Black, White, Just Right! [Library Binding]

Marguerite W. Davol (Author), Irene Trivas (Illustrator)

Book Description

Grade Level: 1 and up

Celebrating the differences between a mother and father that blend to make the perfect combination in their daughter. An African American mother and a white father are only one reason why this family is "just right."

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Ages 2-5. A mixed-race child celebrates the rich inclusiveness of her life in a joyful picture book. Mama's face is chestnut brown, Papa's face turns pink in the sun, the child's a little dark, a little light, "Just right!" Each double-page spread shows how members of the family are individuals with likes and dislikes, hobbies and habits that move beyond stereotype. Mom orders vegetarian; Dad orders ribs and bagels; the child likes it all. Mom does ballet; Dad dances to rap. Mom likes African masks; Dad goes for modern art; the child loves the Egyptian part of the museum. Each page has a rhyming refrain that ends, "just right." In keeping with the upbeat text, Trivas' energetic gouache illustrations are full of movement and affection. Hazel Rochman

From Kirkus Reviews

The narrator enumerates qualities inherited from her parents--a face that's ``a little dark, a little light,'' somewhere between Mama's ``chestnut brown'' and Papa's fair skin; hair that's ``halfway in-between'' blond and black. When it comes to likes and activities, she shares with both (Mama's ballet, Papa's dancing to rap), sets her own agenda (each has a favorite museum exhibit), or goes beyond both parents (wishing for not just one dog or cat but ``dozens of pets''). A useful but predictable offering, with an idea that's developed with care and intelligence. Trivas's freely rendered art portraying this happy family of three is upbeat and attractive. A photo of the author with her ``just-right'' grandchildren (also evidently from an interracial family) is included. (Picture book. 3-8) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

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Product Details

• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (January 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807507857
• ISBN-13: 978-0807507858
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 8.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #249,159 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #67 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Family Life > Marriage & Divorce

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for building self-esteem in ALL children., July 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Black, White, Just Right! (Library Binding)

I am a Haitian-American woman married to an Italian-Americanman. While we don't have children of our own yet, his daughter fromhis previous marriage to an Italian woman enjoys the book tremendously. It helps her to appreciate differences in others as something wonderful. END

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bi- Racial 4 yr old daughter LOVES to have this read to her, February 23, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Black, White, Just Right! (Library Binding)

My 4yr old daughter loves to have this read to her. She used to identify with herself as I'm "BOTH" (black & white), now she says "she's just right too". It's so light and age appropriate, while touching on the differences and similiarities of others. I love that the diffrences that are pointed out in this book between the mommy and daddy are not stereotyped by a the like's or dislike's of the black/white race. Beatiful illustrations and catchy rhymes. A definete must get.

39 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Thankfully Avoids Patronizing Mixed Race Kids, May 3, 2000

By 

MopedLad (los angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black, White, Just Right! (Library Binding)

This book remains one of the most consistently re-read books in my 6 year old daughter's substantial book collection. Thanfully devoid of the prevailing liberal viewpoint that you "are what society sees you as" the book calmly reinforces the concept that it is quite okay for mixed race children to celebrate their ENTIRE racial and cultural background.