Nuestra piel: una primera conversacion sobre la raza

Ages 2 to 5, Grades K And Under

This groundbreaking title in the First Conversations series is now available in Spanish! Based on the research that race, gender, consent, and body positivity should be discussed with toddlers on up, this read-aloud picture book series offers adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way.

¡Este innovador título de la colección Primeras conversaciones está ahora disponible en español! Esta colección de álbumes ilustrados para leer en voz alta está basada en investigaciones que revelan que, desde la primera infancia, se debe conversar con los niños sobre la raza, el género, el consentimiento y una visión positiva del cuerpo, y ofrece a los adultos la oportunidad de iniciar esas importantes conversaciones de una manera informada y segura, y con el apoyo necesario.

Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this topic-driven picture book offers clear, concrete language and beautiful imagery that young children can grasp and adults can leverage for further discussion.

While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it's hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about issues like race and gender from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice.

This first book in the series begins the conversation on race, with a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult. Stunning art accompanies the simple and interactive text, and the backmatter offers additional resources and ideas for extending this discussion.

    Estos álbumes ilustrados, enfocados en temas específicos y desarrollados por expertos en las áreas de primera infancia y activismo contra la injusticia, ofrecen un leguaje claro y concreto, e imágenes atractivas que los niños entenderán y los adultos podrán aprovechar para ampliar la conversación.

    Los niños observan y cuestionan con avidez lo que sucede a su alrededor. Los adultos, en contraste, suelen acallar o posponer las conversaciones sobre temas complicados porque les cuesta saber por dónde empezar. Hay investigaciones que demuestran que el hablar sobre asuntos como la raza y el género desde los dos años de edad no solo ayuda a los niños a entender lo que ven sino que incrementa su autoconocimiento y autoestima y los ayuda a reconocer y confrontar cuestiones injustas, como la discriminación y los prejuicios.

    Este primer libro de la colección inicia la conversación sobre la raza con una aproximación provista de apoyo que tiene en cuenta tanto al niño como al adulto. Bellas ilustraciones acompañan el texto, simple e interactivo; y al final se ofrecen recursos e ideas adicionales para ampliar la conversación.

About the Author

Jessica Ralli is the Coordinator of Early Literacy Programs at Brooklyn Public Library, where she develops and manages programming for BPL's award-winning First Five Years initiative. She received her MA in Early Childhood Special Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and previously taught in schools, childcare centers, and museums. She has written about early literacy and library services for young children in School Library Journal (where she co-authors the "First Steps" column with Rachel G. Payne) and has presented on play-based learning at the American Library Association Conference, Young Child Expo, and the Bank Street Center for Children's Literature.

Megan Pamela Ruth Madison is a lifelong student of radical Black feminism and an early childhood educator. She holds an MS in early childhood education from Dominican University and a BA in studies in religion from the University of Michigan. She is currently pursuing her PhD at Brandeis University's Heller School for Social Policy. When she's not working on finishing up her dissertation, she works as a trainer for the Center for Racial Justice in Education, the Human Root, and the New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute, facilitating workshops for teachers on race, gender, and sexuality.

Isabel C. Mendoza (traductora) es la Directora Editorial de la división de Libros Infantiles y Juveniles de Vista Higher Learning, antiguamente Santillana USA. Isabel forma parte de un equipo diverso de especialistas del idioma, defensores del consumidor e investigadores experimentados que trabajan con el objetivo especial de poner los mejores libros en las manos de los lectores hispanohablantes.

Isabel Mendoza (Translator) is the Editorial Director of the Children and Young Adult Books division at Vista Higher Learning, formerly Santillana USA. Isabel is part of a diverse team of language specialists, customer advocates, and experienced researchers, with a singular goal of getting the best books into the hands of Spanish readers

Isabel Roxas is an author/illustrator, micro-publisher, ceramicist, and avid reader. She was born in Manila, Philippines, and was raised on luscious mangoes, old wives' tales, and monsoon moons. She now works in the backroom of an art gallery in Manhattan where she writes and illustrates stories, designs books, and creates small objects in clay and resin. Her illustrator credits include picture books Hello Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly (2018 Newbery medal winner), Let Me Finish! by Minh Lê (named an NPR Best Book of 2016) and Day at the Market by May Tobias-Papa (2010 winner of the Philippine National Book Award).

Isabel is the founder of Little Big Time Press, where she publishes artist books and zines for children. She is also a frequent contributor to Babybug and Ladybug Magazine. Her work has been recognized by American Illustration, HOW Magazine, and 3x3 Magazine of Contemporary Illustration. Her debut comic book for young readers, The Adventures of Team Pom: SQUID HAPPENS, will publish in June 2021.

Follow her on Twitter @studioroxas and Instagram @studioroxas.

Illustrator Residence:New York, New York

Illustrator Hometown:Manila, Philippines