Eugenia Chu's Blog
January 25, 2023
Multicultural Children’s Book Day Book Review: Two Bicycles in Beijing, by Teresa Robeson
Yay! Today is Multicultural Children’s Book Day (MCBD)! This is my 6th year participating in MCBD as an author sponsor and reviewer, and my third as a co-host! Woo hoo! It’s my favorite book event every year! More information about MCBD and the Read Your World Zoom Party is below right after my book review.
This year I have the honor of reviewing Two Bicycles in Beijing, written by Teresa Robeson and illustrated by Junyi Wu, which was #gifted to me as part of MCBD.
Summary:
Absolutely stunning picture book based in Beijing, China! The story is told from the viewpoint of a red bicycle, named Lunzi – how cute and fun is that?!?!
Lunzi and her best friend, Huangche, a yellow bike, came from the same factory and sat next to each other by a window in a bicycle shop in Beijing, where they contently watched the hustle and bustle of the world together. They were happy. But one day a girl bought Huangche and they were separated! Oh no! Shortly afterwards, a boy came and purchased Lunzi. Lunzi was hopeful she would be able to find Huangche. The boy and Lunzi rode all over Beijing and they kept seeing flashes of yellow, but, to Lunzi’s dismay, it was never Huangche. Does Lunzi ever find Huangche? Are they ever reunited? How? I don’t want to ruin the ending for you so you will have to read this charming book for yourselves to find out!
Review:
I absolutely love this book! The story is sweet and poetic, and shows how special and strong friendship is. Kids of all ages will be able to relate to Lunzi and Huangche’s friendship and their heartbreak when separated. The illustrations are wonderful and have a crayon colored look – perfect for a children’s book!
Traveling with Lunzi through Beijing and passing by all the landmarks and places I have visited made me nostalgic for Beijing. All those wonderful sights and sounds! For those who have been to Beijing, they will recognize the places mentioned. For others, this is a wonderful way to introduce them to a new city! I also appreciate how the author so naturally intersperses Chinese words throughout the story. Kids will pick up on these words without even realizing they are learning! Such a fun way to introduce a few foreign words and culture to young kiddos.
As a bonus, the author includes a glossary of the Chinese words in the story, as well as some information on the sights mentioned in the book. More fun learning! Yay!
About the Author:
Teresa Robeson was born in Hong Kong, raised in Canada, and now lives on a mini-farm in Indiana with her scientist husband, younger son, and quirky chickens. She draws upon her Chinese heritage, Canadian-American sensibilities, as well as her background when she writes. A 2013 trip to China with her family inspired this whimsical story.
In addition to TWO BICYCLES IN BEIJING, Teresa has also written the APALA Picture Book Award-winning book, QUEEN OF PHYSICS, and an essay in NONFICTION WRITERS DIG DEEP. She has may more books coming so stay tuned!
You can see more about Teresa and follow her at:
http://teresarobeson.comhttps://www.instagram.com/tmrobeson/
Tweets by TeresaRobesonNow, for more info about MCBD 2021 and the Virtual Zoom Party:
Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2023 (1/26/23) is in its 10th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those books into the hands of young readers and educators.
Ten years in, MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves continues. Read about our Mission & History HERE.
[image error]MCBD 2023 is honored to be Supported by these Medallion Sponsors!
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Pragmaticmom) and Valarie Budayr’s (Audreypress.com)
Super Platinum Sponsor:
Author Deedee Cummings and Make A Way Media
Platinum Sponsors: Language Lizard Bilingual Books in 50+ Languages
Gold Sponsors: Interlink Books, Publisher Spotlight
Silver Sponsors:
Cardinal Rule Press
,
Lee & Low,
Barefoot Books
,
Kimberly Gordon Biddle
Bronze Sponsors: Vivian Kirkfield, Patrice McLaurin , Quarto Group, Carole P. Roman, Star Bright Books, Redfin.com, Redfin Canada, Bay Equity Home Loans, Rent.com, Title Forward
Poster Artist: Lisa Wee
[image error]Classroom Kit Poster: Led Bradshaw
MCBD 2023 is honored to be Supported by these Author Sponsors!
Authors: Sivan Hong, Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, Josh Funk , Stephanie M. Wildman, Gwen Jackson, Diana Huang, Afsaneh Moradian, Kathleen Burkinshaw, Eugenia Chu, Jacqueline Jules, Alejandra Domenzain, Gaia Cornwall, Ruth Spiro, Evelyn Sanchez-Toledo, Tonya Duncan Ellis, Kiyanda and Benjamin Young/Twin Powers Books, Kimberly Lee , Tameka Fryer Brown, Talia Aikens-Nuñez, Marcia Argueta Mickelson, Kerry O’Malley Cerra, Jennie Liu, Heather Murphy Capps, Diane Wilson, Sun Yung Shin, Shannon Gibney, John Coy, Irene Latham and Charles Waters, Maritza M Mejia, Lois Petren, J.C. Kato and J.C.², CultureGroove, Lindsey Rowe Parker, Red Comet Press, Shifa Saltagi Safadi, Nancy Tupper Ling, Deborah Acio, Asha Hagood, Priya Kumari, Chris Singleton, Padma Venkatraman, Teresa Robeson, Valerie Williams-Sanchez and Valorena Publishing, Martha Seif Simpson, Rochelle Melander, Alva Sachs, Moni Ritchie Hadley, Gea Meijering, Frances Díaz Evans, Michael Genhart, Angela H. Dale, Courtney Kelly, Queenbe Monyei, Jamia Wilson, Charnaie Gordon, Debbie Ridpath Ohi, Debbie Zapata, Jacquetta Nammar Feldman, Natasha Yim, Tracy T. Agnelli, Kitty Feld, Anna Maria DiDio, Ko Kim, Shachi Kaushik
MCBD 2023 is Honored to be Supported by our CoHosts and Global CoHosts !
MCBD 2023 is Honored to be Supported by these Media Partners!
Check out MCBD’s Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board !
FREE RESOURCES from Multicultural Children’s Book Day
Register for the MCBD Read Your World Virtual Party
Join us on Thursday, January 26, 2023 (TONIGHT!), at 9 pm EST for the 10th annual Multicultural Children’s Book Day Read Your World Virtual Party!
This epically fun and fast-paced hour includes multicultural book discussions, addressing timely issues, diverse book recommendations, & reading ideas.
We will be giving away an 8-Book Bundle every 5 minutes plus Bonus Prizes as well! *** US and Global participants welcome. **
Follow the hashtag #ReadYourWorld to join the conversation, and connect with like-minded parts, authors, publishers, educators, organizations, and librarians.
Hashtag: Don’t forget to connect with us on social media and be sure and look for/use our official hashtag #ReadYourWorld.
August 19, 2022
15 FREE Back to School Ebooks (Aug 21-22, 2022)
In honor of children returning back to to school, all around the world, I’ve teamed up with 12 fabulous authors to give you 15 FREE Back-to-School eBooks! It’s always handy to have a library of books on hand, on the go. You never know when you might need them.
Go to https://linktr.ee/bookpromo to download ALL of them from Amazon! And remember to thank the authors by leaving a review on Amazon to let them know what you think. Happy reading!
To learn more about these authors and their books, check them out on FB at: @Carli Valentine-Children’s Book Author/Illustrator @sarahs.stories.2/ @beccimurray.childrensauthor @carolyn.w.dubisch @eugeniachuauthor @theannasmithers @onemoreexclamation @circle time books
Or on IG at: @carlivalentineauthor @sarah.taber2 @theannasmithers @becci_murray_author @artbycwdubisch @Eugeniachuauthor @francescawattauthor @Yychan_author @onemoreexclamation @joestarling.author @author.denisenicole @bruem_author @cazzycreates
#freeebooks #kidsbooks #bookpromo #backtoschool #summersoveralready #readtokids #readtokidseveryday #childrenspicturebooks #schoollibrary #homelibrary #authorsunite #author #illustrator #earlychildliterary #letschoolbegin #earlychildhoodeducation #librarian #ilovebooks #ilovefreethings #bookworm
January 14, 2022
Multicultural Children’s Book Day – January 28, 2022
Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2022 (1/28/22) is in its 9th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those book into the hands of young readers and educators. I am super proud to be a Co-Host of this amazing on-line and off-line book event again this year! Woo hoo!
Want to know more? Here ya go!
MCBD by the Numbers
We are proud to announce that 34 Medallion and 26 Author Level Sponsors support this initiative and that number continues to grow.
Thanks to over 500 dedicated book reviewers, 1000+ diverse book reviews will be shared on social media during the last few weeks of January.
During our wildly popular Twitter Party (1/28/22 at (9:00 p.m. ET) hosted by Audrey Press Books, Pragmaticmom.com, and 2022 Platinum Sponsor Make A Way Media over 150 diverse books and related items will be given away in 60 minutes (a winner is announced every 5 minutes!).
To date, MCBD has gifted over 10,000 diverse books to end users.
Mission:
To raise awareness for children’s books that celebrate diversity by getting more of these books into classrooms and libraries. This non-profit also strives to shine the spotlight on the diverse books and authors that are often overlooked by mainstream publishing and media.
Multicultural Children’s Book Day (MCBD) is an online and offline celebration that attracts thousands of supporters, educators, parents, caregivers, book reviewers, and quality authors and publishers who join forces to shine the spotlight on diversity in children’s and YA literature.
Celebrated annually on the last Friday in January, this global non-profit offers a plethora of free resources, teaching tools, booklists, downloads, and a year-around initiative to get multicultural and diverse books into the hands of young readers.
To date, we have donated over 10,000 books to underserved kids, classrooms, and organizations, and that number continues to climb.
Our Criteria for “Multicultural” or “Diverse” Children’s Books
Books that contain characters of color as well as main characters that represent a minority point of view.Books written by an author of diversity or color from their perspective. Search #ownvoices to discover diverse books written by diverse authors.Books that share ideas, stories, and information about cultures, race, religion, language, and traditions. These books can be non-fiction but still written in a way that kids will find entertaining and informative.Books that embrace special needs or even “hidden disabilities” like ADHD, ADD, and anxiety.Books that show IBPOC readers what is POSSIBLE–like a book that shows an Asian child as an astronaut
, a child from Sudan as an actress, or a biracial child as a world leader. How Multicultural Children’s Book Day Works
View this in-depth blog post for more details!
How Multicultural Children’s Book Day (MCBD) Came to Be
After being frustrated by a lack of diverse and multicultural children’s books available to their own families, reading and play advocates Valarie Budayr (Audrey Press Books) and Mia Wenjen (Pragmatic Mom) decided to take matters into their own hands. The book-loving moms then teamed up to create a much-needed national event and the first-ever Multicultural Children’s Book Day was celebrated.
Using the Multicultural Children’s Book Day platform, the mission from Day One has been to not only raise awareness around kid’s books that celebrate diversity but to also get more of these types of books into classrooms and libraries.
“Kids need to ‘see themselves’ in the pages of the books they read,” noted Budayr. “We are determined to not only shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books available but also offer visibility for the amazing authors and publishers who create them.”
In 2018, the non-profit has also shifted from an “every January 27th” model to “the last Friday in January” to avoid conflicting with International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
The upcoming next MCBD celebration will occur on and offline on January 28, 2022.
With each passing year, not only has the event itself grown exponentially, but this non-profit initiative has also expanded to offline classroom programs, celebrations, and we now have a global reach. 2022 will be our ninth year.
Lots of schools, libraries and even homes host in person parties where children read, share and/or discuss multicultural books. I’ve done this a few times with my son’s school, so if you need any ideas on how to celebrate, decorations, snacks, etc, please feel free to contact me!
The whole event culminates with an on-line TWITTER PARTY on 1/28/22, 9-10 PM (EST)! Join the party for a chance to win Kidlit books & more! Just follow #ReadYourWorld to join in & win!
The proceeds from the January online event and year-round fundraising go towards supporting this initiative and funding the Our Free Diverse Books for Classrooms and Teachers project.
Team:
Multicultural Children’s Book Day was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen who volunteer their time to run this event.
Co-founders are Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen are both bloggers, influencers, and children’s book authors. Valarie is the daughter of Swedish immigrants and the first to attend college in her family. She speaks five languages including Arabic which is the language they speak at home. Mia is half Japanese and half Chinese American and married to a Korean American.
MCBD also has several part-time/seasonal team members.
How the MCBD Raises Awareness on the Importance of Diversity in Children’s and YA Books:
During our online celebration, we match hundreds of book reviewers (parents, caregivers, teachers, librarians) with a free diversity book donated by an author or a publisher. These reviewers share this book, their thoughts, and information about the MCBD celebration on their social media (blogs, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram) using the #ReadYourWorld official hashtag. This creates tremendous buzz and visibility online.
MCBD has a strong and vibrant social media presence, and that visibility grows exponentially during November, December, and January. We leverage this connection to encourage productive discussions about diversity, inclusion, racism, and to shine the spotlight on unique books that allow kids to not only *see* themselves in the pages of the books they read, but to also discover new ways of life, traditions, religions, ethnicities, and cultures.
On the official day of the celebration, all reviewers are encouraged to add a link to their book review on our Big Giant Linky to create an evergreen catalog of book reviews and recommendation. (Found on our Home Page-scroll down).
Also, on Celebration Day, MCBD hosts (along with our current Super Platinum Sponsor, Make A Way Media) a hugely popular Twitter party. This event is an hour of fun, excellent discussions on literacy, diversity, and ideas on how we can better serve our educators and homeschool parents. During our Twitter Party, MCBD gives away a kidlit book bundle every five minutes.
**One of the striking things that comes out of this Twitter Party (and event as a whole) are the conversations happening between authors and their readers as well as publishers and the people who buy the books they publish. They are insightful and thoughtful conversations which give voice to those who are searching for multicultural titles and those that produce them be that as an author or a publisher.
We joke that this Twitter Party is the “fastest and funnest hour of the year.” And it is! It is common for the conversations and connection to continue for hours after the party officially ends.
A Plethora of Free Diversity Book Resources and Tools
Since 2017, MCBD has created free downloadable Classroom Kits that contain booklist, a special poster, on and offline resources, and activities that can be used as teaching tools in the classroom. Each year, we focus on a specific theme that we feel is relevant or a topic that needs attention and discussion:
2017 Teacher/Classroom Kit: Kindness
2018 Teacher/Classroom Kit: Everyone Is Welcome Here Empathy Kit:
2019 Teacher/Classroom Kit: Poverty Does not Discriminate | Understanding Poverty in America2020 Teacher/Classroom Kit: Physical and Developmental Challenges: Understand and Celebrate our Differences
2021 Teacher/Classroom Kit: Classroom Activism and Activists: We Can All Be Champions of Change2021 Homeschooling Families Kit: World Travel from your Homeschool Table
2022 Raising Awareness on Systemic Racism in America Classroom Kit
Other Free Resources
Diversity Book List Resource: A List of Lists http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/multicultural-reading-resources/diversity-book-lists-for-kids/
FREE Diverse Books for Classrooms Project: A year-round initiative, MCBD relies on authors and publishers to donate diverse books with the goal of getting these multicultural books into classrooms. Monies raised during the January celebration and other fundraising initiatives are used to cover postage to get these books to their destination.
Past and Current Supporters:
Children’s Book Council (CBC)Make A Way MediaBarefoot BooksLanguage LizardPack-n-Go GirlsCandlewick PressChronicle BooksLee & Low BooksKidLit TVCapstone Young ReadersWisdom Tales PressRIF Southern CaliforniaReal Dads ReadZoom Autism MagazineStar Bright BooksChildren’s Book Council:
MCBD continues to team up with the Children’s Book Council to do a series on the CBC and MCBD websites called Read Your World Book Jam. Up to two dozen popular diverse kidlit authors and illustrators participate by sharing their personal book recommendations and giveaways of their own books as well. This partnership continues and is one that our supporters look forward to.
Final Thoughts
Through each multicultural book a child reads, it creates a new level of understanding and empathy. When we can see through the eyes of another, when we can share a loved book with a friend regardless of religion, culture, race etc., we create a sense of belonging not only in our classrooms and homes but more importantly in our communities. The world outside our window becomes ours to shape and create.
This year, as with every year, we are striving more persistently than ever to place books into children’s hands as possible. Our unwavering mission is to share our love of reading from a multicultural perspective while also sharing the storytelling talents of authors and publishers alike.
Please do not hesitate to ask if you have any questions!For more information about Multicultural Children’s Book Day, please contact Becky at Becky@MulticulturalChildrensBookDay.com .
Multicultural Children’s Book Day – January 22, 2022
Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2022 (1/28/22) is in its 9th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those book into the hands of young readers and educators. I am super proud to be a Co-Host of this amazing on-line and off-line book event again this year! Woo hoo!
Want to know more? Here ya go!
MCBD by the Numbers
We are proud to announce that 34 Medallion and 26 Author Level Sponsors support this initiative and that number continues to grow.
Thanks to over 500 dedicated book reviewers, 1000+ diverse book reviews will be shared on social media during the last few weeks of January.
During our wildly popular Twitter Party (1/28/22 at (9:00 p.m. ET) hosted by Audrey Press Books, Pragmaticmom.com, and 2022 Platinum Sponsor Make A Way Media over 150 diverse books and related items will be given away in 60 minutes (a winner is announced every 5 minutes!).
To date, MCBD has gifted over 10,000 diverse books to end users.
Mission:
To raise awareness for children’s books that celebrate diversity by getting more of these books into classrooms and libraries. This non-profit also strives to shine the spotlight on the diverse books and authors that are often overlooked by mainstream publishing and media.
Multicultural Children’s Book Day (MCBD) is an online and offline celebration that attracts thousands of supporters, educators, parents, caregivers, book reviewers, and quality authors and publishers who join forces to shine the spotlight on diversity in children’s and YA literature.
Celebrated annually on the last Friday in January, this global non-profit offers a plethora of free resources, teaching tools, booklists, downloads, and a year-around initiative to get multicultural and diverse books into the hands of young readers.
To date, we have donated over 10,000 books to underserved kids, classrooms, and organizations, and that number continues to climb.
Our Criteria for “Multicultural” or “Diverse” Children’s Books
Books that contain characters of color as well as main characters that represent a minority point of view.Books written by an author of diversity or color from their perspective. Search #ownvoices to discover diverse books written by diverse authors.Books that share ideas, stories, and information about cultures, race, religion, language, and traditions. These books can be non-fiction but still written in a way that kids will find entertaining and informative.Books that embrace special needs or even “hidden disabilities” like ADHD, ADD, and anxiety.Books that show IBPOC readers what is POSSIBLE–like a book that shows an Asian child as an astronaut
, a child from Sudan as an actress, or a biracial child as a world leader. How Multicultural Children’s Book Day Works
View this in-depth blog post for more details!
How Multicultural Children’s Book Day (MCBD) Came to Be
After being frustrated by a lack of diverse and multicultural children’s books available to their own families, reading and play advocates Valarie Budayr (Audrey Press Books) and Mia Wenjen (Pragmatic Mom) decided to take matters into their own hands. The book-loving moms then teamed up to create a much-needed national event and the first-ever Multicultural Children’s Book Day was celebrated.
Using the Multicultural Children’s Book Day platform, the mission from Day One has been to not only raise awareness around kid’s books that celebrate diversity but to also get more of these types of books into classrooms and libraries.
“Kids need to ‘see themselves’ in the pages of the books they read,” noted Budayr. “We are determined to not only shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books available but also offer visibility for the amazing authors and publishers who create them.”
In 2018, the non-profit has also shifted from an “every January 27th” model to “the last Friday in January” to avoid conflicting with International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
The upcoming next MCBD celebration will occur on and offline on January 28, 2022.
With each passing year, not only has the event itself grown exponentially, but this non-profit initiative has also expanded to offline classroom programs, celebrations, and we now have a global reach. 2022 will be our ninth year.
Lots of schools, libraries and even homes host in person parties where children read, share and/or discuss multicultural books. I’ve done this a few times with my son’s school, so if you need any ideas on how to celebrate, decorations, snacks, etc, please feel free to contact me!
The whole event culminates with an on-line TWITTER PARTY on 1/28/22, 9-10 PM (EST)! Join the party for a chance to win Kidlit books & more! Just follow #ReadYourWorld to join in & win!
The proceeds from the January online event and year-round fundraising go towards supporting this initiative and funding the Our Free Diverse Books for Classrooms and Teachers project.
Team:
Multicultural Children’s Book Day was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen who volunteer their time to run this event.
Co-founders are Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen are both bloggers, influencers, and children’s book authors. Valarie is the daughter of Swedish immigrants and the first to attend college in her family. She speaks five languages including Arabic which is the language they speak at home. Mia is half Japanese and half Chinese American and married to a Korean American.
MCBD also has several part-time/seasonal team members.
How the MCBD Raises Awareness on the Importance of Diversity in Children’s and YA Books:
During our online celebration, we match hundreds of book reviewers (parents, caregivers, teachers, librarians) with a free diversity book donated by an author or a publisher. These reviewers share this book, their thoughts, and information about the MCBD celebration on their social media (blogs, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram) using the #ReadYourWorld official hashtag. This creates tremendous buzz and visibility online.
MCBD has a strong and vibrant social media presence, and that visibility grows exponentially during November, December, and January. We leverage this connection to encourage productive discussions about diversity, inclusion, racism, and to shine the spotlight on unique books that allow kids to not only *see* themselves in the pages of the books they read, but to also discover new ways of life, traditions, religions, ethnicities, and cultures.
On the official day of the celebration, all reviewers are encouraged to add a link to their book review on our Big Giant Linky to create an evergreen catalog of book reviews and recommendation. (Found on our Home Page-scroll down).
Also, on Celebration Day, MCBD hosts (along with our current Super Platinum Sponsor, Make A Way Media) a hugely popular Twitter party. This event is an hour of fun, excellent discussions on literacy, diversity, and ideas on how we can better serve our educators and homeschool parents. During our Twitter Party, MCBD gives away a kidlit book bundle every five minutes.
**One of the striking things that comes out of this Twitter Party (and event as a whole) are the conversations happening between authors and their readers as well as publishers and the people who buy the books they publish. They are insightful and thoughtful conversations which give voice to those who are searching for multicultural titles and those that produce them be that as an author or a publisher.
We joke that this Twitter Party is the “fastest and funnest hour of the year.” And it is! It is common for the conversations and connection to continue for hours after the party officially ends.
A Plethora of Free Diversity Book Resources and Tools
Since 2017, MCBD has created free downloadable Classroom Kits that contain booklist, a special poster, on and offline resources, and activities that can be used as teaching tools in the classroom. Each year, we focus on a specific theme that we feel is relevant or a topic that needs attention and discussion:
2017 Teacher/Classroom Kit: Kindness
2018 Teacher/Classroom Kit: Everyone Is Welcome Here Empathy Kit:
2019 Teacher/Classroom Kit: Poverty Does not Discriminate | Understanding Poverty in America2020 Teacher/Classroom Kit: Physical and Developmental Challenges: Understand and Celebrate our Differences
2021 Teacher/Classroom Kit: Classroom Activism and Activists: We Can All Be Champions of Change2021 Homeschooling Families Kit: World Travel from your Homeschool Table
2022 Raising Awareness on Systemic Racism in America Classroom Kit
Other Free Resources
Diversity Book List Resource: A List of Lists http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/multicultural-reading-resources/diversity-book-lists-for-kids/
FREE Diverse Books for Classrooms Project: A year-round initiative, MCBD relies on authors and publishers to donate diverse books with the goal of getting these multicultural books into classrooms. Monies raised during the January celebration and other fundraising initiatives are used to cover postage to get these books to their destination.
Past and Current Supporters:
Children’s Book Council (CBC)Make A Way MediaBarefoot BooksLanguage LizardPack-n-Go GirlsCandlewick PressChronicle BooksLee & Low BooksKidLit TVCapstone Young ReadersWisdom Tales PressRIF Southern CaliforniaReal Dads ReadZoom Autism MagazineStar Bright BooksChildren’s Book Council:
MCBD continues to team up with the Children’s Book Council to do a series on the CBC and MCBD websites called Read Your World Book Jam. Up to two dozen popular diverse kidlit authors and illustrators participate by sharing their personal book recommendations and giveaways of their own books as well. This partnership continues and is one that our supporters look forward to.
Final Thoughts
Through each multicultural book a child reads, it creates a new level of understanding and empathy. When we can see through the eyes of another, when we can share a loved book with a friend regardless of religion, culture, race etc., we create a sense of belonging not only in our classrooms and homes but more importantly in our communities. The world outside our window becomes ours to shape and create.
This year, as with every year, we are striving more persistently than ever to place books into children’s hands as possible. Our unwavering mission is to share our love of reading from a multicultural perspective while also sharing the storytelling talents of authors and publishers alike.
Please do not hesitate to ask if you have any questions!For more information about Multicultural Children’s Book Day, please contact Becky at Becky@MulticulturalChildrensBookDay.com .
March 31, 2021
Review of Why We Wear a Mask by Lieve Snellings
A fascinating story. Simple words and adorable photographs. The perfect guide to inform your kids about Covid-19 without scaring them.Margot and friends are back!!! This latest book by children’s author and nature photographer, Lieve Snellings from Belgium, stands out! A fable in which various animals explain what we can do against the spread of the coronavirus. Lieve photographed all the animals herself in Quebec, Canada.
From her previous books (and my previous reviews), we know that Lieve Snellings was inspired to become an author by her photography. Her stories take the traditional picture book experience and transforms it by replacing illustrations with her nature photography in which she adds whimsical touches. The result: so much cuteness that your kids (and maybe you, too) will return to her books over and over again!
In her fourth and most recent book, Why We Wear a Mask, Lieve writes about a topical theme: the corona virus protection measures. “At first I didn’t like that,” she says. “But during the second wave, I changed my mind. The fact that I worked at the Emergency Department in Gasthuisberg (Belgium) for 40 years did influence my choice. I could imagine how hectic the corona crisis must be in the hospital. That is why I wanted to do my bit by writing a children’s book about applying the measures. It became a story in which squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, and groundhogs explain why it is so important to follow the imposed measures. In order not to scare children, I have written it refreshingly. Also in this fourth book, the photos have a touch of humor. I think that a picture book is a handy tool to talk to children about the measures against Covid-19 and still put a smile on their faces.”
Lieve Snellings hopes so much that this pandemic will be over soon and she can return to her partner in Quebec. It also is her desire to see and photograph these lovely backyard animals, the groundhog and squirrels, again.
Relatable, easy to understand and poignant, this book will show little ones how to stay healthy and how to help keep others healthy, too, during this horrible pandemic. Hearing advice from a squirrel doctor may even be more persuasive (and less scary) than from a human doctor! The little animal doctors even have a video conference with human doctors to learn and collaborate! The furry little cuties will explain why it is so important to wear masks in a way your little ones will understand. Seeing conscientious animals washing hands, distancing and wearing masks will encourage your littles to do the same. Here are a few pages from the book:
Other books by the author
Margot Gets An Unexpected Visit: http://smarturl.it/e7uowxGroundhog Secrets – Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Woodchucks: http://smarturl.it/0psllgTime for Margot to Go to Bed: http://smarturl.it/e1mapxWhy We Wear a Mask: http://smarturl.it/x1gr9vReviews Why We Wear a Mask: https://lievesnellings.wordpress.com/reviews-why-we-wear-a-mask/
If you want to learn more about Lieve and her books:
Website: https://lievesnellings.wordpress.com
Photo Art: http://lieve-snellings.pixels.com
Amazon Sale Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/snellings
Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/FotoBoekLieveSnellings
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14186089.Lieve_Snellings
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lievesnellings
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SnellingsLieve
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/lievesnellings
February 24, 2021
Brandon Goes to Hong Kong – Launching March 16, 2021!
Brandon Goes to Hong Kong – Xiānggǎng (香港) will be release March 16, 2021! There will be freebies and giveaways to celebrate! But first, here’s a little blurb about the book:
While on a trip to Hong Kong, Brandon thinks he sees a great red dragon – but is it real or imaginary? Join Brandon as he tours the city and learns about dragons in this multicultural, multigenerational chapter book which includes some Mandarin Chinese (Simplified) with Pinyin pronunciation throughout, adding educational elements of the Chinese language and culture. Is Brandon the only one who sees the dragon? Can legendary or mythical creatures ever be real? What do you believe?
Now for the freebies and giveaways!
getbook.at/BrandonGoestoHongKong
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/173348082XFinally, I thought I would share some pre-release reviews/endorsements I have been lucky enough to receive from some incredibly impressive people/organizations:
I’m so excited for the launch of my newest chapter book and hope you will check it out and share it! As always, reviews are so so SO appreciated. Thank you!
January 27, 2021
Multicultural Children’s Book Day – Review of In the Nick of Time by Deedee Cummings
This is my 4th year participating in Multicultural Children’s Book Day (MCBD) as an author sponsor and reviewer, and my first as a co-host! Woo hoo! It’s my favorite book event every year! More information about MCBD and the annual Twitter Party is after the review below.
[image error]This year I have the honor of reviewing In the Nick of Time, written by Deedee Cummings and Illustrated by Charlene Mosley. This is a heartwarming story about a boy, Nick Saint, learning the true meaning of Christmas and the joy and satisfaction of giving to, and helping, others. This wonderful story explores themes of kindness, awareness of other’s circumstances, empathy and compassion.
Nick, like lots of kids (including my own kiddo), love video games and are sometimes careless with their words. They also don’t think about what others have or don’t have. In this story, Nick accidently (maybe) receives a letter from a boy at school, Cooper, to St. Nick asking for a job for his mom and a toy for his brother – nothing for himself. At first Nick thinks this is “stupid” – he can’t relate. But as he learns more about Cooper’s situation, he develops empathy and decides to try to answer Cooper’s letter to Santa. With his parents’ and school’s assistance, Nick is able to help Cooper and his family. Nick finally feels grateful for everything he has and even more grateful that he was able to help others.
This book is great to read with your kids to start a discussion about privilege, difficult times and the gift of giving rather than receiving.
Multicultural Aspect of the Book:
While the author does not make race an issue in the story, diversity is depicted throughout. Nick, after all, is a cute little brown boy. I love that the author wrote this book for her son (the real “Nick”) and other “little brown boys like you who do not see themselves very often in books.” It is so important for children to be able to see themselves in books to help bolster self-esteem by gaining a sense of affirmation about themselves and their culture.
Furthermore, it is crucial that ALL children are exposed to multicultural books, like this one, at a young age. I believe this will help diminish prejudicial thoughts about race and other differences. Children’s books with multicultural characters can be used to help open kids’ minds and to stimulate an understanding of diversity. It is important to expose kids to those who might be different because people will often sympathize with those with whom they are familiar. These kinds of books teach children empathy towards those who look different and promote cross-cultural friendship while dispelling stereotypes. They show kids that even though some people may look different from them, people (especially children) are basically the same – everyone likes to play, gets frustrated sometimes, learns and feels pride when they help others.
Now, for more info about MCBD 2021 and the Twitter Party:
Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2021 (1/29/21) is in its 8th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those book into the hands of young readers and educators.
Eight years in, MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves continues. Read about our Mission & History HERE.
[image error]MCBD 2021 is honored to be Supported by these Medallion Sponsors!
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Prgamaticmom) and Valarie Budayr’s (Audreypress.com)
Platinum Sponsors: Language Lizard Bilingual Books in 50+ Languages, Author Deedee Cummings and Make A Way Media
Gold Sponsors: Barefoot Books, Candlewick Press, Capstone, Hoopoe Books, KidLitTV, Peachtree Publishing Company Inc.
Silver Sponsors: Charlotte Riggle, Connecticut Association of School Librarians, Author Kimberly Gordon Biddle, Pack-N-Go Girls
Bronze Sponsors: Agatha Rodi and AMELIE is IMPRESSED!, Barnes Brothers Books, Create and Educate Solutions, LLC, Dreambuilt Books, Dyesha and Triesha McCants/McCants Squared, Redfin Real Estate,Snowflake Stories, Star Bright Books, TimTimTom Bilingual Personalized Books, Author Vivian Kirkfield, Wisdom Tales Press, My Well Read Child
MCBD 2021 is honored to be Supported by these Author Sponsors!
Poster Artist: Nat Iwata
Authors: Author Afsaneh Moradian, Author Alva Sachs & Three Wishes Publishing Company, Author Angeliki Stamatopoulou-Pedersen, Author Anna Olswanger, Author Casey Bell , Author Claudine Norden, Author Debbie Dadey, Author Diana Huang & Intrepids, Author Eugenia Chu & Brandon goes to Beijing, Green Kids Club, Author Gwen Jackson, Author Janet Balletta, Author Josh Funk, Author Julia Inserro, Karter Johnson & Popcorn and Books, Author Kathleen Burkinshaw & The Last Cherry Blossom, Author Keila Dawson, Maya/Neel Adventures with Culture Groove, Author Mia Wenjen, Michael Genhart, Nancy Tupper Ling, Author Natalie Murray, Natalie McDonald-Perkins, Author Natasha Yim, Author Phe Lang and Me On The Page Publishing,Sandra Elaine Scott, Author Shoumi Sen & From The Toddler Diaries, SISSY GOES TINY by Rebecca Flansburg and B.A. Norrgard, Susan Schaefer Bernardo & Illustrator Courtenay Fletcher, Tales of the Five Enchanted Mermaids, Author Theresa Mackiewicz, Tonya Duncan and the Sophie Washington Book Series, Author Toshia Stelivan, Valerie Williams-Sanchez & The Cocoa Kids Collection Books©, Author Vanessa Womack, MBA, Author Veronica Appleton & the Journey to Appleville book series
MCBD 2021 is Honored to be Supported by our CoHosts and Global CoHosts !
MCBD 2021 is Honored to be Supported by these Media Partners!
Check out MCBD’s Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board !
[image error]FREE RESOURCES from Multicultural Children’s Book Day
Diversity Book Lists & Activities for Teachers and Parents
Homeschool Diverse Kidlit Booklist & Activity Kit
FREE Teacher Classroom Activism and Activists Kit
FREE Teacher Classroom Empathy Kit
FREE Teacher Classroom Kindness Kit
FREE Teacher Classroom Physical and Developmental Challenges Kit
FREE Teacher Classroom Poverty Kit
FREE Diversity Book for Classrooms Program
TWITTER PARTY! Register here !
[image error]Join us on Friday, Jan 29, 2021, at 9 pm EST for the 8th annual Multicultural Children’s Book Day Twitter Party!
This epically fun and fast-paced hour includes multicultural book discussions, addressing timely issues, diverse book recommendations, & reading ideas.
We will be giving away an 8-Book Bundle every 5 minutes plus Bonus Prizes as well! *** US and Global participants welcome. **
Follow the hashtag #ReadYourWorld to join the conversation, connect with like-minded parts, authors, publishers, educators, organizations, and librarians. See you all very soon on Twitter!
Hashtag: Don’t forget to connect with us on social media and be sure and look for/use our official hashtag #ReadYourWorld.
November 13, 2020
Meet Ariana B. Farina, Author of The First Adventures of Nerma and Blueberry (Kitty Tales Book 1)
I’m so excited to introduce you all to Ariana B. Farina, a wonderful new kids book author who writes about funny kitties! I mean, who doesn’t love cute, little, silly cats! I know I do! And her new book is perfect for Christmas, which is right around the corner (can you believe it’s already mid-November? Aiya! Time flies!).
So, a bit about Ariana: she has ALWAYS loved cats. As a child, after a long day at school she loved to read funny and whimsical stories about animals. As an adult, she decided to combine these interests to write books for both children and parents to enjoy. Kitty Tales: The Book Series is inspired by her own two pet cats. You can enjoy photos of her real-life adorable kitties on Instagram @kitty_tales_the_book_series.
Now, onto the book!
Kitty Tales: The First Adventures of Nerma and Blueberry is an illustrated short chapter book about two funny cats and their human family.
In the first tale, we meet a fun-loving tuxedo kitty named Nerma who loves parties, especially Christmas parties. Smart cats like Nerma know that shopping bags contain magical kitty parties that only kitties can see.
In the second tale, we learn that Nerma loves shoes. But will she ever get a pair of her very own?
In the third tale, we meet Nerma’s new baby brother Blueberry. Blueberry is a shy chocolate point Siamese kitten. He is a little unsure of himself, but there is something very special about Blueberry. He has extra toes!
These three tales are filled with humor, fun, Christmas, magical realism, the importance of family, and of course cats!
Kitty Tales: The First Adventures of Nerma and Blueberry is the first installment in Kitty Tales: The Book Series.
Kitty Tales is perfect for kids learning how to read, but these books can also be enjoyed by the whole family! Even after a difficult day, they might just make you smile.
This book is perfect for:
-Stocking Stuffers!
-Gift Exchanges at School!
-Holiday gifts for Daughters, Sons, Nieces, Nephews, Friend’s Kids, Grandkids, Cat Lovers, etc.
If you would like to learn and see more about Ariana, her kitties and her writing, follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitty_tales_the_book_series/
This new adorable book is now available on Amazon so check it out! https://www.amazon.com/First-Adventures-Nerma-Blueberry-Kitty-ebook/dp/B08MGR7QJB/
October 28, 2020
Dorktales Storytime Podcast!
I’m super excited to share something different with you all today – a PODCAST! But not any podcast – one for your kiddos that you will love, too!
Dorktales Storytime Podcast is classic children’s fairy tales told with a geek-ish twist! Jonathan Cormur is the host (and storyteller) of the family-fun podcast that featuring geeky-retellings of fairy tale classics and true tales about the Hidden Heroes of History. Think Fractured Fairy Tales meets Big Bang Theory and the History Detectives!
In Dorktales Storytime Podcast, Jonathan is joined by his plucky puppet sidekick, Mr. Reginald T. Hedgehog (or “Mr. Redge,” if you prefer) to tell goofier versions of tales that have delighted kids for generations.
The shows are suitable for preschool and early elementary school ages and are an excellent way to keep kids engaged and learning while have loads of giggles and entertainment.
DORKTALES STORYTIME PODCAST IS AVAILABLE ON:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3kSUJZQ
Overcast: https://bit.ly/dorktales-overcast
Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/dorktales-amazon-music
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3iNgKHA
Stitcher: https://bit.ly/Dorktales-stitcher
Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/dorktales-google
Find more on Podcast website: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales/
You may recognize Jonathan from his work with his mom, Jodi, from Geek Club Books and Zoom Autism Magazine. His new podcast for kids, Dorktales Storytime Podcast, showcases his career as a successful voice actor who also happens to be on the spectrum.
CURRENT EPISODES:
Dorktales Storytime Podcast EP1: What are Dorktales?
Jonathan Cormur introduces himself as the host and storyteller of the Dorktales Storytime Podcast and answers the question you may be pondering, “What ARE Dorktales?”
Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-podcast-introduction/
Dorktales Storytime Podcast EP2: Three Little Hogs?!
By Karen Simpson Gardiner
The Three Little…HOGS? Who’s heard of that? According to Mr. Redge, our Dorktales sidekick, it’s a classic tale from the fairy tale cannon! Come hear our storyteller recount the story of hedgehogs Porky, Percy and Peregrin, and their ultimate triumph over the dastardly wolf using a glue pot, rapier and a wheelbarrow. According to Percy, “It’s epic, man!”
Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-three-little-hogs/
Dorktales Storytime Podcast EP3: Little Red
By Karen Simpson Gardiner
La, la, la, la-la! Have you heard the tale of Little Red Riding Hood? You know, the one about the sweet, innocent little girl in the beautiful red cloak who out foxes the big bad wolf? Well forget that one and think ninja granny with a stealthy rescue plan and fierce tranquilizer dart skills.
Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-little-red/
Dorktales Storytime Podcast EP4: RumpleTaleSpin
By Amy Thompson
“Rump, who?” asks Mr. Redge as Jonathan spins the tall tale of Daphne, the Miller’s daughter, who must spin thread into gold for a greedy king. It’s an epic yarn involving a magical lawn gnome, a clever guessing game and a Wizard of Oz ending!
Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-rumpletalespin/
Dorktales Storytime Podcast EP5: Mary Golda Ross
Hidden Heroes of History
By Molly Murphy
The true tale of a woman who reached for the stars! Mary Golda Ross was one of the first women to rise in the ranks of engineering and one of the first Native Americans in the field. Her work in the early days of spaceflight was very important and is still to this day.
Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/mary-golda-ross/
Dorktales Storytime Podcast EP6: The Prickly Duckling
By Amy Thompson
After the quacks and croaks of laughter from his siblings and bullying bullfrog, the poor little duckling waddles off through the marshes to find someone who will accept and love him. What about the gaggle of goslings? Or the brood of chicks? “No one understands me! I’ll never fit in,” he cries until he bumps into the best version of himself.
Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/prickly-duckling/
Dorktales Storytime Podcast EP7: The Emperor’s New Quills
By Amy Thompson
Is the fancy fabric for the emperor’s new clothes really invisible to those who are not worthy? Or is this a case of double-dealing dupery by two wily weavers? As the emperor struts his stylish self through the streets of his kingdom, it will take one forthright boy to blurt out the naked truth.
Episode webpage
https://jonincharacter.com/the-emperors-new-quills/
Dorktales Storytime Podcast EP8: Louis Armstrong
Hidden Heroes of History
By Molly Murphy
A tale of Mississippi river boats, parasol parades and breaking racial barriers! A man that built a music legacy and a legacy beyond music—Louis Armstrong transformed jazz music and became the beloved “Ambassador Satch” who performed all over the world! So much of his life was about a deep passion for music and using it to bring people together.
Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/louis-armstrong/
Coming Soon!
Dorktales Storytime Podcast EP9: The Boy Who Cried HedgewolfDorktales Storytime Podcast EP10: Ready, Set, Slow!Dorktales Storytime Podcast EP11: Tenzing Norgay Hidden Heroes of History
July 27, 2020
Review of Bao Bao Learns Chinese – Book 2, by Peipei Zhou
Great news for all you parents of babies and toddlers out there who want to expose your littles to Chinese at a young age! Peipei Zhou has come out with her second Chinese song book! My reaction to this book is the same as to the first: “OMG, how awesome! I wish this book was around when my son was a baby/toddler!” I know lots of parents who have the first book have been waiting for this second one to come out – it’s here, it’s here!
Let me tell you why this book, like the first, is so amazing – it’s not just a book, it’s a: (1) board book; (2) song book with music and singing; (3) book with some of the most popular Chinese nursery rhymes and translated American nursey rhymes that you all know; (4) interactive toy; and (5) a bilingual book in English, Chinese and Pinyin pronunciation – all rolled into one awesome book! What a wonderful concept!
The author/singer is a mommy who created this book for her baby – she has a beautiful soothing voice and the songs brought me back to my childhood as well as when my son was a baby/toddler. My mom used to sing many of these songs to me when I was little – now I’m feeling nostalgic and am going to call her as soon as I finish this blog post to tell her about this book and to thank her for always singing to me and my siblings while we were growing up! And then, when my son was a baby, I remember rocking him and singing these songs to him while smelling his sweet head (hey, I know you guys did/do this, too!). When he got older, we sang these songs together! Ok, I’m starting to tear up now!
Music is so important for babies and children. It has been shown that listening to music helps children develop the ability to decode auditory data and sharpen their auditory memory – abilities which are fundamental to language comprehension. This book will help your kids learn Chinese without it feeling like a lesson.
The songs in this book are written in English with the Chinese and Pinyin pronunciation next to each phrase. Even if you can’t read Chinese, you can still sing along with the author by reading the Pinyin pronunciation. You will understand what you are singing/reading because the English is right there for you. This is also a fun and easier way to learn how to read the Chinese characters, too. As an added bonus, because this book is so sturdy and the song buttons are easy to push, your little ones can read/play with this book by themselves! Need a break for a few minutes? Give them this book!
I really can’t say enough good things about this book!
If you would like to check out or buy this book, you can find it at:
