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Raising three daughters is a challenge. Now that they are adults, I try to forget the tough times. I like to forget that Maggie hated the dresses that I smocked. And that Katherine wanted to wear Sunday shoes to school. Martha wore the smocked dresses, but did not like matching her sisters. Each girl had her own personality, and in truth, I had a hard time keeping up. “Mom, don’t you know I Hate baked fruit?”
This weekend at the first SCBWI LA/MS regional conference, I met picture book author and illustrator Sarah Frances Hardy. Who knew when she sat at my table that we would connect in so many ways? She now lives in Oxford, MS, but she grew up in Jackson, like me. Later in the evening we sat next to each other at dinner and found out more things we have in common; we both have three daughters.
Sarah hilariously depicts the individual likes and dislikes of girls in her latest picture book, Puzzled by Pink.
Izzy’s sister Rose loves pink, but Izzy wears black, has a black cat, and carries a monster doll. It’s Rose’s birthday and Izzy refuses to wear a pink tutu. Izzy makes a party of her own in the attic complete with an invisible friend. This book speaks not only about being unique and accepting every one as they are, it also speaks to creativity and imagination. I am especially attracted to the details in Sarah’s artwork. All the way to the creepy spiders.
Sample page from Puzzled by Pink. Can you find the spiders?
On Sarah’s blog site, there is a post about making a birthday party celebration based on the book. There are links to fun crafts, too. Consider having a Puzzled by Pink party in your classroom. What costumes would each student wear? Let’s celebrate differences!
Reflections on the Teche 
Oh my, this book would please my daughter, having two daughters with very different tastes, like yours, Margaret. Fun to hear about! Imi mostly wears her snow boots to school (easier to put on & off!). Thanks for sharing this one!
I had two boys and can attest that they are not the same either. This sounds like a great book for all readers.
I’m going to go find that book! I’m glad to hear someone else can’t keep up because I really can not remember who likes what. And yes, it changes! Your tidbits about the changes and differences made me laugh!
What a fun book. Having several children really lets parents in on how different we humans can be. Sounds like a great book and a new found friend.
This book looks perfect for some of my students. Thanks so much for sharing it. Glad you had such a good time at the conference!
Thank you so much Margaret! I loved, loved, loved meeting you last weekend.
Looks like a fun book!