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Love Is My Favorite Color
A sparkling and tender picture book about all the things that are bright and loving in the world and fill our lives with joy.
From caring to hoping to peace to sharing, there are many ways to find joy in the everyday. Celebrate the things that make life wonderful and each day special. With stunning artwork, readers of all ages will find moments to treasure.
From caring to hoping to peace to sharing, there are many ways to find joy in the everyday. Celebrate the things that make life wonderful and each day special. With stunning artwork, readers of all ages will find moments to treasure.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 2, 2024
2 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 30, 2024
The illustrations in this were so beautiful!!!! I saw the cover and wasn’t sure what to anticipate, but the artwork in this one is stunning. I loved the emphasis on emotions/morals/ethics through an abstract and concrete lens. It relates things like love, happiness, caring, gratitude to things that younger readers can understand. The rhyming scheme didn’t always flow perfectly but I loved the intentions behind the creation of this and the beautiful artwork helps guide the story.
July 22, 2025
Beautiful illustration
March 25, 2025
Love Is My Favorite Color is an absolutely stunningly illustrated poetic picture book about all the things that are bright and loving in the world and fill our lives with joy - exactly like the back of the book promises.
There were some issues with the texts rhyme not flowing smoothly but that could be just a case of translation. And I am not saying it is a bad translation at all, no. I am saying that sometimes you just can't translate things, especially poetry, in a way that makes sense and also flows the same way the original did. And in this case especially you can't take really any creative freedom because the text has to also fit the pictures on the pages — I have a lot of feelings about translation but I will stop here.
This is the third book I have read with illustrations done by Melissa Castrillón and I am in awe. Highly recommend to anyone!
There were some issues with the texts rhyme not flowing smoothly but that could be just a case of translation. And I am not saying it is a bad translation at all, no. I am saying that sometimes you just can't translate things, especially poetry, in a way that makes sense and also flows the same way the original did. And in this case especially you can't take really any creative freedom because the text has to also fit the pictures on the pages — I have a lot of feelings about translation but I will stop here.
This is the third book I have read with illustrations done by Melissa Castrillón and I am in awe. Highly recommend to anyone!
January 16, 2024
A very colorful and optimistic book. Beautifully illustrated.
The poem is laid out in an almost call and response fashion. The narrator will make a statement: love is my favorite color. A second line follows as explanation or contemplation: I love every color I see.
The lines are paired with one of Melissa Castrillón's delightful illustrations. The initial one presents colors in arrangements that I personally love to use (purple and orange, pink and green) but are often frowned upon in more traditional color theory discussions.
Further into the poem the concepts become both more abstract and more revolutionary. They are calls for action to be more tolerant, more caring, more open minded, more in tune with the beauty and variety of life.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2024/comm...
The poem is laid out in an almost call and response fashion. The narrator will make a statement: love is my favorite color. A second line follows as explanation or contemplation: I love every color I see.
The lines are paired with one of Melissa Castrillón's delightful illustrations. The initial one presents colors in arrangements that I personally love to use (purple and orange, pink and green) but are often frowned upon in more traditional color theory discussions.
Further into the poem the concepts become both more abstract and more revolutionary. They are calls for action to be more tolerant, more caring, more open minded, more in tune with the beauty and variety of life.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2024/comm...
October 2, 2025
Desde muy joven Nina Laden, autora e ilustradora estadounidense, mostró un gran interés por el arte y la escritura, lo que la llevó a formarse en Bellas Artes, Diseño e Ilustración.
Ha publicado más de una veintena de libros infantiles que destacan por su humor, imaginación y sensibilidad. A lo largo de su carrera, Nina ha recibido grandes reconocimientos por sus obras.
"El amor es mi color favorito", su última publicación en español, es un álbum ilustrado que combina elegantes y armoniosas ilustraciones con un texto sencillo y poético que eleva el mundo emocional al mostrar aquello que realmente cobra sentido en la vida.
A través de la tierna e inocente mirada de una niña pequeña, el lector, adulto o infantil, podrá sentirse representado con su forma de admirar el mundo. A través de frases simples y muy concisas, nuestra protagonista irá haciendo un recorrido por aquellas cosas, a priori insignificantes, que la hacen vibrar. No hay largas explicaciones ni tramas complejas, sino momentos de contemplación y reflexiones simples, pero profundas.
Con un lenguaje accesible, claro, lírico, cercano y evocador de frases cortas y directas, pensadas para impactar, Nina pone de manifiesto un estilo caracterizado por transmitir mensajes positivos, fomentar la curiosidad y la creatividad.
La musicalidad de las palabras, con las que juega a partir de recursos estilísticos como la metáfora o la reiteración, lo convierte en un recurso que estimula la imaginación y los acerca a la lectura de un modo divertido.
El álbum busca formar la curiosidad y la empatía, haciendo presente en nuestras vidas la maravilla de lo cotidiano, la belleza de los pequeños momentos, la abundancia de la naturaleza, la magia de lo simple y accesible, del mismo modo que aborda emociones como el amor, la esperanza, la gratitud y la valentía, invitando, de ese modo, a mirar el mundo con ojos nuevos y a cultivar valores humanos esenciales.
Las ilustraciones de Melissa Castrillón son coloridas, vibrantes y llenas de detalles. Con un estilo propio, la ilustradora utiliza colores intensos y formas orgánicas que recuerdan a la naturaleza, al arte popular y a los cuentos clásicos con un aire contemporáneo.
Sus colores vibrantes, sus composiciones dinámicas y el énfasis usado para transmitir emociones transforman cada página en un viaje visual que encanta a lectores de todas las edades.
El conjunto es colorido, expresivo y cercano y combina un trazo que mezcla elementos figurativos y toques de fantasía a partir de una paleta de colores cálidos.
Las imágenes no solo acompañan al texto, sino que lo expanden y lo enriquecen, transportándonos a un universo onírico y simbólico, donde la naturaleza y los personajes parecen fluir en armonía.
En conclusión, "El amor es mi color favorito" es un álbum ilustrado poético y visual que nos invita a mirar la vida con la inocencia y la apertura emocional de un niño. Una narración casi minimalista cargada de imágenes y emociones universales. Un libro lleno de luz, calidez y creatividad para leer, mirar y sentir.
Muy recomendado tanto para niños como para adultos pues invita a parar un instante, respirar hondo y dejar que cada página nos recuerde lo esencial; que la felicidad está hecha de simples instantes.
Ha publicado más de una veintena de libros infantiles que destacan por su humor, imaginación y sensibilidad. A lo largo de su carrera, Nina ha recibido grandes reconocimientos por sus obras.
"El amor es mi color favorito", su última publicación en español, es un álbum ilustrado que combina elegantes y armoniosas ilustraciones con un texto sencillo y poético que eleva el mundo emocional al mostrar aquello que realmente cobra sentido en la vida.
A través de la tierna e inocente mirada de una niña pequeña, el lector, adulto o infantil, podrá sentirse representado con su forma de admirar el mundo. A través de frases simples y muy concisas, nuestra protagonista irá haciendo un recorrido por aquellas cosas, a priori insignificantes, que la hacen vibrar. No hay largas explicaciones ni tramas complejas, sino momentos de contemplación y reflexiones simples, pero profundas.
Con un lenguaje accesible, claro, lírico, cercano y evocador de frases cortas y directas, pensadas para impactar, Nina pone de manifiesto un estilo caracterizado por transmitir mensajes positivos, fomentar la curiosidad y la creatividad.
La musicalidad de las palabras, con las que juega a partir de recursos estilísticos como la metáfora o la reiteración, lo convierte en un recurso que estimula la imaginación y los acerca a la lectura de un modo divertido.
El álbum busca formar la curiosidad y la empatía, haciendo presente en nuestras vidas la maravilla de lo cotidiano, la belleza de los pequeños momentos, la abundancia de la naturaleza, la magia de lo simple y accesible, del mismo modo que aborda emociones como el amor, la esperanza, la gratitud y la valentía, invitando, de ese modo, a mirar el mundo con ojos nuevos y a cultivar valores humanos esenciales.
Las ilustraciones de Melissa Castrillón son coloridas, vibrantes y llenas de detalles. Con un estilo propio, la ilustradora utiliza colores intensos y formas orgánicas que recuerdan a la naturaleza, al arte popular y a los cuentos clásicos con un aire contemporáneo.
Sus colores vibrantes, sus composiciones dinámicas y el énfasis usado para transmitir emociones transforman cada página en un viaje visual que encanta a lectores de todas las edades.
El conjunto es colorido, expresivo y cercano y combina un trazo que mezcla elementos figurativos y toques de fantasía a partir de una paleta de colores cálidos.
Las imágenes no solo acompañan al texto, sino que lo expanden y lo enriquecen, transportándonos a un universo onírico y simbólico, donde la naturaleza y los personajes parecen fluir en armonía.
En conclusión, "El amor es mi color favorito" es un álbum ilustrado poético y visual que nos invita a mirar la vida con la inocencia y la apertura emocional de un niño. Una narración casi minimalista cargada de imágenes y emociones universales. Un libro lleno de luz, calidez y creatividad para leer, mirar y sentir.
Muy recomendado tanto para niños como para adultos pues invita a parar un instante, respirar hondo y dejar que cada página nos recuerde lo esencial; que la felicidad está hecha de simples instantes.
May 7, 2024
This book is absolutely gorgeous, and I have fallen in love with it. I don't currently have children of my own, but I know without a doubt that when I do, this will be one of the first books I purchase for them, and I anticipate it being a favorite throughout their childhood. Every time I flip back through these pages, I find another beautiful detail in the illustrations, almost like a game of hide-and-seek where the reward is magic.
According to the author bios, Nina Laden and Melissa Castrillon have teamed up for at least three books before this one, and after reading this, I'm going to make a point of going to read those and any others they come out with after this. I loved Nina's beautiful words (though a word of caution in relation to age groups: she speaks in metaphors and allegories throughout, which may not be very-small-child-friendly, but they're all in the same spirit as the title, so you already know going in!) and I can see myself reading this to students and pausing on each page to not only let them savor the illustrations but also ask them what each sentence means to them. Is love their favorite color, too? Do they think knowledge is a journey, and why? Is sharing their favorite gift to give away, too? What do they think about these phrases and what they mean? There's so much potential for discussion and thought here, and I adore that!
I wish I could share a picture from the pages here, but the cover will have to suffice. It's a good sample of how beautiful the illustrations are, but I want to reiterate how gorgeous this book is, not just in the images, but in the messages throughout. I absolutely will be adding this to my library in the future.
I 100% recommend this book! If you're hesitating to get it, don't. This book is the kind that both you and your child will love. Don't sleep on it! Share it with everyone! Buy it for your school libraries if you can and tell your local public library about it so they can purchase it, too! I haven't felt this much affection for a picture book in a while. If you're looking to raise kind, compassionate, curious, strong people, you don't want to miss out on having this one in your babies' lives.
According to the author bios, Nina Laden and Melissa Castrillon have teamed up for at least three books before this one, and after reading this, I'm going to make a point of going to read those and any others they come out with after this. I loved Nina's beautiful words (though a word of caution in relation to age groups: she speaks in metaphors and allegories throughout, which may not be very-small-child-friendly, but they're all in the same spirit as the title, so you already know going in!) and I can see myself reading this to students and pausing on each page to not only let them savor the illustrations but also ask them what each sentence means to them. Is love their favorite color, too? Do they think knowledge is a journey, and why? Is sharing their favorite gift to give away, too? What do they think about these phrases and what they mean? There's so much potential for discussion and thought here, and I adore that!
I wish I could share a picture from the pages here, but the cover will have to suffice. It's a good sample of how beautiful the illustrations are, but I want to reiterate how gorgeous this book is, not just in the images, but in the messages throughout. I absolutely will be adding this to my library in the future.
I 100% recommend this book! If you're hesitating to get it, don't. This book is the kind that both you and your child will love. Don't sleep on it! Share it with everyone! Buy it for your school libraries if you can and tell your local public library about it so they can purchase it, too! I haven't felt this much affection for a picture book in a while. If you're looking to raise kind, compassionate, curious, strong people, you don't want to miss out on having this one in your babies' lives.
Read
February 28, 2024LOVE IS MY FAVORITE COLOR is a sweet, poetic picture book about positivity. The book features lyrical prose about many positive and meaningful elements, such as hope, equality, bravery, and happiness. It compares them to unlikely experiences, such as love being a color in the title. Unique and colorful illustrations bring these elements to life throughout.
What I loved: This is a unique poem with a message of positivity. The lyrical text compares sentiments with unexpected things but brings them together with simple lines about life and joy. The end of the book brings up dreams for the future, leaving the reader with warmth and good feelings. The text is accompanied by colorful and unique illustrations in a style that feels as abstract as the writing, complimenting it well and giving the reader plenty to visually explore on each page.
The pages turn fast with only a couple lines on each page. The font is fairly easy to read with clever placements that keep it visible on each page spread. The messaging and rhythmic quality of the book when read aloud will make it a good pick for bedtime.
What left me wanting more: As a small thing, some of the lines are a bit awkward in terms of throwing off the rhythm of the book to fit in concepts. It also feels a bit lengthy in terms of the number of pages/concept for young readers, but this will work better for older picture book readers.
Final verdict: LOVE IS MY FAVORITE COLOR is a colorful and imaginative poem and picture book that will work well for older picture book readers.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
What I loved: This is a unique poem with a message of positivity. The lyrical text compares sentiments with unexpected things but brings them together with simple lines about life and joy. The end of the book brings up dreams for the future, leaving the reader with warmth and good feelings. The text is accompanied by colorful and unique illustrations in a style that feels as abstract as the writing, complimenting it well and giving the reader plenty to visually explore on each page.
The pages turn fast with only a couple lines on each page. The font is fairly easy to read with clever placements that keep it visible on each page spread. The messaging and rhythmic quality of the book when read aloud will make it a good pick for bedtime.
What left me wanting more: As a small thing, some of the lines are a bit awkward in terms of throwing off the rhythm of the book to fit in concepts. It also feels a bit lengthy in terms of the number of pages/concept for young readers, but this will work better for older picture book readers.
Final verdict: LOVE IS MY FAVORITE COLOR is a colorful and imaginative poem and picture book that will work well for older picture book readers.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
June 8, 2024
LOVE IS MY FAVORITE COLOR highlights all of the great qualities humans can have and how they can get the best happiness out of life. It shows children how to have a positive outlook on life using many different forms, like hope, caring, and sharing. These actions are described as colors and how they illuminate day-to-day life. All of these senses and actions brings the little girl substance and makes her the person she is.
While this lyrical children's book isn't really focused on love in its most natural form or use colors, it does teach children all of the ways they can improve their life. My favorite part is the page that talks about living in the now. It also touches on equality and inclusion. The illustrations are vibrant with their unique color scheme and possess the perfect amount of detail. I love how this story flows like a beautiful poem and it gives us a nice break from all of the negativity the world has to offer.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this to children aged four and up to add a little positivity to their life. It's peaceful enough to be a bedtime story, yet uplifting enough for it to be a daytime read too. Teaching kids to be better human beings starts from the moment they're born and this book introduces them to some amazing qualities to have to make the world a more joyous place.
While this lyrical children's book isn't really focused on love in its most natural form or use colors, it does teach children all of the ways they can improve their life. My favorite part is the page that talks about living in the now. It also touches on equality and inclusion. The illustrations are vibrant with their unique color scheme and possess the perfect amount of detail. I love how this story flows like a beautiful poem and it gives us a nice break from all of the negativity the world has to offer.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this to children aged four and up to add a little positivity to their life. It's peaceful enough to be a bedtime story, yet uplifting enough for it to be a daytime read too. Teaching kids to be better human beings starts from the moment they're born and this book introduces them to some amazing qualities to have to make the world a more joyous place.
November 14, 2023
With illustrations, which dance on the edge of fantasy, this read radiates joy on every page.
This book heads in a poetic direction with a simple, verse flow which packs deeper meanings and positive vibes. Just enough of each verse repeats itself to quickly gain familiarity with young listeners, while the rest takes meaningful terms (hope, love, bravery, etc.) and gives them thoughtful twists. The younger end of the intended age group most likely won't entirely grasp or appreciate the meanings of each phrase, but the older readers will be able to work through them to get food for thought and even open up to lighter discussions. For both, it makes a gentle and enjoyable read.
The illustrations allow for unique color contrasts, which when combined with the playful style, take familiar scenes and give them an almost fantastical touch. It invites to dream, while spinning familiar settings and situations, which readers/listeners can identify with. The calming and positive atmosphere gives it a relaxing touch, which is wonderful for those quieter moments. It's also an enjoyable way to subtly introduce literary devices and poetry. I received a DRC an enjoyed the uplifting message and playful images.
This book heads in a poetic direction with a simple, verse flow which packs deeper meanings and positive vibes. Just enough of each verse repeats itself to quickly gain familiarity with young listeners, while the rest takes meaningful terms (hope, love, bravery, etc.) and gives them thoughtful twists. The younger end of the intended age group most likely won't entirely grasp or appreciate the meanings of each phrase, but the older readers will be able to work through them to get food for thought and even open up to lighter discussions. For both, it makes a gentle and enjoyable read.
The illustrations allow for unique color contrasts, which when combined with the playful style, take familiar scenes and give them an almost fantastical touch. It invites to dream, while spinning familiar settings and situations, which readers/listeners can identify with. The calming and positive atmosphere gives it a relaxing touch, which is wonderful for those quieter moments. It's also an enjoyable way to subtly introduce literary devices and poetry. I received a DRC an enjoyed the uplifting message and playful images.
February 27, 2024
Life is beautiful. Agreed!
Now, imagine life with powdered sugar over everything, and pictures of rainbows on bedroom walls. Well, in a way, that's the purpose of this inspiational book.
Call me a skeptic but...
* Is love really a color? I call love an emotion.
* Is happiness really a flavor? I call chocolate a flavor. While happiness is an emotion.
* Caring is my favorite animal, really? I feel sorry for the little girl raised to "care for so many" animals she meets. Whereas perpetually caring for random animals seems, to me, like a full-time job for the little girl pictured here.
And so it goes for this entire book. It's colorful and upbeat, but will it be for you?
HOW TO RATE THIS BOOK
I doubt that too many people have a neutral reaction to this book. More like LOVE it or VERY MUCH DON'T LOVE IT.
I'm in the latter category. Yet, since I rate books in terms of the intended readership, sure, I'll give this one FIVE STARS.
Yet I can't resist ending this little review with a question: How much gilding does a lily need?
Now, imagine life with powdered sugar over everything, and pictures of rainbows on bedroom walls. Well, in a way, that's the purpose of this inspiational book.
Call me a skeptic but...
* Is love really a color? I call love an emotion.
* Is happiness really a flavor? I call chocolate a flavor. While happiness is an emotion.
* Caring is my favorite animal, really? I feel sorry for the little girl raised to "care for so many" animals she meets. Whereas perpetually caring for random animals seems, to me, like a full-time job for the little girl pictured here.
And so it goes for this entire book. It's colorful and upbeat, but will it be for you?
HOW TO RATE THIS BOOK
I doubt that too many people have a neutral reaction to this book. More like LOVE it or VERY MUCH DON'T LOVE IT.
I'm in the latter category. Yet, since I rate books in terms of the intended readership, sure, I'll give this one FIVE STARS.
Yet I can't resist ending this little review with a question: How much gilding does a lily need?
January 26, 2024
For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle
Sweet, poetic text with magnificent, fantastical artwork.
The narration is lovely. The narrator speaks of love, gratitude, sharing, hope, knowledge, and equality, showing the importance of each. A beautiful representation of incorporating each into one's daily life and worldview.
I really love Castrillon's art style. The illustrations follow the narrator as she goes about her day, from waking up and baking with her family to playing outside and going to school before finally going to sleep. A wonderful little cycle, working each value into her day.
Soothing and peaceful words pair well with the lovely illustrations. Joyful and sweet. Reassuring and beautiful. A wonderful little reminder of what's important in life.
Sweet, poetic text with magnificent, fantastical artwork.
The narration is lovely. The narrator speaks of love, gratitude, sharing, hope, knowledge, and equality, showing the importance of each. A beautiful representation of incorporating each into one's daily life and worldview.
I really love Castrillon's art style. The illustrations follow the narrator as she goes about her day, from waking up and baking with her family to playing outside and going to school before finally going to sleep. A wonderful little cycle, working each value into her day.
Soothing and peaceful words pair well with the lovely illustrations. Joyful and sweet. Reassuring and beautiful. A wonderful little reminder of what's important in life.
September 11, 2025
I cannot think of a more perfect book to read before the September 11th anniversary. The themes of social justice, being present, love for all living things and friendship were illustrated and written about. The illustrations literally seemed to flow and were done in vibrant colors. This book is one of the Washington State Book finalists in the picture book category. I look forward to reading more books by this author. I highly recommend this book for children it is a wonderful bridge to chat about how to perceive and live in the world. My favorite prose was, "Home is my favorite country." So true.
January 21, 2024
How we include everyone speaks volumes about our character. This book is subtle in making sure that anyone who reads this book feels welcome and how natural it is to be inclusive, honoring our differences and celebrating who we are as individuals, together.
My boys were engaged throughout the entire story. I highly recommend reading this book with your child so that they can marvel at the beauty of the world they can choose to create for themselves and others: A world that is possible if we all work together to build rather than to divide.
My boys were engaged throughout the entire story. I highly recommend reading this book with your child so that they can marvel at the beauty of the world they can choose to create for themselves and others: A world that is possible if we all work together to build rather than to divide.
January 31, 2024
A picture book full of metaphors to describe abstract concepts like home, love, and friendship. The sometimes hard to grasp concepts are made accessible for young readers with the gentle and loving text. The illustrations, though, the illustrations!!! They are so good. Done in pencil and colored digitally, they are a wavy, swirling, muted delight. They feel very retro in a great way. This book feels very modern, but very classic at the same time.
January 4, 2024
I will read this across different age levels to monitor their response to this beautiful book on observation and lifting up specific words to new levels through different perspectives. I love this book.
April 10, 2024
Love is my favorite color. I love every color I see.
Peace is my favorite song. I sing it and I feel free.
A young girl goes through her day with simple statements like above. This would be a wonderful beginning of a writing project, or just a really great discussion. The art is beautiful.
Peace is my favorite song. I sing it and I feel free.
A young girl goes through her day with simple statements like above. This would be a wonderful beginning of a writing project, or just a really great discussion. The art is beautiful.
May 6, 2024
ARCQuest: Book 32
A lovely, vibrant book. Sadly my advanced copy doesn’t feature most of the final art, but it’s easy to imagine how beautiful it would be in full color. I’ll have to go find a published copy to savor.
A lovely, vibrant book. Sadly my advanced copy doesn’t feature most of the final art, but it’s easy to imagine how beautiful it would be in full color. I’ll have to go find a published copy to savor.
January 5, 2024
This duo just keep knocking it out of the park.
January 9, 2024
The illustrations are so beautiful.
January 15, 2024
This is a sweet, heartwarming kids book.
January 23, 2024
Very sweet book with a wonderful message and beautiful illustrations.
February 21, 2024
Beautiful pictures and messages! Loved the book.
February 27, 2024
Gorgeous words and even more gorgeous illustrations!
February 28, 2024
Fun pictures, the story was to wordy and abstract for my kids.
February 29, 2024
Absolutely sweet and gorgeous!
March 18, 2024
Always a pleasure to see more delightful illustrations from Melissa Castrillon.
Read
April 11, 2024Turn/Level: 1/3
A refreshing poem about positive values.
A refreshing poem about positive values.
April 13, 2024
3.5* for story
5* for art (as usual)
5* for art (as usual)
May 2, 2024
Maya Marie gift for March 2024 visit ❤️💜❤️ She learned to say “wheelchair” and loved pointing out the school bus.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews