Multicultural Children's Book Day

#ReadYourWorld

Creators Empowering STEM Diversity in Multicultural Books

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Guest Post By: Erin Twamley

From the #ownvoices to #readyourworld to specific trends like #WomeninSTEM, book creators and readers are hungry for the production and consumption of diverse literature.

As an author and an educator myself of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math or STEM publications, I have found that especially in the nonfiction children’s book world our biggest challenge may be us as creatives. We shape not only the words, illustrations but the accolades around diverse literature.  We have the power to do so much more in driving that diversity, especially in the creation of STEM works. I am sharing four observations for creators of books, whether you are a writer, illustrator, reviewer or publisher, and even a reader to consider. 

STEM Diversity in Multicultural Books

  • Diversity is NOT monolithic. Look up or ask a reader, publisher or another author how they define diversity and you will be surprised at the spectrum of answers. In the book world, research, readers and creators have focused on what the characters look like, #representation matters. We as creators need to ensure that our characters embody the cultural nuances, from language, beliefs, abilities, gender, and age, beyond just how they appear. All of these shape experiences and connections with our readers. My point, it is not enough to just have a diverse character on the page, but we must authentically tell or share their story. 
  • Not all scientists are dead or old. It may seem obvious and don’t get me wrong, I love all the recognition and push for nonfiction children’s books autobiographies (I have written one myself). But I keep asking who are the scientists of today?  We forget about #ActualLivingScientists. As a young reader, don’t you want to know who is leading efforts to revitalize our coral reefs or creating the spacesuits that will fit our women astronauts? Our readers need to see that it is not always just “ancient” scientists making discoveries and shaping our future. 

Some Superheroes wear white lab coats and capes

  • Think about how you depict and write about technology!
    Many of our readers (children’s book) are digital natives. Our readers use technology and don’t know a world without it from videogames to cell phones to artificial intelligence. Instead of using illustrations that depict magic or sentences that overlook the function of technology — share about it! WiFi or computers, for example, don’t just STOP working! Share a plot twist, a fact or an illustration that explains how or why the WiFI might have been interrupted (e.g., a power outage from a storm) or where the satellite actually flies (e.g. Outerspace or near-Earth?) You can help readers see and learn about the technology they and the characters you write about using. 
  • Out of the lab! Where do stories happen? A house, a school, a library, a yard or a nearby forest. If talking about science, we see characters in a lab or dreaming of outer space. So much of our science happens in everyday scenes. Use renewable energy (e.g., solar panels on a house), a doctor’s office with the latest equipment (e.g., a robotic surgery machine) or the inside of a rocket ship to show where STEM happens. Kids need to imagine and SEE where science happens, most of it is outside of a lab and not in a white lab coat.

A drawing by a student at Orchard Knob Elementary

About Erin Twamley

Erin Twamley

Author Erin Twamley

Erin Twamley is working to create a new generation of Everyday STEM Superheroes. As an author and educator, her hands-on STEM encounters, nonfiction children’s books, and related publications engage the next generation of learners in protecting and creating a sustainable planet. In 2018 she established ErinEDU, an educational consulting group with a mission to cultivate curiosity and asking questions by sharing the adventures of diverse professionals in STEM Careers and their STEM Superpowers. 

Ms. Twamley loves to travel the world and has lived on three continents. You will find Erin in the European Union hosting interactive author and STEM encounters for US military children and adults of all ages. Learn more about her writings and encounters by visiting her website at www.erinedu.org or join STEM Superheroes on social media!

Social Media:

Facebook link @STEMSuperhero

Twitter Link: @STEMsuperheros  

Instagram Link @everydaystemsuperheroes

Kidlit Books that Share Physical and Developmental Challenges {Part 2}

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Like we mentioned in the previous post about our new 2019/2020 Multicultural Children’s Book Day Classroom Kit-Understand and Celebrate our Differences, we encountered more amazing books on these topics than we had room for in the final Kit!

  • ADHD
  • Allergies
  • Anxiety/Separation Anxiety
  • Asthma
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Cancer
  • Charcot Marie Tooth
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Deaf/Partial Hearing Loss
  • Degenerative Diseases
  • Diabetes
  • Disfiguration
  • Down Syndrome
  • Dyslexia
  • Epilepsy
  • Glasses
  • Limb Differences
  • Mental Illness
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Osteogenesis Imperfecta
  • Person with Albinism
  • Person with Brain Injury
  • Physical Disabilities involving Walking
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Prosthetic Implants
  • Sensory Processing
  • Someone Who Uses a Wheelchair
  • Someone with an Alcohol Problem
  • Someone with Dwarfism
  • Spinal Disorders
  • Speech and Language Difficulties
  • Tourette Syndrome
  • Visual Impairment

So instead of not sharing all of these wonderful book recommends within the already robust kit, we thought we would share them as a bonus Kidlit Books that Share Physical and Developmental Challenges. Below is “Part 2” of this project and “Part 1” can be found here.

Autism

No One Needed to Know by D.G. Driver

Heidi’s older brother, Donald, is 16 and autistic. She has always loved playing with him, but now she’s 11 and her life is changing. She’s embarrassed to have her brother around and doesn’t want her friends to know about him. High school boys bully him. When the kids at her school find out about him, she gets bullied too.

Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskin

This book is the rare YA book that addresses the subject of autism. Caitlin has Asperger’s. The world according to her is black and white; anything in between is confusing. Before, when things got confusing, Caitlin went to her older brother, Devon, for help. But Devon was killed in a school shooting, and Caitlin’s dad is so distraught that he is just not helpful. Caitlin wants everything to go back to the way things were, but she doesn’t know how to do that. Then she comes across the word closure–and she realizes this is what she needs. And in her search for it, Caitlin discovers that the world may not be so black and white after all.

Chronic Illness

Tiger Livy by Erin Garcia and Betsy Miller

This book is about dealing with a serious, chronic illness as a young child. Tiger Livy” is the story of a brave six-year-old who inspires empathy, patience, and grit in young readers. It was created for children struggling with chronic illness.

Livy is a vibrant, clever little girl who usually loves to play and pounce like a tiger. That is until one day when she unexpectedly gets very sick. Now Livy isn’t able to play the same, she doesn’t feel like herself, and some of her friends treat her differently.

Finding inspiration from her favorite feline, Livy transforms her mindset and takes on the monumental task of mentally and emotionally healing from chronic illness.

Epilepsy

Sometimes I Get the Wiggles — Be an Epilepsy Seizure Hero! by Andee Cooper

Kannon is a little boy with a form of epilepsy that sometimes gives him the wiggles, and when that happens, just like Jell-O, his whole body jiggles. Kannon would very much like to go to school with everyone else his age, but he worries his condition might scare the other children away. After much thought, he comes up with an idea to enlist and train all of his classmates as Seizure Heroes as a way of helping his teacher and his fellow students see him through each school day. Based on a true story and written by Kannon’s mother.

 

Explaining Mental Illness to Kids

The Face at the Window by Regina Hanson

This is best for mid to upper elementary as it is about lady kids are afraid of and think she is evil until the girl’s mom explains that she has a mental illness and her “mind plays tricks on her.”

“Hidden Disabilities” (food allergies, anxiety, depression)

(depression) The Colour Thief by Andrew Peters and Molly Peters

A child recounts his experience of losing his father to depression in this poignant and beautifully illustrated picture book. The boy’s father disappears into a world without color. As the father seeks help, color begins to reappear and with it hope. An ideal book for parents and caregivers to share with children to help them make sense of the devastating effects that depression can cause.

(anxiety) Please Explain Anxiety to Me! By Laurie Zelinger

This book translates anxiety from the jargon of psychology into concrete experiences that children can relate to. Children and their parents will understand the biological and emotional components of anxiety responsible for the upsetting symptoms they experience. Please Explain Anxiety to Me, 2nd Edition gives accurate physiological information in child-friendly language. A colorful dinosaur story explains the link between brain and body functioning, followed by practical therapeutic techniques that children can use to help themselves.

The Worry Woo Series by Dr. John Irvine

Determining whether your child is frustrated is not as simple as saying If you re frustrated and you know it clap your hands! Often the problem is covered up by temper tantrums, sulkiness, acting out and tears. So what is a parent to do? Wearing his psychological cape “Superhero”, Child-Psychologist, Dr. John Irvine, has come to save the day! With his new book Helping Young Children Manage Frustration & Anger, the respected Australian icon has come to the aid of distraught parents and educators. Dr. John has accomplished this by teaming up with WorryWoo creator, Andi Green, to create their second companion book to her WorryWoo Monster series. This time educator/ psychologist, Irvine , concentrates on Twitch, The Monster of Frustration. He begins by explaining that frustration cannot be pigeonholed into a one size fits all classification. Instead, Dr. Irvine explains how each child may display a different set of behaviors. To find out if your child is frustrated, the author has devised a series of behavioral assessment questions. Once you have completed these and determined which type of Twitch you re dealing with, you ‘re on your way to making use of the given exercises for his/her specific needs. Subtitled A practical guide for parents and educators to help their little Twitches, this book presents delightful drawings, fun exercises and competent information for parents and teachers. It offers an opportunity to see your child in a different light, deal with minor issues before they become problems, and most importantly, creates a positive shared experience!

Physical Disabilities involving Walking

Hip, Hop, Hooray for Brooklynn! by Jill Harold

This book is about having fun working toward movement goals while wearing an orthopedic (clubfoot) brace, This upbeat story is about Brooklynn, a little bunny who loves to hop. Brooklynn wears a brace at night, but she is determined to learn how to hop rope in time for the Hippity Hop Games. Armed with hop rope rhymes and a can-do attitude, Brooklynn shows that persistence pays off and can be a lot of fun.

What book recommends would you like to share?

The Author/Platinum Sponsorship July Flash Sale has BEGUN!

It’s time!

Back by popular demand is our MCBD 2020 Author Sponsorship July Flash Sale! And this year, we are throwing in a special deal on Platinum Level Sponsorships as well (limit of 3)!

Go here to see past Medallion Level Sponsors and Author Sponsors(MCBD2019)

Planning for MCBD2020 is already underway and we can’t help being in awe as to how far this non-profit initiative has come.

Mission:  Raise awareness for children’s books that celebrate diversity by getting more of these books into classrooms and libraries. Multicultural Children’s Book Day is celebrated on the last Friday of January. 2020 will be our 7th year and our much-anticipated Twitter Party on the day of the celebration grows bigger (and more fun!) every year.

From October through February, Multicultural Children’s Book Day is especially active on social media and the buzz surrounding this event gets national even global support and recognition. The whirlwind that is Multicultural Children’s Book Day is a proven way to get books into the hands of young readers while also raising awareness with parents, caregivers, teachers, and librarians.

We know Author Sponsorship is an amazing and powerful way for Authors to get visibility and readership for their work. Last year’s July Flash Sale was huge success and authors and publisher appreciated the cost savings.

NOTE: Medallion Level Sponsorship options for MCBD2020 (1/31/20) will be available by September 1, 2019…but in the meantime…

Lock in your MCBD 2020 Author Sponsorship during the July Flash Sale!

During the July Flash Sale, the Author Sponsorship price of $129 will be slashed to $89 for Author sponsorships purchased in July for MCBD2020—that’s a 30% savings!




Recognizing all of the wonderful authors and illustrators that bring multicultural children’s books to life is very important to us. As a way of acknowledging their work and shining the spotlight on specific authors, the MCBD Team has created a very special sponsorship option.

GO HERE to read deeper details and don’t let this opportunity pass you by!

**sale ends July 31, 2019

9 Kidlit Books that Share Physical and Developmental Challenges {Part 1}

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Recently, the MCBD Team has spent considerable time creating our 5th Free Classroom Kit for Teachers, Librarians, and parents to utilize. The theme of the 2019/2020 Multicultural Children’s Book Day Classroom Kit is Understand and Celebrate our Differences. We’ve replaced our previous title, “Understanding and Celebrating People with Disabilities,” after learning that this isn’t correct language.

Creating this downloadable kit has been eye-opening and educational and we’ve done our best to pass the lessons on to those who welcome this kit into their classrooms and homes.

Understand and Celebrate our Differences

Within this free downloadable Classroom Kit, you will find books and resource links for:

  • ADHD
  • Allergies
  • Anxiety/Separation Anxiety
  • Asthma
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Cancer
  • Charcot Marie Tooth
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Deaf/Partial Hearing Loss
  • Degenerative Diseases
  • Diabetes
  • Disfiguration
  • Down Syndrome
  • Dyslexia
  • Epilepsy
  • Glasses
  • Limb Differences
  • Mental Illness
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Osteogenesis Imperfecta
  • Person with Albinism
  • Person with Brain Injury
  • Physical Disabilities involving Walking
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Prosthetic Implants
  • Sensory Processing
  • Someone Who Uses a Wheelchair
  • Someone with an Alcohol Problem
  • Someone with Dwarfism
  • Spinal Disorders
  • Speech and Language Difficulties
  • Tourette Syndrome
  • Visual Impairment

Since this is a huge topic, we’d appreciate any suggestions you have on rounding out this list!

Go HERE to download your FREE Classroom Kit.

Bonus Special Needs and Disabilities Booklist {PART 1}

As you can imagine, the pool of amazing books to pull from that showcase the above topics was HUGE. There were many hours of discussion and decision-making that took place and the final result was a fine-tuned list of books and resources.

HOWEVER, there are many more books that we simply did not have room for in the kit so we’d like to offer a Bonus Booklist! Enjoy.

Allergies

Avril Knows by Ginny Heenen offers a positive message by showing Avril how she is seen through the eyes of an artist who paints her portrait. Avril loves learning new magic tricks. She also has an uncanny way of noticing details and things that other people don’t, and that makes her good at magic. When her parents decide to have her portrait painted Avril imagines herself as a proud magician. However, Avril learns through the eyes of the artist that her allergies are not a bad thing, but instead make her more powerful and special than she ever imagined.

Autism

Anatomy of Autism: A Pocket Guide for Educators, Parents and Students by Diego Pena.

Diego is a nine-year-old non-verbal author who has written the bestseller book, Anatomy of Autism: A Pocket Guide for Educators, Parents, and Students, with a goal of delivering a message that shatters misconceptions about autism

Cancer

The Little Green Monster: Cancer Magic! by Sharon Chappell, PhD, Associate Professor of Education, CSUF, and Director, Little Green Monster Project.

What happens when someone you love is diagnosed with cancer? In this inspiring story written by a breast cancer survivor, The Little Green Monster helps Marie and her family survive and thrive through her mother’s treatment. The book includes how to express feelings, cancer vocabulary, as well as family cancer resources and activities. The book explores the questions like: what can you expect while the loved one goes through treatment? While science does its work, what can love and everyday magic do to help? “The Little Green Monster donates free book copies to families impacted by cancer. Copies also available through the website for purchase. Partial proceeds of sales are donated to Susan G. Komen Orange County.

“This book provides a meaningful tool for teachers, daycare providers, counselors, or anyone who works with children whose lives are impacted by cancer or other illnesses. Every day students walk through the doors of our schools bearing enormous burdens. The Little Green Monster: Cancer Magic! can comfort them and be a source of hope.” -Laurel Estrada, Family Resource Center Coordinator, Rowland Heights School District

Cerebral Palsy

S.M.A.R.T.S. and the 3-D Danger by Melinda Metz

This book is an inclusive story as the protagonist is Jaden, a male middle school student with cerebral palsy. [chapter book, ages 8-11]

Deaf/Hard of Hearing

The Secrets Hidden Beneath the Palm Tree by Angeliki Pedersen

This early childhood book is written from a mother’s point of view with the purpose of helping hard of hearing or deaf children and their families at the critical mainstream stage. When young children get exposed to differences in others, they learn tolerance, empathy and create new ways of learning. [picture books for ages 4 and up]

Ranvir Cannot Hear by Genevieve Yusuf and Shermain Philip

Ranvir Cannot Hear is a magical story set in the plains of India and is about a little elephant that goes on a long journey in search of his hearing. On his travels he meets some wonderful friends along the way who can’t do certain things but tell him about the things that they can! Ranvir even finds out he has a special talent too… This is a beautifully illustrated children’s story with a message of inclusion and empowerment. Learn to find out what you can do and don’t worry about what you can’t. [picture book, ages 5-8]

Waiting for a Sign by Etsy Schachter

Shelly and Ian used to be close, but after Ian leaves home to attend the Hawthorne School for the Deaf, Shelly feels abandoned, and the two drift apart.

When Ian returns home with news that the future of Hawthorne is in jeopardy, Shelly isn’t sure she wants him back. And Ian, who has enjoyed living with students and staff who sign all the time, feels angry when his family forgets to do the same.

An explosive argument that could drive brother and sister further apart actually offers hope for reconciliation—a hope that grows as Shelly’s spirited best friend, Lisa, helps strengthen their bond.

The siblings grow closer still when they find themselves coping with an unexpected tragedy. To fully heal her relationship with Ian, however, Shelly needs to acknowledge and understand why Hawthorne—and access to the Deaf community—is so important to him. To do so, she’ll need to take action and stop waiting for a sign.

Written by clinical social worker Esty Schachter, Waiting for a Sign celebrates the beauty and power of Deaf culture, offering readers an opportunity for insight and understanding. [chapter book, ages 10+]

Down Syndrome

The Colorful Adventures of Pauline and Tiff by Megan Cooper and Nicolette Stearns

Megan is a young adult with Downs Syndrome; she narrated the story to Nicolette Stearns. It is about a girl with Down syndrome and her neurotypical friend.

Culture of Life: 5 Picture Books about Downs Syndrome

Mental Illness/Depression

Meh: A Book About Depression by Deborah Malcolm

Sadness is an emotion that everyone feels at some time or another. But sometimes you might feel a sadness so long and so deep and dark that it seems impossible to find happiness. That kind of sadness is called depression. Meh is a wordless picture book about one boy’s journey through depression. Discussion questions at the back of the book are intended for parents or teachers to discuss depression with children.

OCD

Waiting for Fitz by Spencer Hyde

Fitz is haunted by the voices in his head and often doesn’t know what is real. But he feels if he can convince Addie to help him escape the psych ward and get to San Juan Island, everything will be okay. If not, he risks falling into a downward spiral that may keep him in the hospital indefinitely.

Waiting for Fitz is a story about life and love, forgiveness and courage, and learning what is truly worth waiting for.

Stay tuned for Part Two of this project!

Together the MCBD team hopes to spread the word and raise awareness about the importance of diversity in children’s literature We encourage readers, parents, teachers, caregivers and librarians to follow along the fun book reviews, author visits, event details, multicultural children’s book linky and via our hashtag (#ReadYourWorld) on Twitter and other social media.

Thank you for cultivating understanding, kindness, inclusion, and exploration of this beautiful world in your classroom.

The Author/Platinum Sponsorship July Flash Sale has BEGUN!

It’s time!

Back by popular demand is our MCBD 2020 Author Sponsorship July Flash Sale! And this year, we are throwing in a special deal on Platinum Level Sponsorships as well (limit of 3)!

Go here to see past Medallion Level Sponsors and Author Sponsors(MCBD2019)

Planning for MCBD2020 is already underway and we can’t help being in awe as to how far this non-profit initiative has come.

Mission:  Raise awareness for children’s books that celebrate diversity by getting more of these books into classrooms and libraries. Multicultural Children’s Book Day is celebrated on the last Friday of January. 2020 will be our 7th year and our much-anticipated Twitter Party on the day of the celebration grows bigger (and more fun!) every year.

From October through February, Multicultural Children’s Book Day is especially active on social media and the buzz surrounding this event gets national even global support and recognition. The whirlwind that is Multicultural Children’s Book Day is a proven way to get books into the hands of young readers while also raising awareness with parents, caregivers, teachers, and librarians.

We know Author Sponsorship is an amazing and powerful way for Authors to get visibility and readership for their work. Last year’s July Flash Sale was huge success and authors and publisher appreciated the cost savings.

NOTE: Medallion Level Sponsorship options for MCBD2020 (1/31/20) will be available by September 1, 2019…but in the meantime…

Lock in your MCBD 2020 Author Sponsorship during the July Flash Sale!

During the July Flash Sale, the Author Sponsorship price of $129 will be slashed to $89 for Author sponsorships purchased in July for MCBD2020—that’s a 30% savings!




Recognizing all of the wonderful authors and illustrators that bring multicultural children’s books to life is very important to us. As a way of acknowledging their work and shining the spotlight on specific authors, the MCBD Team has created a very special sponsorship option.

GO HERE to read deeper details and don’t let this opportunity pass you by!

**sale ends July 31, 2019

9 Diverse Books for Anxious Kids

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According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18% of the population.

Anxiety and big emotions are such a large part of our children’s lives these days. Our hunch is that this “invisible disability” has been present for many years; it’s just finally getting recognized and acknowledged. There are also many things teachers and parents can do to assist our Littles in better navigating anxiousness and fear including.

Bottom line–Anxiety in Kids is a Thing.

Ask any teacher. Ask any therapist. It’s also a thing that can be turned around so kids don’t have to hide in their bedrooms all summer because they are feeling too insecure to go anywhere. Honestly, the first thing you need to do, if your child falls into this category, is to let them know they are not alone. As advocates for helping kids to “see themselves in the pages of a book,” we’ve pulled together a list of nine diverse books to help kids deal with anxiety. We hope this brings comfort to your home.

9 Diverse Books for Anxious Kids

But What If by Sue Graves

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Daisy’s family is moving, and Daisy is very worried. What if she doesn’t like her new home? What if her cat runs away? What if her new teacher isn’t nice? A conversation with her grandpa helps Daisy learn that many worries don’t come true—and if one does, someone will be there to help her solve the problem.

This is a cheerful brightly illustrated story that will help kids understand how their emotions and actions are related—and how they can learn to manage both. At the end of each book, a two-page series of pictures invites kids to tell a story in their own words. A special section for adults suggests discussion questions and ideas for guiding children to talk about their feelings.

Guts by Christine Reynebeau

Though this book is more about intuition, many times anxiety manifests itself in “gut feelings.”

For ages 3-9… Henry didn’t understand what his mom meant when she said his guts would tell him what to do. Then at recess, his guts help him to make the right decision. This story is about trusting our intuition and reminding ourselves to always trust that gut feeling, even if it doesn’t make sense to everyone else. Great books for families to add to their bookshelf. This book takes real-world lessons and makes them fun and palatable. The stories are designed to use strong vocabulary and encourage the start of dialogue with parents and their kids.

Scaredies Away! A Kid’s Guide To Overcoming Worry And Anxiety by Stacy Fiorile and Barry McDonagh

Scaredies Away: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Worry & Anxiety is a breath of fresh air and a sigh of relief for confused parents who are overwhelmed by the complicated books out there that are dull, boring and very confusing. This engaging & interactive self-help book will finally provide you and your child the relief you have been looking for. The ONE technique (instead of 20 outdated techniques!) found only in Scaredies Away is a cognitive-behavioral technique most often used to treat anxiety. Scaredies Away truly has it all—a fun-filled fiction story with brilliant colorful illustrations to keep your child engaged- not bored, a phenomenal parent information and guidance section which is an integral part of the book, a colorful and fun goal sheet, and a FREE code to download the book on audio for a soothing evening listen or read along.

My Magic Breath: Finding Calm Through Mindful Breathing,

This book is another amazing resource. MY MAGIC BREATH is an interactive picture book for our youngest citizens to help them begin learning the very basic principles of mindfulness. It addresses the fact that even our littles experience stress and anxiety, but that they can learn to regulate their emotions and calm their minds. With a read-along-breathe-along element, this new book provides prompts to inspire conversation between parents, educators, and our children of how they’re feeling and coping – a useful resource at home and in the classroom.

Mindfulness for Kids: 30 Fun Activities to Stay Calm, Happy, and In Control 

Mindfulness for kids

Homework horrors, chores, and not-so-friendly friends―that’s enough to make any kid’s brain hurt. The secret to staying cool is easy: it’s called mindfulness―and this Mindfulness for kids gives them fun activities to practice it on their own.

The Magical Mindful Day

This gorgeous picture book may have been written kids young readers in mind, but it’s really a book for people of all ages that is intended to inspire the practice of mindfulness, to raise awareness of our interconnection with all living beings, and to remind us all that the Earth is our friend. The whimsical story in this beautiful and vibrant picture book is that we all need to be reminded of the many blessings of mindfulness, wonder, and kindness. Available in English and Spanish.

Gorilla Thumps and Bear Hugs: A Tapping Solution Children’s Story by Alex Ortner

Tapping is an extraordinarily simple technique and can be learned by anyone in minutes. This amazing solution has taught to kids who are suffering from everything from traumatic events to extreme poverty in third world countries with positive results. In this book, parents will learn about the scientifically proven technique commonly known as “Tapping” and how they can use it for both themselves and their child to overcome stress, anxiety, negative emotions, and much more.

Kids will love the fun descriptions and illustrations for each point, such as the Super Eagle Eye Point, Lion Cry Point, Dragon Fire Point, Wolf Point, and more. Your child will be having a blast as they howl, hug, thump on their chest, act like a monkey, and more . . . all while learning how they can use Tapping to help themselves in real life!

Annabel dreams of one day being a scientist, but teasing from other kids at school has hurt her confidence and left her feeling sad and alone. Join her as she learns how to use the Magical Tapping Technique to quickly release her sadness and regain her confidence. 

Learn more about the Ortners and the Tapping Solution on their website.

I like Myself by Karen Beaumont

Another thing that anxious kids struggle with is a positive self-image. I Like Myself is a high-energy picture book that is filled with imagination. It is also an ode to self-esteem and encouraging kids to appreciate everything about themselves–inside and out. The book does a wonderful job of encouraging any child to accept him/herself just the way God made them. It is a great self-esteem booster and encourages children to think positive thoughts about themselves! I Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what Here’s a little girl who knows what really matters. Silly and serious at the same time, Karen Beaumont’s joyous rhyming text and David Catrow’s wild illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful–and straight from the heart.

Breathe Into My Dreams

Anxious kids sometimes have trouble “powering down” for the day at bedtime. Breathe Into My Dreams is a Mindful Breathing Children’s Book. Let the wind of your breath help put you to rest. Follow your breath around the world, and visit snowy mountains, warm beaches, a calm desert,  whimsical windmills, and the big city.  Kids can read along as they breathe along with this magical bedtime story.

Tips to Keep in Mind

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Anxiety Resources: Turn Around Anxiety

Need marketing help for your multicultural children’s or YA book? We can help! The MulticulturalChildren’s Book Day Sponsored Post Package as a way to leverage our robust social media and a strong following.

Multicultural Children’s Book Day Sponsored Post Package

Sponsored Post Package

2019 Sponsored Post Examples

Tim J. Myers and Yao Bai and the Egg Pirates

Yao Bia and the Egg Pirates

Dorje the Yak by Caryn Hartman 

La Frontera: El Viaje Con Papa / My Journey With Papa by Deborah Mills and Alfredo Alva 

La Frontera Tera: El Viaje Con Papa / My Journey With Papa

Celebrating an Orthodox Christian Easter with Catherine’s Pascha

Catherine's Pascha

One of our Multicultural Children’s Book Day team members will create a custom blog post of 400-500 words. This will be published on the Multicultural Children’s Book Day blog. The post will include photos as well as a nofollow link (per Google’s rules) to the author, brand or publisher.

After publishing, the post will be shared and promoted one time across Multicultural Children’s Book Day’s social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Additional social media sharing by Jump Into a Book and PragmaticMom’s social media channels means that this post will reach more than *260,000 followers!* One of the FB or IG posts will also be boosted one time for $25, which is included in the fee. Book reviews require a sample of the product to be provided to our team prior to writing the honest review.

***Our Sponsored Post options are only available from February to September of any given year***

New to 2019!

Once created, your Sponsored Post will be shared and promoted 2X to MCBD’s social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest) and including 4 tweets on Twitter (an increase from last year).

MCBD will also use their Tailwind Program to post your Pinnable image to at least three pinning groups (including the HUGE Multicultural Books for Kids Board with over 16,000 followers).  For even more sharing juice, we will include it in SmartLoop (an option on Tailwind that automatically schedules certain Pins in a continuous loop into the future).

View the full details of the Sponsored Post Package by downloading the Kit HERE

**Payment must be made in full via PayPal before Campaign can begin.

***For questions or inquiries, email MCBD’s Project Manager at becky@multiculturalchildrensbookday.com

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A Dual Language Picture Book about the Tibetan Culture

by

Everyone loves a good story about perseverance, faith, and courage. This is especially true when the story comes with the opportunity to be exposed to a new language and culture.

Dorje the Yak by Caryn Hartman is a tale of triumph over adversity. It follows the struggle of Dorje, and the struggle of Tibet, to assert an identity in a changing world. Written in both English and Tibetan, this picture book is a powerful visual story of Tibet and its culture for children.

Published by Pema Publishing, Dorje the Yak (pronounced Dor-jay) is a beautiful book with a heart-warming story about a small yak in the large land of Tibet who has a deep determination to assert his identity in a changing world.

 

A Dual Language Picture Book about the Tibetan Culture

Dorje is smaller than all the other yaks…and he knows it. His diminutive stature makes it impossible for him to carry heavy loads so he is often left behind and filled with loneliness.

Even his owners have noticed his tiny size and nicknamed him, Mug Chung, which means “Little Brown” in Tibetan. Small, tiny, little…all words that Dorje is not fond of hearing when others talk about him.

One night, Dorje hears his human owners retelling the tale of the great Snow Lion; a mythical beast who is wise, powerful, and strong. As he listens, Dorje hatches a secret plan to find the Snow Lion in hopes that he can make him big and strong as well. In the morning, Dorje gives one last look at his tiny reflection in the blue waters of the lake and sets off on the difficult journey.

Dorje the Yak

His lengthy trek, one that is filled with unexpected twists and turns, ultimately leads to the discovery that reveals the real truth; that the size of our bodies is not what matters–it’s the size our hearts and the depth of our actions.

Dorje the Yak

Readers of all ages will be drawn in by the gorgeous illustrations and well-written text. Dorje is perfect for readers from 6-9, but older children and adults who are interested in the plight of Tibetans will love it too. The MCBD team is beyond thrilled to see a quality picture book that includes both the English and Tibetan languages within the story. Dorje the Yak is a true jewel in the world of children’s books.

“Compelling and informative, this book is a great addition to the library of any family interested in other cultures and ways of looking at the world.” ~Manuel Lopez

Purchase Dorje the Yak on the Pema Publishing website, on Amazon, or at Denver CO bookstores.

The Inspiration for Dorje

As a former ESL and Kindergarten teacher for Denver Public Schools, author Caryn Hartman is keenly aware of the importance of exposing young readers to new cultures and traditions at an early age. After a trip to Tibet inspired her to pursue a degree in Tibetan studies, she spent many years trying to find a way to marry these two passions.

“When I first went to Tibet in 1998 there was something about it that spoke so deeply to my soul. That soul-stirring stayed with me long after I returned to the U.S. and I went on to pursue a degree in that field,” Caryn recalled. “At the time, I couldn’t foresee myself going into academia solely based on that degree so my knowledge of Tibet went on the back burner while I pursued another passion. That passion was teaching young children. It was then that I realized how few books about Tibet are available for children. There are many books about Tibetan Buddhism, but what of the land and people themselves? So, fueled by my love of writing, I found a way to bridge the two passions that were a part of my life: Tibet and teaching.”

The story rolled around in her brain for months and when she connected with illustrator, Lexi Vay, and Tibetan translator, Gangkar Lhamo, the vibrant story and life lessons of Dorje the Yak came to life in a dual language picture book. From the very beginning, Caryn’s mission with her book was to not only share a story of triumph over adversity but also to create a colorful means to share a message of cultural preservation.

“I chose the main character to be a yak because they are such sacred animals in the Tibetan culture,” Caryn shared. “Tibetans refer to yaks as ‘norbu’ which translates to ‘jewel’ or ‘nornak’ which means ‘the black treasure.’ This fact is just one of the many that make these people their culture so special. The plight of the Tibetan culture is getting lost in the shuffle of mainstream media, but its story needs to be told. I hope that the story of Dorje the Yak speaks to people’s hearts. Because it is from my own heart that it was written.”

Purchase Dorje the Yak on the Pema Publishing website, on Amazon, or at Denver CO bookstores.

Dorje the Yak Resources for Teachers

Not only does Caryn provide wonderful resources on the Tibetan culture and language in the back pages of Dorje The Yak…

…Pema Publishing also offers a robust teacher resource section on their website here.

With a passion for Tibetans still firmly planted in her heart, Caryn and Pema Publishing have also created a way to give back to the refugee children of Tibet. Book lovers have the option of purchasing a copy of Dorje the Yak to donate to the Tibetan Children’s Village and Tibetan language schools throughout India & Nepal. To date, over 54 books have been donated so far!

“I really wanted Tibetan children to not only read a book in their language but I wanted to also offer a story that supports their English language learning as well,” Caryn noted.

Go HERE to see how you can donate a copy and bring joy to a Tibetan child.

donate a book to Tibetan children

The Creative Team Behind Dorje the Yak

Author, Caryn Hartman

About the author: Caryn Hartman got her BA in Anthropology and Religious Studies from the University of Colorado. After studying abroad in India, Nepal, and Tibet, she fell in love with Tibetan culture. She got her MA from the University of Virginia in History of Religion with a focus on Tibet. After graduate school, she taught in Denver Public Schools for nine years. She is excited to combine her passion for Tibetan culture with her love of children’s stories to create an awareness of Tibet’s plight.

Caryn lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband, two boys, and a snuggly cat. She loves to travel, go on long road trips, and will jump at any chance to be surrounded by mountains.

Connect with Caryn on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

About the illustrator: Lexi Vay is an artist living in Los Angeles with her husband and cat. She really loves storytelling through art and animation and enjoys working both traditionally and digitally.

She’s also an avid fountain pen enthusiast! In her off hours she’s probably sketching, practicing calligraphy, meditating, or watching cartoons, but usually not all at once!

 

 

About the translator: Gangkar Lhamo (pen name), a Tibetan woman from Kham in eastern Tibet, grew up with yaks and now studies at an American university. Tibetans and yaks have a symbiotic relationship; Tibetans call them “nornak,” the black treasure. Yaks are a treasure because they have provided Tibetans with so much: clothing, shelter (black tents), food, warmth, and companionship. Gangkar Lhamo believes that stories are rivers that sustain and nourish our existence; all children are made with stories. She hopes that Dorje the Yak waters the seeds of hope, curiosity, and imagination in the hearts of all readers, Tibetan and English.

Purchase Dorje the Yak on the Pema Publishing website, on Amazon, or at Denver CO bookstores.

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