I really liked reading this book for a couple of reasons. The first reason that i enjoyed this book is because the overall message of this book is acceptance. When teachers read this book in class, there will be students will be able to identify with it and giver them an overall sense of confidence by seeing a book with characters who look the same as them. I also really enjoyed this book because it introduces a multitude of different shades of the color brown. The way the author describes these colors allows the reader to really visualize what that color looks like. For example, the author describes the color "tan" as "milk tea brown". With this description, I automatically could see the color she was talking about. ( )

In Tan to Tamarind, poet Malathi Michelle Iyengar asks this question: When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Using colorful poetry, Iyengar reveals the spectrum of shades within the color brown, from reddish-brown henna decorating Asian hands and feet at an Indian wedding to smiling cinnamon lips over a cup of café con leche in South America. Building self-esteem, positive self images, and embracing human differences are all part of the text and images. ( )

The multiplicity of shades of brown is pretty amazing. I know there are a variety of shades of course, but I didn't know some of the names of the shades. It is interesting how Malathi Michelle Iyengar is able to describe all of the shades with such distinction and vivid words. I do not much care for the illustrative style but do like how each color is depicted. ( )

Sandalwood, coffee, ocher, sepia and topaz. These colors and so many other shades of brown represent the different kind of people in the world. "Tan to Tamarind” is a book that not only teaches children about various colors but it also teaches them about different settings around the world where people with a certain skin color exist. I love the fact that this book raises the awareness of that and teaches young kids to embrace the color of their skin and see the beauty in it. ( )