Karen Easley was born in the south during the era of segregation. She remembers the pain of rejection and hurtful words about her complexion.

She witnessed countless negative actions from others because she had dark skin. She was made to feel ugly.

She was rejected by her peers and adults simply because she was a darker chocolate color. Some children didn't want to play with her or touch her hands as if the dark color would rub off on them.

Classmates often teased her about her dark skin color. She would pray at night that she would wake up with lighter skin.

Karen decided to write this book to leave a legacy for her family and future generations to come. She wants young children to lovingly embrace who they are.

It is never too early for all children to hear how they are loved and accepted as a unique and worthy person. At an early age, children start to develop their self-esteem.

Karen's goal is to allow children to love who they are regardless of their skin color. She wants children to know that their hearts and minds build who they will become.

There are so many beautiful colors in this world, especially dark chocolate. Karen's book, Assorted Chocolates Are More Than Candy represents assorted chocolates that are white, milk and dark chocolate favors.

Children of all shades of chocolate may hear hateful and painful words about their chocolate skin tones. Why should your outward skin color cause prejudices and discriminatory behavior? The outward appearance of a child is secondary to their inner beauty.

This world today has children of all shades of chocolate. It is not enough to love children, they must know they are loved.

Loving words and actions can tell children of all chocolate shades that they can reach for the stars. Be YOU and LOVE YOURSELF.

"It is not enough to love children, it is necessary that they know they are loved" - John Bosco. .