I am honored to participate in the 10th anniversay of an event that I have been involved in since its inception. Here’s to all the readers of the world, big and small, young and old, from all corners of the globe.
DREAMS SHARED IN A BOTTLE
Arletis, Abuelo, and the Message in a Bottle
Written by Lea Aschkenas
Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu
A beautifully written and illustrated children’s book with an inspiring message. Arletis lives on a tiny street in a Cuban village. When she gazes at her location on a map in school, she dreams of the world that stretches beyond her small world. While Arletis is content living with her parents, sister, and grandmother, a tiny voice inside wants to know what lies beyond it.
One day, her parents take her to the seashore. Arletis finds a bottle washed ashore that contains a message in a foreign language. She writes back in her native language and hopes for a response. Thousands of miles away, an elderly tugboat captain answers her message. The rest of the tale is magical. Maybe dreams in a bottle come true.
The author is masterful in creating beautiful language phrases to convey her message. For example, “In summer, the heat got so heavy and thick it rolled down the street in dizzying waves…” Images portray the spirit and emotions of the characters. They literally jump off the pages drawing in the eyes of the reader. Bonus features include a Cuban recipe, glossary of unfamiliar words, and a list of resources to continue learning more. The book will be available in Spanish and English editions. Based on a true story, this multicultural tale will delight children and adults of all ages.
Don’t miss this release in April 2023.
THANK YOU to our wonderful MCBD participants and supporters including Co-Hosts, Medallion and Author Levels Sponsors, book reviewers, book donators, and readers!
Kids on Earth: A Children’s Documentary Series Exploring Global Cultures & the Natural World: Costa Rica
Written by Sensei Paul David
My title does not necessarily imply criticism. This book contains a wealth of information. Readers learn about the climate, customs, language, culture, topography, economy, and recreational pursuits available in Costa Rica. A brother and sister, Joaquin and Yocsary, narrate a soup-to-nuts tour of what a visitor might find while in this intriguing land.
Each page includes a colorful illustration and a box of more fun facts after the explanation. My only criticism is that the storyline could be tightened up to read more smoothly. It feels a bit choppy because the information switches topics rapidly. On the other hand, almost any type of question that a reader might have is answered.
I recommend the series to children who love learning about new cultures, travel, and adventure. Recommended for elementary and middle-school students
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MCBD 2021 is Honored to be Supported by these Media Partners!
Check out MCBD’s Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board!
MCBD 2021 Twitter Party Questions and PRIZES!
Join us on Friday, Jan 29, 2021, at 9 pm EST for the 8th annual Multicultural Children’s Book Day Twitter Party! REGISTER HERE.
This hour includes multicultural book discussions, addressing timely issues, diverse book recommendations, & reading ideas.
*** US and Global participants welcome. **
The Multicultural Children’s Book Day Twitter Party 2021 will be giving away a 5-8 diverse book bundle every five minutes!
We also have some bonus prizes and prizes specifically for our non-USA participants. Scroll down to see all of the amazing book bundles and prizes.
Hashtag: Don’t forget to connect with us on social media and be sure and look for/use our official hashtag #ReadYourWorld.
This year, our 1/29/21 Party will occur at 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET and we promise it will be INSANELY fun and fast-paced! Be sure and follow Multicultural Children’s Book Day on Twitterso you can join the party. Follow the hashtag #ReadYourWorld to join the conversation, connect with like-minded parts, authors, publishers, educators, organizations, and librarians.
GO HERE to view the 2021 MCBD TWITTER PARTY Questions!
GO HERE to view the 2021 MCBD TWITTER PARTY Prizes!
Not sure how to participate in a Twitter Party? Check out this great article from MCBD’s Project Manager HERE.
I am proud to be a participating author reviewer for the eighth year since the inauguration of Multicultural Children’s Book Day.
Here is my review for MCBD 2021:
FINDING HER WAY
Farah Rocks: New Beginnings
Written by Susan Muaddi Darraj
Illustrated by Ruaida Mannaa
This is the second book in the Farah Rocks series. Farah’s last name roughly translates to rocks in English and that is why she refers to herself as Farah Rocks. For those who are unfamiliar with this middle-grade book series, Farah is a gifted student from an Orthodox Christian Arab family. This year she is scheduled to begin attending a middle school called Magnet Academy. While she is apprehensive, her best friend, Allie has also been selected.
Right before school opens, a tragedy occurs. A fire destroys most of their home. When Farah discovers it might have been her fault, she keeps silent. Like a “rock in her stomach,” her feelings of guilt and remorse never leave her. Will she be able to come to terms with her guilt and stop lying to her parents?
Farah is a strong female character who is not afraid of trying new things, like setting up a creative writing club, even though the school is strongly math and science based. She is tender and loving toward her younger brother, Samir, who is speech impaired. The author deftly describes Arab culture and includes a glossary to explain Arabic vocabulary as well as some advanced English concepts.
Readers receive a bonus. The author shares seven writing prompts that will nurture the talents of budding poets, writers, and journalists. There are a few nicely done black and white illustrations. Length of the book is less than one hundred and fifty pages making it a good choice for reluctant readers as well. I would highly recommend this multicultural book to be used as a read aloud and discussion text about cultural diversity.
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Mina’s Ups and Downs (Written in Traditional Chinese, English and Pinyini)
Written by Katrina Liu
Illustrated by Rosalia Destarisa
This bilingual picture book written in Chinese and English walks the reader through Mina’s first visit to a carnival. She is so excited. As Mina experiences the rides, the petting zoo, and the sights and smells of the carnival, she displays a range of feelings
Mina feels happy when she flies up in the air but disappointed when she is too short for the roller coaster. She finds it difficult to choose from so many foods She feels angry when the goats cause her to drop her ice cream and sad when she first loses a carnival game. Young readers get the message that it’s okay to experience a range of emotions and that all works out for the best in the end.
This book is an excellent choice for toddlers and preschoolers. My only criticism would be that the font for English is rather small and a bit difficult to read as the Chinese characters draw the eye to it.
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I’m delighted to participate once again. It’s been my pleasure and honor to review a book for this event since its inception seven years ago. This year I would like to present a beautiful picture book.
FAMILY VS. FRIENDS
SUMO JOE
Written by Mia Wenjen
Illustrated by Nat Iwata
What a fun and informative rhyming picture book! Sumo Joe, the protagonist, faces two dilemmas. He loves and fiercely protects his little sister, Aikido Jo. Sumo Jo also wants to practice sumo with his friends. When Jo decides that she wants to enter the sacred ring prohibited to females, he faces conflict. Should he allow his sister to step inside and compete?
The illustrations are charming and the text simple and fun to read for young children. This book becomes more than a picture book because it teaches readers about Japanese culture including the ancient rituals of sumo wrestling and aikido. The characters are diverse and empathetic.
I particularly enjoyed how the author explained the moves and the vocabulary associated with martial arts and ancient rituals. Readers may be able to imitate the basic moves, if interested in learning more. The book is a good choice to enhance a multicultural classroom library or home school unit on Asian culture.
I was gifted a copy of this book from the author to read and review in preparation for Multicultural Children’s Book Day.
Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2020 (1/31/20) is in its 7th 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.
Seven 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.
MCBD 2020 is honored to have the following Medallion Sponsors on board
We’d like to also give a shout-out to MCBD’s impressive CoHost Team who not only hosts the book review link-up on celebration day, but who also works tirelessly to spread the word of this event. View our CoHosts HERE.
I am starting a new feature on my blog. Rather than simply reading and reviewing family-friendly books for my audience, I will be taking a peek behind the scenes at the writer. After all, we all want to know the mysterious person behind the curtain. So without delay, let me introduce you to the talented Eugenia Chu, who has a brand new release tomorrow, September 3.
About the Author:
Eugenia Chu is an attorney,
turned stay-at-home mom, turned writer. She lives on a magical beach in
Miami with her husband and son, Brandon, who is the inspiration for her
stories. She enjoys reading, writing, traveling, yoga and drinking too
much coffee. She has
been a presenter at numerous schools, libraries and book festivals.
When Brandon was very little,
the author couldn’t find children’s storybooks to read to him which touched
upon Chinese culture and which included some Chinese (Mandarin) words to teach
and/or reinforce his Chinese vocabulary, so she started writing her own. Brandon
Goes to Beijing (北京)is her second “Brandon” story and first
children’s chapter book.
Brandon
Goes to Beijing (北京), a brand new chapter book by
author, Eugenia Chu, launches on TUESDAY,
SEPTEMBER 3, 2019!As a special bonus, the Kindle Ebook version will be
FREE on Amazon that day, too!!!
Please download this adorable book and if you like it, please leave a review to
thank the author and her illustrator, Eliza Hsu Chen, for all their hard work!
In this story, Brandon and his cousins are on a
trip to visit their grandparents in Beijing, China! While bonding with family,
practicing Chinese, touring historic sites and feasting on local dishes,
Brandon thinks he sees a tiny panda. However, every time he gets close, the
panda disappears! Is Brandon imagining this small creature, or is it real? Will
Brandon find out before he has to fly back home?
Brandon Goes to Beijing (北京) is a multicultural, multigenerational chapter book. This book
includes some Mandarin Chinese (Simplified) with Pinyin pronunciation, adding
layers for those learning or interested in the Chinese language and culture. Brandon
Goes to Beijing (北京)
follows Eugenia’s
debut picture book, Brandon Makes Jiǎo Zi
(餃子)(a story about a boy and his grandma
who bond while making Chinese dumplings, called jiǎo zi (餃子).
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What a charming read-aloud picture book for preschoolers and kindergarten children! The author recreates a special day in the life of a three-year-old which reveals how important it is for parents and extended family to create a loving environment for young children. This book is bilingual and can be used as an aid for learning English and Spanish.
How many times have you heard a young child say, “do it again?” In this story, Amy is a three-year-old who visits her Auntie Ann and Uncle Dale. They bring her on a car ride to a football game where her cousin Mike is playing in the band. The family laugh and plays all day. Uncle Dale throws Amy up in the air and makes her giggle when he speaks like Donald Duck. By the time Auntie Ann tucks Amy into bed, she is exhausted but reassured by the nurturing of her family members.
This book contains fantastic illustrations and simple dialogue that will resonate with young children. Perfect choice for a bedtime story, shared sibling read or read aloud book in the classroom. Highly recommended.
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January 25, 2023
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Barbara Ann Mojica's BLOG 
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