Lovely

6/8/2020

Jess Hong

Hong is a full-time illustrator at Papyrus -- you know, those greeting cards which are beautiful in their simplicity!? As well as holding a degree in international studies, she is a graduate of the School of Illustration at San Francisco's Academy of Art University. Lovely, Hong's first published book, began as a project in the children's book courses at the Academy. She is the illustrator for the soon to be released From Maybe to Forever: An Adoption Story by N.V. Wong.

The publisher, Creston Books, offers a free curriculum guide for teaching Lovely in Kindergarten through 2nd grades. You could also check out their Black Voices Matter titles!

World Context

Empathy and inclusivity must be taught from an early age -- we can nurture and encourage these character traits throughout our children's lives. Beginning to talk about our differences with acceptance and joy when they are toddlers makes later conversations about race and justice a natural part of growing up.

What is lovely?

Lovely is different.

Synopsis

My almost 2-year old grandsons love this book! While there is not a "story," the pictures charmingly illustrate the many differences between people that are all lovely! The book begins with an illustration of a girl with one blue eye and one brown eye -- the differences only get more visually interesting as the book progresses.

My favorite illustration -- as well as that of Little Guy and Donasaurus -- is the two-page spread of four sets of legs and shoes: hairy with a pair of red stilettos - Fancy, prosthetic legs playing soccer - Sporty, black legs in pink ballet slippers - Graceful, and fishnet-stockinged legs in Goth platform boots - Stompy. By the time we reached Stompy the boys were stomping their feet in joy!

Learning Connections

Empathy
Inclusion
Diversity
Shapes & colors

For middle school or high school children interested in art, the book is an excellent choice for exploring the power of illustration.

Ages: 4 - 8; Grades: Preschool - 2nd; 32 pages. Picture book detailing how our differences are lovely.

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