Hues and Harmony (How the Rainbow Butterfly Got Her Colors) by Marissa Bañez (Author) I received in exchange for this review. This is the second book I’ve been blessed to review for the Author. You can check out the first review here:
I would like to let you know Hues and Harmony (How the Rainbow Butterfly Got Her Colors) had a special place in my heart before even reading the book. Because my daughter Suzzie is a Butterfly flying free after passing away in a freak car accident. I wish Suzzie was here to read the story with me and to look at the cover of the book with the pretty flowers and rainbow on the cover of the book.
Charlie has been dealing with the changing world and his best friend and the people he is dating. I shared Hues and Harmony (How the Rainbow Butterfly Got Her Colors) with Charlie and we were able to discuss the different people in the world and how we should be kind to everyone no, matter what.
Hues and Harmony (How the Rainbow Butterfly Got Her Colors) is a touching story of a lovable grey caterpillar’s journey into the land of colors and shapes. Through her journey, in the Fabled Fairies the Caterpillar develops wisdom and courage. She sings joyful songs to people she meets along the way.
Through her adventures the Caterpillar ultimately transforms into a Butterfly with the help of Esperanza and the Fabled Fairies. My family was impressed with the author’s use of colors and shapes to illustrate multi-racial people in the story. Turning the book into a clever and educational storybook for children and adults alike.
The illustrations were amazing, and Charlie and I discussed them in our Homeschool Art Class and even recreated some of the artwork to hang in our classroom. I believe all teachers should have a copy of Hues and Harmony (How the Rainbow Butterfly Got Her Colors) to read to the students during the first week of classes.
About:
Thinking she doesn’t belong in a brightly colored world, a gray caterpillar goes on a mind-opening journey that gives her life meaning.
On her way to see her parents, she passes through various places: The Land of Yellow and Blue, The Land of Red and Yellow, and The Land of Red and Blue. At each place, she finds that although the people all look different, they still live in peace because they respect each other. When she reaches The Land of Black and White where her parents live, she finally comes to understand that she belongs in her color-filled world just as much as everyone else.
The gray caterpillar then becomes a beautiful rainbow-colored butterfly, destined to spread the word about self-acceptance, empowerment, belonging, and love: “Are you green, orange, purple, or gray? Don’t be sad; you’re okay.”
Entertaining while also teaching, Hues and Harmony uses lyrical text and beautiful images to re-imagine the world and its different peoples as it simultaneously highlights commonalities in a fun and relatable way. It is a must read for anyone who has ever felt like they don’t belong, for those who want to help them, and for those who don’t understand how “outsiders” feel.
Meet the Author: Marissa Banez
About the Author
An award-winning children’s illustrated book author, Marissa Bañez is a Princeton University graduate, lawyer, and mom. Her second book, Hues and Harmony (How the Rainbow Butterfly Got Her Colors) will be published on July 20, 2023. For more information, visit her website
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
