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Ben is a little boy, and he likes painting his nails. There’s no big reason to it, he just loves all the amazing colors on the tips of his fingers. Until one day, some of his schoolmates start laughing at him because of it. He suddenly feels sad, helpless, and doesn’t want to paint his nails anymore. Even when his father starts painting his nails to support Ben, the helplessness doesn’t go away.Why can’t boys paint their nails? A tale to understand that a kid’s joy has no boundaries. A simple story about a small revolution.
Also available in Spanish as ¡Vivan las uñas de colores!
- Picture book
- Years: +4 years
- Size: 9 3/4 x 9 3/4 in
- Product Form: Hardback
- Pages: 36
- ISBN: 978-84-17123-59-8
- $ 15,95 / 14,90 €
An original and thoroughly ‘kid friendly’ picture book for children ages 4-8 that touches on emotions, being yourself, and peaceful solutions to negative confrontation.
It’s perfectly okay–in fact, it seems preferable–to be yourself. This would be a great title to share with youngster to spark some conversations about their own assumptions about gender and gender roles or what they might have done to make Ben feel okay about his colorful nails.
Coauthors Acosta (Little Captain Jack) and Amavisca (Bang Bang I Hurt the Moon) keep their focus tight, concentrating on Ben’s feelings and the way the boys’ taunting torments him (“He felt even sadder than the day his fish went to fishy heaven”). Loose-lined drawings with gently tinted wash by Gusti (Mallko and Dad) underscore the intimacy and loyalty of Ben’s family.
The translation is smooth and the writing clear and straightforward. Children will understand the narrative easily and empathize with Ben. Gusti’s watercolors are loose and flowing, similar to those of Chris Raschka. The bright nails stand out from the earth tones of the characters’ skin, hair, and clothing. The love between the family is depicted through physical contact, and Ben’s smile and rosy cheeks light up the final page, as he flaunts his blue polish while wearing a birthday hat.