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black history
February 9, 2017
Mrs. G

Black History Month Books for 3, 4 & 5 Year-Olds…including Black Joy!

It’s Black History Month again!

This year I decided to focus on a few board books and picture books for the younger readers ages 3 – 5 (and up).  If you’ve been looking for excellent quality historical books about prominent Black people from the past and present, I hope you’ll enjoy this list.  Maybe you’ll find something new or be reminded of some of your old favorites.

I recommend these books because they are not overly wordy and don’t dwell strictly on oppression, slavery, pain, or struggle. Most are easily digestible for the younger crowd and great for reading aloud at home or with a preschool or early elementary class.

Remember, Black History shouldn’t be limited to the month of February.  Make a commitment to read books about people of all different races with your children year-round.  Enjoy!

(This post contains affiliate links.)

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Book Reviews
February 3, 2017
Mrs. G

KidLitPicks: 13 Picture Books To Help Find Yourself in a Book

Being able to relate to the characters in a book is such a vital piece of enjoying it. It is through these characters that we find the courage and strength to be who we truly are. Trials and tribulations are at the heart of every story, and the way that characters triumph over them can be the essence of what readers are searching for in their own lives. It’s no coincidence then that so many characters can feel lost, alone, and full of doubt. The uncertainty that haunts the beginning of a book, though, can be washed away by the end, leaving behind a sense of hope and fortitude that we, as readers, need from time to time. It is this self-confidence that we hope to instill in the young readers who glance into unknown pages and hopefully are able to see themselves reflected back.

During January, @kidlitpicks shared books we could see ourselves and others in, and we’re excited to share our round-up for the month. A special shout-out to Wendy from Homegrown Reader for the theme!

Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion, by Alex T. Smith

“Though she’s little, her inner strength and smarts make Little Red more powerful than brawn, mightier than a lion’s ROAR!” — Summer from @readingisourthing

 


Rulers of the Playground, by ​​Joseph Kuefler

“Regardless of physical differences or emotional differences, there’s a wide range of touchpoints in this book for readers to connect to.” — Mel from @spiky_penelope

Also an Octopus, by Maggie Tokuda Hall and Benji Davies

“When it comes to finding yourself in a book, no element does that as well as space – space for imagination, play, re-creation, or projection.” — Katie from @afriendlyaffair

The Day the Crayons Quit, by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers

“If you want your lion to be purple with flames for hair, rock on! Be yourself and let your artist side blossom.” — Leah from @astoryaday


My Color Is Rainbow, by Agnes Hsu and Yuliya Gwilym

“In the end, the little white arch learns that it doesn’t need to be defined by one characteristic alone, but that what makes it so beautiful is that it has a little bit of each color.” — Clarissa from @book.nerd.mommy

When I’m a Mummy Like You!, by David O’Connell and Francesca Gambatesa

“I hope BookBairn and I have adventures like these two. And I hope she thinks I’m the best mummy she could have!” —  Kim from @bookbairn

A Year Full of Stories: 52 Folktales and Legends From Around the World, by Angela McAllister and Christopher Corr

“With 52 stories, divided by month, this artistic collection is both a visual delight and a chance to relish conversation and story telling together. Certainly one I wouldn’t hesitate giving as a gift.” — Miranda from @bookbloom


Samson the Mighty Flea, by Angela McAllister and Nathan Reed

“It also has a great message about perception, ambition, and finding happiness where you are.” — Megan from @chickadee.lit


Rosie Sprout’s Time to Shine, by Allison Wortche and Patrice Barton 

“Rosie learns that there is never a wrong time to do the right thing!” — Arielle from @childrensbooksgalore

A Child of Books, by Sam Winston and Oliver Jeffers

“A Child of Books is one of those gorgeous, lyrical works that you will want to open and read again and again- one that resonates deeply and viscerally.” — Lauren from @happily.ever.elephants

Lola Gets a Cat, by Anna McQuinn and Rosalind Beardshaw

“Not only can my kids see themselves in this book, but I can see myself and my husband in Lola’s parents.” — Charnaie from @hereweeread

“Odd Dog Out and stories like it are not only messages for those who feel lost and alone. It is also a message for those around them, spreading the word about empathy, love, and acceptance.” — Wendy from @homegrownreader

Fang Fang’s Chinese New Year, by Sally Rippin

“Growing up between the Chinese and Australian cultures, I absolutely shared Fang Fang’s self-consciousness about being different. But to all the little Fang Fangs out there, I hope you find yourself surrounded by good people and books that encourage you to embrace and celebrate what makes you unique.” — Shannon from @ohcreativeday

 Your turn: What books would you add to this list?  Feel free to share in the comments.
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Books for Adults
February 2, 2017
Mrs. G

P.S. I Love You Giveaway: Win a Copy of Ladies Drawing Night!

The Hopping Bloggers is hosting a mega Valentine’s Day giveaway blog hop called P.S. I Love You.  I’m so excited to be a part of it and to sponsor a copy of the book Ladies Drawing Night by Julia Rothman as my personal contribution.

About the Book


Speaking directly to today’s explosion of creativity, Ladies Drawing Night is for women looking to deepen their creative connections and expressions. Join rock star illustrators Julia Rothman, Leah Goren, and Rachael Cole for ten evenings of fun and art-making. The nights are led by two talented guest artists and themed around a particular topic, from large-scale ink painting to making art with kids. Samantha Hahn, Mary Kate McDevitt, Joana Avillez, and many more share their expertise. Each chapter includes loads of exciting artwork, insights about drawing, and instructions for that night’s project. A rare peek into the minds and sketchbooks of some of the best female illustrators working today, this inspiring volume is an irresistible invitation to host your own Ladies Drawing Night!

Enter the giveaway here!

Ladies Drawing Night Book Giveaway

Also, be sure to enter for your chance to win the grand prize and visit some of the other amazing bloggers involved in the giveaway blog hop!

****************************************************************************************

Welcome to the P.S. I Love You Giveaway Hop brought to you by The Hopping Bloggers!

Hosted By: Mama Smith’s and Women and Their Pretties

Co-Hosted By: Everyday Life, Crazy Busy Family Life, Life with 5 Monkies, & The Robin’s Nest Designs

Sponsored By: Teach My

CLICK THE ABOVE IMAGE TO ENTER TO WIN THE GRAND PRIZE.

GRAND PRIZE: Two Teach My Deluxe Learning Kits
Choose between Teach My Baby, Toddler, Preschooler, and Kindergartener Deluxe Learning Kits

Teach My are makers of award winning learning tools that help your child get a head start! Their products teach babies, toddlers and preschoolers the basic skills, things like; the alphabet, colors, shapes, numbers, reading and even math! Their aim is to encourage early learning, parent child interaction, self-esteem and help children to develop fine motor skills and excellent hand eye coordination. Bond. Teach. Play… 20 minutes a day! Purchase here.

Each giveaway has a value of a minimum of $15, however some are worth much more. Be sure to enter to win all of them because there is no limit to how many you can win. GOOD LUCK!

Are you a blogger looking to connect with brands? Join The Hopping Bloggers database and get started today!
Are you a brand looking to connect with a network of over 1,000 professional bloggers? Click here to see all that we have to offer and get your personalized quote!

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Book Reviews
February 1, 2017
Mrs. G

All Kinds of Cars by Carl Johanson (A Book Review)

All Kinds of Cars by Carl Johanson

Synopsis
From Swedish illustrator Carl Johanson, this partly true, partly fictitious book is a fantastic visual collection of cars and other wacky forms of transportation. Johanson’s book identifies the ordinary along with the extraordinary – from fire engines and snow plows to galactic buses and guitar cars.  All Kinds of Cars is a playful mix of existing and imaginary enjoyed by adults and children alike.

Reflection
My son adores this bright and vivid oversized book! It’s filled with an interesting mix of existing and imaginary cars and trucks; from tow trucks to sausage cars to cloud transporters.  This book doesn’t have an actual storyline, but we love looking at all of the colorful illustrations and differentiating the real cars from the imaginary ones.  My son’s favorite cars are: the dinosaur car, the guitar car, the hat car, the rainbow car, the book car, the rocket car, the chewing gum car, and I can’t forget the poo car!  The poo car cracks all of us up!


Kids will likely get a kick out of all the zany types of cars, but may also like seeing some of the more familiar modes of transportation like police cars, fire engines, excavators, and dump trucks.  The back matter contains an index of all the cars listed throughout the book.  A visual treat for car lovers of all ages that’s creative, informative and highly imaginative. Recommended for ages 3-5 and up.

All Kinds of Cars publishes in the US on March 14, 2017 from Flying Eye Books!

About the Author
Carl Johanson is an illustrator living and working in Bretagne, France.  He studied graphic design and illustration at Konstfack in Stockholm, and has since focused mainly on illustration and creating books for children.  All Kinds of Cars is his first children’s book, and he is currently working on a second project.

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family fun
February 1, 2017
Mrs. G

3 eeBoo Products Your Children Will Love + A Giveaway!

I initially found out about eeBoo products a couple of years ago while doing an online search for educational toys for kids.  eeBoo is an award-winning toy manufacturer located in New York City.  They make beautifully designed crafts, games, and toys.  All of their products feature cheerful, contemporary, and vintage-inspired designs. In addition to their design focus, all of eeBoo’s products are made of high quality and durable materials.

Being a literacy advocate, I am also pleased to know eeBoo hires well-known children’s book illustrators to design their products.  How great is that?  So if you like books and beautiful art as much as I do then I think you’ll love eeBoo products too.

With the winter season in full effect here in the Northeast, I like to keep the kids busy with lots of indoor activities, games and puzzles.  Our friends over at eeBoo were generous enough to send us a few of their products to try.  We received a 100-piece Children of the World Puzzle, I Never Forget a Face Matching Game, and a set of Good Citizenship Flash Cards.

First Product: I Never Forget a Face Matching Game
My kids are obsessed with playing the I Never Forget a Face matching game!  There are a total of 24 pairs to match up, but I like to break it up and let the kids do 12 pairs at a time so it’s not as overwhelming.  As they get older (around age 5) I think they’ll be able to handle matching up all 24 pairs at once.  The kids love seeing all of the colorful smiling faces of children from countries all over the world.  I love that the game is designed to teach spatial awareness, to help develop memory skills and sharpen recognition.  I also appreciate the fact that the pieces are made with soy-based inks and 90% recycled greyboard.

Second Product: 100-Piece Children of the World Puzzle
We also enjoy putting together the 100-Piece Children of the World puzzle as a group.  It allows us to learn about geography and diversity at the same time.  It’s also a nice conversation starter to talk about where people live around the world.  We also like to discuss different ways to celebrate differences and find similarities among the different cultures.

Third Product: Good Citizenship Flash Cards
The Good Citizenship Flash Cards are fun too.  I find the cards to be useful as they help reinforce some of the values we’ve already been trying to instill in the children over the past few years.  The cards are two-sided and focus on teaching appropriate behavior, unselfish values, and social responsibility. The front of each card starts a sentence which is finished on the back of the card.

Here are some examples:

When someone seems left out…
Ask, “Do you want to play?”

When you see a chore that can be done…
Pitch in and help with chores when you see them.

When playing ANY game…
Never Cheat. Always do your best.

As you can see eeBoo offers a unique collection of toys and gifts that inspire literacy, drawing, imaginative play, and more.  Simply put, they create toys and gifts that children will affectionately remember.  For more information about eeBoo or their products, please visit: http://eeboo.com/

Your turn: Do you and your kids have a favorite eeBoo product?  Feel free to share in the comments.

The Giveaway!!!
To enter the giveaway to receive the same bundle of eeBoo products featured in this post, follow us over on Instagram for all of the details.  All you need to do is tag two (or more) friends in the comments section of each of the daily posts on Instagram.  You can also answer the bonus question for an additional entry.  The giveaway for this particular prize bundle starts today, February 1, 2017 and ends February 2, 2017 at 12:00am midnight.  Open to all US residents age 18 and over.  Good Luck!

P.S. This giveaway is part of our #28daysofgiveaways for Black History Month which starts on February 1, 2017 and ends on February 28, 2017.  All month long on Instagram we’re hosting a daily giveaway.  The prizes have generously been donated by 30+ sponsors.  You can enter to win diverse books, children’s book subscription boxes, games, multicultural dolls and more!

 

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children's books
January 27, 2017
Mrs. G

Read Aloud Book Club for Kids: February Chapter Book of the Month Selection

Have you joined our Read Aloud Book Club for Kids yet?  This year I made a goal to read aloud more easy reader chapter books with my kids in addition to reading lots of picture books. So instead of keeping it to myself, I thought it would be fun to have others who may be interested join us!

As the year goes on, I hope to expand this club with beyond the book activities and maybe a few other goodies. For now though, the goal is to just read aloud 1 easy reader chapter book per month.  This club will feature different easy to read diverse and inclusive chapter books to read aloud each month with the younger children in your home. Are you up to the challenge? Do you have a goal to read aloud daily with your kids? Join us!

Here’s the second diverse chapter book we’ll be reading aloud:

Museum Mysteries: The Case of the Missing Museum Archives by Steve Brezenoff

Synopsis

When the plans for the prototype of a failed flying machine go missing from the Air and Space Museum’s archives, Amal’s father, the assistant archivist, is blamed. No one suspects a crime has been committed ― except Amal and her friends. With her father’s job on the line, it’s up to them to track down the missing plans. Can Amal and her friends get to the bottom of the museum mystery before it’s too late?

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This book is slightly longer than last month’s selection, but it’s less than 130 pages.  So, if you read an average of 4 – 5 pages aloud per day you and your kids should finish reading it by the end of February.  Also, this book is part of a diverse mystery series for young readers published by Capstone Young Readers!  If you like this book you may want to check out the others in the series like The Case of the Haunted History Museum.

I hope some of you will join us next month and read along with your little readers.  Happy Reading!

Your turn: What are some of your favorite easy reader chapter books for kids?  Feel free to share in the comments.

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Book Reviews
January 27, 2017
Mrs. G

Read Your World: 9 Amazing Multicultural Books for Kids

As a participant in the 4th annual Multicultural Children’s Book Day, I had the pleasure of receiving an amazing array of multicultural books from our friends at Capstone Young Readers to read with my children and share with all of you. Thank you, Capstone for your generosity and for sending so many wonderful picture books, early readers and chapter books!

Capstone Young Readers creates entertaining and informative reading experiences that generate excitement and love for reading. Their products include board books, young readers, middle readers, graphic novels, nonfiction/reference, craft, how-to, drawing, and seasonal titles.  Be sure and check out their sister-site, CapstoneKids.com for tons of fun book-inspired games, quizzes and activities to keep young minds learning!

Below is a list of the books we received.  Enjoy!

When Penny Met Potus by Rachel Ruiz

Little Penny couldn’t be more excited! She’s going to spend the day at work with her mom at the White House! Most importantly, she’s finally going to meet POTUS (an acronym for President of the United States).  Penny has no idea who POTUS is, what POTUS looks like or what POTUS actually means. She imagines POTUS to be a blue furry monster surrounded by secret service agents. Penny has high expectations for when she finally meets this POTUS.

After wandering around the White House on her own in search of POTUS, Penny finally comes face-to-face with the President. She isn’t surprised to find out that POTUS is a woman. She’s surprised that she isn’t a monster after all – she’s a human who happens to be a lot like her.

I love how this book emphasizes the fact that we are all humans first regardless of our gender.  I think it’s a great book to use for having discussions about presidential elections with many grade levels.  Also teaches children to always keep an open mind and don’t be so quick to judge others.

Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library by Julie Gassman

Have you ever thought about bringing your dragon to the library? Don’t do it! You might have the best intentions, but that dragon will cause nothing but trouble. Using rhyming text and a diverse cast of characters, this charming picture book will provide some important and some not so important library etiquette in a very entertaining way. My kids and I really like this book…it’s a fun and engaging read aloud!

For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai’s Story by Rebecca Langston-George

She grew up in a world where women were supposed to be quiet. But Malala Yousafzai refused to be silent. She defied the Taliban’s rules, spoke out for education for every girl, and was almost killed for her beliefs. This powerful true story of how one brave girl named Malala changed the world proves that one person really can make a difference.

Museum Mysteries: The Case of the Missing Museum Archives by Steve Brezenoff

When the plans for the prototype of a failed flying machine go missing from the Air and Space Museum’s archives, Amal’s father, the assistant archivist, is blamed. No one suspects a crime has been committed ― except Amal and her friends. With her father’s job on the line, it’s up to them to track down the missing plans. Can Amal and her friends get to the bottom of the museum mystery before it’s too late?

I recently announced this book to be our read aloud chapter book of the month for February!  Won’t you join us and read this book aloud with your kiddos starting on February 1, 2017?  Read more about our diverse read aloud chapter book club here.

Katie Woo and Friends by Fran Manushkin

We just love Katie Woo, don’t you?  Katie Woo loves playing with her friends JoJo and Pedro. They do everything together, from losing teeth to looking for ghosts. Even when they argue, they always make up in the end. After all, there’s nothing like a good friend.

Dear Molly, Dear Olive: Molly Meets Trouble by Megan Atwood

There’s a new girl in the third-grade, and for some reason, she brings out the worst in Molly. If only Molly’s cross-country pen pal, Olive, were there. But Olive’s got her OWN set of troubles with her new gymnastics team. As both girls struggle to make new friends, their dishonest emails and letters to each other threaten their relationshp. First-person narratives that alternate point-of-view from chapter to chapter bring the main characters to life.

Sofia Martinez: My Vida Loca by Jacqueline Jules

Even the most basic chores can be fun when Sofia is involved! From washing a car to cooking with grandma, this smart and funny 7-year-old knows how to make every moment count. Follow Sofia through three every day adventures in this early chapter book and find out why Sofia has such a crazy life!

Pedro, First-Grade Hero by Fran Manushkin

Spend some time with Pedro, Katie Woo’s fun-loving friend. From a buggy disaster to a run for class president, Pedro has what it takes to be the hero of first-grade. No matter what he’s doing, Pedro is always good for some laughs and adventure.

An Extra-Ordinary Girl (Ellie Ultra) by Gina Bellisario

Ellie is super excited for first day at Winkopolis Elementary School. After spending her whole life being homeschooled by super-genius inventor parents, she can’t wait to hang out with normal kids and learn normal things. But Ellie soon learns that her super powers make her stand out in a not-so-super way. Can she save the world and fit in with her new friends? Or is blending in the one thing this superhero can’t do?

Connect with Capstone Young Readers on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and  Instagram.

About Multicultural Children’s Book Day
Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2017 (1/27/17) is its fourth year and was founded by Valarie Budayr from Jump Into A Book and Mia Wenjen from PragmaticMom. Our mission is to raise awareness on the ongoing need to include kid’s 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.

Despite census data that shows 37% of the US population consists of people of color, only 10% of children’s books published have diversity content. Using the Multicultural Children’s Book Day holiday, the MCBD Team are on a mission to change all of that.

Current Sponsors:  MCBD 2017 is honored to have some amazing Sponsors on board. Platinum Sponsors include Scholastic, Barefoot Books and Broccoli. Other Medallion Level Sponsors include heavy-hitters like Author Carole P. Roman, Audrey Press, Candlewick Press,  Fathers Incorporated, KidLitTV, Capstone Young Readers, ChildsPlayUsa, Author Gayle Swift, Wisdom Tales Press, Lee& Low Books, The Pack-n-Go Girls, Live Oak Media, Author Charlotte Riggle, Chronicle Books and Pomelo Books

Author Sponsors include: Karen Leggett Abouraya, Veronica Appleton, Susan Bernardo, Kathleen Burkinshaw, Maria Dismondy, D.G. Driver, Geoff Griffin,  Savannah Hendricks, Stephen Hodges, Carmen Bernier-Grand,Vahid Imani, Gwen Jackson,  Hena, Kahn, David Kelly, Mariana Llanos, Natasha Moulton-Levy, Teddy O’Malley, Stacy McAnulty,  Cerece Murphy, Miranda Paul, Annette Pimentel, Greg Ransom, Sandra Richards, Elsa Takaoka, Graciela Tiscareño-Sato,  Sarah Stevenson, Monica Mathis-Stowe SmartChoiceNation, Andrea Y. Wang

You can view the co-hosts here.

Connect with MCCBD!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MulticulturalChildrensBookDay
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MCChildsBookDay
Official Hashtag:  #ReadYourWorld

Free Multicultural Books for Teachers: http://bit.ly/1kGZrta

Free Kindness Classroom Kit for Homeschoolers, Organizations, Librarians and Educators: http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/teachers-classroom-kindness-kit/

Free Diversity Book Lists and Activities for Teachers and Parents: http://bit.ly/1sZ5s8i

Your turn: Which of these books have you read with your little readers?  Feel free to share in the comments.

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Book Reviews
January 26, 2017
Mrs. G

Daddy, There’s a Noise Outside by Kenneth Braswell (A Book Review)

I’m honored to take part in the 4th annual Multicultural Children’s Book Day event for another year.  Thank you to Fathers Incorporated for supplying us with complimentary copies of their empowering books to read and share!

Daddy, There’s a Noise Outside by Kenneth Braswell, illustrated by Joe Dent & Julie Anderson

Synopsis
This engaging story begins when two children are awakened by noises in the middle of the night outside the window of their inner-city neighborhood. Both their Dad and Mom spend the next morning explaining to them what was taking place in their community.

Reflection
Following the Black Lives Matter movement in 2016, parents, educators and librarians around the world have been looking for ways to talk to children about race, justice and privilege.  Over the past few years, it is sadly evident we still have a great deal of work to do to heal racial issues in our society.  As a parent, I believe it is critical to be prepared to address any questions or concerns children may have about things they see in the media or in their communities.  This can be done by educating ourselves on the issues and ensuring we can use quality resources and books like Daddy, There’s a Noise Outside to teach and understand the current and historic justice debates and protests.

Daddy, There’s a Noise Outside begins when a brother and sister are awakened by noises in the middle of the night outside the window of their inner-city neighborhood.  When they wake up the next morning their parents explain what was taking place in their community.

I love how the author takes the complex subject matter of protesting and communicates it in a way that’s easy for children ages 5 – 9 can understand.  For example, there is an example of the father taking away a toy truck for not doing chores. As a result, the son folds his arms, stomps away and starts pouting.  The father points out that’s a form of protesting something the son did not like.  That’s a pretty straightforward and easy example to comprehend, right?

I also appreciate how naturally curious the kids in this book are about current events and their roles as emerging citizens.  We’re seeing this happen more often now as children have instant access to events with their smartphones. I think the parents do a wonderful job teaching their children about what it means to protest by researching past events from the Civil Rights era and the Million Man March.  The children also learn there are several different types of protests like: boycotts, marches, silent sit-ins, petitions, letter writing and civil disobedience.

Overall, I believe this book is an excellent conversation starter to talk to your children about protesting and standing up for things they believe in.  Since this book has such a powerful message, I think reading it is good for both adults and children. For children, it acknowledges that burgeoning awareness of what it is to be a citizen, potential pitfalls included. For adults, it reaffirms your values and reminds you to be a positive role model for your children.

The back matter includes excerpts from a handy parent/teacher guide that can be downloaded directly here.  There are also a few questions for discussion, a word search puzzle and a list of books to read on the subject matter.

Also, be sure to check out the second book entitled Daddy is Feeling Blue (available now) and Daddy’s Family Tree in June 2017.

About Fathers Incorporated
Established in 2004, Fathers Incorporated serves as a leader in the field of Responsible Fatherhood. The agency’s international, national, and local mission focuses on remediating the impact of father absence. Their objective is to help fathers and children connect, raise awareness of the need for positive father involvement, and educate men and women about the importance of healthy father-child relationships.

About Multicultural Children’s Book Day
Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2017 (1/27/17) is its fourth year and was founded by Valarie Budayr from Jump Into A Book and Mia Wenjen from PragmaticMom. Our mission is to raise awareness on the ongoing need to include kid’s 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.

Despite census data that shows 37% of the US population consists of people of color, only 10% of children’s books published have diversity content. Using the Multicultural Children’s Book Day holiday, the MCBD Team are on a mission to change all of that.

Current Sponsors:  MCBD 2017 is honored to have some amazing Sponsors on board. Platinum Sponsors include Scholastic, Barefoot Books and Broccoli. Other Medallion Level Sponsors include heavy-hitters like Author Carole P. Roman, Audrey Press, Candlewick Press,  Fathers Incorporated, KidLitTV, Capstone Young Readers, ChildsPlayUsa, Author Gayle Swift, Wisdom Tales Press, Lee& Low Books, The Pack-n-Go Girls, Live Oak Media, Author Charlotte Riggle, Chronicle Books and Pomelo Books

Author Sponsors include: Karen Leggett Abouraya, Veronica Appleton, Susan Bernardo, Kathleen Burkinshaw, Maria Dismondy, D.G. Driver, Geoff Griffin,  Savannah Hendricks, Stephen Hodges, Carmen Bernier-Grand,Vahid Imani, Gwen Jackson,  Hena, Kahn, David Kelly, Mariana Llanos, Natasha Moulton-Levy, Teddy O’Malley, Stacy McAnulty,  Cerece Murphy, Miranda Paul, Annette Pimentel, Greg Ransom, Sandra Richards, Elsa Takaoka, Graciela Tiscareño-Sato,  Sarah Stevenson, Monica Mathis-Stowe SmartChoiceNation, Andrea Y. Wang

You can view the co-hosts here.

Connect with MCCBD!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MulticulturalChildrensBookDay
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MCChildsBookDay
Official Hashtag:  #ReadYourWorld

Free Multicultural Books for Teachers: http://bit.ly/1kGZrta

Free Kindness Classroom Kit for Homeschoolers, Organizations, Librarians and Educators: http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/teachers-classroom-kindness-kit/

Free Diversity Book Lists and Activities for Teachers and Parents: http://bit.ly/1sZ5s8i

Your turn: How do you talk with your children about difficult topics like protests and justice?  Feel free to share in the comments.

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Book Reviews
January 24, 2017
Mrs. G

Love Is by Diane Adams (A Book Review)

Love Is by Diane Adams, illustrated by Claire Keane

Publisher: Chronicle Books
Pages: 32
Format: Hardcover
Age Range: 2-5 years old
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Available for Sale: January 24, 2017

Synopsis
Perfect for Valentine’s Day—or any tender moment—this story of a girl and a duckling who share a touching year together will melt hearts old and young. In this tenderly funny book, girl and duckling grow in their understanding of what it is to care for each other, discovering that love is as much about letting go as it is about holding tight. Children and parents together will adore this fond exploration of growing up while learning about the joys of love offered and love returned.

Reflection
What exactly is love? How do you define it?  One definition I remember learning at a young age is: love is caring for others without any regard to what you get in return.

It seems most people have a different definition of the word love. And we are all correct in our own way, right?  I think Love Is does an amazing job teaching the smallest readers the meaning of the word love through playful text and whimsical illustrations.

You guys, I think this book is beyond adorable.  I am completely smitten with it!  After a little duckling follows a butterfly out of a park, a little brown-skinned girl sporting the cutest pom pom ponytails you ever did see, picks it up and brings it home to nurture it. As time goes on, you see the duckling grow and eventually moves on to go back out into nature with its family. In the end, the duck returns back to the girl with a new duckling family of its own.

The soothing rhyming text seems to flow so well throughout the book. I just love every single verse. This book truly touched me and even made me laugh and tear up in some parts because I think it’s so beautifully done.

“Love is missing, reminiscing, wishing things could stay the same.  It’s understanding even ducklings, like the seasons, have to change.”

“It’s peaceful sleeping, no more peeping, tucked in tightly, head to toes. Love is waking up together, side by side, and beak to nose.”

I also admire the loose, flowy lines and warm color palette the illustrator used for this book. There are gorgeous tones of: pink, red, yellow, purple and teal.  It’s no surprise this talented illustrator did some artwork for the movies Tangled and Frozen.  I’m looking forward to seeing more work from her in future books.

I think the overall message of Love Is teaches children how to love, nurture and care for others.  There are also themes of: growing up, coping with change and learning to let go of things.  The popular saying “If you love something, let it go. If it comes back to you, it’s yours forever.” echos throughout.  I love how when the little girl sees the butterfly again later in the book she then sees a brood of ducklings being led by the same duckling she raised who is now all grown up.  It’s a nice way to show things coming full circle.

After reading the book for the first time on my own, I sat quietly at the kitchen table and jotted down a few new thoughts on what love means to me. Here’s what I came up with:

Love is an action – It’s the way you talk and show your love to others and to God. It’s how you express your love to your spouse/partner, your children, your friends/family, animals and nature. It’s hugging, kissing and telling others how much you love them. It’s helping others when they are in need. It’s the way you take care of the things that mean the most to you.

Love is making sacrifices – I believe in order for true love to exist there must be some level of sacrifice involved. In my experience, becoming a wife and mother has taught me what true sacrifice and unconditional love is.

So again I ask, how do you define love?

I’d highly recommend reading this book with your little readers – especially around Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day.  A fun extension activity might be to ask kids what love means to them and write out their answers on paper hearts.

Your turn: How do you define the word love?  Will you be reading this book with your little readers?  Feel free to share in the comments.

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Book Reviews
January 23, 2017
Mrs. G

Phoebe Sounds It Out (A Book Review)

Phoebe Sounds It Out by Julie Zwillich, illustrated by Denise Holmes

Publisher: Owlkids Books
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 32
Age Range: 3 – 7 years old
Grade Level: Preschool – 2
Available for pre-order now!  Publishes April, 2017.

Synopsis
Meet Phoebe. Unfortunately, her name doesn’t look quite like it sounds. At school, her classmates practice writing their names, but Phoebe struggles. Her teacher tells her to “just sound it out.” Phoebe doubts herself and procrastinates before resolving to try. Readers are privy to her funny, endearing interior monologue and little-kid rationale as she writes the result: FEEBY.

Told in a relatable, introspective voice, this school story conveys the feelings and worries of a 5-year-old and supports learning about sounds and letters. Readers will see from Phoebe’s fellow kindergartners’ attempts that everyone makes mistakes, and that we can take pride in effort and not just perfection.

Reflection
I am stickler for using good grammar and spelling words correctly so my initial reaction to 5 year-old Phoebe spelling her name as “Feeby” made my toes curl.  I was thinking why didn’t the teacher correct her spelling mistake? Isn’t that what teachers should do?  I guess the answer to this question depends on the teacher’s preference and their approach.  Although I would think many Kindergarten teachers are more interested in children trying their best than spelling every word correctly including their names.

In reading about this topic before in the past I’ve learned in the early grades many educators encourage inventive spelling, also known as temporary spelling — where the child makes his/her best guess on the spelling of the word, rather than stopping to find out the correct version.  Studies have shown that kids who are allowed to use inventive spelling learn to write more quickly, more fluently, and with a richer vocabulary than those who work under more rigid spelling expectations.  It isn’t until the later grades where spelling becomes more important and is enforced more frequently.

I love how creative Phoebe is in this book.  She knows her name starts with the letter ‘P’, but she comes up with her own way to spell it that sounds correct to her.  She figures her mother must have made a mistake the way she spelled it because let’s face it, mams make mistakes too.  When the assistant teacher Ms. April tells Phoebe to “sound it out” she proudly writes her name ‘Feeby’.

I don’t remember how I spelled my name in the early years, but I’m sure I didn’t always get it exactly right just like Phoebe. I appreciate the fact that the teacher didn’t point out Phoebe’s errors and her classmates didn’t make fun of her.  It’s clear spelling is not a priority for this particular name writing assignment or at this particular stage. Instead, the teacher praises Phoebe’s content and says, “What a great start.”

When you think about it, producing a finished piece of writing is a lot like putting on a polished musical performance. Learning how to write takes a lot of mental work and trying to spell or write every word perfectly can slow the whole process way down.  I’m glad little Phoebe didn’t let this slow her down.  As you can see from some of the illustrations in the book, some of the kids write their letters backwards which is perfectly acceptable at this age.

Overall, we enjoyed this book.  The pencil illustrations are darling and show a diverse group of children and teachers throughout. Phoebe’s outfit is so cute and seems to match her personality.  A great book for embracing inventive spelling, teaching children how to spell their names, building confidence, and teaching children it’s okay to make mistakes.  Be sure to check this one out when it publishes in April 2017!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Your turn:

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Book Reviews
January 19, 2017
Mrs. G

Lola Gets a Cat by Anna McQuinn (A Book Review)

Lola Gets a Cat by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw

Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 28
Age Range: 2 – 5
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten

Synopsis
Lola wants a cat, but Mommy says taking care of a pet is a lot of work. So Lola does her homework. At the library she finds books about cats and pet care and she and Mommy learn as much as they can. She pretends her stuffed kitty is real and practices taking care of it. When the time comes, Lola is allowed to pick out her new friend at an animal shelter. With patience and care, her kitten settles in at home.

Reflection
We absolutely adore every book in the Lola & Leo series by Anna McQuinn including this soon to be released one entitled Lola Gets a Cat.  So far we’ve seen Lola read stories to her little brother Leo, listen to stories with her dad, plant her own garden and visit the library.  Now Lola is ready to take on the responsibility of pet ownership by adopting a cat from a local animal shelter.

I love how Lola takes charge and does her own research by going to to the library to find books about cats and pet care.  I also appreciate the fact that they adopted a cat from an animal shelter.  Lola also makes the cat a special corner at home and goes shopping for supplies with her mom.  In the end, Lola is shown being so happy and content all snuggled up with her new furry friend who she names Makeda after an African queen.

The acrylic illustrations are just darling and so detailed throughout!  Oh, and is Lola’s mom carrying an Orla Kiely handbag? Yes, she must be, right?  My kids love pretending Lola is my daughter, Lola’s parents are me and my husband and Lola’s friend Ty shown in this book is my son.  I love being able to read so many diverse books like this one with them that serve as mirrors so they can see themselves being reflected.


Although the plot of this story is quite simple, yet oh so sweet, I think it serves a much deeper meaning on many levels. Kids are easily influenced and their early experiences determine what they can be based on the examples around them. Not only does this book teach kids they can also own a pet like Lola, but it also teaches them about responsibility, feelings, adjusting to change, adoption, giving, love and family. But most importantly, it allows little girls and boys to see themselves reflected in a book surrounded by a loving and supportive family.  A great addition to Lola series and a treasure that is sure to be enjoyed again and again.

Feline lovers are sure to enjoy this one.  I think it’s great for teaching kids about the responsibilities of pet ownership and would make a wonderful Valentine’s gift for any little reader.  Lola Gets a Cat is available for pre-order now.

Your turn: Do you and your little readers enjoy the Lola & Leo book series by Anna McQuinn?  Which book in the series is your favorite?  Feel free to share in the comments.

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Book Reviews
January 15, 2017
Mrs. G

My Color is Rainbow by Agnes Hsu (A Book Review)

My Color is Rainbow by Agnes Hsu, illustrated by Yuliya Gwilym

Publisher: hello, Wonderful
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 32

Synopsis
Follow Little White Arch on his journey as he wonders what his color could be. Along the way he meets many colorful characters who help him realize the answer. A playful story about kindness, acceptance, and openness that celebrates how we are not defined by one, but many wonderful characteristics.

Reflection
Who doesn’t love rainbows? They are colorful, magical, and full of hope! Rainbows are a bridge into other times and cultures, science, color theory, and more!  I know whenever I see a rainbow in the sky it immediately evokes happiness within me.  There’s just something about seeing all seven colors of the rainbow together as one that instantly makes me smile and fills me with joy.  Perhaps you can relate.

My Color is Rainbow starts off introducing White Arch, the main protagonist.  White Arch looked white, but deep down he felt like he was much more than just the color white.  So he dreamed of the many different possibilities of what color he might actually be: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple.

I think one great aspect of this book is that it presents many of the different associations that colors have with emotions– for example red is often associated with love, yellow usually represents happiness and blue can mean feeling peaceful.  These are common expressions in our language, and this book presents those in a straightforward manner that can easily be grasped by the youngest readers.

My Color is Rainbow is also filled with bright and colorful illustrations.  Each two-page spread uses different colors of the rainbow to represent the color White Arch is dreaming of possibly becoming. My kids love pointing out each of the colors as well as all of the various things taking place on each page.  They love seeing White Arch on the last page riding on the horse sporting his new rainbow colors.

In the end, White Arch decides his favorite color isn’t any one particular color. His favorite color is rainbow! What wonderful messages of diversity, inclusiveness, kindness and acceptance this book sends to babies, preschoolers and early readers!  Add this colorful book to your little readers home or school library…especially if they love rainbows!  It’s great for teaching kids about colors and feelings and it’s a great self-discovery book.  As an advocate for diversity and inclusiveness, I appreciate that this book sends a clear message that all colors do indeed matter.  Yes, representation matters!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

About the Author
Agnes Hsu can be found these days happily creating on hello, Wonderful, overseeing her daughter’s kindness project Rainbow Rock Project, and running her Plaeful store featuring her first product launch, an erasable wall decal to inspire kids to draw.

Agnes’ work has been featured in nationwide publications in print and online such as Real Simple, Women’s Day, Better Homes & Gardens, Shutterfly, Tiny Prints, Elizabeth Street, Buzzfeed, Good Housekeeping, Spoonful and Babble.

About the Illustrator
Yuliya Gwilym aka yufrukt, is an illustrator, designer and published author focused on creating for children. Born and raised in Ukraine, she has been living in the Netherlands since 2008.  She creates illustrations for books, magazines, clothes, toys, stationery and more. Visit her website here.

Your turn:  Have you read this book with your little readers yet?  Feel free to share in the comments.

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