The Black Book of Colors

A New York Times Book Review choice as one of the 10 Best Illustrated Children's Books of 2008

It is very hard for a sighted person to imagine what it is like to be blind. This groundbreaking, award-winning book endeavors to convey the experience of a person who can only see through his or her sense of touch, taste, smell or hearing.

Raised black line drawings on black paper, which can be deciphered by touch, complement a beautifully written text describing colors through imagery. Braille letters accompany the text so that the sighted reader can begin to imagine what it is like to use Braille to read. A full Braille alphabet at the end of the book can be used to learn more.

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.1
Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.

Author: Menena Cottin
Publisher: Groundwood Books
Published: 06/01/2008
Pages: 24
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.70lbs
Size: 7.00h x 11.50w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9780888998736
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 2.6
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 123739 / Black Book of Colors


Award: Beehive Awards - Nominee
Award: Grand Canyon Reader Award - Nominee


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Review - Children 05/15/2008 pg. 542
Publishers Weekly 06/09/2008 pg. 49
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 07/01/2008 pg. 461
School Library Journal 09/01/2008 pg. 144
Booklist 10/01/2008 pg. 42
New York Times Book Review 11/09/2008 pg. 34
SLJ's Best Books 12/01/2008 pg. 32
Booklist Ed Choice Youth 01/01/2009 pg. 16
Multicultural Review 12/01/2008 pg. 77
School Library Journal 08/01/2009 pg. 94
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2009 pg. 19 - Below Average, With Minor Flaw