God's creativity! This joyful story takes a new approach to discussing race: instead of being colorblind, we can choose to celebrate each color God gave us and be colorFULL instead.
Imani and Kayla are the best of friends who are learning to celebrate their different skin colors. As they look around them at the amazing colors in nature, they can see that their skin is another example of God's creativity! This joyful story takes a new approach to discussing race: instead of being colorblind, we can choose to celebrate each color God gave us and be colorFULL instead.
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
32 pages, Hardcover
Published May 1, 2018
4 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 16, 2019
This story as a meanful teaching for children. I got the meaning of the story or the moral of the story as you read. This is a great story for children of all ages. Parents should pick this one out and help teach our children what it mean to be different.
The author does a wonderful job of this though pictures and story itself. She show how god created a world that is colorfull. Would you want your child to be colorblind? God made us to see colorfull and world colorfull so we should teach our children that being different skin color like chocolate it okay and that even siblings may look the same but different. This a book teach children and others that colors are beautiful. If everything was the same color our world would be dark or not special.
Look at your world differently and teach our children and child to be kind and say there a reason god made each and everything with colors. He want as to see Colorfull.
The author does a wonderful job of this though pictures and story itself. She show how god created a world that is colorfull. Would you want your child to be colorblind? God made us to see colorfull and world colorfull so we should teach our children that being different skin color like chocolate it okay and that even siblings may look the same but different. This a book teach children and others that colors are beautiful. If everything was the same color our world would be dark or not special.
Look at your world differently and teach our children and child to be kind and say there a reason god made each and everything with colors. He want as to see Colorfull.
May 24, 2018
Experiencing a world of color from the tiniest flower to the shade or color of one's skin can be a joyful experience and this little children's book beautifully illustrates that experience and teaches that one can accept who and what one is and our differences as a perfectly normal and beautiful fact of life.
Children with fair skin, freckles, and red hair often wish they were a "normal" brown hair person and darker skinned children whose hair is thick and tightly curled might wish to be different. But in Colorful: Celebrate the Colors God Gave Us leads children into accepting themselves and one another for the beautiful colors that exist.
In the back of the book, parents have guiding materials that will aid in leading their children into accepting that they are ".....remarkably and wondrously made..." from Psalm 139 and a "Think" guided discussion section.
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The story is about two best friends who are as different as night and day and their joyful discovery of color and a colorful existence. The story is sweet and has a lovely granny that leads the girls along and a kid brother that is right there in the mix of fun.
Beautifully told story and lovely illustrations that exude joy and, yes, color.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the BH/Lifeway book review program on behalf of the publisher and author to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.
Children with fair skin, freckles, and red hair often wish they were a "normal" brown hair person and darker skinned children whose hair is thick and tightly curled might wish to be different. But in Colorful: Celebrate the Colors God Gave Us leads children into accepting themselves and one another for the beautiful colors that exist.
In the back of the book, parents have guiding materials that will aid in leading their children into accepting that they are ".....remarkably and wondrously made..." from Psalm 139 and a "Think" guided discussion section.
.
The story is about two best friends who are as different as night and day and their joyful discovery of color and a colorful existence. The story is sweet and has a lovely granny that leads the girls along and a kid brother that is right there in the mix of fun.
Beautifully told story and lovely illustrations that exude joy and, yes, color.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the BH/Lifeway book review program on behalf of the publisher and author to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.
January 16, 2019
Review: Colorfull This story as a meanful teaching for children. I got the meaning of the story or the moral of the story as you read. This is a great story for children of all ages. Parents should pick this one out and help teach our children what it mean to be different.The author does a wonderful job of this though pictures and story itself. She show how god created a world that is colorfull. Would you want your child to be colorblind? God made us to see colorfull and world colorfull so we should teach our children that being different skin color like chocolate it okay and that even siblings may look the same but different. This a book teach children and others that colors are beautiful. If everything was the same color our world would be dark or not special.Look at your world differently and teach our children and child to be kind and say there a reason god made each and everything with colors. He want as to see Colorfull.
June 1, 2020
This very timely and relevant children’s book reminds us that we should appreciate all the colors God made, especially in relation to human appearance. As author Dorena Williamson says, “We can celebrate all our differences- the color of our skin, the texture of our hair, the shape of our eyes, nose, and lips. Every single person is part of God’s grand design.”
June 19, 2018
Wow! I was blown away by Colorfull, a children’s book by Dorena Williamson. While many in today’s world want us not to recognize our differences, this beautifully illustrated book celebrates the wonderful diversity throughout God’s creation. The story follows Imani, her little brother Christopher, and best friend Kayla as they explore the world right in their own backyard. Granny Mac points out the wonderfully colorful world that God created, pointing out that the variety makes the world beautiful. And God’s gift of color extends to people as well. I love that the book emphasizes the uniqueness of creation and our place in it. The illustrations compliment the story — each picture wonderfully detailed and expressive. The book also provides a great parent’s guide at the end. Scripture references and discussion questions continue the conversation.
Colorfull is a great addition to a home library. I predict this one will be a favorite with your family.
Highly Recommended.
Audience: children ages 4-8.
(Thanks to B&H Publishing for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Colorfull is a great addition to a home library. I predict this one will be a favorite with your family.
Highly Recommended.
Audience: children ages 4-8.
(Thanks to B&H Publishing for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
October 28, 2021
This warm picture book describes “colorfull” as the opposite of being “colorblind.” Imani’s grandmother shares bubble blowing fun and tasty snacks with Imani, her best friend and her little brother on the first day of summer. As they marvel at all of the beautiful colors in the world, Granny Mac points out that just as we celebrate all the variety of colors in nature, we should celebrate all of the unique characteristics and qualities of people. Instead of pretending that different colors don’t exist, we should appreciate them. The illustrations are kid-friendly with warm colors and comforting details. There is also an extra page for parents and caregivers who wish to extend the discussion.
July 8, 2022
This was a well-written story of several kids playing together, each full of wonder at all the colors around them. Granny Mac is nearby and joins the conversation, directing toward praising God and then toward how He’s created humans with great diversity too. This book advocates against being “colorblind” and instead taking notice of all the skin colors God made, without an overt political agenda. The last page of the book contains ideas and questions for parents to discuss with kids.
February 28, 2022
A beautifully illustrated book which makes young and old think and realize that maybe we should not be “color blind” (as I was once taught), but honor the fact that God created all the colors in the world, including our skin colors! This was a wonderful book to read to my grandchildren during February, Black History Month.
June 7, 2018
It is a beautiful and sweet book. I love its message. It embraces all the colors God made and all the variety He put into our world in so many, many ways!
I received a copy to review and all opinions are my own.
I received a copy to review and all opinions are my own.
February 21, 2019
Cute book
September 10, 2020
I love this story of three children learning that God created the world in beautiful different colors--flowers, food, bubbles, and people!
November 10, 2022
A bit long for very young readers, but has a great message that everyone is different and that's great!
Read
January 7, 2026This book is a gentle way to celebrate the diversity of God’s creation with kids demonstrating that the antidote to racism isn’t being colorblind but rejoicing in God’s creative design.
May 5, 2018
“Seeing yourself is almost like a message. It’s saying; you matter, you are visible, and you’re valuable.” – Christian Robinson
Why pursue colorblindedness when we can be Colorfull instead?
How we answer that question is what speaker, writer, and church planter Dorena Williamson discusses in Colorfull—a joyful story and celebration about friends learning about their different skin colors.
With its rich watercolors and conversational prose, Williamson’s story points to God as the creator of a world and people with so many wonderful colors.
Imani and Kayla are the best of friends who are learning to celebrate their different skin colors. As they look around them at the amazing colors in nature, they can see that their skin is another example of God’s creativity!
This joyful story takes a new approach to discussing race: instead of being colorblind, we can choose to be colorful.
Williamson writes: “Like a diamond forged through the fire, I realized the value of years in multicultural church work. I felt a passion stirring to help people outside my circle take off colorblind lens and put on kingdom lens. I realized that my seeds of thought could be a book to help children and adults alike experience the beauty of God’s diverse kingdom.”
Toni Morrison says, “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” And so Williamson crafted a manuscript and queried publishers. Closed doors fueled more writing until Colorfull became a reality.
Colorfull shows children the exceptional diversity of our racial colors, our unique gifts, and our socioeconomic status.
Colorfull is Williamson’s first literary work and the message is clear: to be fully present and aware of the colors God made! Plants, animals, and especially people—are all created intentionally and with purpose.
Williamson writes:
“I think many of us avoid & struggle with race conversation because it’s uncomfortable. It stirs up painful images of a brokenness we think is in the past. It’s a challenge to our know-it-all-or-google-it society.
So we shush our kids’ questions about other people’s race. We teach them to be colorblind. We leave their God-given curiosity open to ignorant and damaging views to fill. We tell ourselves we don’t see color.”
Why pursue colorblindedness when we can be Colorfull instead?
How we answer that question is what speaker, writer, and church planter Dorena Williamson discusses in Colorfull—a joyful story and celebration about friends learning about their different skin colors.
With its rich watercolors and conversational prose, Williamson’s story points to God as the creator of a world and people with so many wonderful colors.
Imani and Kayla are the best of friends who are learning to celebrate their different skin colors. As they look around them at the amazing colors in nature, they can see that their skin is another example of God’s creativity!
This joyful story takes a new approach to discussing race: instead of being colorblind, we can choose to be colorful.
Williamson writes: “Like a diamond forged through the fire, I realized the value of years in multicultural church work. I felt a passion stirring to help people outside my circle take off colorblind lens and put on kingdom lens. I realized that my seeds of thought could be a book to help children and adults alike experience the beauty of God’s diverse kingdom.”
Toni Morrison says, “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” And so Williamson crafted a manuscript and queried publishers. Closed doors fueled more writing until Colorfull became a reality.
Colorfull shows children the exceptional diversity of our racial colors, our unique gifts, and our socioeconomic status.
Colorfull is Williamson’s first literary work and the message is clear: to be fully present and aware of the colors God made! Plants, animals, and especially people—are all created intentionally and with purpose.
Williamson writes:
“I think many of us avoid & struggle with race conversation because it’s uncomfortable. It stirs up painful images of a brokenness we think is in the past. It’s a challenge to our know-it-all-or-google-it society.
So we shush our kids’ questions about other people’s race. We teach them to be colorblind. We leave their God-given curiosity open to ignorant and damaging views to fill. We tell ourselves we don’t see color.”
May 12, 2018
Racial tension is common in politics and news.
I never expected VPK in a Christian school would be my daughter's introduction to racial prejudice. It didn't take long for her to experience exclusion due to her skin color and to learn that the same classmates who excluded her also excluded people of other skin colors. And so, I had to talk with her about that. It was hard for her to understand. I tried to explain that God created us all with different skin colors and no one should be treated as lower or higher than another.
ColorFull: Celebrating the Colors God Gave Us by Dorena Wiliamson is a beautful tool that I can use to combat her own experience of discrimination and teach her sympathy for others. In ColorFull, Imani, Kayla, and Christopher learn about colors through playtime activities and a wise Granny Mac who leads the conversation into skin color. Essentially, the message is that all skin colors were chosen by God in his wisdom and love. All are equally loved by their Creator. Rather than trying to be colorblind, we can choose to celebrate the different skin colors we have.
ColorFull is a sturdy, hard-cover, children's book featuring whimsical, vibrant illustrations by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu. My daughters haven't seen the book yet because it's a birthday gift, but I expect the illustrations to hold their attention while I read. Discussion questions, appropriate for 4-8 year olds are included. I think my two year old will enjoy the story and illustrations, but the discussion questions will be above her comprehension level.
I recommend ColorFull: Celebrating the Colors God Gave Us to anyone with children. Every child will eventually encounter racial prejudice of some form and this book can help them grow up with a healthy perspective.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
I never expected VPK in a Christian school would be my daughter's introduction to racial prejudice. It didn't take long for her to experience exclusion due to her skin color and to learn that the same classmates who excluded her also excluded people of other skin colors. And so, I had to talk with her about that. It was hard for her to understand. I tried to explain that God created us all with different skin colors and no one should be treated as lower or higher than another.
ColorFull: Celebrating the Colors God Gave Us by Dorena Wiliamson is a beautful tool that I can use to combat her own experience of discrimination and teach her sympathy for others. In ColorFull, Imani, Kayla, and Christopher learn about colors through playtime activities and a wise Granny Mac who leads the conversation into skin color. Essentially, the message is that all skin colors were chosen by God in his wisdom and love. All are equally loved by their Creator. Rather than trying to be colorblind, we can choose to celebrate the different skin colors we have.
ColorFull is a sturdy, hard-cover, children's book featuring whimsical, vibrant illustrations by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu. My daughters haven't seen the book yet because it's a birthday gift, but I expect the illustrations to hold their attention while I read. Discussion questions, appropriate for 4-8 year olds are included. I think my two year old will enjoy the story and illustrations, but the discussion questions will be above her comprehension level.
I recommend ColorFull: Celebrating the Colors God Gave Us to anyone with children. Every child will eventually encounter racial prejudice of some form and this book can help them grow up with a healthy perspective.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
June 4, 2018
Colorfull was an adorable picture book that celebrates the color all around us. The colorful illustrations draw the kids into looking at and enjoying all of the colors they see around them. It then makes the point that if we can be excited for and enjoy all of the colors we see around us, why would we then pretend to be color blind when it comes to our skin color? This book takes a gentle approach to celebrating people’s differences. Not only do I feel it was well written, but also well illustrated.
Just for a bit of background, I requested a copy due to some personal relevance. I’m often one who says that I don’t “see” color when it comes to people. It doesn’t matter to me what color someone’s skin is when it comes to being friends. My husband and I are both “vanilla” as the book puts it, but my husband Nate comes from a family where 5 out of 7 kids were adopted. The youngest is “chocolate” from Ethiopia. The other ones adopted (with exception to Nate) are biracial. How do you explain the different skin colors to children without making it all about race? I believe this book does a great job of answering just that. After all, we are all the human race and within that we all have our different colors. It challenges us to look at our differences as wonders of God’s creative creation. Not only do we all have different skin shades, but we have different hair, facial features, and more that make us all unique.
I would highly recommend this to all families as a great way to celebrate our differences. Whether in the home or out in the world, we all come across people that look different from ourselves. This book tastefully and creatively introduces children to those differences and treats them as a beautiful piece of God’s creation.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in hopes of an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone
Just for a bit of background, I requested a copy due to some personal relevance. I’m often one who says that I don’t “see” color when it comes to people. It doesn’t matter to me what color someone’s skin is when it comes to being friends. My husband and I are both “vanilla” as the book puts it, but my husband Nate comes from a family where 5 out of 7 kids were adopted. The youngest is “chocolate” from Ethiopia. The other ones adopted (with exception to Nate) are biracial. How do you explain the different skin colors to children without making it all about race? I believe this book does a great job of answering just that. After all, we are all the human race and within that we all have our different colors. It challenges us to look at our differences as wonders of God’s creative creation. Not only do we all have different skin shades, but we have different hair, facial features, and more that make us all unique.
I would highly recommend this to all families as a great way to celebrate our differences. Whether in the home or out in the world, we all come across people that look different from ourselves. This book tastefully and creatively introduces children to those differences and treats them as a beautiful piece of God’s creation.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in hopes of an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone
November 24, 2019
A beautiful book celebrating the colors God gave us. Christopher, Imani, and Kayla marvel at God's creation in their neighbor. Granny Mac teaches them the same God that created all that wonder also created various skin colors for people. The beauty of God's design is meant to be celebrated. A wonderful message with important meaning for kids and adults. This is a must-have for any family or church library.
June 6, 2020
Beautiful
I bought this for my 4 year old and can’t wait to read it with him. It is beautifully written with the illustrations to match! A wonderful book that ties humanity. and the gospel together.
I bought this for my 4 year old and can’t wait to read it with him. It is beautifully written with the illustrations to match! A wonderful book that ties humanity. and the gospel together.
March 23, 2021
Simple and sweet. A truly beautiful reminder that God loves color. A-N-D He deeply loves us.
This book is the perfect conversation starter for those who want to teach their children that all lives matter.
This book is the perfect conversation starter for those who want to teach their children that all lives matter.
April 19, 2019
Super sweet book for children about the beautiful and colorful world (and people) God created.
April 24, 2020
This book shows God’s beautiful colors in nature as well as the different colors of skin. Genre realistic fiction
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