Tan to Tamarind: Poems about the Color Brown

A poetry collection that explores the spectrum of beautiful shades of brown.

When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Tan, sienna, topaz, or tamarind? Poet Malathi Michelle Iyengar sees a whole spectrum of beautiful shades of brown. Swirls of henna decorate ocher hands and feet at an Indian wedding. Cinnamon lips smile over a cup of cafe con leche. And maple leaves drift like stars onto upturned russet faces in fall.

This warm and inviting poetry collection helps young readers discover that no matter what your skin tone, every shade is beautiful. Jamel Akib’s pastel illustrations bring the richness of brown to vivid, varied life.