I Love My Colorful Nails

by Alicia Acosta, Luis Amavisca, Gusti (Illustrator)

Overview

Coauthors Acosta (Little Captain Jack) and Amavisca (Bang Bang I Hurt the Moon) keep their focus tight, concentrating on Ben’s feelings and the way the boys’ taunting torments him (“He felt even sadder than the day his fish went to fish heaven”). Loose-lined drawings with gently tinted wash by Gusti (Mallko and Dad) underscore the intimacy and loyalty of Ben’s family. ~Publishers Weekly

This is a story inspired by true events.

Ben is a little boy, and he likes painting his nails. There’s no big reason to it, he just loves all the amazing colors on the tips of his fingers. Until one day, some of his schoolmates start laughing at him because of it. He suddenly feels sad, helpless, and doesn’t want to paint his nails anymore. Even when his father starts painting his nails to support Ben, the helplessness doesn’t go away.

Why can’t boys paint their nails? A tale to understand that a kid’s joy has no boundaries.

A simple story about a small revolution.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9788417123598
Publisher:	NubeOcho
Publication date:	04/02/2019
Series:	Egalite Series
Pages:	36
Product dimensions:	9.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

A professional storyteller from Andalusia (Spain). She works with groups of children in schools and for Government organizations. She combines her background as a psychologist to promote the love of reading in children.

A well-known visual artist and writer for kids in Spain. He has worked and written about equality, solidarity, environment and non-violence. He has published several books including Princess Li and The Galinos.

An illustrator, animator and tireless traveler. He has illustrated several children’s books, such as The Elephant Caught in a Trap, The Grey Boy and Mallco & Papá, which won the Bologna Ragazzi award in the Disability category. His works have been published in more than 20 countries by publishers such as Gekken and Hachette.

Editorial Reviews

It's perfectly okay—in fact, it seems preferable—to be yourself. This would be a great title to share with youngster to spark some conversations about their own assumptions about gender and gender roles or what they might have done to make Ben feel okay about his colorful nails. ~Goodreads

Goodreads - Barbara

Large, happy cartoon-like art in warm colors with simple text make this appealing for young audiences. Youth Services Book Review

From the Publisher

An original and thoroughly 'kid friendly' picture book for children ages 4-8 that touches on emotions, being yourself, and peaceful solutions to negative confrontation. ~Midwest Book Review

Midwest Book Review

This one’s for all the boys who like to paint their nails. A book about acceptance and being true to yourself. ~100 Scopenotes

100 Scopenotes

A gentle message about bullying with a hopeful note of encouragement and support. ~Kiss the Book Jr.

Kiss the Book Jr.

It's perfectly okay—in fact, it seems preferable—to be yourself. This would be a great title to share with youngster to spark some conversations about their own assumptions about gender and gender roles or what they might have done to make Ben feel okay about his colorful nails. ~Goodreads

Goodreads - Barbara G.Tarn

2019-01-28

A timely look at self-expression.

Kindergarten-age Ben paints his fingernails because he loves their colorful appeal. Unfortunately, not everyone does. While walking to school one morning, Ben is harassed by two other boys: "Painting your nails is for girls. You're a girl! You're a girl!" Ben initially internalizes the negative feelings but eventually tells his parents. Although Ben's father shows solidarity by painting his nails as well, this does not stop the bullying. Ben sadly kowtows to gender conformity and paints his nails only on the weekend, although his father continues to pick him up after school with painted nails. On Ben's birthday, his entire class surprises him with painted nails, and at recess, they do it again. End of story! Educators and caregivers should prepare themselves for the barrage of logical questions that are sure to follow: Why didn't Ben's parents talk to his teacher about the bullying? What happened the next day? Did the bullies learn anything? Books about gender nonconformity are needed, as are titles that celebrate general messages of acceptance, but this story is too superficial and the ending too slapdash to be worth the attention. Gusti's illustrations, which echo the stylings of Jules Pfeiffer, do little to enhance the text. Most characters appear white, while darker-skinned characters are reduced to background filler only. The book is also available in Spanish.

Skip it. (Picture book. 6-8)

Kirkus Reviews