Once Upon A Time, There Were Three Colors 

ABOUT THE BOOK

• Author/Illustrator: Arree Chung
  Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
• Published: July 2018
  Genre: Picture Book
• Hardcover: 40 pages
  Approx Word Count: 278

 Publisher’s Description

The reds, the yellows, and the blues all think they’re the best in this vibrant, thought-provoking picture book from Arree Chung, with a message of acceptance and unity.

In the beginning, there were three colors . . .

Reds,

Yellows,

and Blues.

All special in their own ways, all living in harmony—until one day, a Red says “Reds are the best!” and starts a color kerfuffle. When the colors decide to separate, is there anything that can change their minds?

A Yellow, a Blue, and a never-before-seen color might just save the day in this inspiring book about color, tolerance, and embracing differences.

My Thoughts

Reds, Yellows, and Blues once lived in harmony.

The Reds were definitely the loudest of the three. Yellows were naturally brighter. And Blues were simply the coolest. But that all changed one day when Red announced,

“REDS are the BEST!”
Yellows quickly responded,
“NO! We’re the BEST because we’re the BRIGHTEST!”

How did the Blues respond to these outcries? With silence. They were far too cool to say anything at all.

But the colors each began to gather in their own separate parts of the city. There was Red Village, Blue Town,
and Yellow Heights. Harmony just didn’t exist anymore. Until . . .

One day Yellow zoomed by a park bench riding a skateboard. Blue was sitting on the bench looking quite blue (in this
case sad, not cool). Yellow got off the skateboard, sat down on the bench and began to visit with Blue. Of course, the longer they talked Blue began to feel less sad and more cheerful. The visit even caused Yellow to calm down and feel less agitated.

Soon the two were inseparable. But not all the colors were okay with this new friendship. In fact, they were quite upset. Why were those two fraternizing? Weren’t all the colors keeping to themselves?

But Yellow and Blue continued to be friends and care for each other. Soon they decided to get married. And eventually, a new baby color joined the family. This baby was a beautiful combination of brilliant and cool.

But how will the Reds, Yellows, and Blues handle this new turn of events?

What Concerned Me

Nothing. It was very original and well written.

Final Thoughts

When I picked this book up, I thought for sure the story would be a color wheel lesson for children.

Oh silly me! 

It does touch on the color wheel, but it teaches far more than that. The simple narrative examines pride, prejudice, discrimination, and in a straightforward story that children can easily understand.

It is a wonderful opportunity to open discussions either individually or in classrooms.

About the Author/Illustrator

Arree Chung has worked in video games as a designer and art director. He received his ninja training at Art Center College of Design. When he is not practicing his ninja moves, you can find him playing basketball or riding his bike. Ninja! is the first book he has written and illustrated. Arree lives in the San Francisco Bay area with his family.

Click For More About the Author

Click How To Make A Picture Book by Arree Chung

Click Trailer for Mixed: A Colorful Story

Click Activity Sheets

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