Courage of the Blue Boy

Courage of the Blue Boy by Robert Neubecker does an amazing job of introducing the concept of diversity to even the youngest children in a way they can understand. By simply using color at first, and then building into slightly more complex ideas, Neubecker tells the story of how life can be more fulfilling when we embrace our differences. The Blue Boy lives in a world of blue and wonders if that is all there is. By leaving his home to learn the truth, he is gradually introduced to lands of pink, orange and then a sea of green that leads him to the big city — where all the colors and patterns live together. The Blue Boy loves the city, until he realizes that among all the colors and patterns, there is no blue. It is then that he makes his own blue mark on the world.

This book is a wonderful story of discovery.  We live in a world of diversity. As technology brings the far reaches of the globe as close as our own backyard, our children are increasingly exposed to experiences and knowledge unlike previous generations. Helping them understand and embrace cultural, language and even spiritual differences among us fosters curiosity, tolerance and an expanded world view. Courage of the Blue Boy is a valuable resource to share this important teaching.

Neubecker’s illustration style is modern and interesting. As the book uses color to frame the story, each page becomes more vibrant and detailed. My family loves this book and I know you will too.

Robert Neubecker is the award winning author and illustrator of I Got Two Dogs, Wow! City!, Beasty Bath, and other books. Neubecker is a graduate of Parsons School of Design and also illustrates for The New York Times and Slate.

Perfect for boys and girls, ages 3+.