An Interview with CBC News:
September 2, 2022A Fredericton author’s new book encourages young girls to embrace their individuality
Picture book follows the adventures of a dark-skinned Filipina girl named Ligaya
A Fredericton author’s new children’s book is encouraging young children to be comfortable in their own skin.
The 24-page picture book, titled What’s Wrong with my Skin, follows the adventures of a dark-skinned Filipina girl named Ligaya. The book’s message is to encourage young girls to embrace their uniqueness over mainstream beauty standards, according to the author Marjorie Frenette.
A master’s student in counselling psychology at Yorkville University in Fredericton and born and raised in the Philippines, Frenette says the colourism in her community is rampant.
According to Frenette, she was constantly made to feel less beautiful compared to her four sisters, who all had fairer complexions than her.
“It’s just a little damaging for kids who would see that, right. It’s something that’s so rampant, but nobody really talks about it, or a lot of people just blindly accept it,” said Frenette.
Frenette started working on the book early in the pandemic. She says she wanted to write a story that embraces a child’s uniqueness, and being comfortable in their own skin, similar to how her mom reminded her of her beauty when she was growing up.
“It’s very important for kids to understand this situation and message. And for the parents to help their kids embrace their individuality,” said Frenette.
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A Fredericton author’s new book encourages young girls to embrace their individuality
