Amazing Places

"Just think, when Mother was my age, 

she could build a fire with sparks from rocks, catch a bunch of grasshoppers..."

- from Campfire by Janet S. Wong

Tomorrow is Multicultural Children's Book Day and I am reviewing Amazing Places in honor of the day, as it is a great picture book from multicultural publishers Lee and Low that features diverse landmarks and entertainment hubs of the United States through poems and vivid illustrations.

The book is beautiful and educational cover to cover, with a front inside book panel featuring an illustrated United States map, reminiscent of map puzzles, indicating what states and landmarks are featured in the book. States features included Philadelphia, Alaska, Texas, Wisconsin and many more.

My favorites featured in the book are the following:

• "Campfire" - a poem that tells the story about Denali National Park in Alaska
• "Langston" - a poem about Watkins Museum of History in Kansas and the great African-American poet Langston Hughes
• "125" - Tells the story of the vibrant Harlem, NY neighborhood
• Moccasins" - Tells about the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

These and more poems tell all about some of the best attractions, both cultural favorites and entertainment venues such as Fenway Park, the Liberty Bell, the Grand Canyon, and Niagara Falls. While I love the originality of the poems, some of them may be a little advanced for children under twelve and I recommend and adult or older sibling read the book with young children, as young ones may find some of the poetry difficult to comprehend. Fortunately, there is summaries provided in the back of the book, with descriptions of each monument and landmark highlighted, as well as a "Sources" page which provides a bibliography.

If you or your child is a fan of travel, this is the book for you! Check it out today!

About BookBuzz4kids.com

BookBuzz4Kids.com reviews books that celebrate culture and educate young children ages 1-10. Our mission is to celebrate children’s books that promote diversity so that parents of all cultural, diverse and religious backgrounds, including those with disabilities have a source where they can find children's books that represent their children. BookBuzz4Kids.com also aims to support independent self-published authors who write educational and culturally diverse books.

About Multicultural Children’s Book Day

Our Mission: The MCCBD team’s mission to spread the word and raise awareness about the importance of diversity in children’s literature. Our young readers need to see themselves within the pages of a book and experience other cultures, languages, traditions and religions within the pages of a book. We encourage readers, parents, teachers, caregivers and librarians to follow along the fun book reviews, author visits, event details, a multicultural children’s book linky and via our hashtag #ReadYourWorld on Twitter and other social media.

Co-creators: Mia Wenjen, Pragmatic Mom and Valarie Budayr, Jump Into a Book/Audrey Press. 

Sponsors: 

Multicultural Children’s Book day 2016 Medallion Level Sponsors! #ReadYourWorld

Platinum: Wisdom Tales Press * StoryQuest Books*Lil Libros

Gold: Author Tori Nighthawk*Candlewick Press

Silver: Lee and Low Books*Chronicle Books*Capstone Young Readers

Bronze: Pomelo Books* Author Jacqueline Woodson*Papa Lemon Books* Goosebottom Books*Author Gleeson Rebello*ShoutMouse Press*Author Mahvash Shahegh* China Institute.org*

CoHosts:

All Done Monkey
Crafty Moms Share
Educators Spin on it
Growing Book by Book
Imagination Soup
I’m Not the Nanny
InCultural Parent
Kid World Citizen
Mama Smiles

Multicultural Kid Blogs
Spanish Playground

The Bookworm

Meet Sesha. He's different, He doesn't speak much and he doesn't play with other kids, which is odd, because Sesha is 10 years old. Fortunately Sesha finds comfort in books, and becomes more than just another bullied kid in The Bookworm.

Each Thursday, Sesha picks out a new library book and buries himself in it during recess. Other kids think this is strange, and make up a not-so-nice song about him. But it doesn't bother Sesha, and he continues reading. One day, Sesha gets picked on by two school bullies, and the brown notebook he carries around with him lands in a puddle of muddy rainwater. Sesha, understandably upset, breaks his silence and manages to stutter out the word "bullies!" in response to the bullies' actions.

Unfortunately, Sesha is taunted even more after his encounter with the bullies. That is, until one day when his classroom teacher asks him to answer a question about tigers by writing his answer on the chalkboard. What happens next so impresses his fellow students, that Sesha no longer is the boy who is bullied, rather he becomes the student that others follow to the library every Thursday morning!

The Bookworm is a wonderful book that teaches children two valuable lessons:

1. Having a disability or being different doesn't mean that you're any less of a person, and 
2. When you stay true to yourself, others will eventually see you shine. 

The Bookworm

Written by: Lavanya N.A.

Illustrated by: Shilo Shiv Suleman

LITTLE HOUSES: A Counting Book

Do you love seeing a child learning to count for the first time? If so, you will love Little Houses: A Counting Book,a wonderful new picture book from Laurence King Publishing. It is full of educational lessons that not only teach children to learn to count, but also helps to teach children about colors, hand-eye coordination skills, and memory skills .

What makes Little Houses: A Counting Book a unique picture book is its introduction of the different types of houses that are from various countries around the world, including Sweden, South Africa and Japan. The book's extra large size is an extra bonus. Another unique feature of Little Houses is the photographs of construction paper houses that stand in for traditional illustrations that you normally see in children's picture books. This really makes the book that more special.

Little Houses is great for both parents and teachers to share with children. For parents, it's a great book to bond with a child, as it is interactive, and reads like playing a memory game, or "find the hidden picture" if you will. For educators, it's a great book for teaching how to count from 1 to 10, but it also educates the reader about different cultures, giving a fun lesson in geography as well as one in math. If you are looking for a fun, unique, educational children's book, Little Houses: A Counting Book is a must-read, especially for children ages 2 to 6 years old, as well as children with special needs who may learn to count in later years. A truly brilliant book, and one that makes a wonderful gift for this holiday season!

Little Houses: A Counting Book

By Helen Musselwhite

GOLDEN DOMES AND SILVER LANTERNS: A Muslim Book of Colors

Orange is the color of my henna designs, they cover my hands in leafy vines.

Silver is a fanoos, a twinkling light, a shiny lantern that glows at night.

There is much religious turmoil going on in our world right now. As a devout Christian, I always hope that those who do not share my religion will still respect it. In turn, I make an effort to respect religions that are different from my own. For that reason, this week I am reviewing the educational picture book Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns. It is my hope and belief that if we teach children at a young age the beauty of other religions, then they will grow up with a love of their religion, as well as tolerance for others.

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns is a beautifully written children's book. It is a  positive introduction to some of the cultural practices of the Muslim religion featuring breathtakingly beautiful illustrations, and rhyming prose that educates young children about different colors. Some of the cultural practices highlighted in the book are of women wearing a hijab (scarf) and henna (tattoo-like artwork), and the hanging of a fanoos (lantern) during Ramadan. At the end of the book is a glossary of the terms used in the book that explains what each word means and why it is important in the Muslim culture.

It is not always easy to embrace customs that are different from ours, but if we are to use the golden rule - to treat (respect) the beliefs and customs of others, the way that we in turn would like to be treated - then embracing different cultures, and educating our children about them is something we must make an effort to do. For this reason, I strongly recommend reading Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns to children who are both Muslim and non-Muslim.

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns is a beautifully written and illustrated picture book that is a great educational tool for teaching young children colors as well as well as introducing children to Muslim traditions. If it is your hope to educate and/or raise a tolerant and educated child who respects those different from him or her, this is a wonderful book to read to a child of any religion, and a great way to introduce a child to the concept of peace and tolerance.

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors

Written by: Hena Khan

Illustrated by: Mehrdokht Amini

About BookBuzz4Kids.com

BookBuzz4Kids.com reviews books that celebrate culture and educate young children ages 1-10. Our mission is to celebrate children’s books that promote diversity so that parents of all cultural, diverse and religious backgrounds, including those with disabilities have a source where they can find children's books that represent their children. BookBuzz4Kids.com also aims to support independent self-published authors who write educational and culturally diverse books.

We are the Many: A Picture Book of American Indians

It's Native American Heritage Month and in honor of the many contributions of that countless Naitve Americans have made, I am reviewing We Are the Many: A Picture Book of American Indians.

Have you have heard of Sacajawea, the woman who is now on the gold one-dollar coin? Perhaps you know or have heard of Wilma Mankiller, the first female Native American Chief of the Cherokee nation. But I bet you haven't heard of the first Osage Native American ballerina Maria Tallchief or the Dakota artist Shumka-Ishnala aka "Lone Dog," or how about the 420 code talkers, Navajo Native American soldiers who helped defeat the Japanese in World War II. These and more notable Native Americans are highlighted in We Are the Many: A Picture Book of American Indians.

One of my favorite people featured in the book are Tisquantum aka Squanto, one of the Native Americans who helped the Pilgrims survive a sickness that was killing off hoards of people. He taught the Pilgrims how to plant corn with fish, and how to catch fish with tall, thick grass that was weaved into fishing nets. The pilgrims thanked Tisquantum by inviting him and other Native Americans to a feast, now known as Thanksgiving.

We Are the Many: A Picture Book of American Indians is a wonderful historical picture book that every child should read, as many of these figures - if not all, are rarely depicted in U.S. history books. The book also provides a small pronunciation guide at the end to help readers practice the correct pronunciation of Native American names. It also provides a reading list for young readers so that children can continue their learning about Native Americans.

The best part of the book is that it doesn't just state facts, it tells a  personal story about each person profiled. It tells of how Susan La Flesche Picotte, a doctor from the Omaha nation struggled by horseback in a snowstorm to reach a child with pneumonia. These and more personal stories are told in the book. Others profiled in We Are the Many: A Picture Book of American Indians are Olympian Jim Thorpe, writer Sherman Alexie, and the Conley sisters of the Wyandot nation - lawyers who helped to keep a Wyandot cemetery in Wyandot control. If you value the contributions made by Native Americans, this book is a must read for the children in your life.

We Are the Many: A Picture Book of American Indians

Written by Doreen Rappaport

Illustrated by: Cornelius Van Wright & Ying-Hwa Hu

When I Am the Leader

"When I am a representative,

I will be a member of the House of Representatives within the United States Congress

I will more or less fulfill the people's interests and objectives."

Do you ever have a difficult time trying to explain politics to kids? What about the election process? If so, When I am the Leader is a great book to start the conversation. Not only does it describe the roles of elected officials, it also highlights occupations in education that children are familiar with. For  kids who already have aspirations of what they want to be when they grow up, When I am the Leader is a great readr. It describes more than 20 occupations, many of which are determined through elections. The book explains what it means to be a senator, school principal, police officer, mayor and many other professions.

The rhyming prose makes the book easy to read, and makes up for the lack of color in the illustrations. The back of the book features a substantial notes section, which is helpful for classroom lessons. This book is effective in teaching children what it means to be a leader, because it focuses on the duties of each occupation, not on how much  money is made, which can be why many children do or don't want to go into a specific profession.

If you know a child who demonstrates leadership abilities and/or qualities When I am the Leader is a great way to instill future ambitions in them. When I am the Leader is written by Fannie T. Brown and is available at BarnesandNoble.com. Or if you live in, or plan to visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, you can find the book at the Grand Strand Cultural Arts Foundation, which is located at 1208 Hemingway Street in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Malala Yousafzai: Warrior with Words

"We will bring change through our voice."

"Our words can change the world"

- Malala Yousafzai



Today is the anniversary of Malala Yousafzai being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize one year ago today. In honor of Malala and her achievement, I am reviewing Malala Yousafzai: Warrior with Words- a picture book about how Malala became an internationally known advocate for education.

Malala was born in Mingora on the River Swat in northern Pakistan. Her father, a school principal, named her after a Maiwand woman who helped save her village from invaders over 100 years ago.

When the Taliban took control of Malala's village, they forbade girls to go to school. Malala continued to go to school anyway, and shea began writing a blog about why everyone should have the right to an education. The blog was published in Urdu, but also in English by BBC.

In 2011, Malala was recognized for her writing, and received Pakistan's first National Youth Award for Peace. This angered the Taliban, and in 2012, Malala and two of her friends were ambushed and shot while riding in a school bus. Thankfully, everyone survived, and on her 16th birthday, Malala spoke at the United Nations urging every nation to help make it possible for every child to go to school for free.

Malala Yousafzai: Warrior with Words is a wonderful book that celebrates courage, and is an example of how one person can make a difference. Malala Yousafzai is now world-known as an advocate for education. Learn more about Malala and the work she is doing at www.malala.org

Malala Yousafzai: Warrior with Words

Written by: Karen Leggett Abouraya

Illustrated by: L. C. Wheatley

My Name is Celia/Me llamo Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz/la vida de Celia Cruz

 

Do you love salsa music? I love it, and in celebration of Hispanic American Heritage Month, I am reviewing the bilingual picture book My Name is Celia/Me llamo Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz/la vida de Celia Cruz.Celia Cruz was a salsa music legend, who is known as the Queen of Salsa, and rightly so. Had she not brought her beautiful music to the United States, salsa music would not be what it is today in the U.S.

 

Celia Cruz was born in Cuba, and she grew up around beautiful music and colorful clothing, both of which influenced her singing. She came from humble beginnings; her father was a railroad worker- but their lives were filled with music that brought them much joy, despite being poor.

 

Celia was gifted at a young age and would sing songs with both African and Cuban rhythms to her family as well as neighbors. She did well in school and was encouraged by her teacher to "go into the world and sing." Celia began singing in competitions with her cousin, but some would not let her sing because of her dark skin - but that didn't discourage her! She left Cuba during the revolution, and moved to the U.S., where she became a U.S. citizen. Celia brought salsa music to America that blended rock, rumba, mambo and jazz music. Celia Cruz was so successful as a singer in America that she was honored by presidents, and became known as the Queen of Salsa.

 

My Name is Celia/Me llamo Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz/la vida de Celia Cruz is a wonderful children's book, not only because it teaches us about an important Hispanic woman in history. It's exceptional because it is a story of triumph, that educates children about a woman who crossed borders and broke boundries to pursue a talent that enriched and changed the world. The book's beautiful illustrations do a beautiful job of representing the energy that Celia brought to her music, and the descriptions of the sounds of nature and food she cooked with her family encourages children to pay attention to their surroundings to find inspiration to be creative. Most of all, it is a book that teaches children that you can overcome obstacles if you don't give up, and that is a lesson any child of color should be taught at a young age, if they are to survive and be successful in life.

 

 

My Name is Celia/Me llamo Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz/la vida de Celia Cruz

Written by: Monica Brown

Illustrated by: Rafael Lopez

Biblio Burro: A True Story from Columbia

Written & illustrated by: Jeanette Winter 

 

What would you do if there were no books available to read to your children? What if there were no libraries that gave children access to books? This was the case for many villages in Columbia, until one man decided to bring books to children who didn't have them.

Biblio Burro tells the story of a teacher in Columbia who traveled miles and miles to bring books to poor villages in Columbia that had no access to books. Luis Soriano lived in the jungles of Columbia and loved reading books. However his love of reading soon resulted in a house full of books that made it hard to live. Luis decided that he would bring the books he's read to those in villages who had none.

Luis one day then ventures out with one donkey to carry him, and another donkey to carry a crate of books to get books to children in faraway hills of Columbia. His first trip is to El Tormento, where he weathers hot sun and even a bandit who tries to rob him, but he does not let that deter him. He continues on and when he arrives at the village, he is greeted by elated children ready to receive his books.

What started with a collection of 70 books and one trip, has grown to trips every weekend, delivering more than 4,000 books to hundreds of people who would otherwise not have books to read.

Biblio Burro is a wonderful picture book with colorful and lively illustrations that brings Luis' story to life. The story not only teaches children  about giving to others, but also encourages them to value those things that we many times take for granted.

In 2010, the Biblio Burro Foundation was established to provide education and literacy to disadvantaged rural children and teens in the northern villages of Colombia. For more information about the foundation visit it's Facebook pages,  www.facebook.com/BiblioburroFoundation/info in English, or in Spanish at https://www.facebook.com/Biblioburro-32811799715/timeline/.

 

About BookBuzz4Kids.com
BookBuzz4Kids.com reviews books that celebrate culture and educate young children ages 1-10. Our mission is to celebrate children’s books that promote diversity, so that parents of all cultural, diverse backgrounds, including special needs, have a source where they can find children's books that represent them and their children. BookBuzz4Kids.com also aims to support independent self-published authors who represent write culturally diverse books.

Take Me Out to the Yakyu

Do you know a child who loves baseball? If so, Take Me Out to the Yakyu is the perfect picture book! In this colorfully illustrated book, a young boy tells you all about how he enjoys going to the ballgame in both America and Japan.

In this baseball adventure, children learn that the word "yakyu" is the Japanese word for baseball. Children also learn the similarities and differences that exist in baseball in America and Japan. For example, in America, before the game, people buy hot dogs and peanuts; in Japan they buy soba noodles and edamame (soy beans).

Another similar custom is how in Japan during the 7th inning, the Japanese sing a team's anthem, similar to how we sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" here in America during the 7th inning.

The best part of the book is how it teaches children Japanese words for pitcher, fast ball, and even words for family members, and it includes a glossary in the back for the Japanese words used in the book.

If you want to teach a child about Japanese culture, Take Me Out to the Yakyu is a great introduction.

Take Me Out to the Yakyu

Written & Illustrated by: Aaron Meshon

Date Published: 2013

Little Erroll: The Story of Admiral Erroll M. Brown, First Black Coast Guard Admiral

"Erroll always listened to his teachers, completed his school work & stayed out of trouble. The teachers were very fond of him because he was a bright student. 
He loved to read and he especially loved math!"

August marks the anniversary of the U.S. Coast Guard, established in 1789, and I thought it would be the perfect time to review the picture book Little Erroll: The Story of Admiral Erroll Mingo Brown: First Black Coast Guard Admiral, about the first African-American to become an admiral in the United States Coast Guard.

Erroll Brown was born in Ocala, Florida in 1950 and came from modest beginnings. He lived with his grandparents, and did many chores for them around the house including washing clothes and mowing the lawn. One day he asks his grandpa if he could help with steering the tractor. Because he was so small, his grandfather did not want Errol to help with such a dangerous job, but Errol insisted that if he sat on his grandpa's lap, he could steer the wheel - and that's just what he did.

It is with that persistence and perseverance that allowed Erroll to make honor roll in high school and play football despite constantly being teased for being small. When Erroll receives a letter to attend the Coast Guard Academy, he accepts and attends in 1968. At times, he struggled in his studies, but after meeting a black Coast Guard captain, he was determined to succeed and completed his engineering program. In 1972, Erroll was presented with his officer commission by the vice president of the United States, and eventually becomes became the first African-American  admiral in the Coast Guard.

Erroll Brown went up against racism in a post-segregation society and had many challenges along the way, but he never let that keep him from his goal. The book Little Erroll: The Story of Admiral Erroll Mingo Brown: First Black Coast Guard Admiral is a wonderful book for all children, as it teaches the important lesson that with hard work and perseverance, you can achieve your dreams.

Little Erroll: The Story of Admiral Erroll Mingo Brown: First Black Coast Guard Admiral

Written by: Shameen E. Anthanio-Williams

Frida

Painting is like her imaginary friend. 

It is there whenever she wants it. It keeps her company.
It keeps her from giving up hope.

Do you know who Frida Kahlo was? If, not, today is a great day to learn! Frida was a famous Mexican painter who overcame tremendous odds. She became one of the most well-known and beloved Latino artists. Today is Frida Kahlo's birthday, and I honor her strength and talent with a review of the children's picture book Frida, which tells the story of Frida's life with beautiful illustrations, and inspiring prose.

Frida will inspire both children and adults to never give up, and never stop living life with love. Frida Kahlo grew up in Mexico, with a father who was an artist, who taught her to paint. At an early age, Frida got very sick, but painting gave her hope, and after she became well, she continued to paint.

As an adult, Frida got in a car accident that left her bedridden a lot, but still, Frida painted; she did not let her illness or physical pain keep her from painting. Instead she painted her emotions. She used her gift and imagination to paint "ex votos" or "stories of miracles" - paintings that included scenes with words, many of which represented angels coming to the rescue of those in pain.

While the story has sad moments, it is also a story of victory, as Frida Kahlo overcame pain and sadness through her art, and is now much loved for it. If you have, or know a child who is in pain or who suffers from sickness on a regular basis, this book is a beautiful testament to the power of determination. It will teach children that they can still have a life through their pain, and in their strength, others may find hope.

Note: Frida is also available in Spanish at amazon.com

Frida

Written by: Jonah Winter

Illustrated by: Ana Juan

About BookBuzz4Kids.com

BookBuzz4Kids.com reviews books that celebrate culture and educate young children ages 1-10. Our mission is to celebrate children’s books that promote diversity, so that parents of all cultural, diverse backgrounds, including special needs, have a source where they can find children's books that represent them and their children. BookBuzz4Kids.com also aims to support independent self-published authors who represent write culturally diverse books.To suggest a book for review on BookBuzz4Kids.com, email adcwriter@gmail.com

Uncle Rocky, Fireman: Safe at Home

Independence Day is upon us and many times children area not educated on the what to do in case a fire breaks out. Uncle Rocky, Fireman: Safe at Home is a great picture book that teaches young children that being safe during a fire does not have to be scary. To prove this point he takes his nephews on an adventurous lesson in fire safety.

Uncle Rocky visits for dinner one evening with his sister and nephews Ben and Luke, and teaches them the importance of fire safety through questions and fire drills. First, he discusses the importance of smoke detectors, and then he takes nephews Ben and Luke and their parents on two routes they can take in their home to escape from a fire, should one break out in their home.

Uncle Rocky stresses many important points including:

1. Importance of staying calm
2. Having an emergency meeting place to go to after escaping a fire
3. What to do if your clothes catch on fire - Stop, drop, cover and roll! NEVER run!

Uncle Rocky, Fireman: Safe at Home is a great picture book not only because it makes children aware of  the dangers and seriousness of fires, but it also encourages family conversation, and shows how parents can take a serious subject and turn it into a family activity that could save a child's life.

Uncle Rocky, Fireman: Safe at Home

Author: James Burd-Brewster 

Illustrator: Dayna Barley-Cohrs

About BookBuzz4Kids.com

BookBuzz4Kids.com reviews books that celebrate culture and educate young children ages 1-10. Our mission is to celebrate children’s books that promote diversity, so that parents of all cultural, diverse backgrounds, including special needs, have a source where they can find children's books that represent them and their children. BookBuzz4Kids.com also aims to support independent self-published authors who represent write culturally diverse books.To suggest a book for review on BookBuzz4Kids.com, email adcwriter@gmail.com

Karla the Dog: Deep-Sea Adventure

"Hi, I am Karla and I am going on a deep-sea adventure. 

Would you like to explore with me?"

Karla the Dog: Deep-Sea Adventureis a fun picture book about a dog's trek under the sea, where she learns all about sea life and being safe while boating and diving - all while practicing to count!

Before Karla the dog begins her adventure, she makes sure to strap on her safety gear for deep-sea diving, including fins and an oxygen tank. Once she's in the water, she meets lots of interesting sea creatures, including dolphins, puffer fish, stingrays, and sea horses - all who tell her a little about themselves.

Karla the Dog: Deep-Sea Adventure is not only an exceptionally educational and fun book for children to read, it is also highly interactive, involving the child reader in the story's adventure. It not only encourages exploration, but as they learn about different animals, children are asked to count the number of sea animals in the pictures and are told definitions of not-so-common diving-related terms.

If you would like to teach a child about the wonders of the sea while also teaching boat and diving safety, or the importance of taking shelter in a storm, Karla the Dog: Deep-Sea Adventure is a great introduction to these concepts. It's colorful and lively illustrations are also great for children learning colors, and for any child who loves animals and wants to know more about them. More books in the Karla The Dog series can be found at http://karlathedog.com/.

Karla the Dog: Deep-Sea Adventure

Author: C.Q. Wilder, M.ED

Illustrator: Blair Harvey

About BookBuzz4Kids.com

BookBuzz4Kids.com reviews books that celebrate culture and educate young children ages 1-10. Our mission is to celebrate children’s books that promote diversity, so that parents of all cultural, diverse backgrounds, including special needs, have a source where they can find children's books that represent them and their children. BookBuzz4Kids.com also aims to support independent self-published authors who write culturally diverse books.To suggest a book for review on BookBuzz4Kids.com, email adcwriter@gmail.com

A Pig Tale

Millie was allergic to dust and dirt; it made her eyes watery & made her sneeze.

Her brothers and her sisters made fun of Millie who was frequently teased.

Do you know a child that suffers from allergies? Bullying? Being different? If so, then Pig Tale is a a must read. This story about a pig named Millie who is allergic to dust and dirt, is a wonderful story teaches a lesson to children about not fitting in and being disliked for being different.

Millie is constantly teased by her brothers and sisters because she doesn't like to roll in the mud on the farm where she lives. She doesn't like to get dirty at all because she has allergies - the dirt makes her sneeze and makes her eyes water. So Millie likes to stay clean - but other pigs don't understand this. After all - it's unnatural!

However, when the farmer's pet dog dies, his daughter is distraught, and the farmer let's Millie become his daughter's new pet. With this, Millie goes on an adventure in bravery and reaping it's rewards.

Told in rhyme, Pig Tale is truly a delightful "tale" of how the woes of life can be turned into something positive. But mostly it is a tale that teaches children the importance of tolerance and acceptance, a lesson that all children should learn at an early age so that they can grow up to become responsible and kind adults.

Pig Tale

Author: Paul M. Kramer

Illustrator: Krishna Yuval

About BookBuzz4Kids.com

BookBuzz4Kids.com reviews books that celebrate culture and educate young children ages 1-10. Our mission is to celebrate children’s books that promote diversity, so that parents of all cultural, diverse backgrounds, including special needs,  havea source where they can find children's books that represent them and their children.  To suggest a book to have reviewed on BookBuzz4Kids.com, email adcwriter@gmail.com

Colors of Wine Country

Have you been to wine country? If not, then grab your little one and take an imaginary trip to Napa Valley, California in Colors of the Wine Country, a wonderful board book that teaches children about the colors found throughout the beautiful California wine country. 

Told in a simple and fun style, Colors of the Wine Country, is a comprehensive lesson for toddlers and other children who have not yet learned to speak (such as autistic or other special needs children), that not only teaches children about colors, but also  introduces them to farm equipment, crops and animals.

The book contains bright and  beautiful colors of animated illustrations of many of nature's wonders including crop fields, streams and animals, including a cow and dog. I have no doubt that Colors of the Wine Country  would be a fun and enjoyable read that children will love for its visual appeal, and parents will love for its educational content. It's a win-win!

Colors of the Wine Country

Written by Kyle and Amy Goleno

Illustrator: Peter Francis

DID YOU KNOW?

May 4-8 is is teacher appreciation week, and that May 5th is National Teacher Appreciation day? Since 1984, National PTA has designated the first week in May as a special time to honor the men and women who lend their skills to educating our children. Find out more at www.pta.org.

About BookBuzz4Kids.com

BookBuzz4Kids.com reviews books that educate young children ages 1-10. Our mission is to celebrate children’s books that promote education, diversity and fun, and to give parents of all cultural, religious and racial backgrounds a source where they can find children's books that represent them and their children.  To suggest a book to have reviewed on BookBuzz4Kids.com, email adcwriter@gmail.com

Japanese Celebrations: Cherry Blossoms, Lanterns and Stars!

I love the cherry blossoms that bloom every year in Washington, D.C. - and so does the rest of America! That's why I am reviewing the picture book Japanese Celebrations: Cherry Blossoms, Lanterns and Stars!, a great picture that tells of many Japanese traditions, including one that celebrates the blooming of cherry blossom trees.

Some of the many celebrations described in the book include a doll festival, Children's Day, the Star Festival, Greenery Day, cherry blossom viewing parties, and more. The book not only tells what the celebrations are, but gives both the English and Japanese names for each celebration, and provides a helpful glossary in the back of the book as a reference. For example, the Japanese word for "cherry blossom" is "sakura." The Japanese word for the cherry blossom viewing parties held to celebrate the blooming of the cherry blossom trees is "Hanami."

Japanese Celebrations: Cherry Blossoms, Lanterns and Stars! also educates children on typical phrases such as thank-you, which is  "domo arigato" in Japanese. Children will learn not only about the celebrations, but the foods that are eaten during these celebrations, the arts and crafts made during celebrations and words and letters of the Japanese language.

If you seek a great book that educates children on the aspects of Japanese culture, Japanese Celebrations: Cherry Blossoms, Lanterns and Stars! is a great choice!

DID YOU KNOW?

May is Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. There are many ways to celebrate and  Japanese Celebrations: Cherry Blossoms, Lanterns and Stars! is a great source for picking a suitable celebration!

Japanese Celebrations: Cherry Blossoms, Lanterns and Stars!

Author & Illustrator: Betty Reynolds

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BookBuzz4Kids.com reviews books that celebrate diversity and culturally educate young children ages 1-10. Our mission is to celebrate children’s books that promote education, diversity and fun, and to give parents of all cultural, religious and racial backgrounds a source where they can find children's books that represent them and their children.