Synopsis
Ruby’s mind is always full of ideas. One day, she finds some old boards and decides to build something.
She invites her brothers to help, but they just laugh and tell her she doesn’t know how to build.
“Then I’ll learn,” she says. And she does!
When she creates a dazzling fort that they all want to play in, it is Ruby who has the last laugh.
With sprightly text and winsome pictures, this modern spin on a timeless favorite celebrates the pluck and ingenuity of young creators everywhere!
Reflection
We have a new favorite read aloud that me and my kids adore: The Little Red Fort!
This book is not only fun, but it’s empowering too. Little Ruby’s mind is always full of ideas. One day, she decides to build a fort and asks her three brothers for help. There’s a lot of work that needs to be done: the plans have to be drawn up, supplies need to be gathered, boards need to be cut, and more.
Illustration courtesy of The Little Red Fort
When Ruby asks her three brothers (Oscar Lee, Rodrigo and José) for help, they all say they’re too busy to give her a hand. When the fort is finally completed, Ruby asks her brothers if they want to play in her fort. Of course, they all jump at the opportunity once they see how amazing and fun the fort is, but Ruby doesn’t let them get off so easily.
I adore this retelling of the folktale The Little Red Hen featuring a little Latina protagonist! This book has great read aloud appeal, vibrant and bright illustrations and STEM. I love that the brothers learn a great lesson and that little Ruby has a determined mind of her own to build a fort. Although she didn’t have support from her brothers in the beginning, her mom, dad and grandmother help pitch in showing great teamwork and family support.
The Little Red Fort pays homage to the classic folk tale and commemorates its one hundredth anniversary in picture book form.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a complimentary book in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.
Your turn: Have you ever read the classic folktale The Little Red Hen? Feel free to share in the comments.
Publisher: Greenwillow Books Format: Hardcover Pages: 40 Age Range: 4-8 years Grade Level: Preschool – 3
Synopsis Daria Peoples-Riley’s debut picture book is a celebration of individuality, self-expression, and dance. Fans of Misty Copeland’s Firebirdand Matt de la Peña’s Last Stop on Market Streetwill want to read it over and over again.
When a young dancer is nervous about her upcoming auditions, her shadow springs to life and leads her on a joyous exploration of their city. Soon enough, the young girl finds confidence in her skills, her body, and her ability to shine.
With an energetic, rhythmic text that begs to be read aloud and striking, exuberant artwork, This Is It is a love story to originality and the simple joy of movement.
Check out the amazingly heartwarming book trailer for This Is It here: https://t.co/PJN3rbkTBe
What’s the Story Behind the Book Trailer?
Tell us a little bit about the trailer.
It’s not the average book trailer for a picture book. I know, right? Well, I’ve always been interested in making films, so when THIS IS IT was acquired, I knew I wasn’t going to do an animated book trailer. Creating a live action book trailer would be the perfect opportunity to try filmmaking. I thought the idea of bringing my heroine to real life would be more impactful. To be honest, as a child, I wasn’t very interested in cartoons. I liked shows and movies with real people. It’s hard for me to believe there aren’t more kids out there like that. The book trailer is the prologue to the book, and you have to read the book to find out what happens next. It was a wonderful opportunity to create my first experience as a filmmaker.
Who was some of the talent behind the scenes of the trailer?
I enlisted the expertise of Patrick Lascu, a Los Angeles based filmmaker, and he put together a crew of amazing talent. He really went out of his way to involve me in the creative process. I learned a lot from him, and hope we can work together again in the near future.
And in front of the camera, who plays the shadow?
The shadow is played by my daughter, Jonah Marie. She is an aspiring ballerina who inspired the poem in THIS IS IT.
Jonah, can you tell us a little bit about your ballet training?
I train in Vaganova Ballet, a style of Russian ballet. I train about ten hours a week right now, and in the summer I attend summer intensives. Last summer, I attended Los Angeles Ballet School and next summer I will attend UNCSA’s classical ballet intensive.
What was it like dancing as the shadow?
It was really fun because I didn’t have to worry about being on the camera, but I was still apart of the trailer. Besides ballet, what are some of your other interests? I like fashion and baking.
What are some of your dreams for the future?
I would love to become a professional ballet dancer. The mom and the daughter—who plays those roles? The mom is played by Tanya Hill, and her daughter Jalyn Noelle. They are real mom and daughter, so the connection was natural.
How did you go about finding Tanya and Jalyn?
It was pretty unconventional actually. We call it a God story—one of those acts of Providence only God could orchestrate. Patrick and I were looking for actors, and reached out to a few casting directors, but we hadn’t found anyone who looked quite like the character in THIS IS IT. However, after a couple of weeks of unsuccessfully finding anyone, I was leaving a hotel in
Buena Park, California when I drove by Tanya and Jalyn who were standing along the street at a crosswalk. Immediately, I was amazed at how much Jalyn looked like my heroine, so I pulled over. It wasn’t until I got out of my car to approach them, I realized Jalyn and Tanya were holding a homeless sign and asking for money.
What did you do next?
Truthfully, it caught me off-guard a little and probably out of nervousness, I commented on Tanya’s t-shirt, a North Carolina Panther’s shirt. I don’t really watch football, but I am a Cam Newton fan because of all the wonderful things he does for kids, so the first thing I said was something like “I’m a Cam Newton fan!” Awkward, right? So funny. But she said, “I am too!” Then, we Cam-dabbed together. Once the ice was broken, I told her I was an author/illustrator who wrote a book, and her daughter looked a lot like the character in my story. I asked her if she was interested in acting in my book trailer, and that was when Jalyn told me, “Of course, I’m an actor.” Tanya told me she was struggling after relocating to California from North Carolina. She cried tears of joy when I offered Jalyn the role. Then, I cried. Then, we celebrated by taking a selfie. We exchanged information, and Jalyn became my real life heroine. The best thing about it was I was able to compensate Jalyn for her talent.
How are Jalyn and her mom doing now?Can you give us an update? Do you still keep in touch? Absolutely! We keep each other updated. Jalyn and her mom will be in my heart forever. They are doing wonderful. Shortly after our first meeting, I reached out to my aunt who lives in the LA area to find Tanya and Jalyn housing. She enlisted the help of Boys II Men singer, Nathan Morris who has a heart for helping the homeless. Together, we raised $9,000 in three days on GoFundMe. Jalyn and her mom moved back to the Carolinas. Jalyn is acting and attending school and mom is working as a manager of an optical gallery.
Jalyn, what did you think about Daria asking you to be in her trailer?
I felt excited because I wanted to be an actress and she just came in my life and helped me fulfill my dreams, and well, it was the first time I was on onset with cameras. I did NarroWay, A Christian theater in South Carolina, but it wasn’t like that.
How was your experience? What was your favorite part?
I loved the experience. It was a lot of fun doing it. My favorite part was learning ballet. It was the first time I ever tried it, but now I actually want to do ballet.
What are you doing now?
Well, I went back to NarroWay and now I’m doing a show called Not Just Another Love Story.
What are your some of your dreams for the future?
One of my dreams is becoming a veterinarian. I love animals and I really want to help the homeless. I’ve been in that situation before, and it’s not fun.
Where can people purchase the book? This Is Itis available now online (the publisher’s website, Amazon, Barnes and Noble) and in bookstores wherever books are sold. You can also check your local library to see if they have it in their circulation. If they don’t simply request your library to order a copy.
Your turn: Are you looking forward to reading this with your little readers now that you’ve seen the trailer and read the story behind it? Feel free to share in the comments.
Mahalia Jackson: Walking With Kings and Queens (A Book Review)
Mahalia Jackson: Walking With Kings and Queens by Nina Nolan, illustrated by John Holyfield Publisher: Harper Collins Age Range: 4 – 8 Grade Level: Preschool – 3 Pages: 32 Format: Hardcover
Synopsis
Even as a young girl, Mahalia Jackson loved gospel music. Life was difficult for Mahalia growing up, but singing gospel always lifted her spirits and made her feel special. She soon realized that her powerful voice stirred everyone around her, and she wanted to share that with the world. Although she was met with hardships along the way, Mahalia never gave up on her dreams. Mahalia’s extraordinary journey eventually took her to the historic March on Washington, where she sang to thousands and inspired them to find their own voices.
Reflection
Born in 1911, legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson grew up living in a “shotgun shack” so close to the train tracks. Whenever trains passed by her house would shake so much. In fourth grade, Mahalia had to leave school to care for her baby cousins. Then in the eighth grade she dropped out of school again and took on odd jobs to earn money. Despite facing many hardships throughout her life, Mahalia still persisted and went on to become one of the best Black female gospel singers of all time until her death in 1972 from heart failure and diabetes complications.
She held onto the words her aunt Bell used to tell her: “One day you’ll walk with kings and queens.” This is such a beautifully written and illustrated picture book for kids who want to learn more about Mahalia Jackson’s life. Perfect for Common Core and kids ages 4-8 and up as it’s not too wordy.
The kids and I enjoyed learning more about Mahalia Jackson from her childhood to adulthood. This book inspired me to go back and listen to some of Jackson’s popular gospel songs – what a beautiful voice she had! Check this one out for Black History Month, Women’s History Month or anytime of the year.
Your turn: Have you read this book with your little readers yet? Feel free to share in the comments.
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux Format: Paperback Pages: 128 Age Range: 6 – 9 years Grade Level: 1 – 4
Synopsis Eight-year-old Jasmine Toguchi is a flamingo fan, tree climber, and top-notch mess-maker!
She’s also tired of her big sister, Sophie, always getting to do things first. For once, Jasmine wishes SHE could do something before Sophie―something special, something different. The New Year approaches, and as the Toguchi family gathers in Los Angeles to celebrate, Jasmine is jealous that her sister gets to help roll mochi balls by hand with the women. Her mom says that Jasmine is still too young to join in, so she hatches a plan to help the men pound the mochi rice instead. Surely her sister has never done THAT before.
But pounding mochi is traditionally reserved for boys. And the mochi hammer is heavier than it looks. Can Jasmine build her case and her mochi-making muscles in time for New Year’s Day?
Reflection
Thank you to author Debbi Michiko Florence for sending me this book to review for Multicultural Children’s Book Day!
Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2017 (1/27/18) is in its 5th year and was founded by Valarie Budayr from Jump Into A Book and Mia Wenjen from PragmaticMom. Their mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in home and school bookshelves while also working diligently to get more of these types of books into the hands of young readers, parents and educators.
What an adorable character Jasmine Toguchi is! She’s a smart and spunky Japanese-American third grader with a fun personality. I think it’s so great for Japanese children to be able to use the books in this chapter series as mirrors into their own culture. Other children, like mine, will enjoy using these books as windows to learn a few things about the Japanese culture like how to make mochi. Mochi is a sticky rice treat that is made into different shapes. There is a recipe included in the back of the book if you want to try and make it on your own. We haven’t tried it yet, but I’m so tempted to have our own mochi making party at home or with some friends for a play date!
We enjoyed reading this chapter book aloud at bedtime over the course of two weeks. The chapters were just long enough to help us squeeze in about 10 – 15 minutes (on average) of read aloud time per chapter. I think the book is great for early readers (age 7 – 8) to read independently on their own, maybe with a little help from an adult when needed. It was interesting to learn about some Japanese traditions and to see how Jasmine added her own updated twist to them. The black and white illustrations were also an added bonus and helped to bring some of the text to life.
This book has themes of: gender biases, family, traditions, sibling rivalry and food. Definitely one to check out if you’re looking for a fun chapter series for early readers.
More Information About Multicultural Children’s Book Day
Current Sponsors: MCBD 2018 is honored to have some amazing Sponsors on board.
We’d like to also give a shout-out to MCBD’s impressive CoHost Team who not only hosts the book review link-up on celebration day, but who also works tirelessly to spread the word of this event. View our CoHosts HERE.
TWITTER PARTY Sponsored by Scholastic Book Clubs: MCBD’s super-popular (and crazy-fun) annual Twitter Party will be held 1/27/18 at 9:00pm EST.
Foxwoods Casino and Resort is located about an hour north of us, which makes it perfect for a quick road trip getaway. Thank you to Foxwoods for hosting us last month!
We stayed in a one bedroom deluxe room with two double beds that sleeps 4. We found the room to be spacious even with the four of us in it. The rooms and hallways were always very clean and whenever we asked a staff member a question (like finding our way around – the place is huge!) they were always very helpful and polite. I was particularly taken by the sophisticated colors and the Native American accents shown throughout the hotel, casino and resort. It felt very luxurious and well appointed. An added bonus was looking at all the beautiful holiday decor since we went right around the Christmas holiday.
Our room was located in the beautiful Fox Tower. With the blanket of light snow far below, the views from this height were very impressive. We could have stayed in our room all day enjoying the views. The views at sunset were incredible!
While Foxwoods doesn’t have on-site child care, they do offer activities for kids, along with familiy-friendly shows, on-site casinos and adult-themed entertainment. Also, did you know they are second on the list of top ten largest casinos in the U.S.? The giant Foxwoods Resort complex currently boasts a whopping 344,000 square feet of casino space, 4,800 slot machines, and 280 table games (including poker tables). They also have a 20-lane bowling alley, golf course, museum, zip line, outdoor trails, an outlet shopping mall, swimming pools, spas, an arcade with dozens of kid-friendly games and dozens of family-friendly restaurants.
My husband and I aren’t huge gamblers, but we took turns exploring the gaming area for a bit while one of us stayed with the kids. During our stay we also had the opportunity to take advantage of the kid-friendly activities. The kids were so excited to get up close and personal with live reindeer, feed them and take photos with Santa.
Since we had some last minute holiday shopping to finish we also did some shopping at Tanger Outlets. Tanger Outlets offers everything from high end shops to affordable stores you know well. Mixed in with the shops are also many restaurants to choose from.
Bring on the Books!
Of course our road trip wouldn’t have been complete without books! There is a nearby public library just minutes away from Foxwoods (Preston Public Library), but we opted to go to Bank Square Books in Mystic, CT instead. It’s located directly across the street from the famous Mystic Pizza from the popular movie. I had been wanting to check out that book store for a while so this trip was the perfect opportunity.
Overall, I was pleased with Bank Square Books. It’s a cute and quaint store with a nice selection of both children’s and adult books along with other novelty items. I purchased a book for the kids as a Christmas gift – one we didn’t own yet: Green Pants by Kenneth Kraegel.
The thing we like most about Foxwoods is everything is in one location. If we didn’t go off-site to visit the book store, we wouldn’t have had to go outside at all. Foxwoods is a unique and diverse experience for families to explore. No matter what your interests, Foxwoods is fun and worth the trip for the whole family. Be sure to check out some of their upcoming family-friendly events taking place soon!
Riverdance – Bring the family to go watch this amazing show!
New England Patriots Cheerleading Auditions – Have you ever wanted to see cheerleading auditions for a professional football team take place? Well this is your chance to do it for FREE!!! Great for sports and cheerleading fans! A fun, free, family-friendly event!
Piff the Magic Dragon – Go see the break out star from season 10 of NBC’s ‘America’s Got Talent’, Piff the Magic Dragon!
Super Hero Kids Week!
4/7/2018 – 4/15/2018
It’s time to take a break from saving the world and celebrate Super Hero Kids Week! This is the best time for kids to unleash their inner super hero and for Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods to unleash it’s savings for all! We are celebrating this 9 day event by hosting all sorts of free super hero themed activities. Meet your favorite heroes and participate in the scavenger hunt for prizes and much more! For easiest access to Tanger Outlets park at the Fox Tower garage.
Family Fun Day with Mystic Aquarium- APRIL 14TH
Join Tanger Outlets and The Mystic Aquarium on Saturday, April 14, 2018 for a fun, interactive family event from 12 – 4 PM near Sketchers. Kids can learn about Dinosaurs and see LIVE tree fogs in a simulated habitat! Touch a real fossil and see ancient artifacts. Families can enter to win an encounter with live animals at Mystic Aquarium.
Disclaimer: We received a media rate for our stay at Foxwoods. As always all opinions are honest and my own.
Your turn: Are you planning an upcoming literary road trip? I’d love to hear about your experience and where you’re planning to go! Feel free to share in the comments.
Publisher: Holiday House Format: Hardcover Pages: 40 Age Range: 3-7 Grade Level: Preschool – 2
Synopsis Yoomi hates stinky, spicy kimchi―the pickled cabbage condiment served at Korean meals. So her brothers call her a baby and refuse to play with her.
Yoomi is determined to eat kimchi. She tries to disguise it by eating it on a cookie, on pizza, and in ice cream. But that doesn’t work. Then Grandma shows Yoomi how to make kimchi pancakes. This story about family, food, and a six-year-old “coming of age” has universal themes, and at the same time celebrates Korean culture. A kimchi pancake recipe and other back matter are included.
Reflection Thank you to Holiday House for sending me this book to review for Multicultural Children’s Book Day!
Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2017 (1/27/18) is in its 5th year and was founded by Valarie Budayr from Jump Into A Book and Mia Wenjen from PragmaticMom. Their mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in home and school bookshelves while also working diligently to get more of these types of books into the hands of young readers, parents and educators.
Do your children have any food aversions? When both of my kids were babies they ate practically anything I made for them. Now as they’ve gotten older, they have become somewhat fussy about eating certain foods. My son tends to be particular picky about the texture and look of some meats. But aren’t we all a little picky sometimes? Besides, isn’t it normal for children to be fussy eaters anyway? It’s a way of exploring their environment and asserting their independence. Little Yoomi illustrates this point very well in the book No Kimchi for Me!
The kids and I really enjoyed this cute story! I especially liked the clever grandmother for finding a creative way to expand Yoomi’s culinary horizons by making a kimchi pancake. All it took was a little exploring in the kitchen. Is Yoomi cured of thinking kimchi is too stinky or spicy? Not by a long shot. But she is feeling braver about eating it and she’s proud of herself for having conquered something new and proving to her brothers she’s a big girl. A simple recipe for making kimchi pancakes is included in the back matter.
Pair this book with another one of our favorite Asian food-themed picture books Bee-Bim-Bop by Linda Sue Park for a fun story time session.
What is Kimchi?
Kimchi is a traditional korean dish made of fermented vegetables and seasonings. It’s considered to be one of the world’s healthiest foods. Kimchi is often eaten as a condiment or side dish and is also used as an ingredient in stew, soup and fried rice.
More Information About Multicultural Children’s Book Day
Current Sponsors: MCBD 2018 is honored to have some amazing Sponsors on board.
We’d like to also give a shout-out to MCBD’s impressive CoHost Team who not only hosts the book review link-up on celebration day, but who also works tirelessly to spread the word of this event. View our CoHosts HERE.
TWITTER PARTY Sponsored by Scholastic Book Clubs: MCBD’s super-popular (and crazy-fun) annual Twitter Party will be held 1/27/18 at 9:00pm EST.
Publisher: Holiday House Format: Hardcover Pages: 32 Age Range: 4-7 Grade Level: Kindergarten – 2
Synopsis We know her today as Harriet Tubman, but in her lifetime she was called by many names. As General Tubman she was a Union spy. As Moses she led hundreds to freedom on the Underground Railroad. As Minty she was a slave whose spirit could not be broken. An evocative poem and opulent watercolors come together to honor a woman of humble origins whose courage and compassion make her larger than life.
Reflection I’m thrilled to be reviewing this book as a co-host for Multicultural Children’s Book Day! Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2017 (1/27/18) is in its 5th year and was founded by Valarie Budayr from Jump Into A Book and Mia Wenjen from PragmaticMom. Their mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in home and school bookshelves while also working diligently to get more of these types of books into the hands of young readers, parents and educators.
Before She Was Harriet is written in beautiful, verse-like poetic text. The text is accompanied by gorgeous and very detailed watercolor illustrations that help bring each word to life. With the turn of each page, readers are introduced to a new role that Tubman had during her lifetime: suffragist, general, union spy, nurse, aunt and underground railroad conductor. Harriet Tubman was born a slave, her parents named her Araminta “Minty” Ross. She changed her name in 1849 when she escaped.
I love that the author chose to tell Harriet’s story in reverse chronological order from her later days as an older woman to her earliest days as a young slave girl. The book ends in the most poignant way possible with Harriet riding on the train as a free woman. What an honor it must have been to be able to ride on the train freely after all she went through during her days as the leader of the Underground Railroad. It was so powerful for me to see everything in her life come full circle.
While this book doesn’t include an author’s note, a timeline, or any additional biographical information about Harriet Tubman, it is a beautiful tribute and brief introduction to her life. I think this poetry book would inspire readers to want to learn more about Tubman.
Before She Was Harrietchallenged me to fill my life with the brilliant history of a woman who has made her own choices just like Harriet did. I’m inspired to slowly begin to slowly peel back the layers of my own life until the very core of my being is revealed. As I get older it’s become clear that each pivotal point in my life often requires changes for growth to continue. Thanks to Harriet Tubman for reminding me to elevate my consciousness, and embrace a new sense of freedom to find my place in this challenging world. Thank you for helping me to discover my power just as you did. I can now pass along these messages and this beautiful book to my own children.
Check this one out for your home or school library. Perfect for reading during Black History Month, Women’s History Month or any time of the year. Recommended for ages 4-7 and up.
More Information About Multicultural Children’s Book Day
Current Sponsors: MCBD 2018 is honored to have some amazing Sponsors on board.
We’d like to also give a shout-out to MCBD’s impressive CoHost Team who not only hosts the book review link-up on celebration day, but who also works tirelessly to spread the word of this event. View our CoHosts HERE.
TWITTER PARTY Sponsored by Scholastic Book Clubs: MCBD’s super-popular (and crazy-fun) annual Twitter Party will be held 1/27/18 at 9:00pm EST.
I’m thrilled to be supporting the upcoming Multicultural Children’s Book Day as one of this year’s co-hosts!
Multicultural Children’s Book Day (1/27/18) is in its 5th year and was founded by Valarie Budayr from Jump Into A Book and Mia Wenjen from PragmaticMom. Their mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in home and school bookshelves while also working diligently to get more of these types of books into the hands of young readers, parents and educators.
This year I had the pleasure of reviewing three fantastic books which was a real treat!
The best part about Multicultural Children’s Book Day is anyone from anywhere in the world can be a part of the celebration! There will be a TWITTER PARTY Sponsored by Scholastic Book Clubs: MCBD’s super-popular (and crazy-fun) annual Twitter Party it be held 1/27/18 at 9:00pm.
Publisher: Little Bee Books Format: Hardcover Pages: 40 Age Range: 6 – 9 Grade Level: Preschool – 3
Synopsis This beautiful picture book tells the little-known story of Raven Wilkinson, the first African American woman to dance for a major classical ballet company and an inspiration to Misty Copeland.
Reflection
Raven Wilkinson was born on February 2, 1935, in New York City. From the time she was a little girl, all she wanted to do was dance. On Raven’s ninth birthday, her uncle gifted her with ballet lessons, and she completely fell in love with dance. While she was a student at Columbia University, Raven auditioned for the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and was finally accepted on her third try, even after being told she couldn’t dance with them because of her skin color.
When she started touring with her troupe in the United States in 1955, Raven encountered much racism in the South, but the applause, alongside the opportunity to dance, made all the hardship worth it. Several years later she would dance for royalty with the Dutch National Ballet and regularly performed with the New York City Opera until she was fifty.
After reading this book, it’s easy to see that Raven Wilkinson was far more than simply a dancer. She was a trailblazer and role model for so many young dancers through the ages, including Misty Copeland. During her lifetime she was faced with racism, she came face to face with members of the Ku Klux Klan, and she was denied several prominent roles. Through it all, she persisted and never gave up on her dreams of becoming the first African American woman to dance for a major classical ballet company.
This book is an example of why it’s so important to tell these stories again and again — so they can reach a wider audience. Younger children of today are likely to be more familiar with Misty Copeland so they won’t know about people like Raven Wilkinson unless they are taught. As parents, caregivers and educators, it’s up to us to read stories like this with children to educate them and show them how far we’ve come. This nonfiction story is sure to inspire countless little brown and black girls to start wearing tutus and practicing their plies so they too can be the next trailblazer like Raven Wilkinson.
Your turn: Are you looking forward to reading this book with your little readers? Feel free to share in the comments.
International Book Giving Day 2018: How I’m Helping
Save the date for International Book Giving Day 2018!
Oh, I just LOVE literary related initiatives and events, don’t you? Ok, I know not everyone gets excited about stuff like this, but I certainly do!
International Book Giving Day takes place on 14th February each year. Yes, the same day as Valentine’s Day. The aim of the day is to get books into the hands of as many children as possible thereby increasing children’s access to and enthusiasm for books. Although the holiday originated in the UK, book lovers around the world now join in the celebrations every year.
Elys Dolan, is an author and illustrator based in Cambridge where she studied children’s book illustration. Elys is the illustrator for the official International Book Giving Day poster for 2018.
International Book Giving Day is a 100% volunteer initiative born out of the knowledge that:
Most children in developing countries do not own books.
In the United Kingdom, one-third of children do not own books.
In the United States, two-thirds of children living in poverty do not own books.
International Book Giving Day’s focus is on encouraging people worldwide to give a book to a child on February 14th.
Why not use the day to spread love in a different kind of way to:
1) gift a book to a friend or family member,
2) leave a book in a waiting room at a pediatrician’s office or children’s hospital for children to read, or
3) donate a gently used book to a local library, or shelter or to an organization that distributes used books to children in need internationally or locally.
4) Host a book giveaway on your blog or social media accounts. (This is a great idea for all you authors out there!)
Just like in previous years, I plan to donate books on International Book Giving Day to various places. I usually make a donation to one of my local libraries and the kids’ pediatrician office. The kids and I may also plan to leave some books around our local town and be book fairies for the day like we did one day last year. Are you and your kids fellow book fairies too? Let me know.
So instead of giving the kids chocolates this Valentine’s day why not give a book instead? Perhaps you agree, but I think chocolate and toys are all great but books, well books are just awesome and last much longer than a box of chocolates ever will. I’m just saying.
To learn more about International Book giving Day visit their website here.
Your turn: What are your plans for International Book Giving Day? How will you give back? Feel free to share in the comments.
Ella Brook can’t wait to grow up, because one day she will become a fairy and have her own sparkly wings and a teacher on Fairy Tube, just like her mom! Until then, Ella has to learn by watching her mom in action. But sometimes spells go wrong, and Ella’s mom can never seem to remember the right magic codes on her Computawand. A lot of the time, it’s up to Ella to come to the rescue. Does she have what it takes to be a fairy one day? Or will there be more glitches than glitter? (Ages 7 – 10)
FAIRY MOM AND ME is filled with ultimate wish-fulfillment, tech-savvy humor, and modern flair. Fans of Sophie Kinsella’s sparkling humor will love her first-ever series for young readers! Complete with black-and-white illustrations throughout and discussion questions and family activities in the back, this is the perfect shareable story for kids and parents.
About the Author SOPHIE KINSELLA is the author of the bestselling Shopaholic series, as well as the novels Can You Keep a Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, Remember Me?, Twenties Girl, I’ve Got Your Number, Wedding Night, and Finding Audrey. She lives in England. Visit her website at sophiekinsella.co.uk or find her on Instagram at @sophiekinsellawriter and Twitter at @KinsellaSophie.
About the Illustrator MARTA KISSI is a freelance illustrator living and working in London. She studied illustration and animation at Kingston University and completed her MA at the Royal College of Art. She now works on various children book projects as well as covers and editorial pieces for both children and adults.
The Giveaway! One lucky winner (US residents only) will receive a copy of the newly released book Fairy Mom and Me. Good luck!
Publisher: Beaver’s Pond Press Format: Hardcover Pages: 24 Age Range: 5 – 6 Grade Level: Kindergarten – 1 Available for purchase on Amazon:Order Here!
Synopsis There are times when a full moon will guide you, a storm will excite you, and a big, blue sky will inspire you to believe anything is possible. These are a few of the many gifts we receive from the sky and universe when life feels scary and confusing.
Told by a grandmother to her grandchild, If You Look Up to the Sky is about the power of everlasting love and the ways the sky connects us through good times and bad. It offers a child comfort in knowing that you never need to be afraid… if you look up to the sky.
Reflection I love clear black night skies. On such a night I am often elated, and if I stop and just look up I am humbled in wonder at the vastness and beauty of the universe. Looking up at the sky helps me to remember that me and my problems are both infinitesimally small and conversely, that I am a piece of an amazing and vast universe.
Don’t these stars look like they pop off the page? AMAZING!
Just like the ocean, I adore the sky. It’s as if it’s constantly trying to teach me to remain calm whatever the situation may be. That’s the same overall message I took away from this book.
It’s the story of a young girl getting wisdom from her grandmother. Her grandmother teaches her to look to the sky when she’s feeling lost, afraid or sad. Despite having some stormy and gloomy days, the sky always remains content and at peace. If we just look up, the sky teaches us so much about life.
I want to be lying in this field right now on a warm, sunny day, don’t you? Gorgeous!
This book blew me away, truly! Not only are the words beautifully written, the illustrations are outstanding! If You Look Up to the Sky is definitely my new favorite bedtime book to read with my kids. It’s the perfect book to snuggle up and read with your kids to remind them just how special and loved they are. Great for grandparents to read with their grandchildren too…a gem!
Your turn: Do you look up to the sky when you’re feeling lost, afraid or unsure about something? Feel free to share in the comments.
