“Shades” is a book about five emotionally expressive, vibrant children and their cool color corresponding pets. Through simple verse, this book seeks to teach children colors, emotions, animals, acceptance, and diversity. The book opens a discussion on feelings and concludes by asking “What Shade Are You Today?” The book’s key message is that we all have feelings (happy, mad, sad, scared, and envy) from time to time, and to have these feelings is completely normal and ok.

About the Author

Kimberly Taylor has a husband, Michael, and two adult sons Jared and Nicholas. Parents, Joan, and Bill Holmes have always encouraged Kimberly to write a book. Kimberly has always resided in New York, growing up in Middleport, then going to college in Buffalo and Brockport to major in communication. Kimberly lives in the Albany area and is an employee of the State of New York. Writing has always been an important part of Kimberly's personal and professional life. Kimberly also enjoys doing crafts and drawing which can be seen through this book, which Kimberly both authored and illustrated.