Chicago Read-In: A Fun Family Event

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Jil Ross.  She’s the author of The Shenanigans Series, a great set of books with African American protagonists.  Her books cater to a very under-served area of the multicultural children’s book market–the pre-teen group.

So, we’re excited to tell you about an event sponsored by Ms. Ross, Literacy Live, and WVON 1690.  It’s called Chicago Read-In. Here are a few details–

A totally free celebration of words and reading in its many forms

for all age groups

October 9, 201, 12-3 p.m.

DuSable Museum of African American History

If you’re not in the Chicago area don’t worry.  We hope to offer Ms. Ross’ books in our book shop really soon.

If you do attend this event, be sure to send us a comment and let us know whether you had a great experience.

Happy Reading!

Numbers & Counting: A Great Multicultural Children’s Book

Sometimes it’s hard to find fun books dealing with counting, but we’re always looking.  Today, I want to share this wonderful  book that makes numbers fun.

Our definition of multicultural is pretty loose.  We include any and all books that celebrate children from a variety of races, and this book fits the bill.

Apple Countdown

By: Joan Holub, Illustrated by: Jan Smith

The kids are headed to an apple farm for a field trip, and there so many things to count along the way–the number of kids getting on the bus, miles til they arrive, and the things they might see at the orchard.

The simple, rhyming text and the school filled with children from a variety of races makes this book especially delightful.

Although this book is probably more appropriate for school age children to read independently, I find that it’s great for reading aloud to younger kids and helping them start learning to identify colors, numbers, and farm animal noises.

So, if you’re looking for a book that will help your little one with numbers and counting, this is a great addition to your child’s library.   The added bonus?  They’re learning, but it doesn’t really feel like learning.

Happy Reading!

Wonderful Children’s Book…Goes Great with Oatmeal.

I love, love, love when I come across a new book by an author that I have never heard of before.  I am sure she’s not a new author,  but her name is Selma Mandine.  She is an author and illustrator born and raised in Hong Kong, and she currently resides in France where she works full-time as a children’s book illustrator.  I don’t know her personally.  The bio info is taken from her website petiteselma.com.

Anyway, I thought this would be the perfect book to start our Breakfast Book Time series.

Breakfast Book Time…What’s that?  Thanks for asking.

Let me explain.  I have a pretty crazy & unpredictable work schedule but thankfully little or no commute.  As a result, I usually find myself working early mornings before the toddler gets up, during naps and then later in the evening when he’s asleep.

I actually love the flexibility and the opportunities it provides for me to be available during the day for play, reading, and the like.

Well, I started a new tradition with him that I like to call Breakfast Book Time.

I don’t know about your little one, but for some reason once he’s unrestrained (i.e. not in his crib or high chair), I have the hardest time getting him to sit still to do anything, let alone listen to an entire book.

But, at breakfast I have his undivided attention.  He’s so mellow as he sits there and enjoys his first meal of the day.  So, I sneak in a little learning over oatmeal.  It’s kind of like when adults used to read the paper while eating breakfast.   It’s going great so far.

Today’s book was Kiss Kiss by Selma Mandine.

It’s a fairly short book but perfect for reading aloud to preschoolers and for slightly older kids to read to themselves.

The little teddy bear in the book asks the baby to tell him about kisses.  The baby in the book begins to describe all the kisses he receives from various family members, pets, and the like.  Some are wet.  Some are sweet.  No matter the type, he loves them all.

The language is simple.  The illustrations are beautiful—a whimsical quality–and the book moves along at a pace that is sure to keep a little one engaged at least for as long as it takes to eat a handful of apple slices.

We hope you enjoy!  You can purchase this book in our store for 15% off through the end of September.

Happy Reading!

Failing Schools..What’s A Parent To Do?

Normally I spend my few hundred words or so talking about a great book, a reading club we’ve created, or something happy and joyful related to an awesome multicultural book.

In the past few weeks, I have noticed more and more articles about students in trouble and troubled schools.

I recently read an article in the Chicago Tribune about the percentages of schools in the Chicago area that received a failing grade.  If you read the article, you’ll notice lots of quibbling over how the grading was performed and various theories for the motivation behind it, but that’s not my concern at the moment.

I was struck most by what something like this would mean for the children at those schools.  Twenty-five percent of elementary schools in Chicago received a failing grade.  What’s going on in those classrooms?  What’s going on at home?

Are we hiring capable, qualified teachers?  Are we setting the standards high enough?  Are we doing enough at home?  All questions, mind you, to which I do not have the answer.

I’ve never been one to blame any group–educators, parents, media, or government–entirely.  But, I do wonder how the shortcomings in all areas have created a colossal mess for our kids.

It goes without saying that I am not an education expert.  I admire men and women with the tenacity, patience, and courage to teach our kids.   I am a parent in the Chicago area.  So, this definitely worries me, and I hope it worries most parents who are or are considering sending their kid(s) to public school.  I’m sure similar stories can be told in urban areas across the country.

In Illinois we’re slashing education funding, but schools are still failing?!  I’m miffed, and I keep wondering what will it take to change this dire situation.

I have no stats to back this up at the moment (although I am certain they exist–I did some education related litigation work in a not too distant past), but a quality education touches on every facet of life–involvement in the criminal justice system, access to quality jobs or opportunities to start one’s own business, etc. etc. etc.

Like I said, I don’t have any solutions yet.  But,  I do think dialogue is important and a necessary precursor to action.  Our kids shouldn’t keep suffering at the hands of a misfiring education system.  With each passing week and month, this issue becomes nearer and dearer to my heart, because I will have a little one to send off to school.

On a side note, I’m reading a book recommendation entitled “Morning by Morning: How We Home Schooled Our African-American Sons to the Ivy League” by Paula Penn-Nabrit.   Now I should mention two things–I currently have no plans to home school, but I think that all parents are home-schoolers whether their kids go to a school outside of the home.  The second thing–don’t be discouraged from reading this if your kids happen to not be boys or African-American.  I think many of the principles and insights are applicable across race and gender.  Have you read it?  If so, give me your thoughts.  I would love to hear them.

I wish I could offer it for sale today in the bookstore, but our distributor no longer carries it.  Don’t worry, I’m looking around.  Hopefully, by the time I finish reading it and doing a book review (don’t time me), I will be able to offer it as a resource for parents.

Happy Friday and Happy Reading!

September is Literacy Month

Literacy Month,  for book nerds like us, is like having our own little Christmas in September.  So, that’s exactly what we plan to do–celebrate words, reading, and the power of families reading together.

Did you know that, according to readfaster.com, the website for The Literacy Company, 44 million adults reportedly cannot read well enough to read a simple children’s story and nearly half of American adults are functionally illiterate?

I’m not a literacy researcher, so I cannot verify the accuracy of these statistics, but if they are true, then it is really disheartening.  However, we’re a bookstore for kids, so I’m optimistic that with great books and a commitment by parents and caregivers to make reading a number 1 priority, we can all do a little to turn a grim situation into a better one.

If those stats don’t make you nervous, the same site reports that

60% of America’s prison inmates are illiterate and 85% of all juvenile offenders have reading problems.

A little disclaimer.  Readfaster.com is a commercial site that sells reading products.  I didn’t review the products they sell nor am I endorsing them.

You see, I’m not a literacy specialist or a reading teacher.  I’m just (not just, but you know what I mean) a mom, avid reader, and someone who cares about kids and providing great books for kids.

Plus, I know from my own childhood that reading can be fun, and celebrating reading all month long is going to be so much fun!

All month, we’re combing the web and every resource we can get our hands on to provide tips on how to read with your kids and ways to engage your kids in the learning process.

Of course, when your little multiculti cutie gets accepted into every Ivy League school to which she applies, you can write us and let us know

So, check back frequently this month for tips, ideas, and advice from reading specialists.  We know you’ll be happy you did.

Summer Reading Finale: Australia

Summer is almost over, and some kids are already back to school.  We’re enjoying our last book on our summer reading tour of the world.  Let’s recap.  We visited South Africa during the World Cup.  We toured Korea and also learned about the challenges first generation Korean American children face in the U.S.   We stopped in our own backyard and read a really great book all about a boy, his imagination, and a day at the beach.  Now we find ourselves on the last leg of our tour, and we’re headed to Australia.

Our book for this stop is “Possum and Wattle: My Big Book of Australian Words” by Bronwyn Bancroft.

This book is perfect for younger kids to read with their parents or for slightly older kids (5-6) to read independently.  The illustrations are so beautiful and vibrant that it’s hard not to enjoy turning the pages of this oversized book.

If you’re looking for a book with in depth history of Australia, then this is definitely not the book for you.  But if you’re merely looking for a book with wonderfully colorful pictures that will make learning the alphabet fun for your little one, then this book gets high marks.

If you like the book, let us know what you think.  Thanks for sharing in our summer reading.  We hope you’ve enjoyed each and every book as much as we have.  Don’t worry, we’ll still be reading many great books throughout the fall and winter.   If you have some great multicultural book suggestions, don’t hesitate to let us know.

Happy Reading!

Princesses Galore

As a kid, I loved Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and just about any story with a princess.

There was always a small problem, though.  None of the princesses in the books had brown skin.  I know Jasmine came along eventually, but I was somewhat older by then.  Princess Tiana made her long overdue debut last year and became the first African American Disney princess.  While I’m definitely happy about new princesses, I found a few classic books retold with princesses of color that might make you smile and make your little princess feel valued, too.

The Princess and the Pea

By: Rachel Isadora

Illustrated by: Rachel Isadora

I love this classic folktale/fairytale, and I love it even more since it’s set in Africa.

This beautiful story is a retelling of an age old Hans Christian Andersen fairytale where a girl proves she is a real princess by feeling a pea through twenty mattresses.

Rapunzel

By: Rachel Isadora

Illustrated by: Rachel Isadora

You know the story.  Rapunzel is trapped and has to let down her hair so her prince can come to her rescue.  Well, this one is slightly different.  Rapunzel’s skin has been kissed by the sun, and her hair is not golden but wonderfully thick and braided.  I know your little princess will enjoy reading this story.

The Twelve Dancing Princesses

By Rachel Isadora

Illustrated by: Rachel Isadora

The story hasn’t changed, but its location has.  This classic folktale/fairytale is set in Africa.  The princesses secretly meet up every night to dance until one day their secret is discovered.  You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens next.
I also found a great modern princess story, but it’s due out in early 2011; so we’ll revisit that one then.

Know of any great princess stories?  Feel free to share.

Happy Reading!

Books at the Beach

A Beach Tail

By: Karen Lynn Williams

Illustrated By: Floyd Cooper

We’ve been traveling the world by book for a few weeks now, so I’m sure we could all use a rest.  I figured we could read an enjoyable book about a boy and his time at the beach.   It’s all about the joys of childhood, imagination, and family.  Since it’s set at the beach, what better book for a summer reading club?

This book was illustrated by Floyd Cooper.  He’s a noted author and illustrator of books with African American children as the main characters.  I especially like this book, because the main character is an African American boy, and he’s spending time with his daddy outdoors.

I hope you enjoy this book.  We’re always looking for great authors and illustrators of color, especially new authors and illustrators.  Know of any good ones?  Let us know.

Happy Reading!

Summer Reading: From S. Africa to Korea

Getting a glimpse of life in South Africa through books was great, but now it’s time to explore a completely different continent—Asia.

Our next stop is South Korea.  It’s about 7,753 miles from Johannesburg to Seoul, South Korea, but for us it’s just a matter of opening another good book.

Here are a few of our favorites for giving us a glimpse into Korea, both in Korea and by Korean Americans.

Korean Children’s Favorite Stories

By: Kim So-Un and Jeong Kyoung-Sim

This book includes 13 Korean folktales perfect for kids ages 9-12 to read on their own but equally perfect for read aloud time with younger kids.  We love books of folktales, because they have a way of bridging the past and present in a wonderful way.  This book is no different.  It’s a traditional set of Korean folktales beautifully illustrated in watercolor like drawings.  Kids will be able to enjoy the stories and identify familiar objects as well.

Bee-bim Bop

By: Linda Sue Park

Illustrated by Ho Baek Lee

Hungry for a little bit of Korean culture? Well, this book for preschoolers will do that in a fun way. In this rhyming text, a little girl makes a traditional Korean dish with her Mom.  Kids will enjoy the cartoon-like drawings, chant the rhyming refrain “Bee-Bim Bop,” learn a little about some foods enjoyed in Korea, and maybe even help their mom or dad make a similar dish.  The author includes a recipe at the back.

K is for Korea

By: Hyechong Cheung

Illustrated by: Prodeepta Das

This traditional photograph filled book introduces kids to many different aspects of Korean culture through colorful pictures and the alphabet.  The simple text makes it easy for younger kids to follow while still teaching them about Korea along the way.

The Name Jar

By: Yangsook Choi

Yuhei, a young girl, is teased by the kids for her Korean name.   She decides she needs an American name, and her classmates attempt to help her find one by putting suggestions in a jar—The Name Jar.  This book attempts to tackle a very weighty topic in a few short pages by trying to deal with the feelings of difference that a child feels when becoming a part of American culture.  Will Yuhei decide to change her name, or will she embrace its beauty and in essence her Korean heritage?  Well, you’ll have to read to find out.

My Name is Yoon

By: Helen Recorvits

Illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska

This picture book, winner of the Ezra Jack Keats Illustrator Award, tries to capture a child’s difficult adjustment to life in the United States.  Can Yoon retain her Korean identity now that she is in the U.S.?  How can she embrace her new surroundings without feeling that she has to abandon her Korean traditions?  This book, so beautifully illustrated, follows Yoon on this journey to find a comfortable fit between what she knows and the new life she’s experiencing in America.

A Great 4th of July Book

Hi There.

The 4th of July is in a few days, so I thought it would be a great opportunity to make our Friday Feature a book that weaves together the themes of the 4th and cultural identity.

Apple Pie Fourth of July by Janet Wong

Illustrated by Margaret Chodos-Irvine

The main character in this book is a first generation Chinese American girl.  As the Fourth of July festivities get underway, she worries that no one will want the Chinese dishes her parents are cooking in their restaurant.  I won’t tell you the outcome, but this book is a great story for young kids  about fitting in and trying to understand cultural differences and similarities.

Interested in learning more about the Author?

Here’s what I could gather.  Janet Wong is a former practicing attorney and mom who decided to make a drastic career change and pursue a career writing children’s books and poetry.  Since that time she has won many awards, been featured in Oprah magazine, and written many wonderful books for kids to enjoy.

I hope you enjoy this book!  Happy Reading!