A group of kids is stuck inside on a rainy day, and they're feeling gloomy … until they discover a pink treasure chest! Inside they find a collection of items that turn their grey day into a playground of pink. Pink is for painters and palace-dwellers, aliens and astronauts, dancers and dragons! In a parade of exuberance that celebrates all things pink, one surly cat stands apart and teaches the kids a gentle lesson about choosing what you love, no matter who you are, while respecting the unique preferences of everybody around you.

This uplifting ode to self-expression goes beyond the binary expectations of gender to emphasize the importance of creativity and acceptance. It invites readers into a welcoming space where different clothing, toys, and colours are enjoyed by all. With a diverse cast of kids and inclusive, gender-neutral language, this book encourages children to embrace their true colours. (From Owlkids)

Pink is for Everybody will be championed by Makeup Monster on CBC Kids Reads.

CBC Kids Reads will air during the CBC Kids weekday morning block on CBC TV and CBC Gem on March 27-30. CBC Kids hosts Tony and Janaye, as well as Gary the Unicorn, Mr. Orlando, Cottonball and Makeup Monster, will share their six favourite Canadian picture books and celebrate the love of reading.

Ella Russell always dreamed of writing books. They grew up in a house that had a box full of costumes for rainy-day play, and that box allowed them to become anybody they wanted — from a swashbuckling pirate to a proper palace-dweller. Russell is now an author who still lets their imagination run wild in their writing. They live in Toronto with two cheeky but lovable furballs named Saffron and Juniper.

Udayana Lugo has always loved drawing and painting. She studied product design and worked for many years in that field, and became an illustrator full time after her chapter in the design world came to a close. If Lugo wasn't a children's book illustrator, she would probably be a baker (although waking up before dawn might be a deal-breaker!). She was born in Russia, grew up in Mexico City, and now lives in Richmond, B.C., with her husband and two kids.