Product: The Face Painter's Mirror (English Edition)
Join Ryder, Amber, and the face painter on a journey of self discovery and acceptance. This is story about letting kids be themselves and embracing it. 

With colourful illustrations, this story explores gender stereotyping and how that can make children feel and see themselves.

Join Ryder, Amber, and the face painter as they look into The Face Painter's Mirror. A magical journey of self discovery and imagination. 

With colourful illustrations, this story explores gender stereotyping and how that can make children feel and see themselves. 

Gender stereotyping

When a boy asks for a magical rainbow unicorn face painting and a girl asks for a ferocious stompy dinosaur, they are surprised to transform into what is painted on their faces when they look into the magical mirror. Their emotions are taken on a rollercoaster ride when they discover that the face painter had not listened to their requests and has decided to turn them into different creatures. She does not believe unicorns are for boys or dinosaurs are for girls. 

Standing up for Yourself

The children go through these transformations and feel sad, angry, disappointed and discouraged. Readers will find out if they learn to speak up for themselves.

Five Star Reviewed


Aside from having a 5 star average rating and many glowing reviews from people who have this book, The Face Painter's Mirror has also received a five star editorial review from Reader's Favorite. 

The children's book, The Face Painter's Mirror, crafted by Pamela Melon, delivers an essential message. Children's voices need to be heard, even when an adult may disagree with their choices due to stereotypical thinking. In this book, the topic of gender stereotyping is explored. Ryder and Amber were excited to have their faces painted during a festival. Ryder wanted a magical rainbow unicorn, while Amber wanted to be a T-Rex. However, the face painter asked if she could give them a surprise instead. Ryder's face had a shark painting, while Amber's face was covered by a butterfly. With these new personalities, they found it difficult to play together and be friends. Their second attempt was also unsuccessful. Finally, the face painter remembered a time when she was told she could not like something, and she agreed to paint their choices of images. It was magical!


There are several lessons depicted in this captivating story: how gender stereotyping still exists in our societies; how frequently children's opinions and voices are dismissed; the wonderful experience of magic for children. These lessons can be reiterated every time a parent reads this book to a child. The text flows smoothly, making it a delightful book to read out loud. The beautiful illustrations are realistic and add to the magical qualities of the story. In her first children's book, The Face Painter's Mirror, author Pamela Melon has hit a home run. Let's hope she will write more books for youngsters with equally important messages!

A Must Have in your Children's Library

This story will lead to many conversations with your child about being themselves, accepting others, being inclusive, diversity and standing up for themselves. This can lead to self acceptance and harmony with others. It can be a great way to reflect on how discriminating or stereotyping affects others. You don't need to have a big conversation about it as the story speaks for itself as well and challenges black and white thinking when it comes to gender norms and diversity.

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