SO..what in the world is “On My Desk” anyway?

This series got started because, with my role as Project Manager, I get to enjoy the avalanche of amazing multicultural books for kids that are donated to our project.  A good chunk of the year my office looks like a small bookstore and I love every second of it.

Being appreciative of every book that crosses my desk, I wanted to find a fun way to share those books with the loyal folks who show up here to read every week and support this non-profit. In that moment, On My Desk | #ReadYourWorld Kidlit Books for 2019 was born! It’s my way of sharing some amazing titles that don’t always get the attention they deserve.

So even though MCBD2019 hasn’t occurred yet (1/25/19), I am LOVING all of the amazing books all these wonderful multicultural books for kids that I am discovering every time I open the mail.

Here’s what the Mailman Book Fairy brought me this week:

On My Desk | Great Diverse Kidlit Finds for 2019

Just Like You

What did you want to be when you grew up? A young girl questions her mother about a variety of occupations from astronaut to beekeeper to police officer to president of the United States. Her mother tells her she can be anything she wants if she sets her mind to it. But mostly she wants to be just like her mommy.

Beato Goes to Japan by Sucheta Rawal

Meet Beato (pronounced Bee-aa-to), an explorer cat. He has decided to leave his cozy life as a house cat in the suburbs of Atlanta, and go travel the world. Join Beato on his adventures as he climbs the world’s highest mountains, eats bizarre foods, meets native animals, and learns about how people live in different countries.

Beato Goes To is a series of children’s picture storybooks about an animated cat who travels the world, teaching young readers about the places he visits. The goal of these books is to expose kids to the world in a lighthearted storytelling manner, with detailed illustrations of destinations around the world. Beato Goes To books are appropriate for ages 4-7 and the young at heart!

Mommy Eats Fried Grasshoppers! by Vahn Bender

A children’s book about sharing, promoting multiculturalism, eating healthy and being accepting of other cultures. Mahlee learns how differently Mommy did things as a child in Laos than Mahlee does in America, where they both live now. She loves doing everything with Mommy, but will she eat fried grasshoppers?

Babu and Bina at the Ghost Party by P. Tomar

This colorful, imaginative picture book brings a fresh set of characters to life in a story that highlights Indian history with a ghostly adventure, combining the spirit of The Polar Express by Chris Van, Matilda by Roald Dahl, and the family fun of Berenstain Bears.

Nonni’s Moon  by Julia Inserro

No one knows more than Beanie how hard it is to live far away from loved ones. She lives across the world from her Nonni and misses her every day. But then she figures out a way she and Nonni can send messages back and forth—through the moon! NONNI’S MOON shows how a little creativity and inspiration can bridge the gap of loneliness and distance, and bring even far away loved ones closer. The relationship between mother and daughter, grandmother and granddaughter are sweetly depicted in this warm and comforting book.

The Colors of Me

Written by Dr. Stephanie Oguchi,OTD,OTR/L, CHI-CHI’S HAIR is the story of Chi-Chi; a young and inquisitive girl who lives with her mother. Chi-Chi finds joy in embracing her culture and is delighted about the threaded hairstyle her mom created for her. The excitement of her hair quickly fades away when the other children begin to taunt her and reject the idea of being different. Read more to find out how Chi-Chi learns about her culture, loving her differences and how to treat others.

Mama, Mama, Know What I Like? (Mama, Mama, Balo Ka Unsa Akong Ganahan?)

Published through Sawaga River Press, his fun and beautifully illustrated book provides a peek into the daily life of a Filipino-American five-year-old boy, Charlie, who goes on a picnic with his Mama and younger brother, Jack. During the picnic, Charlie tells about what he likes and likes to do, all of which most kids his age can relate to. Written in three different languages– English, Bisaya (a Filipino language), and Filipino (the Filipino national language)– this book can also be a tool for Filipino or Bisaya speaking parent with which to share their mother tongue.

What amazing diverse books have you discovered this week?

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