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A Colorful Beginning
Children will relate to first-day-of-school jitters as animal students prepare and set off for Mr. Mole's colorful classroom. Anxiety builds as everyone settles into school to meet one another and tackle their first lesson-learning colors! Young students come to recognize that just as colors are distinct and beautiful in their own way, they are safe to embrace their own uniqueness, too. The day is spent sharing and blending paints while forging happy friendships. Gently tapping into themes of fitting in, self-esteem and anxiety while teaching color concepts, the story helps conquer the insecurities felt when children begin something new and unknown.
32 pages, Paperback
Published December 22, 2022
31 people are currently reading
3028 people want to read
About the author
Raven Howell
36 books265 followersRaven is an award winning author and poet of several picture books. She also writes for magazines such as Highlights for Children, Ladybug, Cricket, and Hello. Raven is an author and Poetry Director with Story Monsters Press and writes a monthly kid lit column, THE BOOK BUG, for Story Monsters Ink magazine. Raven is a contributing author for Reading is Fundamental (SOCAL).
Her work is published in anthologies, in DVD and CD format, in educational material, and home schooling programs. Raven has won several awards including Excellence in Children's Literature, A Golden Box Books, NABE's Pinnacle, SCBWI Magazine Merit, and Mom's Choice Award. She remains active with charity work, and presenting children's workshops for elementary classes and in libraries. Raven is a member of the SCBWI and ILA and serves as Creative and Publishing Advisor for RedClover Reader.
Strolling the beach, music, reading, spring flowers, a warm wood stove, and straight-out-of-the-oven butterscotch chocolate chip cookies inspire many of her poems and stories.
Her work is published in anthologies, in DVD and CD format, in educational material, and home schooling programs. Raven has won several awards including Excellence in Children's Literature, A Golden Box Books, NABE's Pinnacle, SCBWI Magazine Merit, and Mom's Choice Award. She remains active with charity work, and presenting children's workshops for elementary classes and in libraries. Raven is a member of the SCBWI and ILA and serves as Creative and Publishing Advisor for RedClover Reader.
Strolling the beach, music, reading, spring flowers, a warm wood stove, and straight-out-of-the-oven butterscotch chocolate chip cookies inspire many of her poems and stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 6, 2023
Sweet colourful story
All the creatures go to their first day of school getting worried about how things would go. Along with Mr. Mole they find that they can all lend some colour and make things together.
Lovely book teaching new colours to children, teaching them to deal with anxiety of new things and beautiful illustrations throughout.
Enjoyable for kids.
All the creatures go to their first day of school getting worried about how things would go. Along with Mr. Mole they find that they can all lend some colour and make things together.
Lovely book teaching new colours to children, teaching them to deal with anxiety of new things and beautiful illustrations throughout.
Enjoyable for kids.
February 13, 2023
Raven Howell is one author that continues to make a mark in children's books. Her writing style is impeccable, and the quality of her delivery to the recommended audience is unmatched. In a Colorful Beginning, Raven writes about different animals on their way to school. But in this case, she uses distinct color representations to communicate her ideas.
Children would find it very easy to relate to this book. Raven finely incorporates the first day of school jitters elementary children experience. Using colorful characters, the author brings home the idea that all are unique in their different ways, and as we progress, we must learn to embrace this uniqueness.
One remarkable feature of Raven’s books is that she embodies solid themes that children should get familiar with at an early age. Themes like building self-esteem, embracing your uniqueness, and conquering insecurities are the pillars of this book.
A Colorful Beginning is an incredible children's fiction book that parents should purchase for their kids. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Children would find it very easy to relate to this book. Raven finely incorporates the first day of school jitters elementary children experience. Using colorful characters, the author brings home the idea that all are unique in their different ways, and as we progress, we must learn to embrace this uniqueness.
One remarkable feature of Raven’s books is that she embodies solid themes that children should get familiar with at an early age. Themes like building self-esteem, embracing your uniqueness, and conquering insecurities are the pillars of this book.
A Colorful Beginning is an incredible children's fiction book that parents should purchase for their kids. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
December 31, 2022
I borrowed A Colorful Beginning from the Kindle Unlimited Program.
A Colorful Beginning is a first day of school story using animals to present color names and then mixing colors to make new colors. A teacher or parent could also discuss friendship and making new friends with this story. It is perfect to help children look forward to the unknown of the first day going to school.
A Colorful Beginning is a first day of school story using animals to present color names and then mixing colors to make new colors. A teacher or parent could also discuss friendship and making new friends with this story. It is perfect to help children look forward to the unknown of the first day going to school.
October 20, 2024
Thank you to the author for sending me this book. It was incredibly cute and the illustrations were gorgeous. I'll be happily passing it along to a child who will hopefully enjoy it as well.
January 28, 2024
I loved this short children’s book about a colourful menagerie of small insects and animals going their first day of school.
Each individual critter has its own ascribed colour, which is shown in the illustration and in the word for the colour, so the child can match colour and printed word. Each also shares their curiosity, hopes and concerns as to what the first day will bring, and each heads off for school in their own onomatopoeic way (eg whiz-whir-whoosh, chitter-chatter-chip, skitter-skip-trip, flitter-flutter-flit)
The first lesson of the day is painting, and the pupils are encouraged to work together, and by mixing their own colour with their classmate’s, learn to make new secondary and tertiary colours:
The illustrations are fabulous and make this book a joy to read, with lots for the reader to comment on. There are lessons about embracing uniqueness, co-operation and friendship – and also bits to learn about the critters in the book.
I downloaded a freebie electronic version, but now I need the hardcopy book to gift to my great-niece.
Highly recommended.
Each individual critter has its own ascribed colour, which is shown in the illustration and in the word for the colour, so the child can match colour and printed word. Each also shares their curiosity, hopes and concerns as to what the first day will bring, and each heads off for school in their own onomatopoeic way (eg whiz-whir-whoosh, chitter-chatter-chip, skitter-skip-trip, flitter-flutter-flit)
The first lesson of the day is painting, and the pupils are encouraged to work together, and by mixing their own colour with their classmate’s, learn to make new secondary and tertiary colours:
“The students feel happy. They learn how important – and colorful – they are, each in their own way.”
The illustrations are fabulous and make this book a joy to read, with lots for the reader to comment on. There are lessons about embracing uniqueness, co-operation and friendship – and also bits to learn about the critters in the book.
I downloaded a freebie electronic version, but now I need the hardcopy book to gift to my great-niece.
Highly recommended.
February 7, 2023
Colorful
Reminiscent of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle. Colorful animals are named off as each goes to school.
Simple, great for younger kids learning to read. Would recommend for any kid learning at home or just starting elementary.
Reminiscent of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle. Colorful animals are named off as each goes to school.
Simple, great for younger kids learning to read. Would recommend for any kid learning at home or just starting elementary.
January 29, 2023
Sweet and colorful story!
What a sweet story! There are so many colors here. Loved the illustrations; they are very professional. I liked how the animals worked together and learned about colors.
What a sweet story! There are so many colors here. Loved the illustrations; they are very professional. I liked how the animals worked together and learned about colors.
December 29, 2022
cute sweet way to introduce differences
A cute story about the 1st day of school and all the different types of feelings and colors everyone can bring and make when working together, becoming united. preschool-2 grade
A cute story about the 1st day of school and all the different types of feelings and colors everyone can bring and make when working together, becoming united. preschool-2 grade
January 3, 2023
Cute read for kids. Incorporates colors, counting and simple text into a quick read for kids. Illustrations are bright and interesting.
January 6, 2023
A Colorful Beginning by Raven Howell – This was an Amazon freebie. A colorful first day of school story! Happy Reading!
December 9, 2024
I would like to express my gratitude to Raven Howell, Carina Polvarchik, Black Rose Writing, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read the Digital Reader Copy of this text. Here is my brief review.
This was a lovely board book depicting an array of creatures rushing off for their first day of school. On the one hand, it would have been good to see them up in good time and heading off to their lessons, but reframed, I came to see the animals as being excited for their first day.
I appreciated how the name of the color was typed in the color itself. I also liked that there were several creatures named, which provided a secondary learning aspect but also highlighted that a class is made up of unique individuals. The book went a step further with its learning by also demonstrating the result of compromising/mixing colors.
On the surface, this is such a simple text with extremely bland, simplistic picture on stark white pages that limits the opportunity for distraction. However, looking a little deeper, the subtle messages are apparent. The book delivers the message that school is exciting and nothing to fear. It provides a positive outlook about making friends and getting along well with everyone. By the end of the book, the pictures are fuller, almost like the book is saying that as an individual you are not quite as fulfilled but as a group, you are complete.
A great book for preschoolers gearing up for their first day that gives them some useful information for their knowledge bank from the outset.
This was a lovely board book depicting an array of creatures rushing off for their first day of school. On the one hand, it would have been good to see them up in good time and heading off to their lessons, but reframed, I came to see the animals as being excited for their first day.
I appreciated how the name of the color was typed in the color itself. I also liked that there were several creatures named, which provided a secondary learning aspect but also highlighted that a class is made up of unique individuals. The book went a step further with its learning by also demonstrating the result of compromising/mixing colors.
On the surface, this is such a simple text with extremely bland, simplistic picture on stark white pages that limits the opportunity for distraction. However, looking a little deeper, the subtle messages are apparent. The book delivers the message that school is exciting and nothing to fear. It provides a positive outlook about making friends and getting along well with everyone. By the end of the book, the pictures are fuller, almost like the book is saying that as an individual you are not quite as fulfilled but as a group, you are complete.
A great book for preschoolers gearing up for their first day that gives them some useful information for their knowledge bank from the outset.
August 1, 2023
The green frog is preparing for her first day of school, but she is nervous, wondering what she will learn. Next, it’s time for the black ant. Finally, he packs his lunch and gets ready to go to school. Similarly, a spider, a squirrel, a ladybug, a butterfly, and many others prepare for their first day of school. Mr.Mole, their teacher, gives them a warm welcome and asks them to he asks everyone to paint something. Did they all paint, and what happened afterward?
We picked this book for its cover. The storyline talks about how many nervous students prepare for their first day of school and how they become friends by the end of the group activity and ease the tensions. The illustrations are dazzling and work really well with the storyline.
A Colorful Beginning by Raven Howell is a brightly illustrated book that will appeal to those looking to start their first day of school.
Read the full review at Nothing But Picture Books
We picked this book for its cover. The storyline talks about how many nervous students prepare for their first day of school and how they become friends by the end of the group activity and ease the tensions. The illustrations are dazzling and work really well with the storyline.
A Colorful Beginning by Raven Howell is a brightly illustrated book that will appeal to those looking to start their first day of school.
Read the full review at Nothing But Picture Books
February 14, 2025
This feels like two books smashed into one. Most of the first half is an introduction to different animal characters on their way to school. There is a distinct format and pacing to the first half of the book. Even the artwork is distinct. The pages are mainly white. The character is a sketch and color. However, the last pages are full color. In end all the critters are in the classroom adding and mixing together. Everything about this feels like two different books. One feels like the first book where they’re all on their way to school and the second book is what happens when they get to school. Except there’s nothing in between the two. It needs a break. It needs to end. I do like the artwork but going from the stark white to the full color is a choice. Also the font size changes between the first half and the second half. And the font size changes because the words almost quadruple from the first half of the book to the second. I like the first half of this book. The first half of this book is a great book. The second half is too wordy. Extremely repetitive. To say the red ladybug and the orange butterfly mix their red and orange color. It is repetitive and almost makes you want to stop reading.
December 8, 2024
A lesson and narrative quite decently combine here, as copious animals are all bound for school on the first day of the new year. We meet them all, and see their different colours – for not only are we looking at, for example, a yellow butterfly, but we're reading the word 'yellow' – in a yellow-coloured font. And despite many doubts, queries and quibbles about the new school vibe, all the animals get along perfectly well with each other by, well, by mixing paint colours together.
This then is decently educational about the colours, but offers a little bit of reassurance about the next few years of school life, too. I wasn't a huge fan of every critter's second little paragraph, with its poetic take on how the beast is moving to school (and the snail never got one in my copy, anyway), but the rest was perfectly OK. It's no world-changer, but it's no harm to anyone, either, and four stars is close enough to the real deal to be the final verdict.
This then is decently educational about the colours, but offers a little bit of reassurance about the next few years of school life, too. I wasn't a huge fan of every critter's second little paragraph, with its poetic take on how the beast is moving to school (and the snail never got one in my copy, anyway), but the rest was perfectly OK. It's no world-changer, but it's no harm to anyone, either, and four stars is close enough to the real deal to be the final verdict.
December 5, 2024
The animals are starting school and wonder if they will be liked and what they will find out as the day begins in this delightfully whimsical story.
The illustrations by artist Carina Povarchik are simple, colorful, and expressive.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, doctor's office, or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected efile on PDF from the author and BooksGoSocial via NetGalley. Thank you!
#AColorfulBeginning by Raven Howell #ArtistCarinaPovarchik #NetGalley @IBPA @BlackRoseWriting @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble @waterstones ***** #Review @booksamillion @bookshop_org @bookshop_org_uk @childrensbookcouncil
The illustrations by artist Carina Povarchik are simple, colorful, and expressive.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, doctor's office, or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected efile on PDF from the author and BooksGoSocial via NetGalley. Thank you!
#AColorfulBeginning by Raven Howell #ArtistCarinaPovarchik #NetGalley @IBPA @BlackRoseWriting @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble @waterstones ***** #Review @booksamillion @bookshop_org @bookshop_org_uk @childrensbookcouncil
October 5, 2025
A wonderful children’s story that celebrates both creativity and connection. Each creature shines in its own color, showing how individuality matters — but when they come together, new colors (and new friendships) are formed. 🌈
Beyond the bright illustrations and playful rhymes, it gently touches on the feelings of insecurity that can come with starting school, reminding little readers that teamwork and kindness can turn uncertainty into something beautiful.
The story is currently available on Kindle Unlimited — though be aware that on a Mini Kindle, the images display in black and white, which takes away from the vibrancy that makes this book so special.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Goodreads for a complimentary Kindle copy of this book.
Beyond the bright illustrations and playful rhymes, it gently touches on the feelings of insecurity that can come with starting school, reminding little readers that teamwork and kindness can turn uncertainty into something beautiful.
The story is currently available on Kindle Unlimited — though be aware that on a Mini Kindle, the images display in black and white, which takes away from the vibrancy that makes this book so special.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Goodreads for a complimentary Kindle copy of this book.
May 25, 2023
This book is perfect for kids. Getting ready for the first day of school. The characters and what they decide to bring to school with them is interesting. You can have a great conversation with your child about why this character chose what they did. It has colors and then shows what colors can be mixed together to make new colors (this is great when painting), it offers math and has bright colors and eye catching characters. Easy to read content. The kids loved reading this book over and over again. I enjoyed this book with them. We created our own stories from what the pages offered to add extra imagination between us. A must have book.
December 5, 2024
A lovely story that follows the colorful critters, as they navigate their first-day jitters!
Carina Povarchik has used simple, yet whimsical illustrations that thankfully do not distract from the narrative or the many learning opportunities available in this book. My early reader enjoyed that they could easily read sections of this story, and my younger children enjoyed the creatures and the colorful theme. This is a lovely addition for any child before their first day of school (or beginning somewhere new).
Many thanks to Black Rose Writing for the digital review copy, via NetGalley. This review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.
Carina Povarchik has used simple, yet whimsical illustrations that thankfully do not distract from the narrative or the many learning opportunities available in this book. My early reader enjoyed that they could easily read sections of this story, and my younger children enjoyed the creatures and the colorful theme. This is a lovely addition for any child before their first day of school (or beginning somewhere new).
Many thanks to Black Rose Writing for the digital review copy, via NetGalley. This review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.
March 22, 2023
I LOVE this!!!
This book is about animals of different colors on their way to the first day of school.
The teacher has the student mix different colored paints to explore what happens when colors are combined! Such a wonderful message for today's society!! Each animal places their color on a plate and they mix it with another animal's color and find that new and wonderful colors are made! How SPECIAL each and EVERY color is!
Fantastic bright and bold illustrations, my son and I really loved this book!!
This book is about animals of different colors on their way to the first day of school.
The teacher has the student mix different colored paints to explore what happens when colors are combined! Such a wonderful message for today's society!! Each animal places their color on a plate and they mix it with another animal's color and find that new and wonderful colors are made! How SPECIAL each and EVERY color is!
Fantastic bright and bold illustrations, my son and I really loved this book!!
December 2, 2024
Book Review by Erica Jones @ Climb the Stacks
A Colorful Beginning by Raven Howell, illustrated by Carina Povarchik
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Children’s Corner
A Colorful Beginning is a beautiful picture book that is set in a school setting. The main idea and plot was thoughtfully planned and executed with ease. I throughly enjoyed the premise, it was done in a way that was encouraging the love of art from everyone. Brilliant! I highly recommend this picture book!
#acolorfulbeginning #ravenhowell #NetGalley #goodreads #bookreview #carinapovarchik
A Colorful Beginning by Raven Howell, illustrated by Carina Povarchik
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Children’s Corner
A Colorful Beginning is a beautiful picture book that is set in a school setting. The main idea and plot was thoughtfully planned and executed with ease. I throughly enjoyed the premise, it was done in a way that was encouraging the love of art from everyone. Brilliant! I highly recommend this picture book!
#acolorfulbeginning #ravenhowell #NetGalley #goodreads #bookreview #carinapovarchik
January 6, 2025
What a cute book that introduced different creatures and the colors they bring. It speaks on the idea that we are better together and together we can create something beautiful. It also spoke brilliant on first day excitement and jitters. My daughter loved this book, all the colors, as well as the use of numbers. The pictures in this book were also really well done and brought it all together.
Thank you to Netgalley and this team for allowing me to read an advanced copy. I will definitely be purchasing this to read in our head start classrooms to relieve first day jitters.
Thank you to Netgalley and this team for allowing me to read an advanced copy. I will definitely be purchasing this to read in our head start classrooms to relieve first day jitters.
December 2, 2024
A nice little book for the young ones who are about to start school - your little ones will easily be able to relate to one of the characters who are embarking on their first day of school, while also helping to ease any worries that they may have.
It also incorporated maths, spelling and colours which I thought was a fun touch too.
Thank-you Black Rose Writing, Raven Howell, Carina Povarchik and NetGalley for this Digital Advanced Readers Copy, in exchange for an honest review.
It also incorporated maths, spelling and colours which I thought was a fun touch too.
Thank-you Black Rose Writing, Raven Howell, Carina Povarchik and NetGalley for this Digital Advanced Readers Copy, in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2024
This is a really lovely little story! The story is well written, it is easy to follow and understand, has some lovely characters and best of all, plenty of wonderful illustrations that bring the story to life - it is well laid out and colourful. It was a pleasure to read and such great messaging too. I loved the end and the mixing of the colours too. It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!
December 23, 2024
A Colorful Beginning is a greatly illustrated picture book about various animals and insects preparing for their very first day of school, and I could not have adored it more. I enjoyed each animal's little section of getting ready for school, especially the squirrel with the apples. Both the vocabulary and storyline are age appropriate, and the onomatopoeia will be sure to draw young readers in. I can't recommend this book enough, especially for children who are about to start school!
March 25, 2023
My daughter loves this book and she likes to red each sentence after me! Thank you Raven for the opportunity to win this book! I’m so glad I did! Also thank you Ms. Raven for signing and also sending an additional book! Your hand written card was a sweet touch as well! The first night I had to read each book 4 times to my 5 year old! Thanks again!! Great job!
April 14, 2023
I loved this little book of colorful beginnings! Cute characters and lovely illustrations about the first day of school!
I also want to thank the author, Raven Howell, for the extra and unexpected gift of the "The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes" and for signing both books. I would give this book a 4.0 as well. Well done.
I also want to thank the author, Raven Howell, for the extra and unexpected gift of the "The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes" and for signing both books. I would give this book a 4.0 as well. Well done.
December 27, 2023
A wonderful book to read to a child before they begin their first day of school, or to read to a class on their first day of school. It shows them that no matter what their differences they are all better together. Plus, you get the added bonus of teaching children about mixing colors. A win, win if you ask me.
December 27, 2023
Worries about starting school explored🏫
Really cute, nicely illustrated book about colors and various animals preparing for their first school day. I believe this is a good vehicle for reducing first day anxiety and teaching colors. I loved the way the animal pupils mixed their colors to create new ones🎨.
Really cute, nicely illustrated book about colors and various animals preparing for their first school day. I believe this is a good vehicle for reducing first day anxiety and teaching colors. I loved the way the animal pupils mixed their colors to create new ones🎨.
December 15, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley for the exposure to this book! This book is all about colors and animals on their first day of school. The animals are fun and each is associated with a different color. Once at school, they use their colors to make even more colors with their classmates. It was fun and cute and kept my 3yo’s attention.
October 3, 2025
Super Cute!
Super cute children’s book about starting school. It goes through different animals who are different colors and what they’re worried about for school. The different animals mix their colors together to create new colors. It’s a very cute concept with cute illustrations as well.
Super cute children’s book about starting school. It goes through different animals who are different colors and what they’re worried about for school. The different animals mix their colors together to create new colors. It’s a very cute concept with cute illustrations as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews