Pay It….Sideways?

I’ve been reflecting a lot on the business, books, children, education, etc. etc.  My mind is always mulling over something, and this week I’ve been thinking a lot about gratitude and all of the things for which I am grateful.

Anyway, I kept hearing that phrase “pay it forward” at various points during the past week.  I was curious about its exact meaning, so I looked it up.   It’s the idea that once something good happens to you, you turn around and do something good for someone else.

In the spirit of the holidays, we’re in the process of connecting with a few local shelters to provide books for their children.  We’re looking for a few good shelters, so if you know of any Chicago area shelters, leave us a comment.

I’m excited, because I think that when you have little else, stories offer hope.  We’re not doing it because we’ve had an Amazon type of year, so it was less about paying it forward.  It was more like paying it sideways.  As we grow as a company, we want to bring along kids that may not have the same opportunities as others.  We hope they will be inspired by the books and feel our sincere love and support.

Maybe this year was a tough one for your and your family because of all of the economic upheaval, but how will you pay it sideways this holiday season?

Happy Holdiays!

A Really Good Book for Slightly Older Little Boys

When one of our lovely Facebook friends asked us for book recommendations for her wonderfully smart eight year-old who reads at an advanced level, I was up for the challenge.  My mission–to find really great books for boys in that hard-to-find-books-for age range of 9-12.  Who knew good multicultural “tween” books for boys were so hard to find?

To start, here is a book that will be sure to inspire and educate your older boy.  I should mention that you don’t have to be a boy to enjoy these books.  They’re equally inspiring and educational for girls.

Safe at Home by Sharon Robinson

This book was authored by the daughter of baseball great Jackie Robinson, but the subject matter goes beyond sports.  This boy must adjust to losing his dad and dealing with a move from his home in Connecticut to city life in New York.  We follow him on his path from grief to healing and watch as he regains his hopefulness in unexpected ways.  This book has many layers and themes that will provide opportunities for discussion with your child.  8-11 age range.

While it seems that sports are the order of the day for many books geared towards boys in the 9-12 age range, we’re striving to expand the book list and include more than just sports-related books or those gross-out books.  Over the next few weeks, we’ll be mentioning several historical books, too.  Of course, they often deal with themes of slavery, Civil War, and Jim Crow south, but in a way that younger children can learn from and appreciate.  Stay tuned and Happy Reading!   By the way, know of a great book for this age range?  Let us know.  We love to hear your suggestions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m Grateful For…MUSIC

It’s November already, and I cannot believe how swiftly this year is moving.  The changing seasons and Thanksgiving always give me pause to reflect on the year and everything that I’m thankful to God for.  So, this month, I’m combining great books and gratitude.  I hope you’ll enjoy these posts as they’re my reminder of at least thirty great books and thirty things I am thankful for.

Today, I’m thankful for MUSIC.  My little one loves to dance.  He hears the music and starts to move his fingers like he’s snapping, waves his hands and rocks from side-to-side.  It’s so fun to watch, and I appreciate his confidence and willingness to experience this simple joy in life anywhere he hears a song–at home, in the car, at music class, in the coffee shop–it doesn’t matter.  If he hears it, he feels it and responds with genuine happiness.

I’ve found some really great books all about music and musicians, and today I want to share The Bat Boy and His Violin with you.

The Bat Boy and His Violin

By: Gavin Curtis

Illustrated by E.B. Lewis

This amazing book won the Coretta Scott King Award which honors African American authors and illustrators.

Reginald doesn’t want to be a bat boy.  He wants to play his violin, but much to Reginald’s dismay, his Dad needs a bat boy not a musician.

However, his Dad has a change of heart when Reginald’s music does something unexpected…You’ll have to read this great book to find out the rest.

If you’re an avid children’s book reader, then you know illustrator E.B. Lewis’ work from countless books that reflect images of African-American children.  The watercolor like images in this book will capture your young reader’s interest from the first page.

We’ll share a few more great books filled with music and musicians designed to bring out your child’s inner artist.  Hope you enjoy this one.

Happy Reading!

 

The African Presence in Mexico: Museum Exhibit

If you’re looking for an educational experience for you and your family, then a visit to the DuSable Museum of African-American History may be in order.

I was particularly excited by their new exhibit–the African Presence in Mexico.  The meshing of cultures and experiences through this exhibit promises to be inspiring and educational, but you only have a few more weeks to visit.  The exhibit closes November 14, 2010.

 

While you’re there, in honor of Veteran’s Day, you should also check out Red, White, Blue and Black–a History of Blacks in the Armed Services.

Be sure to let us know if you enjoyed your visit!

 

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!

Charter Schools…A Panacea?

Our wonderful bookstore is passionate about education, reading, and everything related to being the best parents we can be.   Which is why we took notice when a new movie about education was brought to our attention.

The movie "Waiting for Superman" is fueling a bit of debate about our public school system and what should be done to fix it.

According to critics, the movie focuses on the failings of teachers’ unions and the tenure system and sings the praises of charter schools.   Recently, another new charter school opened in Chicago.  The CEO of Chicago Public Schools stated that there should be charter schools in every neighborhood.

But wait…aren’t there schools in every neighborhood already?   What will happen to the existing schools?  Will we cease to put any energies into improving the existing school structure, and completely replace the neighborhood schools with charter schools?  Will these schools be staffed by the same teachers and administrative folks?  Seems like that’s akin to merely shuffling the problem to a new facility.

My own two cents–there are failings on all sides–the school district, the unions, the teachers, the principals, the students, the parents, and the state board of education.  I’m throwing in the kitchen sink, because I think to oversimplify the problem means we’ll ignore the most viable solutions.  Charter schools are great.  Until the system is fixed, they are a band aid for a small minority of students who attend failing schools.

But don’t we owe it to the larger majority of students to make systemic changes that will make a difference in the quality of education they receive?  My friends, I, like many of us, don’t have the solution.

I do know one thing–

As parents, there are things we can do at home to combat the attitude that we find in some of our schools.

So, here’s my plug.  Let’s sit down and read.  No, I don’t think reading is a cure all (wouldn’t it be nice if it was??), but it sure does feel good to enjoy a good book and some quality time with your kiddos.

What are your thoughts on the movie and our education system in general?  We love a healthy, respectful conversation.

Happy Reading!

57th Street Children’s Book Fair Recap

We had a wonderful time at a local children’s bookfair this weekend.  We talked with parents, other vendors, and enjoyed performances by some talented dancers and musicians.   We also met some lesser-known authors and illustrators that we hope to profile in the coming months.

Can we tell you how  very thrilled we were to meet so many parents who cared about what types of books their kids read and the images contained within them?  Super-thrilled, let me tell ya.

I think I mentioned this, but we’re making some changes around here at MCB.com.  We’re in the process inf revamping our site to provide even more useful content and resources for parents as they strive to provide the best for their children.  We know some of your concerns, and we’re here to do our best to provide you the information and tools you need to address them.  Until then, we hope you check out the Resources page on our blog.  We’re adding useful content as quickly as we find it.

Below I’ve highlighted one of the books we sold that we’ve never talked about before.

Regina’s Big Mistake

By Marissa Moss

Regina finds herself in art class and fresh out of ideas.  What’s a girl to do?  She takes a peak at her neighbors’ drawings and becomes inspired.  You know the drill–no spoilers here–you’ll have to read it to find out more.  I will say that this book is perfect for the burgeoning artist in your house.  You can view Regina’s source of inspiration as copying or deriving inspiration from her surroundings.  I prefer the more positive of the two.

Either way, children will enjoy the simple drawings and likely relate to Regina’s art class frustration.

Happy Reading! We hope to see you at the next Expo or Fair.

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!

Summer Fun: Multicultural Arts and Crafts

We’ve just returned from a great visit to South Africa.  There are so many great books that maybe we’ll visit again before the summer is over.  First, let’s enjoy some multicultural arts and crafts.

Here is a great book that is sure to get you and your child’s creative juices flowing.  So, pick a few projects.  Since the weather is nice, maybe even take your craft project outside and enjoy the sun.

Arts & Crafts

Kids’ Multicultural Art Book

By: Alexandra Michaels

Kids will enjoy this book filled with art projects for ages 3-9.  Since we just finished a short trip to South Africa, why not pick a related craft project to share with your little ones.

Children will explore roots, rhythms, and traditions from all corners of the earth while crafting their own projects, from Kachina dolls of the American Southwest to paper beads from Egypt.

We hope you enjoy the book and that you come back to continue on our summer trip around the world.  More great books and fun in store.

Happy Reading!

Books We Love

We’ve decided to pick a new book each Friday (or as often as we possibly can) to celebrate.  What’s our selection criteria?  Well, we’re choosing books by new and established authors that celebrate children of all shades and colors.  If you know of a new author who wants his or her book highlighted, let us know.

Today’s feature book is a favorite of MultiCulti Baby.  It was one of the books that inspired the creation of the bookstore, and it’s just a really great read for kids of all ages.

The Skin You Live In

By: Michael Tyler

Illustrated by David Lee Csicsko

The book is filled with colorful images of children from a variety of races, and the entire theme of the book is celebrating what makes you uniquely you.  We cannot ignore race, no matter how hard we try, so why not teach our kids to celebrate it and accept it as a wonderful part of life.

This book is available in our bookstore, but it often sells out very quickly.  We promise we’ll restock!