Picture Books Are for Grown-Ups Too!
Picture books aren’t just for children. Picture books are for grown-ups too! Listen in as we speak with picture book authors, illustrators, and enthusiasts about how these stories contribute to human thriving. Discover how picture books can affirm our experiences, introduce us to new perspectives, serve as conversation starters, foster meaningful reflection, and give us words to make sense of the world! Ultimately, you’re never too old for a great picture book AND these tiny tales can lead to big connection! Join us for the journey, and discover something that might contribute to YOUR thriving.
Picture Books Are for Grown-Ups Too!
S2E3 | Valerie Bolling and 'I See Color'
“To say that you don’t see [color] is first of all actually not true, but it also diminishes people because if you don’t see someone’s color—which color is really about race and culture—then that means you’re not seeing the person completely and you’re not acknowledging that racism actually exists.” –Valerie Bolling
Today we’re talking about seeing color, pursuing change, connecting with others, developing empathy, and seeing people completely.
Today’s Picture Book: I See Color by Valerie Bolling and Kailei Pew and illustrated by Laylie Frazier
Valerie Bolling is passionate about creating stories in which all children can see themselves and feel seen and heard, valued and validated. She’s the author of six picture books -- LET’S DANCE! (SCBWI Crystal Kite Award winner); TOGETHER WE RIDE; TOGETHER WE SWIM (2023 Kirkus Prize Finalist); RIDE, ROLL, RUN: TIME FOR FUN!; BING, BOP, BAM: TIME TO JAM!; and I SEE COLOR (Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection) -- as well as a Scholastic Acorn early reader series, RAINBOW DAYS. Sharing her books with children and inspiring them to write their own stories brings Valerie immense joy!
Book Description: I See Color is a powerful and direct response to those who use the phrase "I don't see color" to dismiss race and racism. This book celebrates revolutionaries from various backgrounds who have lived fearlessly, faced oppression, and fought for change. I See Color is a picture book that affirms people of color—of all shades—by celebrating their achievements and contributions to society. Part ode to an array of beautiful skin tones and part introduction to change-makers in history, this book is a perfect conversation starter for readers everywhere.
Please consider supporting your local independent booksellers by purchasing I See Color. Find a store here: https://www.indiebound.org/
Other Mentions:
Kamalani Hurley on Season 1 Episode 16
Goal Setting in the Writing Classroom by Valerie Bolling (releases July 14, 2025)
A Plea for Justice and The March for Hope (forthcoming; visit Valerie’s website for updates)
Questions/Activities for further engagement based on the discussion:
1. Who Am I? How do I identify? How do I honor these parts of myself? How do I share them with others? (consider creating art or a collage that has these different parts of yourself)
2. How does the other person identify? What can I learn from them? How does this knowledge make me learn even more about myself?
3. When’s a time you’ve felt unseen or that you were seen or judged only for your color?
Find Valerie:
Website: www.valeriebolling.com | Instagram: @ValerieBollingAuthor | Bluesky: @ValerieBolling
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Ripening Time, Patrice's 2nd picture book, releases April 22, 2025. Order your copy from your local bookstore or one of Patrice's local bookstores!
Also, please visit the podcast’s bookshop.org page for a complete list of books discussed!
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