What If the Zebras Lost Their Stripes? [Hardcover]

John Reitano (Author), William Haines (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1998 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Readers young and old will be enchanted by this imaginative and appealing book. With provocative questions and strikingly beautiful artwork, this book will surely trigger valuable family discussions about the joy of embracing and celebrating the magnificence that is inherent in our diversity.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

With rhymed couplets and goofy illustrations, this parable attempts to teach that love looks beyond superficial differences. Reitano, an educator and speaker, asks, "What if the zebras/ lost their stripes,/ and some lost black/ and some lost white?" Would the zebras recognize their common identity, or would they begin to notice their new differences in color and start to fight? Would they move to separate lands, or would the young zebras be allowed to laugh and play together? Reitano raises the stakes with each new possibility of the choices the zebras might make. Though Haines's vibrant colors add warmth to the illustrations, the animals' human-like expressions are jarring. This simplistic tale about overcoming differences and achieving harmony overlooks the deeper ramifications of racism. Ages 4-up.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

An ingenious look at prejudice, profound in its simplicity. Reitano and Haines should be commended - this book is flawless! -- Children Magazine, by Elaine Gant, February 1999

The rhythm and the bright and lively illustrations will draw most readers to the book again and again. -- Denver Rocky Mountain News, by Natalie Soto, February 14, 1999

This parable about prejudice is charmingly written and delightfully illustrated. It is a worthy addition to classroom and home libraries. -- The Arizona Republic, by Beverly Medlyn, January 1999

Together with wonderful illustrations by William Haines, Reitano captures the essence and beauty of acceptance. A great springboard for discussion. -- The National Parenting Center

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Press (May 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809166496
• ISBN-13: 978-0809166497
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 10.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.7 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: #112,593 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #87 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Prejudice & Racism

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must For Every Child's Library!, May 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: What If the Zebras Lost Their Stripes? (Hardcover)

This is an incredibly inspirational and thought-provoking story of diversity. It is written in a very light-hearted context, yet sends a powerful message. The illustration is fun, lively and colorful. My kids as well as their teachers, love this book!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Top Priority Message, April 3, 2000

By 

William Cleary "renegade Jesuit" (Burlington, Vermont United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: What If the Zebras Lost Their Stripes? (Hardcover)

What If Zebras Lost Their Stripes gives you a perfect occasion to open young minds to how adults of different colors and nationalities -- and kids -- should think about their diversity. With just a little thought, kids will get this top priority message instantly. A great contribution.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars delightful book on prejudice for children, if your family believes in God, October 19, 2005

By 

Allison Kalman (NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: What If the Zebras Lost Their Stripes? (Hardcover)

As a whole, I would highly recommend this beautifully illustrated book on racism and prejudice. It is fun to read and an excellent way to address the topic with the youngest of children.

The only thing that I think should be mentioned is it does (briefly) include religious context that might not be appropriate for all families when it concludes that it is god who was smart enough to make the zebras the way they are. While not promoting any specific god, this does make it inappropriate for a public school setting or for families of certain religious beliefs.