Does the COLOUR matter?: A Children's Story About Self-Love, Confidence, and Celebrating Differences - Paperback

by Mahek Chhabra (Illustrator), Khyati Banker (Author)

Listed as a choice title in the Victorian Premier's Reading Challenge, contributing to school reading programs and student literacy development.

Does skin colour matter? Or is it how we treat others that truly defines us?

When 8-year-old Panishi comes home from school feeling hurt, she asks her mum a powerful question:

"Does skin colour matter?"

What follows is a heartfelt conversation-and a magical story about a golden cat-that helps Panishi discover something life-changing: her worth has nothing to do with how she looks, and everything to do with who she is.

Through this journey,

CHILDREN WILL LEARN

• Build genuine self-love and confidence through positive self-talk
• Stand up to unkind words with courage and kindness
• Strengthen their sense of identity and belonging
• Celebrate what makes them - and others - unique
• Form friendships built on inclusion and empathy
• Understand the impact of words and behaviours

Suitable for classroom use, guided reading, and wellbeing programs, this text aligns with Social Emotional Learning (SEL) principles and supports discussions around inclusion, kindness, and resilience.

INSIDE THE BOOK

• A beautifully illustrated chapter story with powerful life lessons
• A gratitude poem to encourage daily reflection
• Activity pages and discussion questions to support classroom and home use
• Diverse, relatable characters that children can see themselves in

IDEAL FOR

• School libraries and primary school classrooms (Years 1-5)
• Teachers supporting SEL curricula, anti-racism education, and diversity programs
• School counsellors and student wellbeing programs
• Parents teaching confidence, emotional intelligence, and self-worth at home

By Australian author - Book 1 of the Panishi Manishi Stories Series (PM Books). Continue the journey with PM Book 2: It's OKAY to Fail! - a motivational chapter book for children aged 6-13 exploring growth mindset, resilience, and emotional strength.