BLACK

Turning a negative into a positive is as simple as adding a single, unifying color to your rainbow.

Author James and illustrator Moore join forces to create a delightfully simple yet utterly unique look at the color black. With artwork that utilizes multiple textures and geometric shapes, the narrative compellingly illustrates the versatility and beauty of the color wheel’s darkest hue. James’ rhyming text flows gently like water in a dark, dark river. The book exemplifies the power of looking at a commonplace subject in a new light. Its two Black creators seamlessly and artfully demonstrate that blackness—whether used to describe paint, fabric, or human beings—is nothing to fear. Rather, the color deserves to be celebrated and appreciated in all its multiplicity: “Black is the rich, fertile earth. / And the shiny beetle tunneling dirt. / Black are intricate musical notes / and the flashing shine of fancy clothes.” (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An eye-opening tribute to an often underrated color.