Acosta, Alicia and Luis Amavisca. I Love My Colorful Nails. Illustrated by Gusti. English translation by Ben Dawlatly. (Egalite series.) NubeOcho, 2019. Translated by Ben Dawlatly. $15.95. ISBN 9788417123598. Unpaged. Ages 4-7. P6 Q6
Ben loves painting his nails cheerful colors. His friend, Margarita also has amazing nail polish and they paint their nails together. Ben’s classmates make fun of him and call him a girl. Margarita is an upstander and tells her classmates to leave him alone. Ben paints his nails only on weekends so the kids at school will not laugh at him. Without his nails painted, he no longer feels bright or cheerful. To support Ben, his dad paints his nails. For his birthday, Ben receives a gift that is both affirming and makes him feel colorful again. The illustrations are a classic early 1970’s look with black lines and flat solid colors. The color palate is terra cota, ecru, brick red and muted colors. The eyes are early 70’s style smiling eyes which make the people look like their eyes are closed or looking down. One illustration shows an upside-down ice cream cone and Ben sitting down with his head buried in his knees showing his sadness. The illustrations show ethnic diverse children. The author refers to Ben’s mom and dad as mommy and daddy which makes Ben seem younger or shows a tight bond between them. This book was inspired by a true story. The original title was Vivan las unas de colores! The text was translated into English. In the Egalite series, Values Fun & Diversity.
Verdict: Children who love colors and do not fall into the stereotypical gender roles will enjoy this book affirming self-expression. I Love my Colorful Nails validates children to express themselves as they desire and models being an upstander. Earlier this year, I had a student who painted his nails and was laughed at by his peers. I told him that he is perfect just the way he is and he can express himself in any way he wants. Because of that experience, this book caught my eye. He will enjoy this book, knowing that he is not alone in painting his nails.
April 2019 review by Tami Harris.
Oregon Coast Youth Book Preview Center 