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Happy In your Skin: Is Rafa different? Explore with Rafa about how he learns about his cultural identity
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This book tells the story about Rafa, who is in preschool and is curious about why his skin color is different.
Young Rafa has a wonderful family. They are from India and now live in the United States. Rafa loves where he lives, but sometimes he gets strange questions that he doesn’t know how to answer.
“Why are you brown?”
“Why are you so different?”
At first, Rafa did not have the tools to navigate these questions … until he talks to some of the adults in his life!
It turns out that many people have gotten questions like that, and they can help him with what to say! His doctor, teacher, and parents help Rafa understand who he is and how to be proud of that. Dear parents and teachers, Here is why I wrote this When questions and curiosities are not addressed, Children start forming their beliefs based on the stereotypes they see in the media. My mission through this labor of love is : Erlin Kakkanad is a mom, Ph.D. in Education, promotes cultural sensitivity and awareness for children, youth, and adults in corporations; and raises Asian Indian American children in the Midwest.
You will Love it – ADD TO CART today for your reading collection.
This book tells the story about Rafa, who is in preschool and is curious about why his skin color is different.
Young Rafa has a wonderful family. They are from India and now live in the United States. Rafa loves where he lives, but sometimes he gets strange questions that he doesn’t know how to answer.
“Why are you brown?”
“Why are you so different?”
At first, Rafa did not have the tools to navigate these questions … until he talks to some of the adults in his life!
It turns out that many people have gotten questions like that, and they can help him with what to say! His doctor, teacher, and parents help Rafa understand who he is and how to be proud of that. Dear parents and teachers, Here is why I wrote this When questions and curiosities are not addressed, Children start forming their beliefs based on the stereotypes they see in the media. My mission through this labor of love is : Erlin Kakkanad is a mom, Ph.D. in Education, promotes cultural sensitivity and awareness for children, youth, and adults in corporations; and raises Asian Indian American children in the Midwest.
47 pages, Paperback
Published October 29, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 20, 2023
Rafa is a young boy who recently moved to the Midwest. He loves living in the U.S., but sometimes kids ask why his skin is brown. It makes Rafa feel weird, so he goes to grown-ups he trusts to ask for advice on how to answer this question. Rafa learns about self-love, his Indian heritage, and what makes him special and shares this with anyone that asks him why his skin is brown.
Author Erlin Kakkanad has created a captivating children’s book following a charming character as he learns how to answer awkward questions from children interested in why he looks different. I enjoyed how the story has Rafa looking for answers from respected adults, but the answers are hidden and then revealed at the end. This makes the book much more engaging as I wanted to know what each adult told him. Readers get to find out in a heartwarming at the end of the story.
The artwork throughout this marvelous picture book is vibrant, and the sharp graphic artwork and shading accentuate the story’s charm. There is a diverse cast of characters throughout the book, making this a perfect book for any teacher or parent educating their young ones about diversity and inclusion.
Happy in Your Own Skin is an empowering and educational children’s book that teaches children about India and that our differences makes the world a wonderful place to live.
Author Erlin Kakkanad has created a captivating children’s book following a charming character as he learns how to answer awkward questions from children interested in why he looks different. I enjoyed how the story has Rafa looking for answers from respected adults, but the answers are hidden and then revealed at the end. This makes the book much more engaging as I wanted to know what each adult told him. Readers get to find out in a heartwarming at the end of the story.
The artwork throughout this marvelous picture book is vibrant, and the sharp graphic artwork and shading accentuate the story’s charm. There is a diverse cast of characters throughout the book, making this a perfect book for any teacher or parent educating their young ones about diversity and inclusion.
Happy in Your Own Skin is an empowering and educational children’s book that teaches children about India and that our differences makes the world a wonderful place to live.
January 12, 2023
A heartwarming recognition by a child of his parents’ gift of skin tone and color. A worthy book for the young children struggling with being different from their friends
January 15, 2023
I think it was a good book because I liked how Rafa was not getting too upset and was embracing his inner authentic self. I also liked how the book had little fun facts about India at the end.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews