Main_large
Thumb_tan_to_tamarind_1
Thumb_tan_to_tamarind_2
Thumb_tan_to_tamarind_3

Tan to Tamarind: Poems About the Color Brown

By Malathi Iyengar
Illustrated by Jamel Akib

Hardcover: out of stock

Paperback: $10.95

Ebook

Icon_t View the Teacher's Guide

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.
 

Reviews & Comments

Booklist
 PaperTigers
 School Library Journal
 Kahani Magazine
 The Bloomsbury Review

About the Creators

Thumb_thumb Malathi Iyengar - Author

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.

Thumb_thumb Jamel Akib

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.

About This Title

ISBN

Hardcover: 9780892392278

Paperback: 9780892394128

Guided Reading:

Q

Lexile:

NP

Interest Level:

Grades 1 - 6

Reading Level:

Grades 3 - 4

Themes

Colors, Comparing/Classifying/Measuring, Five Senses / Body Parts, Similarities and Differences, Identity/Self Esteem/Confidence, Poetry, Overcoming Obstacles, Native American Interest, Muslim/Muslim American Interest, Multiethnic interest, Latino/Hispanic/Mexican Interest, Families, Cultural Diversity, Childhood Experiences and Memories, African/African American Interest, Biracial/Multiracial Interest, Asian/Asian American Interest, Empathy/Compassion, Gratitude, Optimism/Enthusiasm, Persistence/Grit, Respect/Citizenship, Pride, Tolerance/Acceptance

Part of These Collections

African American English Collection Grades 3-6, Community Collection, Diverse Background English Collection Middle School, Lee & Low Poetry Collection, Poetry Grades 3-6, Fluent English, Fluent Dual Language , English Guided Reading Level Q, Anti-Racism Book Collection