Los Angeles, CA, USA – January 10, 2023 – Author and mother Erlin Kakkanad tackles a much-needed topic, cultural diversity, in her book “Happy In your Skin.” This book is a touching narrative that teaches kids to tolerate and embrace human differences. “Why is my skin color different? This was the question my preschooler asked me,” Kakkanad said. “While it was hard to process at the moment for me, I knew I needed to help my child navigate through these feelings and curiosities about his identity.” Research proves that when questions and curiosities are not addressed, children start forming their beliefs based on the stereotypes they see in the media.
This book is a tool for parents to navigate questions about differences and give their children a sense of pride and security in who they are. It is also a resource for teachers who can help children learn new ways to embrace everyone’s uniqueness. Kakkanad says, “My mission is to help all young children to become exceptional future leaders through cultural sensitivity and awareness and for parents to know that you don’t have to do it all alone.”
About the Book
Happy In your Skin: Is Rafa different? Explore with Rafa about how he learns about his cultural identity
by Erlin Kakkanad (Author)
This book tells the story about Rafa, who is in preschool and is curious about why his skin color is different. Young Rafa has a wonderful family. They are from India and now live in the United States. Rafa loves where he lives, but sometimes he gets strange questions that he doesn’t know how to answer. “Why are you brown?” “Why are you so different?” At first, Rafa did not have the tools to navigate these questions… until he talks to some of the adults in his life! It turns out that many people have gotten questions like that, and they can help him with what to say! His doctor, teacher, and parents help Rafa understand who he is and how to be proud of that.
REVIEWS
There is an absence of cross-cultural/ethnic books in K-12. Especially books written by parents having first-hand experience. Representation is key when kids see themselves in a book or have teachers who look like them; research has shown they excel and can see themselves as successful. It is imperative that teachers and families build cross-cultural competence. This book is a great step to building and is easily digestible for kids and fun to read! The visual/animation brings the story to life! I highly recommend it as a fun, and easy read for educators and families. My 5-year-old liked the rhyming words and the cute graphics. We haven’t talked very much about skin color differences, so it was a great conversation starter. Our uniqueness is what makes us beautiful! Recommend This author does an amazing job bringing awareness to culture and diversity. This beautiful story will help all children learn the very important truth that it is exactly what makes us unique that makes the world a better place. The illustrations are gorgeous, and the writing is great. Well done! – a Must read. “Happy In your Skin” by Erlin Kakkanad was published in October 2022 by Engineer Creative Thinking. It is available on Amazon in print and Kindle versions and wherever books are sold. To learn more about Erlin Kakkanad and her fascinating title, visit: https://www.coach4influence.com/books
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Erlin Kakkanad is a mom who promotes cultural sensitivity and awareness for children, youth, and adults in corporations; and raises Asian Indian American children in the Midwest. She is an Asian Indian American writer, entrepreneur, and an award-winning professional speaker on diversity and inclusion, a Business Process transformation expert in financial services, and an executive leadership coach. Erlin bootstrapped her start-up called Kids Care Share to help parents find quality childcare.
She started her career in India and later traveled to Canada and now is based in the US.
Erlin is passionate about STEM and has a BS in Computer Application, Master’s in Human Resources (HR), and a PhD in Education.
From her own experience as a parent, Erlin learned that there are not enough books in children’s literature to support the curiosity of children within the Asian Indian ethnicity to learn and explore their cultural backgrounds.
We need diversity in literature. Erlin is helping to change the conversation about diversity in literature.
Contact Information
Email: erlinkakkanad@gmail.com
https://www.coach4influence.com/books
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erlin-kakkanad/
Media Contact
Company Name: AAPH Press Distribution, LLC
Contact Person: Erlin Kakkanad
Email: Send Email
Phone: 951-234-1620
Address:1231 Williams Blvd
City: St. Louis
State: MO
Country: United States
Website: https://www.coach4influence.com/books