Edible Colors

PreS-Gr 1—Bass presents a "rainbow of edible colors" in this attractive introduction to colors and grown food. Each two-page spread follows the same format: a photo of a familiar fruit or vegetable is presented, followed by its more exotic counterpart. For instance, Bass informs readers that "Carrots are ORANGE. They are also PURPLE" and includes a photo of a deep purple carrot. Stating, "Look what else can be PURPLE!" she then goes on to provide images of purple corn, a black velvet apricot, blue podded peas, and more. The book contains examples of red, green, yellow, blue, and black, and readers will enjoy lush, attractive images of a red watermelon, a red Dacca banana, a green Gage plum, a Mexican lime, a yellow Amarillo watermelon, Anne yellow raspberries, Russian Blue potatoes, and many more. Other titles with similar themes or style include Bruce McMillan's Growing Colors (HarperCollins, 1988) and Lois Ehlert's Eating the Alphabet (Houghton Harcourt, 1989). This well-designed book is ideal as an independent reader or as an addition to storytimes focusing on colors or food.—Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA