Our Skin

A First Conversation About Race

By: Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli

Narrated by: Robin Miles

Based on the research that race, gender, consent, and body positivity should be discussed with toddlers on up, this read-aloud board-book series, now adapted for audio, offers adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way.

Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this topic-driven audiobook offers clear, concrete language that young children can grasp and adults can leverage for further discussion.

While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it's hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about issues like race and gender from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice.

This first book in the series begins the conversation on race, with a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult.

©2021 Megan Madison and Jessica Ralli (P)2021 Listening Library

Critic reviews

"This accessibly written, adroit primer prompts the youngest readers to consider how skin tone relates to race and ethnicity, societal treatment, and justice. An ideal conversation starter for any child.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

“This timely book is essential for all collections.” (School Library Connection, starred review)

“An accessible, important addition to any anti-racist bookshelf.” (Kirkus, starred review)

love this book.

amazing author and read so beautifully.
thank you for helping folx have these conversations with their kids. Much love.

Opposite effect of what I was looking for

I was working on children’s books about inclusion which this book seemed like a great fit at first. But as the book progressed it was apparent that it seemed to single out a race and made them bad. The book spoke of all the bad things about racism, which I agree there are a lot of bad things, but I felt it was a little heavy for a children’s book. Also the solutions to racism offered were not any actions a child can take. It doesn’t seem helpful to the young child encountering racism right now. It doesn’t help mold kids not to be racist. This is an important subject, but the authors of this book made the content for older children with the pictures for younger ones.