Stolen Colors: A Story about Body Safety and Consent

By Patel Khushboo

A powerful and sensitive story about body safety and consent that every family needs.

Shreya loves to paint. Her world is filled with bright, bold colors as lively as she is. Even her art teacher, Mr. Rao, thinks her work is ""marvelous."" But when he asks to paint her during recess when the other kids are outside, Shreya's excitement turns to fear. The moment she arrives, she knows something is wrong, and in that moment, she freezes.

The experience shatters her love of painting, leaving her feeling awful and unable to find the words to tell her mother why.

Her former rival, Meera, has also become Mr. Rao's new subject. But unlike Shreya, Meera yells ""No "" and runs for help. Meera's example gives Shreya the courage she needs to reclaim her voice and her love of art.

This crucial resource for families and book collections everywhere includes guidance and resources to help parents and children navigate this important topic.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1646146301
• ISBN13: 9781646146307
• Release Date: March 2026
• Publisher: Levine Querido
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 9.2" x 11.1"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Highly Recommend for Every Parent/Guardian's Library. It's Extremely Important to Read for Children

I got this book after a recommended list I came across in regards to books about consent, body safety, body autonomy, and more. It was honestly hard to read without tearing up for the little girl, but such an important perspective to share in a children's book. It helps teach children the fact that things don't always go as you practiced with body safety, and that it's absolutely not your fault if something does happen. You won't be in trouble, and it's important to tell your trusted adult when something happens to you. I am grateful to the author and illustrator for making this book. It can be hard to find good books that are able to deal with difficult subjects like these for kids to break down and understand, but I feel like the book being written in the perspective that it is, makes it easier to digest for the children reading it. I will be recommending this book to every parent I know.