Hello Spring! Hello new picture book writing adventures! After years of teaching, reading, selling, and reviewing children's books, I decided to pursue a dream of writing them! (**Please scroll past my catching up if you're looking for my Spring Fling entry!**) In January I took a course with the fabulous Mira Reisberg at Children's Book Academy and have attended several online webinars and workshops through SCBWI, the Writing Barn, Storyteller Academy, and the Children's Book Insider. There is much more to writing a picture book than you might imagine!! I've joined the 12X12 picture book challenge with Julie Hedlund, have an active and amazing critique group and have pitched book ideas in Twitter pitch events! It's been a whirlwind with so much more to learn as I improve my craft! 

Just last month I entered a 50 Precious Words challenge hosted by Vivian Kirkfield, and now it's time to jump into another writing challenge...the Spring Fling KidLit Contest. Kaitlyn Sanchez, author and agent at Red Fox Literary, and author Ciara Oneal have challenged writers to create a story with just 150 words inspired by a spring-themed GIF. Most picture books have 300-500ish words these days, so writing a story with beginning, middle and end in 150 words is a great challenge. 

The first word that came to mind when I thought of Spring was MUD along with images of running through tall grass. I hope you enjoy the results in MUD PIE MAGIC.  Please feel free to leave a comment. 
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Hooray! It's Multicultural Children's Book Day on Friday, January 29th! I was delighted to be gifted a copy of My Sister, Alicia May by the author, Nancy Tupper Ling. The book was beautifully illustrated by Shennen Bersani and published in 2009 by Pleasant St. Press.
**All opinions expressed in this review are my own. 

Alicia May is like any six-year-old in many ways. She also has Down Syndrome. In this book her sister, Rachel, shares an honest look into their lives and relationship. Alicia May likes bugs, counts dots on ladybugs, and talks to the animals at the zoo. She has a sharp memory and remembers how many steps lead to the library. Rachel also tells us about Alicia May's medical issues and challenges with leaving a place she loves. As a mom to two boys, one who has a genetic syndrome, I appreciated the honesty from Rachel confessing that sometimes her little sister really annoys her. 

The ending totally made me tear up, so I won't give that away. Being a sibling of someone with a disability is a unique path. How special that this book is available! Representation of children with disabilities AND their siblings is so needed, and having this be written from a sibling's perspective makes it that much more meaningful. 

When I asked Nancy Tupper Ling what inspired this story, she said her close friend did. The setting in the illustrations was inspired by the real life farmland where she walked with her friend and the sisters from her book. Her friend shared that there just weren't books featuring children like Alicia May that weren't didactic in nature. And so she set out to tell this lovely story. 

I highly recommend it! 

**For other books featuring children with disabilities, visit my Bookshop site!

Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2021 (1/29/21) is in its 8th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those book into the hands of young readers and educators.
Eight years in, MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves continues. Read about our Mission & History HERE.
MCBD 2021 is honored to be Supported by these Medallion Sponsors!
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Prgamaticmom) and Valarie Budayr’s (Audreypress.com)
Platinum Sponsors: Language Lizard Bilingual Books in 50+ Languages, Author Deedee Cummings and Make A Way Media
Gold Sponsors: Barefoot Books, Candlewick Press, Capstone,  Hoopoe Books,  KidLitTV, Peachtree Publishing Company Inc.
Silver Sponsors: Charlotte Riggle, Connecticut Association of School Librarians, Author Kimberly Gordon Biddle, Pack-N-Go Girls
Bronze Sponsors: Agatha Rodi and AMELIE is IMPRESSED!, Barnes Brothers Books, Create and Educate Solutions, LLC, Dreambuilt Books, Dyesha and Triesha McCants/McCants Squared, Redfin Real Estate, Snowflake Stories, Star Bright Books, TimTimTom Bilingual Personalized Books, Author Vivian Kirkfield, Wisdom Tales Press, My Well Read Child 
MCBD 2021 is honored to be Supported by these Author Sponsors!
Poster Artist: Nat Iwata
Authors: Author Afsaneh Moradian, Author Alva Sachs & Three Wishes Publishing Company, Author Angeliki Stamatopoulou-Pedersen, Author Anna Olswanger, Author Casey Bell , Author Claudine Norden, Author Debbie Dadey, Author Diana Huang & Intrepids,  Author Eugenia Chu & Brandon goes to Beijing, Green Kids Club,  Author Gwen Jackson, Author Janet Balletta, Author Josh Funk, Author Julia Inserro, Karter Johnson & Popcorn and Books, Author Kathleen Burkinshaw & The Last Cherry Blossom, Author Keila Dawson, Maya/Neel Adventures with Culture Groove, Author Mia Wenjen, Michael Genhart, Nancy Tupper Ling, Author Natalie Murray, Natalie McDonald-Perkins, Author Natasha Yim, Author Phe Lang and Me On The Page Publishing, Sandra Elaine Scott, Author Shoumi Sen & From The Toddler Diaries, SISSY GOES TINY by Rebecca Flansburg and B.A. Norrgard, Susan Schaefer Bernardo & Illustrator Courtenay Fletcher,  Tales of the Five Enchanted Mermaids, Author Theresa Mackiewicz, Tonya Duncan and the Sophie Washington Book Series, Author Toshia Stelivan, Valerie Williams-Sanchez & The Cocoa Kids Collection Books©, Author Vanessa Womack, MBA, Author Veronica Appleton & the Journey to Appleville book series
MCBD 2021 is Honored to be Supported by our CoHosts and Global CoHosts!
MCBD 2021 is Honored to be Supported by these Media Partners!
Check out MCBD's Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board!

Have you noticed that children’s books aren’t just for children? As I add books to my pop-up bookshop, I am drawn to books that are about speaking up, making a difference, and following your dreams. Wouldn’t you know that as I reimagine my  business, I have been taking courses, listening to podcasts, and reading books about these very things. We’re all just kids still figuring out how to make those dreams come true, aren’t we?

As a young girl I devoured books and wrote stories and poems. In college I became an English major (many books and much writing), and in grad school I pursued a graduate degree in Education (loved all subjects but especially all things literacy). As a classroom teacher for 12 years I became a coach and mentor working to make sure my quiet students were heard, that all students discovered their strengths and especially their voice during our writers’ workshop. Publishing my students’ stories and hosting an annual Authors’ Tea for families was my delight. It was always a magical night! After my first son was diagnosed with Cornelia deLange Syndrome, I pivoted from classroom teaching to leading writing workshops, camps, story times with my son tagging along, and selling children’s books…always celebrating the stories that connect us and the power of words to effect change.

It turns out that my son, Benjamin, has extremely limited speech due to apraxia. His brain is unable to make and deliver correct movement directions to his lips, jaw, and tongue. Thankfully he is able to say “mom” and “dad” along with “hi” and “bye”! He is able to communicate his wants and needs by using a speech app on an iPad, and that has made all the difference. And believe me, he has found his voice!

​There is so much to love about these books! As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (which should be celebrated every month IMO) and prepare to vote in our local, state, and national elections we can share history and empowering fiction with our children!
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Equality’s Call is about the history of voting rights in America written in rhyming text by Deborah Diesen. I love the powerful illustrations by Magdalena Mora. The preface, endnotes, and glossary will help with a deeper dive into history. My fifth grader enjoyed this as a read aloud since it included more detailed information. I’m a big fan of sharing picture books with older kids!
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Separate is Never Equal is such an informative, important book about the fight for desegregation in California by the Mendez family. Duncan Tonatiuh is a fabulous author and incredible illustrator. I look forward to checking out his other books! This story is so detailed and rich. I love that it includes a glossary and photos of the families involved in this historic moment in our nation’s history!
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Last but not least is the inspiring story of Sofia Valdez, Future Prez written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts. Sofia and her Abuelo encounter a problem in their neighborhood that Sofia decides to change. She takes her idea all the way to city hall, not without a little trepidation. The run around she gets at city hall will sound familiar to anyone who has tried to create change at the local level. Sofia’s determination and coalition building are a great example to encourage change makers in our communities!

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Interest Level: 3 to 8 years
Author: Britney Winn Lee
Illustrator: Jacob Souva
Publisher: Beaming Books, 2019
Retail: $17.99

Are you raising or teaching a child with big feelings? The Boy with Big, Big Feelings is such a great book and is a great way to start a conversation to validate all the feelings our young ones experience! As a sensitive mom herself to two boys with sensory processing disorder (SPD) and social anxiety, I definitely recognized familiar scenes in this sweet book. It features a sensitive little boy whose feelings are so big that they show up in his body. The shadows at night, the rumble of a truck, or a change in plans lead to big emotions. The boy in the book even feels the feelings of those around him, something my now ten-year-old recently shared happens to him. One day on the playground the boy meets a friend who feels things a little extra big, too. In sharing their big hearts, they also discover that other children experience big emotions and that feelings aren’t meant to be hidden away.

Beaming Books shares six ways to help little ones with big feelings:
*Celebrate Sensitivity
*Rehearse Transitions
*Give Language
*Stay Steady
*Maintain Boundaries
*Discuss Your Feelings, too.

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The storyline in The Boy With Big, Big Feelings reminds me in many ways of one of my favorite books from Barefoot Books, The Boy Who Grew Flowers! Rink Bowagon is a shy boy who has a very unique talent of sprouting flowers all over his body whenever there is a full moon. Because he is shy and different, his horrible teacher puts him at the back of the room and his classmates ignore him. One day a new girl joins the class, and Rink's life is changed forever. I won't give the story away but will say that it melts my heart each time I read it. The new girl, Angelina Quiz not only has one leg shorter than the other but also holds a secret that deepens their friendship that much more. 

​At the time I first read this story my oldest son had been recently diagnosed with a genetic syndrome called Cornelia deLange Syndrome or CdLS. We didn't know anything about CdLS but first impressions from the research showed a life of challenges and a grim prognosis. Though our little boy was born "different" from most, we loved him unconditionally as our little Benjamin. It was worrisome to think that he would grow up in a world where people wouldn't love and care for him the way we did. Reading The Boy Who Grew Flowers brought so many tears as Rink's differences are embraced by a new friend. It melted my heart and will always be one of my favorites. When I learned that the author, Jen Wojtowicz, wrote it in recognition of her brother who has autism, it meant even more. Jen is an artist who happens to write and teaches artists who also happen to have disabilities. I am so grateful she created this beautiful, well-written story and that Steve Adams brought it to life with his dreamy illustrations. I am also incredibly grateful to have met many people over the past 14 years who embrace our joyful, unique son, Benjamin, and see him and not his disabilities first. He is Benjamin who happens to have CdLS. 

Interest Level: 4 - 8 years
Author: Rob Sanders
Illustrator: Jared Andrew Schorr
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2018

I love this book! It’s a great introduction to peaceful protest for our kids. It’s an ABC adventure in activism and includes a diverse and inclusive cast of characters! 

The cut paper illustrations are gorgeous and detailed and bring the book to life. 

The endnotes include an overview of the history of peaceful protest. This could lead to deeper research into Thoreau, Ghandi, and Martin Luther King, Jr. The glossary is a helpful resource in answering children’s questions. I highly recommend it! Extend your reading with  letter writing, cut paper art projects, sign making, researching social justice movements, and more! 

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Interest level: Ages 4 - 8 years
Author: Meera Sriram
Illustrator: Mariona Cabassa
Publisher: Barefoot Books, 2020
Retail: $16.99 & $8.99 (also available in Spanish)
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Have you ever searched for the perfect gift for your mother? In A Gift for Amma a young girl visits an Indian market in search of the perfect gift for her Amma. As she travels from stall to stall she discovers a rainbow of colors: saffron orange, jasmine white, lotus pink, peacock green, vermilion red, and more. The way Meera Sriram describes the sights, sounds, and smells of the market transports the reader. If you are a cook, you will especially love the pages of saffron, mint, coriander, sweetcorn, kebabs, turmeric, sweets, and tea. 
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Mariona Cabassa's illustrations are vibrant and offer a sensory feast. The peacock page just might be my favorite. The richness and design lines repeated in the peacock feathers and herb leaves is so soothing to the eye.  

This book includes endnotes that further describe the items you might find at a market in the author's hometown of Chennai and introduces markets around the world! The real treat for me was discovering a page of photographs at. the end of this beautiful book featuring the author with her Amma and the actual market she visited. In her dedication the author honors her Amma's gentle strength. I feel the combination of descriptive text and gorgeous illustrations create a book with gentle strength, as well. I highly recommend it as a wonderful Own Voices addition to your home or classroom library. 

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Interest Level: Ages 2-100!
Author and Illustrator: Innosanto Nagara
Publisher: Triangle Square, 2013
Retail: $10.99 board book

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Are you an activist? If you are, you will love A is for Activist! This little board book packs a progressive punch! It's an alphabet book, a call to action, and a call to unite in the fight for social justice, climate justice, and more. The illustrations are powerful and include folks young and old from all walks of life. You'll recognize activists from different movements (Cesar Chavez, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr.) and young ones will get to search for the cat hidden on each page. 

One of my favorite pages celebrates our diversity.         

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Dance Like a Leaf arrived recently and I am head over heels! The poetic descriptions by A.J. Irving and rich illustrations by Claudia Navarro are almost too much for me. This tale of relationship, loss, and celebrating memories touches your heart and stirs up all the feels. The sensory images of sipping tea, wearing scarves, and dancing like leaves capture the closeness between a little girl and her grandmother. It is a precious introduction to talk about the difficult topic of death with young children, but also how we might honor our loved ones and celebrate their memory. Recommended for ages 4-8 years. Available from independent publisher of the most gorgeous books,
​Barefoot Books! 
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​I have been thinking about my grandmothers and know I’m lucky to have been close to them all. I especially cherish spending the last chapters of my Grandma Pat’s 100 years getting to visit each week. I remember red lipstick, smoky afghans, white carpets, the clip, clip, clip of coupons, orange fish swimming on the walls, and the most joyful laugh I think I’ve ever heard. Angie, Virginia, Patricia, you are the angels I summon when I need a light to find my way.

Dance Like a Leaf will touch all who read it, and how lovely to have it available in Spanish and French editions. Thank you, Barefoot Books!

Disclosure: For your convenience, this post contains affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. ​