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If Dominican Were a Color
The colors of Hispaniola burst into life in this striking, evocative debut picture book that celebrates the joy of being Dominican.
If Dominican were a color, it would be the sunset in the sky, blazing red and burning bright.
If Dominican were a color, it’d be the roar of the ocean in the deep of the night,
With the moon beaming down rays of sheer delight.
The palette of the Dominican Republic is exuberant and unlimited. Maiz comes up amarillo , the blue-black of dreams washes over sandy shores, and people’s skin can be the shade of cinnamon in cocoa or of mahogany. This exuberantly colorful, softly rhyming picture book is a gentle reminder that a nation’s hues are as wide as nature itself.
If Dominican were a color, it would be the sunset in the sky, blazing red and burning bright.
If Dominican were a color, it’d be the roar of the ocean in the deep of the night,
With the moon beaming down rays of sheer delight.
The palette of the Dominican Republic is exuberant and unlimited. Maiz comes up amarillo , the blue-black of dreams washes over sandy shores, and people’s skin can be the shade of cinnamon in cocoa or of mahogany. This exuberantly colorful, softly rhyming picture book is a gentle reminder that a nation’s hues are as wide as nature itself.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published September 22, 2020
4 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
December 27, 2020
This is a gorgeous picture book and I was happy to purchase it for the son of a friend so he could see that the people from his culture come in all hues. The words were poignant and the illustrations were outstanding.
October 19, 2020
Shelf Awareness review. So amazing.
December 3, 2020
This beautifully illustrated book shows the joy and appreciation of being Dominican. The reader sees the beauty of the Dominican Republic through the blazing red of the sunset, the brown of fingers beating on a drum, the deep green of the palm trees, and the orange of a sunrise. The beauty of the Dominican is also seen through the chatter of neighbors, children playing hopscotch and counting jacks, curls in hair, and the roar of waves. This book is a tribute to the Dominican culture, not just through the bright and beautiful colors, but through the colorful life that exists in the Dominican Republic. The text offers a soothing rhythmic nature which makes this book a joy to read.
The illustrations provided by Brianna McCarthy really convey the heartfelt tribute of the author to her native country--lush green landscape, rainbow-colored coffee cups, beautiful jewelry, and bright pink flowers. The illustrations also show the different skin tones of the people that live in the Dominian Republic, especially within the author’s own family. The Author’s Note in the back of the book explains how her family grappled with what is “blackness”--some of her family members were more light-skinned while others were very dark.
This book is perfect for children between the ages of four and eight years old. The rhythmic nature of the story and the beautiful illustrations will appeal to a wide range of children. I would also recommend this book to children who enjoy learning about other cultures.
The illustrations provided by Brianna McCarthy really convey the heartfelt tribute of the author to her native country--lush green landscape, rainbow-colored coffee cups, beautiful jewelry, and bright pink flowers. The illustrations also show the different skin tones of the people that live in the Dominian Republic, especially within the author’s own family. The Author’s Note in the back of the book explains how her family grappled with what is “blackness”--some of her family members were more light-skinned while others were very dark.
This book is perfect for children between the ages of four and eight years old. The rhythmic nature of the story and the beautiful illustrations will appeal to a wide range of children. I would also recommend this book to children who enjoy learning about other cultures.
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February 16, 2020Another poetic, imaginative book! If Dominican Were a Color does for the Dominican Republic what Tiphanie Yanique did for the USVI in I Am the Virgin Islands – creates a layered, visual poem with a strong sense of place, culture, and identity. Author Sili Recio’s words celebrate all the senses and pair well with Brianna McCarthy’s bright illustrations. It’s coming out in September from Denene Millner Books/Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers.
See the other upcoming titles I previewed in this blog post
for Caribbean Children’s Books.
See the other upcoming titles I previewed in this blog post
for Caribbean Children’s Books.
February 13, 2021
So, so happy this book exists.
March 4, 2021
My two very favorite spreads were the stanzas paired with totally arresting close-up illustrations (lips/sips and curls/kinks).
April 21, 2022
Bruh this book has false info, dominicans and haitians don’t fw each other 💀
March 17, 2021
As a child from the sister island of Puerto Rico, I appreciate this ode to being from the Dominican Republic. My one hangup is that they mentioned merengue music instead of Bachata.
October 12, 2020
Not the book I would have chosen to hit my Goodreads goal but oh well. The confetti was cool 😎
February 28, 2021
Many of my students are Dominican, and they have such a beautiful sense of pride and love for the DR. Seriously - their eyes light up any time it's mentioned.
Having said that, while I think this book was very affirming, I also don't really think it would hold children's attention. It is beautifully illustrated, but in my experience kids prefer a protagonist and a more traditional plot structure.
On the other hand, the "If Dominican were a color..." poetic structure could be a good one for kids to try out on their own.
As others have noted, her author's note was really interesting. I'd love to see Recio incorporate that into a children's book.
Having said that, while I think this book was very affirming, I also don't really think it would hold children's attention. It is beautifully illustrated, but in my experience kids prefer a protagonist and a more traditional plot structure.
On the other hand, the "If Dominican were a color..." poetic structure could be a good one for kids to try out on their own.
As others have noted, her author's note was really interesting. I'd love to see Recio incorporate that into a children's book.
September 30, 2020
Heartfelt, delightful, and endearing
As a fellow author, storytelling is a passion, and this story is beautiful and endearing. I especially love that this is teaching little boys and girls to love themselves and all their beautiful variation of hues. Reading about Sili's own journey adds a heartfelt and personal touch, allowing readers to identify and feel a connection to the author.
The imagery is a delightful accompaniment, bringing the story to life and allowing you to visually experience every written phrase.
As a fellow author, storytelling is a passion, and this story is beautiful and endearing. I especially love that this is teaching little boys and girls to love themselves and all their beautiful variation of hues. Reading about Sili's own journey adds a heartfelt and personal touch, allowing readers to identify and feel a connection to the author.
The imagery is a delightful accompaniment, bringing the story to life and allowing you to visually experience every written phrase.
October 14, 2021
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is If Dominican Were A Color, written by Sili Recio and illustrated by Brianna McCarthy, an ode to Dominican culture and the people who embody it.
What is the color of “Dominican”? Is it the blazing reds and orange of a setting sun, the deep green tints of shady palm leaves, or the neutral browns of café con leche? Or would it be the sounds of drumbeats, the sway of hips dancing the merengue, or the roar of a moonlight ocean? In truth, Dominican is no color, but all colors at once, and all the places and people the word represents.
Beautiful yet uneven. Recio writes with a clear passion for the Dominican Republic, and describes cultural and physical aspects of the island with beautiful, rich language that reflects this. However, when the story veers into commentary on colorism (something the DR has a long and particularly complicated experience with), it begins to stumble. Language surrounding skintones reads as slightly more divisive than was likely intended, especially in confusing lines like “If Dominican were a color it would be the shades of orange in the sunrise’s hue, the Haitian black on my Dominican back.” In the author’s afterward, she expresses a wish to affirm Dominican identities in all skin tones, hair types, and ethnic backgrounds; and in fact, McCarthy’s illustrations accomplish this particularly well, in addition to capturing the themes of bright color and lively energy. And while the text makes an effort to celebrate darker skintones and kinkier hairstyles, the effect is hit or miss. Otherwise, the length was fine for a storytime, and JJ did enjoy the beautiful illustrations and lyrical text. A few rough patches, but still worth a look, especially as a celebration of Dominican culture. Overall, Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
April 9, 2025
If Dominican Were a Color is a bright and beautiful book that uses colors to talk about the people, land, and culture of the Dominican Republic. The author, Sili Recio, writes in a poetic way, describing how colors like deep brown, bright red, and golden yellow represent the country and the people in it—especially people with darker skin. The pictures are bold and full of life, showing readers how beautiful and powerful all skin colors can be.
This book doesn’t have a traditional story with characters and a big problem to solve. Instead, it reads like a poem or a song. It builds a strong feeling of pride in being Dominican and having dark skin. At the end, the message is clear: there’s no one way to look Dominican—Dominicans come in all colors, and every shade is special.
The book connects to social justice by showing that all skin colors are beautiful and important. It pushes back against colorism—the idea that lighter skin is better—and helps kids feel proud of who they are. It also shows the beauty of African roots, which is important because Afro-Dominican stories are not always told in children’s books.
Suggested Age Range:
I would recommend this book for kids ages 5 to 8. Younger children will enjoy the pictures and the rhyming words, and older kids can start to talk about what it means to be proud of who you are and where you come from. It's great for storytime, classroom read-alouds, or reading with family.
Would I Recommend It?
Yes, I would definitely recommend this book. It’s short, powerful, and full of pride. It helps kids feel good about their skin and their culture. The message is strong, and the artwork is stunning. Every classroom and library should have this book.
This book doesn’t have a traditional story with characters and a big problem to solve. Instead, it reads like a poem or a song. It builds a strong feeling of pride in being Dominican and having dark skin. At the end, the message is clear: there’s no one way to look Dominican—Dominicans come in all colors, and every shade is special.
The book connects to social justice by showing that all skin colors are beautiful and important. It pushes back against colorism—the idea that lighter skin is better—and helps kids feel proud of who they are. It also shows the beauty of African roots, which is important because Afro-Dominican stories are not always told in children’s books.
Suggested Age Range:
I would recommend this book for kids ages 5 to 8. Younger children will enjoy the pictures and the rhyming words, and older kids can start to talk about what it means to be proud of who you are and where you come from. It's great for storytime, classroom read-alouds, or reading with family.
Would I Recommend It?
Yes, I would definitely recommend this book. It’s short, powerful, and full of pride. It helps kids feel good about their skin and their culture. The message is strong, and the artwork is stunning. Every classroom and library should have this book.
September 22, 2022
This book is stunning from front to back, outside to inside!! I picked up this book because of its beautiful colors & interesting dust jacket but when I opened it, I knew I needed to read it. If a child sees this book, they will probably judge it by its cover & want to read it- it’s so colorful & bright! The illustrations are otherworldly beautiful.
The words in the book are extremely meaningful, especially for children who are embarrassed by or ashamed of their blackness- features, culture, & the like. This book would be a wonderful confidence-booster for black children (especially Afro-Latino kids).
If Dominican Were A Color even has a history lesson hidden in its pages- about the south, as well as Dominican & Haitian culture. The author delves even deeper into a history lesson in the author’s note about where enslaved people were sent away to, what it’s like growing up in the Dominican Republic & New York City, & the amount of population that is truly racially mixed.
I love that the author ends the author’s note telling black children that they are powerful & made of magic, despite the ugly things they may be told about their racially ambiguous features.
This book is something I would love to read to my future students & is a great multicultural book for young kids.
The words in the book are extremely meaningful, especially for children who are embarrassed by or ashamed of their blackness- features, culture, & the like. This book would be a wonderful confidence-booster for black children (especially Afro-Latino kids).
If Dominican Were A Color even has a history lesson hidden in its pages- about the south, as well as Dominican & Haitian culture. The author delves even deeper into a history lesson in the author’s note about where enslaved people were sent away to, what it’s like growing up in the Dominican Republic & New York City, & the amount of population that is truly racially mixed.
I love that the author ends the author’s note telling black children that they are powerful & made of magic, despite the ugly things they may be told about their racially ambiguous features.
This book is something I would love to read to my future students & is a great multicultural book for young kids.
February 4, 2022
I thought that the imagery is beautiful in this book. The Dominican Republic is a rainbow of diversity and beauty, and Recio has done amazing to portray that through words and pictures. Historically, dark skin has only gotten akinned to food (like chocolate, mocha, peanutbutter, etc) and although there is some comparisons to food in this story, it's not the focus nor the only comparisons. Aside from just self confidence, there is a long and tiring problem of media portraying foreign countries in one color pallet (ex. The yellow hue that overtakes the camera whenever American Protagonist goes south of the border). This book reminds the reader of the color and the multiple lives people live, though I do wish the cities were shown too due to media only really portraying an 'unmodern' perspective of countries like the Dominican Republic.
I feel that this book would be good for anyone who is Dominican not just for cultural pride, but also for any POC with dark skin to feel more confident and prideful in their melanin, and their hair texture. Of course, all children should read multicultural books even if they don't necessarily apply to the student.
I feel that this book would be good for anyone who is Dominican not just for cultural pride, but also for any POC with dark skin to feel more confident and prideful in their melanin, and their hair texture. Of course, all children should read multicultural books even if they don't necessarily apply to the student.
April 11, 2021
With simple text, the vibrant life of Dominican Republic unfolds in a celebration of colors.
Colors are bright and bold, and portray the country as exactly that. Each page illustrates the joy not only of the nature found in Dominican Republic but of the people as well. Each page introduces the young reader to something, which can be found in the country. These are simple things from trees to drums. While the words are, for the most part, very easy for listeners to understand, the author also weaves in an occasional new term from the language. This allows the listener to get a taste for the words and learn something new without ever becoming too unfamiliar or difficult.
The illustrations are a rainbow treat and present everything with energy and positivity. Small glimpses of the landscape, people, customs and culture are presented, just a few at a time. It opens up the culture and people wonderfully and in a simple, enjoyable way.
I received a complimentary copy and really enjoyed how well this simply brings across so much.
Colors are bright and bold, and portray the country as exactly that. Each page illustrates the joy not only of the nature found in Dominican Republic but of the people as well. Each page introduces the young reader to something, which can be found in the country. These are simple things from trees to drums. While the words are, for the most part, very easy for listeners to understand, the author also weaves in an occasional new term from the language. This allows the listener to get a taste for the words and learn something new without ever becoming too unfamiliar or difficult.
The illustrations are a rainbow treat and present everything with energy and positivity. Small glimpses of the landscape, people, customs and culture are presented, just a few at a time. It opens up the culture and people wonderfully and in a simple, enjoyable way.
I received a complimentary copy and really enjoyed how well this simply brings across so much.
May 11, 2021
I was unaware of the history of the Dominican Republic in regard to the slave trade. This book celebrates the many colors of skin common in families living in or from the Dominican Republic. The language (no glossary, but unknown words were found in a simple search online) and the author's note are magic to the ears of readers learning to embrace their beauty in whatever hue it appears. Wow! I am speechless to recognize that in so many cultures and places the color of one's skin is as much a pickle as the language they speak. This book is about embracing your skin and features and if you are Dominican, recognizing that there is beauty in all of you. Brianna McCarthy does a great job with the color choices for the land and people throughout this book as she supports the text on each page. This is a book that is a feel good book even if you are not from the Dominican Republic.
June 23, 2021
This is a gorgeous book with a wonderful message: black is beautiful, in all its shades. It is also a good chance to talk about the colors of where you live. The people, the clothing, the houses, the landscape. Places have their own color schemes. This book is also inspiring us to do some mixed-media art. Make a picture with a watercolor background, maybe add some acrylic or tempera paint, some chalk, add in some cut-outs to the front of the scene. And use lots of color. *Bonus: this was the second book today that used the word melanin. This was a total unexpected coincidence that will help to make that word and its definition stick in my son's brain.
January 18, 2024
This book is poetic, beautiful, and descriptive—yet simple enough for young children to understand. Filled with colourful imagery and pictures, this is a wonderful book for all ages. While the text does include celebration of various skin colours, hair textures and facial features –it also includes references to the culture around them that makes them who they are. It is a great book to use in conversations with kids about their own identities and families. The text on each page is not too long which provides a wonderful opportunity to focus on the brightly coloured images and to ask questions. I would recommend it.
January 7, 2021
Very beautiful book. Though it is centered on being Dominican and all the diversity that country represents, I'm sure children from around the world would enjoy this book. There is not much writing on each page, but what is there is very heartfelt. The illustrations really take this book over the top though. They are beautifully drawn. So much color. Most are wide, panoramic scenes capturing the diverse scenery and natural beauty of the island. This makes for a great bedtime story and a book that any child would return to over and over.
January 20, 2021
I love this book that celebrates all the shades and intricacies of the Dominican Republic and its people. Each page brings vibrant color and delight, as well as love for all the colors of black skin. As is written in the author's note, "This book is for the little boys and girls who were never nourished with the balm of truth - those who may have felt as if they did not belong because of their dark complexions or curly hair texture or the width of their noses." A lovely book that will lift the reader's spirit and remind them of their own beauty while also celebrating the Dominican culture.
February 14, 2021
A beautiful poetic tribute to the multitudes that make up her Dominican identity and culture. Don't miss the author's note that adds perspective on the intent and purpose for writing this particular story to address colorism. This would pair well with Sulwe. Could be used as a mentor text for "If ____ were a color...." poems about students' own identities.
February 27, 2023
The book was so good; I read it in second grade. - RML
It needed more papers (to be longer). - CVA
I like it, but it needs more pages. - ACS
It was really good; it was a really good book. I would recommend it. - JK
It needed more words. - DT
The story is good, but it has to add some more words. - SS
It was good, but it needs more pages. - LB
It was cool because I liked the rhymes. - TC
It was good, but I wish it was a chapter book. - CRP
It had too much rhyming in it, and too much pictures. - ND
I liked it because it was short. - JMW
It needed more papers (to be longer). - CVA
I like it, but it needs more pages. - ACS
It was really good; it was a really good book. I would recommend it. - JK
It needed more words. - DT
The story is good, but it has to add some more words. - SS
It was good, but it needs more pages. - LB
It was cool because I liked the rhymes. - TC
It was good, but I wish it was a chapter book. - CRP
It had too much rhyming in it, and too much pictures. - ND
I liked it because it was short. - JMW
December 24, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I am not Dominican nor Black but I have learnt from my close friends the anti Blackness, colorism and racism and lasting trauma that endures within Dominican families (and other countries also) because of this. This is a beautiful book celebrating the diversity of The island and the beauty of Blackness especially related to Latinx culture. Another great book to add to my Black Joy collection and Latinx titles.
March 10, 2021
Love the large, colorful illustrations. Who wouldn't? Good use of layers of torn paper and some white chalk or colored pencil combined. The language is full of imagery. And a note from the author states that though many ships landed in the U.S. during slave trade, that they made up only a small percentage compared to ships that took enslaved Africans to the Caribbean and Central and South America.
January 9, 2021
What a gorgeous testament to the beauty that is every color. So many shades. So many skin tones. So many backgrounds. So many different roots. And we are all US. The vibrant, lush illustrations are a feast for the eyes. The lyrical words a reminder that beauty is in everyone and a testament that a country is not a single color – nor are its people!
September 27, 2021
So often when I think of "Hispanic" or "Latino" I think of a fairly narrow range of skin tones but this book is a reminder that the Dominican (and other areas) encompasses a wide and wonderful range of skin colors and features.
I'm not a huge fan of the style of the illustrations but I do appreciate the diversity they convey.
I'm not a huge fan of the style of the illustrations but I do appreciate the diversity they convey.
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June 2, 2022If Dominican Were a Color use illustrations that help children understand what Dominican is. All the illustrations are bright and match what the words are saying. I like how it talks about different things that happen in the Dominicans but in a way that younger children understand. Each picture matches the words and you can use them to explain what the author is talking about.
August 17, 2022
A brightly colored book that reminds people that all colors are beautiful and worthy, this book is set in the lush scenery of the Dominican Republic. The author explains in her author’s note that this book is meant to help children rise above discriminatory colorism and feel valued and beautiful and at peace with their skin color, no matter if it is darker or lighter.
December 9, 2024
This book is really lovely! It depicts the experience of being Dominican through poetry and vivid, colorful illustrations. It's incredibly motivating and all about celebrating culture and identity. Anyone who wants to learn more about the Dominican Republic or who simply enjoys a compelling, colorful story should read this book, in my opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews