THE LAST TWO CRAYONS

Sienna usually loves art class—but today is different.

The spring art show is only a day away, and Sienna, a young Black girl, is excited. When tan-skinned Ms. Graham puts a handful of crayons on the table, within seconds, all the colors are grabbed up except for dark brown and light brown. Sienna is upset, especially when the other students tease her for her slowness. A classmate mocks, “Have fun drawing mud and dog poop.” Ms. Graham encourages Sienna to think of all the great things that can be drawn with brown crayons. However, when Sienna tries to imagine roses and rainbows in hues of brown, she is discouraged. After a classmate references chocolate, Sienna perks up and draws a cone with three scoops of chocolate ice cream. A student mentions a grizzly bear, which inspires another drawing for Sienna. Finally, Sienna thinks of her mother’s golden skin and her father’s dark brown skin and draws her own family—a perfect piece for the art show. Freeman-Haskin’s narrative is matter-of-fact but uplifting, affirming the beauty of brown skin and opening the door to discussions about race and skin tone. Robinson’s vibrant cut-paper illustrations are layered with texture and movement, giving the book a collagelike feel and depicting a diverse class. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A sensitive and age-appropriate tale to spark conversations about skin color.