Natalia Junqueira – illustratör

Two second-graders share a special friendship and a superpower that they use together to make the world a better place-for all kids.

A heartfelt new picture book combines delightful storytelling with an important message of diversity, acceptance, and friendship, a perfect offering in today''s landscape. 

Jacob is a second-grader who loves his new family. His biological mom and dad went away when they couldn''t take care of him anymore. He''s the new kid at school, but his new best friend Andrew tells him it''s cool that he''s adopted. Author Nneka J. Howell explores the many differences in families, cultures, and friendships in her debut picture book, The Color of Play.

Jacob and Andrew may not look alike, but together they share a special superpower: they can camouflage. That means to blend in. They camouflage together a lot. And they have each other''s backs. That means they stick up for each other. 

Nneka J. Howell masterfully weaves an important story for all children and families that acknowledges realistic cultural differences and challenges the concept of color blindness in terms of race, while communicating that love and acceptance wins. She hopes that her storybook provokes healthy conversations in homes, classrooms, and libraries to bridge the divisive gap that exists in today''s landscape regarding racial and cultural awareness. The Color of Play is her fourth published book and her debut children''s book in a planned four-book series.