Title: What Color is a Kiss?
Author/Illustrator: Rocio Bonilla
Age Group: 2-5
Synopsis: A young girl deals with a dilemma in her art work. What color is a kiss?
The Lowdown:
The concept of love is difficult to say the least. We can describe the effects but since it’s not exactly a tangible it’s a bit difficult for kids to grasp. Bug’s definitely not immune to this issue. I love the way Rocio Bonilla tackles it her book. By looking at the pros and cons of each color, she explores the idea of love and also examines stereotypes concerning various colors.
Monica introduces herself on the first page of this story in a crazy adorable way, so typical of young kids. She like strawberry cake, riding her bicycle quickly and telling the plants she waters nice things so they grow faster but her true passion is painting. She loves the challenge and learning to paint new things but she’s stuck on what color she should paint a kiss. Red is out, though it’s like yummy spaghetti sauce, it’s also the color she feels when she’s angry. Green is fabulous like crocodiles, but also veggies. Each color gets thus examined and then consequently dismissed for various charming reasons. In a fit of frustration she calls questions her mother who answers by delivering the subject of the question to Monica’s cheek. A burst of colorful hearts explodes and provides the answer.
The illustrations are such a perfect compliment to this story. They’re sweet, honest, and a tad bit messy, just like a child. Splattered with paint splotches and scribble lines, they appeal perfectly to young readers who create their own art in a similar fashion. Bonilla takes it a step further though and infuses her pictures with emotions and expressions that almost leap off the page. I wouldn’t be surprised to find Monica skipping down the street somewhere in our town, paint splotches on her cheek and a twinkle in her eye. I love also that she’s highly opinionated and thinks outside the box, disdaining pink but the finding fabulous features of gray. She appeals to all readers with her unflappable logic and quirky charm.
We are loving this book and when we read it this morning for Valentine’s breakfast, Bug giggled and nodded the whole way through. It’s so sweet and heart-warming and just the perfect sort of read I’d like to start Valentine’s Day with. A lovely message that love can take all types of forms sweet like honey, or a favorite animal or activity. It’s not just one thing and can’t be defined so distinctly. It’s a blend, but that just makes it more powerful.
Story Tips:
- Before reading about each color ask your little one they think of when they think of that color. Then explore Monica’s thoughts together. It can be surprising, thoughtful, and even humorous.
I need more!
Rocio Banillo is a Spanish author/illustrator whose books are just now being translated into English. THANK GOODNESS! She has a few other available in English including: The Highest Mountain of Books in the World and some other lovely looking books. Check out more via her website: http://www.rociobonilla.com/or if your Spanish is a bit rusty (like mine) Amazon or Google.
