Not Quite Snow White, written by Ashley Franklin and Illustrated by Ebony Glenn is a delightful picture book about Tameika, a confident and creative little girl destined for the stage. Unfortunately, her confidence falters when her classmates decide that based on her height, weight and skin color she isn’t quite right to play Snow White in the school play. Instantly the light of the once joyful and playful Tamekia is dimmed. Eventually, with the help of a pep talk from her Dad, Tamekia regains her confidence and shines brightly on the school stage as the just right Snow White.
This book explores race and body image in a way that most children can relate. My 12 year son, recommends this books for kids of all ages “…because it reminds you that appearances aren’t that important and anyone can be anything that they want to be regardless of who thinks they can’t do it.” Fortunately, he hasn’t had to deal with someone telling him he “can’t” because of the color of his skin or other differences, but many students face this on a regular basis.
This is a great book to start the conversation and hopefully help subtlety build confidence in all children who for whatever reason think they are not quite enough.
Would like love to slip this book into character change work and perhaps fairy tales. They are after all books about change as well.