DELIGHT IN YOUR HUE

In Burks’ picture book, a small blue fish discovers the beauty of other colors.

Bo, who ordinarily lives comfortably alone in a cave, is mysteriously transported to a part of the ocean with only red fish. One of the fish offers to cover up his blue scales, so that no one will see that he’s different, but the attempt fails, leaving Bo feeling homesick. He then discovers green fish, and a cove shining with “colorful lights.” There, Bo finds a sea turtle with a wispy beard who explains, “I’m the Creator and you’re My work of art….All that I paint are reflections of Me. You and your friends—EVERY fish in the sea.” Bo comes to understand that the different colored fish are stronger when they “join in friendship.” Consul’s cartoon illustrations are bright, sometimes leaning toward a kaleidoscopic feel with their many patterns and colors. Even the typeface itself is occasionally multicolored (blue for blue, rainbow for colorful), which follows the story’s theme. Burks conveys an important message of inclusivity through a playful, mostly smooth ABCB rhyme scheme. There are no direct mentions of God, but the depiction of the Creator has clear religious overtones.

A sweet, uplifting, and entertaining tale that encourages love and acceptance.