Tan to Tamarind

Written by Malathi Michelle Iyengar
Illustrations by Jamel Akib

Publisher: Children's Book Press
English
32 pages • Ages 6 and up
8 1⁄2” x 9 3⁄4”
Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-89239-227-8


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 ochre hands and feet at an Indian wedding. Cinnamon lips smile over a cup of café con leche. And crunchy 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, colorful life.

Malathi Michelle Iyengar grew up in North Carolina. She holds a Master’s degree in Music from the California Institute of the Arts and a Master’s in Education, and currently teaches at a public elementary school where she is happy to see lots of beautiful brown faces every day. Malathi lives in the Los Angeles area with her husband and daughter.

Jamel Akib was born in England and grew up in Malaysia. He is an illustrator whose award-winning work has appeared in children's books, magazines, and advertisements in the United States and abroad. He lives in England with his wife and children.

WORKSHOP WITH LILIANA VALENZUELA

The Port Townsend Writers' Conference in beautiful Washington state, taking place the week of July 12-19, is delighted to present Liliana Valenzuela, one of the foremost English-to-Spanish translators in the world--a translator who is also, as Artistic Director Cristina García notes, a superb poet in her own right. Liliana's workshop class will focus on the words that we use in our writing. "What is your particular linguistic treasure trove?" she asks. "How can you use it to enrich your writing?" According to García: "Liliana brings her boundless curiosity, her poet's musicality, and an exquisite ear for language to everything she touches. Her workshop promises to be a fascinating experience." For more information, go to: http://www.centrum.org

And here is another endorsement by our compa Levi Romero:

Liliana Valenzuela is a remarkable poet with an astute ear for language on and off the page. I was priviliged to co-teach a workshop at the Macondo Writers Workshop with Liliana and can attest to her incredible presence in the classroom. I strongly urge you to take advantage of this workshop if at all possible.
Levi Romero

THE FRIENDS OF
THE SUNLAND TUJUNGA PUBLIC LIBRARY
PRESENT
CAMELBACK READINGS

Saturday, March 21 at 3 PM

An afternoon of open readings- bring your spring (flowers optional) and an air of summer.

With special guest- Pepe Peña- Classical, Flamenco guitarist and harpist.

SUNLAND-TUJUNGA PUBLIC LIBRARY

7771 FOOTHILL BLVD.

TUJUNGA, CA

(818) 352-4481