Jessica Young flips the script on traditional interpretations of color (red is angry, blue is sad) to include the young protagonist's perspective, which deviates from the norm. Red can be "as brave a fire truck" and blue can be "happy." "I guess colors are how you see them," the narrator concludes with conviction and confidence.

Catia Chien's illustrations are always mesmerizing and she excels at scene- and mood-setting, which makes her the perfect collaborator for this text. Her style can be at once expansive and focused, and her use of acrylic paint allows her to blend colors to bring a freshness and a softness to each page.