Variety Truly is the Spice of Life in “I Am Mixed”

What does it mean to a child to be bi-racial? Chances are many shoppers know a youngster who fits this bill and will welcome a useful as well as entertaining way to explain what “mixed” really means. Author Garcelle Beauvais, who was born in Haiti and came to the U.S. when she was seven, now lives in Los Angeles with her mixed-race twin sons who inspired her work. Originally, Beauvais enjoyed a robust TV career, including the role of First Lady in the blockbuster hit White House Down. After her on-air success, she turned her attention to writing since she perceived an unmet need in the publishing world for the kind of book she wrote.

Beauvais worked with writer and president of Stranger Comics, Sebastian A. Jones, to help bring her idea to fruition. Jones, who has a notable career in entertainment, began adapting his own work into a graphic novel prior to founding his company. As someone of mixed race with a bi-racial son, Jones naturally gravitated to this growing, yet still underserved, demographic and, quite naturally, Beavais’ ideas resonated.

I Am Mixed celebrates the fusion of cultures in mixed-race kids and can serve both as a great way for parents to introduce the topic and then raise important questions. Children take away a sense that being of more than one race is something to be celebrated. Learning “I am the best from all over the world” and “I am like every boy and every girl” helps youngsters feel proud of their identity.

The lavishly illustrated fifty-two page book is targeted for kids aged three to eight, but given the subject matter, can appeal to a far wider audience. I Am Mixed celebrates Jay and Nia, children of two worlds who learn to draw from and enjoy the best of both. Delighted by their mother’s fascination with jazz, as well as their father’s love of classical music; drawn to light and dark as naturally as day follows night, the book points out that a child is far more than the sum of his or her parents.

Actress Halle Berry wrote a forward observing the value of the book as a teaching tool and other bold-faced names, including Heidi Klum and Laura Ling, also offer words of praise. Writer Beauvais knew that her kids would get questions about having one white and one black parent and working on the book helped her prepare for these inevitabilities.

The stunning, colorful illustrations are the work of James Cory Webster, a classically-trained artist. His bold looks enliven each page and give additional emphasis to the value of being a child of mixed race. In keeping with its socially and environmentally-conscious theme, the book is printed on one-hundred percent recycled paper — another plus that savvy merchants can tout to customers.

The hardcover book is from Stranger Comics, an incubator and aggregator of content. Shoppers who enjoy I Am Mixed will be happy to know it is the first in a series about childhood identity. The second book will deal with being a child of divorce and other works, including a book on adoption and one on the challenges of moving to a new school, are in the lineup.

As the narrative observes, “everyone in the world is a mix of two different families, but some people are lucky enough to be a mix of two different cultures. . . . Being mixed is just one way that you are extra special.” An affirming message like this is a wonderful way to open a dialogue with children and encourage them to take full delight in themselves and their background.

For more information: www.strangercomics.com