Multicultural Children's Book Day

#ReadYourWorld

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with Katie Zhao

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#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 BannerPlease welcome Katie Zhao today for our #ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with the Children’s Book Council. She has created a book list on middle grade fantasy novels with diverse main characters. Her debut novel is inspired by Chinese mythology, and we are giving away 3 copies of The Warrior Dragon. Please fill out the Rafflecopter at the bottom to enter.

The Warrior Dragon by Katie Zhao

As a member of the Jade Society, twelve-year-old Faryn Liu dreams of honoring her family and the gods by becoming a warrior. But the Society has shunned Faryn and her brother Alex ever since their father disappeared years ago, forcing them to train in secret.

Then, during an errand into San Francisco, Faryn stumbles into a battle with a demon–and helps defeat it. She just might be the fabled Heaven Breaker, a powerful warrior meant to work for the all-mighty deity, the Jade Emperor, by commanding an army of dragons to defeat the demons. That is, if she can prove her worth and find the island of the immortals before the Lunar New Year.

With Alex and other unlikely allies at her side, Faryn sets off on a daring quest across Chinatowns. But becoming the Heaven Breaker will require more sacrifices than she first realized. . . What will Faryn be willing to give up to claim her destiny? [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

 

Middle Grade Fantasy Novels with Diverse Main Characters

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia

Starring Tristan Strong, a seventh grader who hails from a line of boxers, TRISTAN STRONG PUNCHES A HOLE IN THE SKY by Kwame Mbalia brings African folktales and mythological characters to life. Tristan Strong is shipped off (against his will) to Alabama to spend the summer on his grandparents’ farm. There, he meets a doll-like creature that actually turns out to be a mythological character, and accidentally rips a hole into the Midpass. While dealing with his grief and guilt over his best friend Eddie’s death, Tristan and several black American gods must convince god Anansi, the Weaver, to seal the hole in the sky. Full of humor and heart, this smashing middle grade fantasy novel is a must-read for lovers of mythology. [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes

J.C. Cervantes weaves an exciting series-starter with THE STORM RUNNER, which is a great introduction to Maya mythology. The protagonist, Zane Obisbo, has a limp and walks with a cane, and the other kids make fun of him for it. He likes to explore the sleeping volcano in his backyard. One day, a twelve-year-old girl named Brooks enters Zane’s life and tells him that the volcano is the prison of the Maya god of death. Even scarier, it’s up to Zane to fulfill a prophecy and take on a quest for the gods in order to save the world. Filled with humor, adventure, and gods in the modern world, this fast-paced book is definitely the perfect read for kids (and adults who love quirky kids’ books!) [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi

In Roshani Chokshi’s middle grade debut, twelve-year-old Aru Shah accidentally unleashes an ancient Hindu demon, the Sleeper, by lighting the Lamp of Bharata. All she wanted to do was impress her friends, but unfortunately Aru gets much more than she bargained for when this sets off a chain of events. Aru must set off on a quest with her sister, Mini, and guardian pigeon, Boo, in order to stop the Sleeper and save the world. As a long-time fan of Rick Riordan’s work, I definitely see the great humor and excellent worldbuilding reflected here. Roshani’s excellent cultural spin makes ARU SHAH AND THE END OF TIME a fun, funny middle grade read that seamlessly weaves Hindu mythology into a modern American setting. [middle grade, ages 9 and up]

The Serpent’s Secret by Sayantani DasGupta

Kiranmala is just a normal twelve-year-old girl until Halloween when her parents disappear, and a rakosh demon appears in her home, trying to eat her. Two princes show up on her doorstep, and Kiranmala realizes that her parents have been right along. She’s an Indian princess from out of this world! Whisked away from New Jersey to another dimension, Kiranmala and the princes must solve riddles, defeat demons, and find her parents, in order to save the world. In the humorous and action-packed spirit of PERCY JACKSON, THE SERPENT’S SECRET by Sayantani Dasgupta is sure to thrill and captivate young readers. [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

Love Sugar Magic: A Dash of Trouble by Anna Meriano

Anna Meriano’s debut novel LOVE SUGAR MAGIC centers around protagonist Leonora Logroño. Leonora is always told that she’s too young to help her family prepare their bakery, which is beloved by many, for Dia de los Muertos. Then, one day she discovers the truth; her family has been keeping a huge secret from her. Leonora actually hails from a line of brujas, or witches, who infuse their delicious baked goods with magic. Leonara also has magic in her veins–and when she uses it, disaster strikes! This fun middle grade novel, full of family and heart, is a magical read for younger audiences. [middle grade, ages 10 and up]

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 INSTAGRAM

3 Book Giveaway of The Dragon Warrior

We are giving away 3 copies of The Warrior Dragon. Please fill out the Rafflecopter below to enter. We can only mail to U.S. addresses.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Katie Zhao

Katie Zhao is a 2017 graduate of the University of Michigan with a B.A. in English and Political Science, and a 2018 Masters of Accounting at the same university. She is the author of Chinese #ownvoices middle grade fantasy THE DRAGON WARRIOR (Bloomsbury Kids, October 2019 & 2020), as well as a young adult author. 

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 Pinterest

Middle Grade Fantasy Novels with Diverse Main Characters

Multicultural Children’s Book Day Twitter Party Prizes, Discussion Q’s, and MORE!

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In honor of our seventh Multicultural Children’s Book Day, we are increasing our Twitter Party Book Bundles prizes from five to SEVEN books!

More books, more diverse KidLit discussions, and more FUN!

Please join us Friday, January 31st

9 pm-10 pm EST

Use hashtag #ReadYourWorld to find the party

We will be giving away 14 book bundles plus 5 book bags from Capstone Publishing! In fact, we will be giving away one book bundle every five minutes In Real Time! We will announce each winner as each question closes out.

To ensure that we can reach the winners, we ask that everyone to please register for our Multicultural Children’s Book Day Twitter Party here.

Multicultural Children's Book Day Twitter Party 2020

Below are the questions for our Twitter party with each prize pack!

 

Multicultural Children’s Book Day Twitter Party Discussion Questions and Prizes

Question 1 (9:00 pm): What are your favorite diversity authors, illustrators, and books? What about your kids?

Q1 Book Bundle Prize:

  • Esther’s Grager by Martha Simpson
  • Priya Dreams of Marigolds & Masala by Meenal Patel
  • How to Code a Roller Coaster by Josh Funk
  • Isaiah & The Chocolate Mountain by Valerie Williams Sanchez
  • The School Science Competition by Avril O’Rielly
  • Sissy Goes Tiny by Rebecca Flansburg & B.A. Norrgard
  • When God Made the World by Matthew Paul

Question 2 (9:05 pm): What do you think about #OwnVoices versus having POC characters illustrated in books by non-POC/minority authors & illustrators?

Q2 Book Bundle Prize:

  • Green Lantern Legacy by Minh Le
  • Greenhorn by Anna Olswanger
  • Diana: Princess of the Amazon by Victoria Ying
  • Luz Del Mes by Maritza Mejia
  • Stories by the Girlfriends Book Club, Baltimore by GFBCB
  • Mia Marcotte and the Robot by Jeanne Wald
  • Brandon Goes to Beijing by Eugenia Chu

Question 3 (9:10 pm): What diversity topics in children’s books do you wish there were more books on?

Q3 Book Bundle Prize (Middle Grade/YA Book Bundle):

  • Martin and Bobby: A Journey Towards Justice by Claire Murphy
  • The Length of a String by Elissa Brent Weissman
  • Climbing the Stairs by Padma Venkatramen
  • Rebels & Revolutions by Judy Dodge Cummings
  • New Kid by Jerry Craft
  • The Red Zone: An Earthquake Story by Silvia Vecehini
  • Intrepids by Diana Huang

Question 4 (9:15 pm): What diversity children’s books, authors, and illustrators do you think deserve more recognition? Let’s give them a shout out!

Q4 Book Bundle Prize (Easy Reader/Chapter Book Bundle)

  • Brandon Goes to Beijing by Eugenia Chu
  • Globe Agents: Race 2 Rio by Roddie Simmons
  • My Furry Foster Family by Debi Michiko Florence
  • Standing Against Hate Mary Crank Farrell
  • Nilay’s Wish by Riya Aarini
  • Miss Tree: Mighty Coconuts by Deepa Renesh
  • Chula the Fox by Anthony Perry

Question 5 (9:20 pm): Our Classroom Kit this year is about disability, both physical and developmental. What are your favorite children’s books on this topic?

Q5 Book Bundle Prize (Courtesy of Abrams Publishing)

  • Mama’s Work Shoes by Caron Lewis
  • Soldier for Equality by Duncan Tonatiuh
  • Feed Your Mind by Jen Bryant
  • Gittel’s Journey by Leslea Newman
  • Small World by Ishta Mercurio
  • Granpa’s Stones by Joseph Coelho
  • The Backstagers by Andy Mientus

Question 6 (9:25 pm): What do you hope diversity and multicultural books will teach your children?

Q6 Book Bundle Prize

  • One is a Pinata by Roseanne Greenfield Thong
  • Little Brother by Khalid White
  • La Frontera by Deborah Mills
  • Book of Ju’Anne by Joan E. Ruffins
  • The Yeti & The Jolly Lama by Lama Surya Das
  • Dazzling Travis by Hannah Carmona Dias
  • Mermaids on a Mission by Janet Balletta

Question 7 (9:30 pm): What genre of children’s books do you think lacks the most diversity? (board books, picture books, easy readers, early chapter books, graphic novels)

Q7 Book Bundle Prize

  • Lump Lump and the Blanket of Dreams by Gwen Jackson
  • Place We Have Never Been by Lauren Ranalli
  • LaDonna Plays Hoops by Kimberly Biddle Gordon
  • Jamie is Jamie by Afsaneh Moradian
  • Little Yellow Jeepney by Jocelyn Francisco
  • The World is Awake by Lindsey Davis
  • Chia and the Fox Man by Barbara Atwater & Ethan Atwater

Question 8 (9:35 pm): Do you think a book has enough diversity when the author is not POC/minority, but the illustrator is? 2 Prizes!

Q8 Book Bundle Prize (Board Books)

  • Ana & Andrew at the Museum
  • Carlos & Carmen: Campout
  • Oh My Kulay! by Jocelyn Francisco
  • Isa, Dalawa, Tatlo… Jocelyn Francisco
  • Big Cities Little Foodies by Cheryl Yau Chepusova
  • ¡Números, Baby! by Golzar Kheiltash and Lisa Hall
  • Food: Proud to be Latino! By Ashely Marie Mireles

Question 9 (9:40 pm): What life lessons would you like to see in children’s books in the coming year?

Q9 Book Bag Prize! 5 Book Bags from Capstone Publishers to 5 winners (US only)

Capstone Reading is For Everyone Book Bags

Question 10 (9:45 pm): What are the hurdles to get/keep your kids reading?

Q10 Book Bundle Prize

  • Tales of the Five Enchanted Mermaids by Lois Petren
  • Ribbon’s Traveling Circus by Elizabeth Godley
  • Catherine’s Pascha by Charlotte Riggle
  • Sun Kisses, Moon Hugs by Susan Bernardo Schaefer
  • Waylen Wants to Jam by Jo Mach & Vera Stroup-Rentier
  • The Unexpected Friend by Raya Rahman
  • Earthwaves by Michael Smith

Question 11 (9:50 pm): Why are diverse & multicultural books important to you?

Q11 Book Bundle Prize

  • Ana & Andrew at the Museum
  • Carlos & Carmen: Campout
  • Women Who March by Adena Raub Dershowitz
  • Celebrate Holi with Me by Shoumi Sen
  • Sumo Joe by Mia Wenjen
  • Bonjour! Let’s Learn French by Judy Martialy
  • The Pesky Bird by Marianne Markian

Question 12 (9:55 pm): What topic do you think we should do for our next Classroom Kit?

Q12 Book Bundle Prize (Courtesy of Tuttle Publishing)

  • Tales of a Korean Grandmother
  • A Field Guide to Birds of New Zealand
  • Three Korean Fairy Tales
  • Korean Picture Dictionary
  • My First Book of Korean Words

Bonus Bundle! ELEVEN books Courtesy of MVPKids.com

GRAND PRIZE! ELEVEN BOOK FROM SUPER PLATIUM SPONSOR, Deedee Cummings, CEO of Make A Way Media!

MCBD2020 FREE Resources for All

And here are more free resources to celebrate Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2020 including more book giveaways …

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with the Children's Book Council

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with the Children’s Book Council

Want to win more fabulous diverse children’s and young adult books? Join us for our #ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with the Children’s Book Council. We are featuring book giveaways with each post here.

Have you seen our Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2020 Music Video?

In 2018, Annie Lynn and Walt Wilcezewski from Annie Bird Music created the most wonderful music video for our 2019 event. You can view our first official Read Your World Music Video here. You might see some familiar faces and books!

Have you downloaded our new free Classroom Kit?

The free Classroom Physical and Developmental Challenges Kit

This free and downloadable Classroom Kit includes book recommendations that will help Readers Understand Physical and Developmental Challenges for ages 4 -12. Also included:

~ Classroom or Home Activities

~ “Physical and Developmental Challenges” Classroom Poster thanks to the talents of award-winning illustrator, SKlakina

~HelpfulPhysical and Developmental Challenge Talking Points for Teachers

~Links, resources and services that are available to families facing the challenges of coping with Physical and Developmental Challenges in the U.S.A.

Our other kits are here:

FREE Classroom “Empathy” Kit: The free Classroom Empathy Kit focuses on empathy and compassion through shared booklists and special home or classroom activities. The kit includes 18 book recommends on the topic of Understanding Immigration and Refugees, Classroom Empathy Activities, and a very special custom printable Empathy Poster courtesy of author/illustrator Juana Medina. Educators, parents, and librarians can sign-up to receive the free classroom kit here: http://bit.ly/2BGu4uQ

FREE Poverty Doesn’t Discriminate: Understanding Poverty in America Classroom Kit: Created in 2018, this free classroom kit includes over 2 dozen poverty in the U.S.-themed book recommends for ages 4-12, two classroom or home activities, and a copy of the official “Poverty Doesn’t Discriminate” Classroom Poster thanks to the talents of award-winning illustrator, Mehrdokht Amini. http://bit.ly/2P6cXWE

 

Have you checked out our FREE Diversity Book List Resource?

Free diversity book lists and activities for teachers, parents, and librarians! We have carefully curated lists of books from the top education bloggers about diverse topics including countries, religions, holidays, ethnicities, in addition to special needs and LGBTQ. It’s here!

Our Diverse World Book Lists for Kids (this is a general book list)

It’s also broken out by country/geographic area:

Diversity in Children’s Books Presented as Every Day (this is a book list)

 

Books on World Religions for Kids (this is a book list)

It’s also broken out by holiday and/or religion.

Seeing Yourself in Children’s Books

Diversity Books By Genre

General Diversity Book Lists (this is a book list)

 

Have you followed Our Multicultural Children’s Book Day Pinterest Board?

Find more diversity, multicultural, and inclusive books on our Multicultural Children’s Book Day Pinterest Board. Follow on Pinterest to get daily updates.

 

Check out our #ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 in conjunction with The Children’s Book Council. Each author has created a book list and is doing a book giveaway. There’s still time to enter!

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with Nikki Grimes!

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with Wendy Xu and Suzanne Walker

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with Eric Smith

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with Nic Stone

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with David Bowles

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with Vita Murrow

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with Ann Dávila Cardinal

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with Traci Sorell

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with Katie Zhao

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with Traci Sorell

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#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 Banner

Please welcome Traci Sorell r today for our #ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with the Children’s Book Council. Please welcome her list of Contemporary Native Books for Children and Teens published in 2019 that you may not have heard about yet.

We are also giving away a copy of each of her books, We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, At the Mountain’s Base and Indian No More. To enter to win these 3 books, please fill out the Rafflecopter at the bottom.

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 INSTAGRAM

Contemporary Native Books for Children and Teens

The Powwow Thief (First in the Powwow Mysteries series from Reycraft Books) by Joseph Bruchac (Abenaki), illus. by Dale DeForest (Diné)

I like the hybrid structure of this mystery series that is part picture book, graphic novel, and chapter book. In this first 32 page book, we meet twins, Marie and Jamie Longbow, and their grandparents who sell items they make at powwows. The twins join them for the summer, traveling on the powwow circuit. When their grandmother’s prize necklace goes missing from the display case, the twins team up to figure out who took it. DeForest’s brightly colored illustrations and expressive characters keep young readers engaged with the story. [hybrid picture book/graphic novel/chapter book, ages 8 and up]

Johnny’s Pheasant (University of Minnesota Press) by Cheryl Minnema (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe), illus. by Julie Flett (Cree/Métis)

This is another intergenerational story, featuring Johnny and his grandmother. As they return home from the market, Johnny spies a pheasant lying near the side of the road. He urges his grandmother to stop. After inspecting the pheasant, Johnny declares it is sleeping after they inspect its still-warm body but his grandmother thinks it’s ready to be part of her craftwork. She agrees to let Johnny bring it home and then hilarity ensues. Flett’s artwork adds warmth and connection between all three characters. [picture book, ages 3 and up]

The Case of Windy Lake (first in the Mighty Muskrats Mystery Series from Second Story Press) by Michael Hutchinson (Cree)

Having loved mysteries as a child and teen, I’m thrilled to see a contemporary one featuring four Native tween cousins dubbed the “Mighty Muskrats” living on a fictional First Nations reserve in Canada. The action starts right away when a visiting archaeologist hired by a mining company in the area goes missing. The cousins are on the case which gives them a firsthand look at conflicts in their community, between families, and concerns about the environment. I especially love the Native humor and the centrality of family relations in the story. [middle grade, ages 9 and up]

Native American Leaders (Scholastic Book Club) by Dawn Quigley (Turtle Mountain Chippewa)

This nonfiction, middlegrade book introduces readers to eighteen Native American heroes with all but three of them born in the 20th century. This may not seem remarkable, but given most literature about Native people focuses on life pre-1900, believe me, it is. NASA astronaut John Herrington (Chickasaw), Olympic ice dancer Naomi Lang (Karuk), Indigenous chef Sean Sherman (Oglala Lakota), and activist Charlene Teters (Spokane) are just a sample of the incredible people featured along with veteran authors Joseph Bruchac and Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee (Creek)).

An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People (Beacon Press) Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, adapted by Jean Mendoza & Debbie Reese (Nambé Owingeh).

This nonfiction book takes the adult version and adapts it for teens, providing a general historical overview missing from today’s textbooks. It centers the experience of Native Nations through the colonization experience. Seventy pages of the book focus on Native history post-1900 which isn’t covered in most classrooms. It’s a useful resource for teachers and librarians as much as for students. [young adult, ages 12 and up]

Traci Sorell Three Book Giveaway!

We are giving away a copy of each of Traci’s books – We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, At the Mountain’s Base, and Indian No More. To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Traci Sorell

Traci Sorell writes fiction and nonfiction books as well as poems for children. Her debut nonfiction picture book We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, illustrated by Frané Lessac, won an Orbis Pictus Honor, a Sibert Honor, and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor and received four starred reviews.

Last fall, Traci’s two most recent books came out and both have received multiple starred reviews. Kokila Books published Traci’s lyrical story in verse, At the Mountain’s Base, illustrated by Weshoyot Alvitre, and Tu Books released Indian No More, a historical fiction middle grade novel that she co-authored with the late Charlene Willing McManis.

A former federal Indian law attorney and policy advocate, Traci is an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation and lives in northeastern Oklahoma where her tribe is located.

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 Pinterest

Contemporary Native Books for Children and Teens

Encompassing All Perspectives | Guest Posts from Pack-n-Go Girls

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Multicultural Children’s Book Day is just around the corner on January 31st. It’s a great time to reflect on whether your book collection is encompassing all perspectives.

One of our authors, Lisa Travis, had a unique experience as a panelist for this topic at the last American Association of School Librarians conference. We thought we would do a quick synopsis of the author panelists’ books and the perspectives they represented.

The first panelist was Rafael Lopez, the illustrator for Sonia Sotomayor’s book, Just Ask: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You. This children’s picture book does an amazing job of answering children’s curiosity about others’ differences. Using her own experience as a child who was diagnosed with diabetes, Justice Sotomayor writes about children with all sorts of challenges–and looks at the special powers those kids have as well. Rafael talked about his gratitude to have the opportunity to positively bring awareness to our unique abilities in this world. We also discussed the power of engaging in conversation. Hopefully, this book helps children feel confident to “just ask” and not make assumptions. What books do you have on your bookshelf that speak to the perspective of differences, whether they be physical or mental?

Just Ask: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You

The second panelist was Geoff Rodkey, author of We’re Not From Here. This sci-fi middle-grade novel proves that friendship and laughter can transcend even a galaxy of differences. If you want to go multicultural, why not go to Mars or Planet Choom? Readers of this book will get introduced to immigration through the perspective of space refugees.  Boys and girls will love the main character. Is it boy? Or a girl? According to Geoff, “I gave the readers a bit more space to imagine whatever version of Lan works best for them.” During the panel, Rodkey discussed his approach to creating a gender-neutral character and the misadventures he has had since with those who have assumed one way or the other. In this book, Geoff gave us many perspectives that will expand our thinking. If you’ve got middle-grade readers, add this one to your bookshelf.

We’re Not From Here

The third panelist, Greg Howard, author of Middle School’s a Drag brought yet another perspective for middle grader readers, encouraging us to see the world through a middle school entrepreneur who is discovering how to be open about his identity. He starts his own junior talent agency and signs a thirteen-year-old aspiring drag queen as his first client. Greg shared with us his own perspectives on LGBTQ issues and how they informed his characters and why it was important to have these perspectives on our bookshelves to build a more inclusive world.

Middle School's a Drag

Last, our Pack-n- Go Girls Adventures brought yet another perspective. Lisa Travis, the author of our latest Pack-n-Go Girls Adventure, Mystery of the Naga at Night, discussed the importance of multicultural literature in our globally connected world.

Our mission has always been to make a difference by nurturing an adventurous spirit that inspires kids to go out and explore the world, infusing kids with curiosity and an insatiable thirst to learn, and coaching kids to notice what unites us and appreciate the value of our differences. This is what multicultural and diverse literature brings to the table. If we teach our children to move into the world from a place of openness, wonder, and curiosity, rather than fear, judgment, and separation, we set them up to live profoundly more nourishing, connected lives. Reading multicultural books is an easy first step in this direction.

Ultimately, the more we read, the more we learn. The more perspectives we learn about, the more we build empathy and acceptance. Consider this: How much does it mean for children to read a book that has a girl or boy “just like me” in it? The loss isn’t just for children who don’t see themselves on the pages, but the loss is also for the children who only see themselves on the pages. How do they learn to appreciate and understand different perspectives?

So, as we get ready to celebrate multicultural books, take a look at your bookshelf. Does it encompass the perspectives that you want your children or students to explore? Stay tuned for the great 2020 linky with a myriad of book reviews of multicultural books to discover hot new titles that will encompass all perspectives.

Check it out: https://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/

Pack-n-Go Girls are a proud PLATINUM Sponsor of MCBD2020!

When real-life experiences inspire a diverse picture book for kids

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Guest post By Jesica Nkouaga

Do you ever wonder where children’s authors get their story ideas?

Children’s stories can come from almost anywhere.  Children’s authors write about personal experiences, experiences they witness, experiences with their children, and of course, ideas from their imagination.  Authors also get ideas from other authors, by reading children’s books and then gaining new inspiration for a story, or by modifying a story to include different characters or a similar but different storyline.

I recently authored the book entitled Emmanuel and the Hedgehog which is about a young boy named Emmanuel who finds an injured hedgehog in a field while he is helping his mother plant sweet potatoes. Emmanuel decides to take care of the hedgehog and nurse it back to health.

As you read, find out what events unfold as Emmanuel decides to secretly take the hedgehog to school with him in his backpack!

Emmanuel and the Hedgehog was inspired by a true experience that I had while living and teaching English in Uganda for two years in 2011 and 2012.

In Uganda, I had a neighbor boy who was named Emmanuel. One day he brought over a bucket with a hedgehog in it. He explained how he had found the hedgehog and was taking care of it. He gracefully picked it up from underneath in the same way that Emmanuel and his mother do in the story.

He set the hedgehog down on our veranda and I watched it walk around, or rather glide around gracefully. When I bent down to try to touch it, it rolled up in a little ball to protect itself. This was the first time I had seen a hedgehog in real life, and the care that Emmanuel gave it impressed me. The experience touched me enough that I remembered it years later, in 2018, I decided to write about the experience in a children’s story.

I consider Emmanuel and the Hedgehog to be inspired by a true experience because I had a real-life experience where I met Emmanuel and his hedgehog in Uganda, and the experience inspired me to write the story. In my view, this is slightly different than a story that is based on a true story.

A story inspired by a true experience means that you gained the inspiration for the story from a real-life experience, but it doesn’t mean that all, or even most, of the events in the story occurred in real life. In contrast, a story that is based on a true story includes a plot and storyline with many events that did occur in real life.

When I read “Emmanuel and the Hedgehog” to my nephews, they asked me, “did you really meet Emmanuel?” I said, “yes!” They asked if I saw a real hedgehog, and I said, “yes!” They asked if Emmanuel really took the hedgehog to school in his backpack, and I said, “I don’t know.” That is were my imagination kicked in!

Jesica has taught English as a second and foreign language in Jordan, Honduras, Thailand, Macau, Uganda, and the USA. She aspires to create fun and meaningful books for children. Her first book, “Baha’i Coloring Book for Families and Children” was published in 2012. Her second book, “The Diamond Family Plays Hide And Seek” was published in January 2018. “A Walk In Nature, Une Promenade En Nature” was her third book published in July of 2018. Her fourth book, Emmanuel and the Hedgehog” was published in 2019. Her husband, a native French speaker, translated the second and third books into French. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, doing puzzles with her husband, cooking international recipes, and creating children’s books.