When Megan Holmes, a professor at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, noticed a lack of diversity in children’s coloring books, she decided to make her own. A lifelong creative and co-illustrator of Jammie Claus, Holmes spent her quiet summer mornings drawing before her three kids woke up. Inspired by political events and her research into the market, she realized many popular coloring books featured mostly white, able-bodied characters. The result was Dream Big: A Coloring Adventure for Girls, a book celebrating diversity in race, ability and body type.
“Many young girls, especially those from diverse backgrounds, rarely see themselves represented in empowering ways,” said Holmes, who serves as co-director of the Center on Trauma and Adversity. “I wanted to create a space where all girls could see their unique qualities celebrated.”
The process of designing the illustrations was deeply intentional. She focused on depicting girls with a variety of body types, hair textures and abilities, engaging in activities that highlight traits such as creativity, intelligence and kindness. Each page conveys a sense of strength, joy and confidence, transcending individual differences to celebrate universal values.
“Rather than focusing solely on differences, I aimed to convey the shared qualities that connect us all, making the book feel inclusive and affirming for everyone,” she said.
The response to the book has been overwhelmingly positive. Parents and educators have praised its diverse representation and empowering themes, noting its importance in fostering confidence and self-expression. One particularly touching piece of feedback came from a mother whose daughter finally felt “seen” after recognizing a character that looked like her.
For Holmes, the book is more than just a coloring book; it’s a tool for fostering self-esteem, sparking important conversations about diversity and helping girls embrace their strengths.
“I hope this book empowers girls to dream big, embrace their uniqueness and see value in their differences,” she said.
Her work isn’t stopping there. She’s already on to her next project—an adult coloring book focused on female leadership. Combining intricate designs, affirming quotes and reflective prompts, this new book aims to inspire women to explore personal growth, strength and leadership.