Children's Books — Jessica Ralli

Learn more about co-author and creator Dr. Megan Madison, and the First Conversations illustrators at firstconversations.com. You can purchase our books wherever books are sold!

Reviews

★ “An accessible, important addition to any anti-racist bookshelf.” — starred review, Kirkus Reviews (Our Skin)

★ “The book lives up to its promise by opening the door to rich conversations with explanations that are age-appropriate… This timely book is essential for all collections.” — starred review, School Library Connection (Our Skin)

★ “Emphasizing joy, wonder, the fluidity of identity, and self-expertise, the text carefully distinguishes gender from expression, which leads seamlessly into a developmentally conscious explanation of harmful stereotypes, unfair rules that give boys unearned power, and ultimately a call to action.” — starred review, Kirkus Reviews (Being You)

★”This accessibly written, adroit primer prompts the youngest readers to consider how skin tone relates to race and ethnicity, societal treatment, and justice.” — starred review, Publisher’s Weekly (Our Skin)

★“Children and adults can come together over this book, which takes apart the meanings of race and skin color at the foundational level. It’s a stepping stone on the path to understanding what it means to be human, with cheerful art and easy language.” — starred review, School Library Journal (Our Skin)

★“Affirmative consent, bodily autonomy, and correct vocabulary for body parts and more (including when adults make choices to keep kids safe, regardless of whether those kids agree) are all addressed in the frank, easy-to-understand text. Robust back matter directed at adults offers helpful explanations for why each concept is important and tips for how to positively model good practices around consent. Meaningful guidance for children and adults together.” — starred review, Booklist (Yes! No!)

“A clear, well-constructed gender guide, to be used with supportive adults already immersed in the myriad talking points and deeper dives of this conversation.” —review, School Library Journal (Being You)

“A must for the shelves. Todd Parr in tone, but with more in-depth examination, this comprehensive and age-appropriate discussion about love for the youngest children, provides opportunities for important conversations between children and their caregivers.” —School Library Journal (Together)

“Love’s varied forms are constantly under attack from conservatives, but a new book counters the message that all families must look like a Norman Rockwell creation.” —The Advocate (Together)

“Many caregivers will appreciate this concise, useful, and ultimately hopeful conversation starter.” —Kirkus (Together)

“This visually appealing board book tells it like it is.” — Booklist (Every Body)

★“So important—“every body” should read this!” —starred review, Kirkus Reviews (Every Body)

“A great choice for those looking to have child-friendly and necessary conversations about race and racism. Recommended for all libraries.” —School Library Journal (Nuestra Piel)

“ Bright, cheerful illustrations show a diverse cast of characters engaged in activities that will resonate with young children. The text explains how basic interactions such as sharing snacks, squabbling over toys, talking out problems, and finding solutions also have applications at the neighborhood level, and numerous scenarios model community-building skills, such as stating needs, listening closely, and working together (with no hitting).” —Booklist (We Care)

“We Care: A First Conversation About Justice shows young readers how anyone can contribute to community care and justice, even if it takes time and multiple attempts. This book is a blueprint on how to disrupt existing structures and radically envision what is possible.” —Makai Kellog, Social Justice Books, Teaching for Change (We Care)

Best of Lists

Kirkus Best Children’s Books of the Year 2021

School Library Journal Best Non-Fiction Books of 2021

Parents Magazine Best Picture Books for Children Ages 3-8 of 2021

Oprah Daily: 21 Diverse Children’s Books Chosen for Gayle’s Grandson, Luca

Today Show: 39 best toys and gifts for 2-year-olds in 2021

The Strategist 17 Kids’ Books to Read During Black History Month (and All Year Long) 2022

Bank Street Children’s Book Committee Best Books of 2022

Bank Street Children’s Book Committee Best Books of 2023

Chicago Public Library Best Informational Books for Younger Readers 2023

The Best Children's Books of the Year in Spanish 2024

Oprah Daily: Best Children’s Books on Grief 2024