Tan to Tamarind: Poems About the Color Brown
By Malathi Iyengar
Illustrated by Jamel Akib
Hardcover: out of stock
Paperback: $10.95
Ebook
When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Tan, sienna, topaz, or tamarind? Poet Malathi Michelle Iyengar sees a whole spectrum of beautiful shades of brown. Swirls of henna decorate ocher hands and feet at an Indian wedding. Cinnamon lips smile over a cup of café con leche. And maple leaves drift like stars onto upturned russet faces in fall.
This warm and inviting poetry collection helps young readers discover that no matter what your skin tone, every shade is beautiful. Jamel Akib's pastel illustrations bring the richness of brown to vivid, varied life.
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About the Creators

is a poet, writer, and teacher. She currently teaches at a public elementary school where she is happy to see lots of beautiful brown faces every day. Malathi lives in Los Angeles, California.

is the illustrator of Krishnaswami's Monsoon, for which he won the Marion Vannett Ridgway Award for Illustration, as well as Tan to Tamarind. His award-winning work has also appeared in numerous museum and gallery shows in England, including several Best of British Illustration exhibitions. A full-time illustrator of English and Malaysian ancestry, Akib now lives with his family on Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, England.