Mixed

Who is the best? Reds? Blues? Yellows? Mixed is a refreshing take on the importance of respecting and valuing everyone, regardless of colour. The story begins with three colours (red, blue and yellow) and their own personalities. All live in harmony until, one day, the reds decide to declare they are the best. This leads to the segregation of the colours within the city. However, a yellow and a blue soon grow close together and fall in love. This leads to them going against their families and mixing to create green. The prejudice towards their friendship soon subsides once people see the beautiful colour that has been made. Before too long, the colours see past their differences and mix together in many ways, creating even more colours in the process.

This book is a wonderful introduction to diversity and togetherness and touches upon the sensitive issue of racism. The children in my year 1 class really enjoyed the story as well as the fun and engaging pictures. I think that this book could be used across the primary age range and even used in whole school assemblies. Children will soon make the link between the colours in the book and the colour of people's skin in the real world.

Arree Chung has created not only a wonderful story, but also a great teaching aid for schools. Thoroughly recommend all primary schools owning a copy.

Picture book / Ages 4+ / Reviewed by Kyle Matravers, teacher.

Suggested Reading Age 3+