I Love My Colorful Nails

PreS-Gr 2—This picture book import from Spanish authors Acosta and Amavisca and Argentinian illustrator Dawlatly tells the story of Ben, a boy who likes to wear nail polish. Red-haired, tan-skinned Ben paints his nails with his mother and his friend Margarita. When boys at school tease Ben and call him a girl, he becomes sad and withdrawn and stops wearing nail polish to school. He confides in his parents, and his dad normalizes the practice by wearing his own nail polish, including when he picks up Ben from school. The story resolves on Ben's birthday, when all of his classmates paint their nails as a special treat. Although the teasing is gender-based, the tale does not focus on gender identity but rather on Ben's love of colorful nails, his deep hurt and sadness from the bullying, and the unconditional love and support of his family and friends. The translation is smooth and the writing clear and straightforward. Children will understand the narrative easily and empathize with Ben. Gusti's watercolors are loose and flowing, similar to those of Chris Raschka. The bright nails stand out from the earth tones of the characters' skin, hair, and clothing. The love between the family is depicted through physical contact, and Ben's smile and rosy cheeks light up the final page, as he flaunts his blue polish while wearing a birthday hat.