Vision
There’s something very unfortunate about the message we send children of color when they don’t see themselves in books. After all, books, especially children’s books transmit values. That’s why I wrote MY SKIN HAS POLKA DOTS. It is a board book featuring a boy with brown skin and multi-colored spots. The pages are full of bold colors and whimsical illustrations that will add a new perspective to the conversation about skin color and encourage children ages 0-5 years old to never question the brilliance of their differences. Delivered in a playful, child-centered tone, it reminds us of the connection between appearance and ancestry, and is a fun rhyming message that parents and children will love to read again and again.
A book about skin:
So why does a book about skin color matter? Well, this book was inspired by the journey of a friend’s son. When I found out that he was asking how the brown could actually be washed off, I allowed myself to be sad for a moment (because um, tear!) and then was committed to a solution in the form of this book. The concept that his skin color was given to him by his grandparents and all of his ancestors excited him. It excited me too! So often, beauty is explained by comparison. So rather than saying brown is pretty because it's the same color as say, a chestnut horse (weird right? But those are lyrics from a song on a popular children's show!), we can find new and interesting ways to have conversations with children all of shades and with any kind of spots. I see books as a powerful tool in reinforcing values; reflecting back to children how they are special and matter to this world. I humbly think this book can help parents have meaningful conversations even with their little ones. My 16-month old loves this text (he hasn’t even seen the illustrations yet!), and I hope it can bring a similar level of humor and meaning to your family too.
About Me:
Hi, I’m Jenile. I live in Los Angeles with my husband and 17-month old son, and I want to tell stories that can inspire, amuse, and teach your children. Writing a children’s book has been a natural progression for me that combines my intentional approach to motherhood with my background as a television writer and producer, having gotten my start at Nickelodeon over a decade ago. I had always dreamed of writing for children one day, but after becoming a mother, and struggling to find board and picture books for my son with diverse characters that could awaken things like compassion for others, reinforce academics, or just tickle the funny bone -- “one day” turned into right now.
The Impact
My plan to self-publish is a deliberate attempt to have a direct conversation with the recipients of this book - parents and supporters just like you who can use it to spark conversations in your families and circles of influence. It’s hard to find books with diverse characters; made for diverse audiences. It’s even harder to find them in board book form to reach infants and toddlers! If you join this campaign, not only are you helping to share a fun and empowering message with young children, you’re also helping add to the growing collection of board books for early readers of color.
Costs of Campaign and Plan for Funding
With the funding I raise from this campaign, my plan is simple. I want this book published! It’s why I have simplified the level of sponsorship to accommodate a bulk order of 500 books, the cost of shipping and receiving an ISBN/Barcode.
Levels of sponsorship:
$10 - e-book with bold and colorful illustrations & a special thanks mention at the end of the book!
$30 - physical board book, signed and with a dedication to the recipient (yay!) & a special thanks mention at the end of the book!
$100.00 physical board book, signed and with a dedication to the recipient (yay!) a special thanks mention at the end of the book, and a customized illustration featuring any child in your life surrounded by people in their family tree. You submit photos; I will turn those photos into a custom illustration and print on canvas with an excerpt from the book that says "I love my family so I'm proud of everything that's me." and deliver directly to you. This makes a great gift!
Other Ways You Can Help
In addition to financial pledges, I would love if you could forward this link to even just one mother of a toddler (or father, or auntie, or caregiver...) with whom you think this message would resonate. Thanks so much to my family and friends for supporting this creative dream, and to all of you for the consideration!