Review | The Cutest Face
I had the pleasure of receiving a copy of “The Cutest Face” by Toronto illustrator & Author, Rebecca Zak. I grew up in the Toronto area, and the best complement I can give this book is that it truly captures the “diversity & equity” of the classroom experience I experienced then, and students still enjoy now.
Rebecca’s illustrations are beautifully done, her command of realism with oil paints is really great… and she captures that “class photo” feel with little touches like the curtain in the background, the children’s poses, and variety of expressions.
The story itself is sweet, feels like a book of complements to each of the children in Rebecca’s class, appreciating them for who they are as individuals. The icing on the cake is how she pulls it together at the end, with “how cute everyone looks altogether” in their class photo.
The book itself has a lovely feel to it, is hardcover and the paper has a lovely feel to it. It is printed on paper “From Well Managed Forests” approved by the FSC. The book was designed by Dave Zak.
I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to share in the enjoyment of diversity with their children.
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September 26, 2011 @ 6:36 pm
[…] Since The Cutest Face was published (June 2010), I have found that parents, teachers, scholars and children of all ages have responded very favourably to its message and approach. Dr. George Sefa Dei (2010), Equity Studies Professor at OISE, noted,“in no small measure, The Cutest Face helps to open up critical discussions to learn about each other and ourselves, and to maximize the benefits that come with having a diverse schooling community.” Similarly, best-selling juvenile fiction author Eric Walters (2010) described the book as, “beautifully illustrated, showing the richest of diversity that makes Canadian classes so special!” Further, ETFO president Sam Hammond (2011) stated, “ETFO proudly supports a climate of social justice in schools across the province and Rebecca’s book is an important contribution to that aim . . . The Cutest Face not only supports critical literacy, it places emphasis on inclusion, diversity, and equity—values that underpin Ontario schools.” The book is now in every location of Ontario’s largest childcare service provider, Peel Lunch and After School Program; it is part of 3 literacy programs of schools in Jamaica; it was featured at the 2010 Toronto Word on the Street Festival, it received local newspaper coverage; it was reviewed and blogged about internationally; it succeeded through the review process and was accepted into select Chapters locations; it won the 2011 Art and Culture Award from the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario; and most recently it was recognized by the Mayor of Mississauga, the city where I teach (please see letter below). […]