<back

Press Releases

CHICAGO CHILDREN'S MUSEUM PUBLISHES "SKIN YOU LIVE IN"
Whimsical Picture Book Teaches Children Acceptance At An Early Age

April 1, 2005 - What began as a whimsical way for author Michael Tyler to convey to his young son that skin color does not define a person's value is now a lyrical tool for caregivers to share with children. The rhyming picture book The Skin You Live In (Chicago Children's Museum, April 2005, ages 4-8), by Michael Tyler with illustrations by David Lee Csicsko, can help parents and teachers tackle tough topics-differences, friendship, acceptance, self-esteem and diversity-in a fun, accessible way.

Simple words and brilliant images encourage children to think about all the things they do in their skin, such as dreaming about eating ice cream, running, hopping and other activities that young children love.
Children can also think about the skin they laugh and cry in. Both serious subjects, like "trembling fright skin and cringes at night skin," and silly ones, like "birthday-cake bright skin," will be familiar and comforting to children, parents and teachers.

When skin is compared to delicious food flavors, children can think about whether they have "pumpkin pie slice skin" or "caramel corn nice skin." Not only is skin presented in its myriad colors but also in terms of size, shape, mood and more. No matter what, the most valuable message is "you're more than you seem. You are all that you think and you hope and you dream."

What is in the skin is more important than the skin itself. By acknowledging a child's imagination and feelings, Tyler encourages children to explore their self-identity and think about the skin that "holds the you who's within." Offering the message that everyone is special and different but the same too, The Skin You Live In is a wonderful way to share the beauty of variety and teach the value of accepting those who are different.

About the Publisher
The Skin You Live In is the introductory publishing effort from Chicago Children's Museum (CCM), whose mission is to create a community where play and learning connect.

About the Author and Illustrator
Michael Tyler is a freelance writer and fitness consultant and father to son Ziggi. David Lee Csicsko illustrated Behind the Lions: A Family Guide to the Art Institute of Chicago and his work appears in numerous magazines, papers and galleries. Both live in Chicago.

Book Details
Title: The Skin You Live In
Author: Michael Tyler; Illustrator: David Lee Csicsko
Publisher: Chicago Children's Museum
Publication: April 2005, $14.95, Cloth, ISBN: 0975958003
Picture books, 32 pages, 9 x 91⁄2, color illustrations throughout
Available at bookstores everywhere and through Independent Publishers Group,
814 N. Franklin St., Chicago, IL 60610. Toll-free number for orders only: 1-800-888-4741. To order online, visit www.ipgbook.com.

top