Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Chocolate Me! by Taye Diggs and Shane W. Evans - ESSENTIAL

Chocolate Me! by Taye Diggs, illustrated by Shane W. Evans. BOARD BOOK. Square Fish Publisher (Macmillan). $8. 9781250068019

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Chocolate Me! explores the much needed topic of acceptance and appreciation for one’s own heritage and traditions.  Diggs and Evans bring us a young boy who is teased for looking different from the other kids in his neighborhood.  His skin is darker, his hair is taller, his nose is wider.  As the little boy shares his sadness with his mother, she helps him to see how truly beautiful he is.  The boy in turn shares with his friends that although he is different  he is very proud to be Chocolate Me!

We loved Chocolate Me!!  The way in which the little boy’s mother turns a tough situation into a fun learning experience is brilliant.  She explains that he has “skin like velvet fudge frosting mixed in a bowl and cotton candy hair so soft to the touch”. And a smile that makes her “so happy she could cry.” The more mother explains his differences as unique and wonderful, the more the boy realizes how special he truly is.  His “Chocolate Me! t-shirt is proudly worn as he shares fresh baked chocolate cupcakes with his friends.  This is a heart-warming tale that can be used in homes and classrooms alike to teach about equality and self- acceptance and self-esteem. 

Reviewer: SL

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