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."
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Book Description
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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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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
30 of 30 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format: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
By A Customer
Format: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.
43 of 49 people found the following review helpful
By MopedLad
Format: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.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good transaction.
I have placed this book in with felt dolls that I use in the kindergarden and pre school excellent tool.
Published 2 months ago by Gaylene Gilbert
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very cute
Although my 3 year old said this book was "silly" because "mamas are white and daddies are black" she seemed to really enjoy it.
Published 4 months ago by ANG
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just Right
This book is cute. I love that it encourages children to have their own interests and embrace their own likes as well as the likes of others. Read more
Published 7 months ago by hands-on mama
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
I ordered this for my son. He loves it, even though the story is about a little girl. :) It is nice to have a book with a white father and black mother that he can relate to. Read more
Published on April 13, 2011 by Whitney
5.0 out of 5 stars
Building Biracial Confidence
Kids can be both kind and cruel, particularly when society at times requests that you 'pick a side' of racial identity to define yourself as an individual, from life as a child... Read more
Published on October 26, 2008 by Loving Circle - Interracial WMBW
2.0 out of 5 stars
Just Right Fluff
This book says that people of any color can dance, love animals, appreciate art of different types, different food, ride the subway. Read more
Published on July 19, 2008 by C. Mills
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great for toddlers too
We began reading this book to my daughter when she was 16-months-old. Within a few weeks, she would say with us, at the end of the page:"Just right! Read more
Published on November 15, 2007 by Elisa's Mom
2.0 out of 5 stars
Doesn't flow. Story wasn't catchy. Not for us.
Every time we attemt to read this to our daughter, it is a clumbsy-read that does not capture our child's attention. Read more
Published on July 2, 2007 by B. Davis
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful Colors
What a wonderful story! I wish I had this book when I was a child. The protagonist is a beautiful little girl whose mother is black and her father is white. Read more
Published on May 11, 2005 by BeatleBangs1964
5.0 out of 5 stars
Black, White, Just Right!
My 4 year old (bi-racial) son really enjoys this book. It is nice to have a story with a diverse family. Read more
Published on August 18, 2004 by Ursula S
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