Showing posts with label #BookReview #BookRecommended #MCBD #MulticulturaChildren'sBookDay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #BookReview #BookRecommended #MCBD #MulticulturaChildren'sBookDay. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Baby Steps by Camille Harris - Review

I’m pleased to be part of Read Your World since June 2015 as an author, reviewer, and proud Board of Trustees. 

To Celebrate Read Your World Day 2025, my JANUARY RECOMMENDATION is:
Baby Steps by Camille Harris received ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Readers Favorite Review.
Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉

“The perfect companion to enjoy every child’s first steps—belongs on every home bookshelf.” - Readers Favorite - #childrensbook #picturebook #jazzforkids #kidsbook #earlychildhoodeducation

  I highly recommend this book! 

Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors
 
FOUNDER'S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Pragmaticmom) and Valarie Budayr (Audreypress.com)
🏅 Super Platinum Sponsor: Author Deedee Cummings and Make A Way Media
🏅 Gold Sponsors:  Third State Books
🏅 Silver Sponsors: The Quarto GroupRed Comet Press and Lerner Books
🏅 Silver Corporate Sponsor:  Scholastic Books
🏅 Bronze Sponsors:  Lee and Low and Star Bright Books
🏅 Bronze Corporate Sponsor: Crayola Education
🏅 Ruby Corporate Sponsor: MagicBlox
Read Your World is honored to be Supported by these Author Sponsors!

 Thank you for your support to LuzDelMes 🌷

Poemas y Reflexiones

ACTIVIDADES GRATIS EN: www.luzdelmes.com

Maritza MartineMejia

Mother, Theologian, Author, Educator and Translator

Member: Read your Wold Board of Trusteed, Read to Me, Day! Ambassador 
ANLMI & Gremio Poético Colombiano 

FREE Reading Activities visit: www.luzdelmes.com
Received Crystal Apple, VCB Poetry 2015, Latino Book Awards 2016, Premio Verso Dorado 2022

Monday, January 22, 2024

Multicultural Children’s Book Day with LuzDelMes Reviews


This year, I have a list of amazing bilingual, English and Spanish picture books  that I received as part of Multicultural Children’s Book Day - ReadYourWorld.  I’ve been a reviewer for almost 10 years and author sponsor for the las five years. It is a great adventure to wait and receive for the books in the mail to sit down and read calmyly to others author's voice. Thank you Multicultural Children’s Book Day for the honor to be also a Board of Trustees. 

Dsiclosure: I received these book for review. 
I don't receive any compensation for this reviews, all opinion are my own.

Este año, tengo una lista de increíbles libros ilustrados bilingües, en inglés y español, que recibí como parte del Día Multicultural del Libro Infantil-ReadYourWorld.  He sido reseñadora durante casi 10 años y patrocinadora de autores durante los últimos cinco. Es una gran aventura esperar y recibir los libros por correo para sentarme a leer tranquilamente la voz de otros autores. Gracias Día Multicultural del Libro Infantil por el honor de ser también miembro del Consejo Administrativo.

BILINGUAL PICTURE BOOKS 2024 for READ YOUR WORLD


Coco la cotorra puertorriqueña

Frances Díaz Evans 

Coco la cotorra puertorriqueña de Frances Díaz Evans, es un cuento muy bien escrito e ilustrado por Alejandra López. Coco contiene ilustraciones brillantes que les ensenará a los niños y adultos a formar concienciación ecológica .sobre las  especies en peligro de extinción, como el loro puertorriqueño, Coco. El cuento nos narra la historia de Coco, un loro puertorriqueño que va a vivir libre después de crecer en cautiverio en la selva tropical de El Yunque. Coco está emocionado de encontrar loros como él, pero Coco tiene un dialecto diferente al de los loros nacidos libres. ¿Encontrará Coco un hogar para siempre?

Lee esta entretenida historia que también contiene un glosario, nota del autor sobre la preservación de la cotorra puertorriqueña, e información sobre la flora y fauna de Puerto Rico. ¡Recomiendo encarecidamente este libro! Visita:  https://francesdiazevans.com/

Coco la cotorra Puertorriquena by Frances Díaz Evans and illustrated by Alejandra López, is a very well written picture book with brilliant illustrations that teach children and adults how to raise ecological awareness about endangered species, such as the Puerto Rican parrot, Coco. The story tells the story of Coco, a Puerto Rican parrot who is going to live free after growing up in captivity in the rainforest of El Yunque. Coco is excited to find parrots like him, but Coco has a different dialect than free-born parrots. Will Coco find a forever home?

Read this entertaining story that also contains a glossary, author's note on the preservation of the Puerto Rican parrot, and information about the flora and fauna of Puerto Rico. I highly recommend this book!

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Myra y el Enredo del Dibujo

Rosemary RiveraMario Menjivar (Illustrations)

Imagine and Wonder 

Myra and the Drama of Drawing is one of those books you never forget. It all starts with little Myra's excitement when Mr. Punchinello announces the annual art contest. Although Myra had a week to submit her artwork, she couldn't wait and when she finished it, she handed it to her teacher who was shocked. Instead, she ended up in the psychologist's chair, in the principal's office and in the detention room with another boy who made a gift for his sister, but no one understood except Myra. 

The build up to the drama is excited as the hidden message, “adults do not see things as children do.”This picture book received the 2023 list of Unconventional Children's Books. I highly recommend it; this book belongs in every classroom!


Myra y el drama del dibujo es uno de esos libros que nunca se olvidan. Todo empieza con la emoción de la pequeña Myra cuando el Sr. Punchinello anuncia el concurso anual de arte. Aunque Myra tenía una semana para presentar su arte, no podo esperar y al finalizarlo lo entrego a su profesor quien quedo en estado de shock. Su mayor deseo era ganar y superar a su compañero Tobee, en lugar de eso, acabó en la silla del psicólogo, en el despacho del director y en la sala de detención con otro niño que hizo un regalo para su hermana, pero nadie lo entendió excepto Myra.

 La construcción del drama es emocionante como el mensaje oculto, “los adultos no ven las cosas como los niños”. Este libro ilustrado recibió la lista 2023 de Libros Infantiles No Convencionales. Lo recomiendo encarecidamente; ¡este libro debe estar en todas las aulas!

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Best Believe: TheTres Hermanas, a Sisterhood for the Common Good

NoNieqa RamosNicole Medina (Illustrator)

Learner Publishing Group 

Meet the “Tres Hermanas” who moved from Puerto Rico to New York City as children and grew up to become leaders in their Bronx community. Evelina, an activist for social causes, founded United Bronx Parents. Lillian, a librarian an activist for Spanish and bilingual books. Elba, an ambassador an activist for the arts. The author develops this rhyming picture book with the brilliant illustrations by Nicole Medina. I highly recommend this book.


Conoce a las “Tres Hermanas” quienes se trasladaron de Puerto Rico a Nueva York siendo niñas y crecieron hasta convertirse en líderes de su comunidad del Bronx. Evelina, activista de causas sociales, fundó Padres Unidos del Bronx. Lillian, bibliotecaria y activista en favor de los libros en bilingües y en español. Elba, embajadora y activista por las artes. La autora desarrolla este libro ilustrado rimado con las brillantes ilustraciones de Nicole Medina. Recomiendo encarecidamente este libro.

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Belinda Lifts Her Voice / Belinda eleva su voz:(Bilingual English - Spanish)

Luisa Orellana-CastilloRomeo Montero (Illustrator)Camila de la Luz Villegas

Shout Mouse Press 

This heartwarming bilingual story in English and Spanish is written by first-generation Latino teens. They tell the story of Belinda, a girl of Mexican and Salvadoran descent who loved to sing. Since the death of her aunt, Belinda has been afraid to use her voice. However, when she unexpectedly learns that a new owner decides to paint over a mural that was created in honor of her aunt, who was a great singer. Belinda rallies the entire community to throw a party in honor of her aunt in front of the mural to stop the project. Will Belinda be able to lead her community and raise her voice to save her aunt's mural? I highly recommend this book for its great social content.


Esta conmovedora historia bilingüe en inglés y español está escrita por adolescentes latinos de primera generación Ellos narran la historia de Belinda, una niña de ascendencia mexicana y salvadoreña a quien le fascinaba cantar. Desde la muerte de su tía, Belinda siente temor a usar su voz. Sin embargo, cuando inesperadamente se entera que un nuevo propietario decide tapar con pintura un mural que se creó en honor a su tía, quien era una gran cantante. Belinda congrega a toda la comunidad para hacer una fiesta en honor a su tia en frente del mural para detener el proyecto. ¿Podrá Belinda liderar a su comunidad y elevar su voz para salvar el mural de su tía? Recomiendo este libro por su gran contenido social.

Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2024 (1/25/25) is in its 11th year! Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen founded this non-profit children’s literacy initiative; they are two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural diverse books and authors on the market while also working to get those books into the hands of young readers and educators. Read Your World’s mission is to raise awareness of the need to include kids’ books celebrating diversity in homes and school bookshelves. Read about our Mission and history HERE.

Read Your World celebrates Multicultural Children’s Book Day and is honored to be Supported by these Medallion and Ruby Sponsors!

FOUNDER’S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Pragmaticmom) and Valarie Budayr (Audreypress.com)

🏅 Super Platinum Sponsor: Author Deedee Cummings and Make A Way Media

🏅 Platinum SponsorsPublisher SpotlightLanguage Lizard Bilingual Books in 50+ LanguagesLerner Publishing Group

🏅 Gold Sponsors:  Barefoot BooksAstra Books for Young Readers

🏅 Silver Sponsors: Red Comet PressEerdmans Books for Young ReadersValerie Williams-Sanchez and Valorena PublishingLee and Low BooksCardinal Rule Press

🏅 Bronze Sponsors: CK MaloneTonya Duncan EllisAnita Crawford ClarkStar Bright BooksBlue Dot Kids PressBrunella CostagliolaRed FinFabled Films 

Ruby Sponsor: Crayola 

MCBD 2024 Author SponsorsGwen JacksonJosh FunkEugenia ChuSivan HongMarta MagellanKathleen BurkinshawAngela H. DaleMaritza M MejiaAuthors J.C. Kato and J.C.²Charnaie Gordon Alva SachsAmanda Hsiung-BlodgettLisa ChongDiana HuangMartha Seif SimpsonDARIA (WORLD MUSIC WITH DARIA) Daria Marmaluk-HajioannouGea MeijeringStephanie M. WildmanTracey KyleAfsaneh MoradianKim C. LeeRochelle Melander, Beth Ruffin, Shifa Saltagi SafadiAlina ChauMichael GenhartSally J. PlaAjuan ManceKimberly MarcusLindsey Rowe Parker

MCBD 2024 is Honored to be Supported by our CoHosts and Global CoHosts!

Classroom Kit Poster: Barefoot Books 


📌 Register for the MCBD Read Your World Virtual Party Join us on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 9 pm EST celebrating more than 10 years of  Multicultural Children’s Book Day Read Your World Virtual Party! Register here

Thank you for your support!🌷 #LuzDelMes 🌠  

ACTIVIDADES GRATIS EN: www.luzdelmes.com

Maritza MartineMejia

Mother, Theologian, Author, Educator and Translator

Member: Read your Wold Board of Trusteed, Read to Me, Day! Ambassador 
ANLMI & Gremio Poético Colombiano 

FREE Reading Activities visit: www.luzdelmes.com

Received Crystal Apple, VCB Poetry 2015, Latino Book Awards 2016, Premio Verso Dorado 2022 

 

 

Thursday, January 26, 2023

My Reviews for Multicultural Children's Book Day - LuzDelMes

When I was a child,  I always dreamed of traveling around the world , visiting different places, meeting people with different languages, and tasting delicious foods from around the world. A perfect dream that I made it reality over the years as travel agent. 

Now, I am enjoying this experience as an Author Sponsor, Reviewer, and Board of Advisors of Multicultural Children's Book Day (MCBD) #ReadYourWorld becasue books bring us to places you can't go in person! 

CELEBRATING 10th Annual Multicultural Children’s Book Day with forth amazing books 
JANUARY 26th CELEBRATING 10th Annual Multicultural Children’s Book Day #MCBD around the World. I will travel virtually to celebrate with Greek-co-host Agatha Rodi and all participants reading The Purple Shell.



As part of the MCBD I reviewed the following books for an honest review:


Book Review of Meet the Mermaids: Hi, I'm Anna

The Five Enchanted Mermaids are five racially diverse mermaids who live undersea in a mythical world called “Atargatis.” Each mermaid represents a different part of the globe and has a superpower. 

I read the book “Meet the Mermaids: Hi, I’m Anna. One day Anna visited Miss Molly’s School to talk to the students about the “Kindness Kids Club” and how they can participate in this amazing venture to be kind. Anna explains the three main types of kindness: “to our planet, to their people and to ourselves.” The students became Kindness Kids and went out to look for “kindness in action”. Great lesson, Anna!

Lois Petren, author of the Lulu and Lainey and Five Enchanted Mermaids series of children's picture books, said that she became an author by chance when she realized she had a story to tell. In 2018 in collaboration with LifeMadeSimple, LLC, Lois started writing books about the Five Enchanted Mermaids, to develop a growth mindset and learn developmental skills in children.

Book Review of Mermaids on a Mission to save the Ocean

by Janet Balletta (Goodreads Author),Alyssa Figueroa (Illustrator)

Great tool for teachers and good read for children
Mermaids on a Mission, as the title implies, is a book about seven mermaids who protect the ocean from mankind’s pollution. Each of the mermaids have a special power that allows them to save the valuable oceans and special creatures and plant life. The conversation between the mermaids describes the culture and characteristics of each of them. I love Fina from South America and her mission to protect injured animals in Aqua Pura.
Teachers have an excellent tool to teach children how important the oceans are by following the example and action the mermaids did to keep the waters clean from pollutants.

The illustrators, Alyssa Figueroa and Alexander C. Appello, created brilliant illustrations that make the story enjoyable to read to young children.
The author Balletta includes a helpful Teacher's Guide which introduces vocabulary, discussion questions on a deep and well research topic. Congratulations Mrs. Balletta!
Mermaids on a Mission to Save the Oceans is most highly recommended. 
recommend this book for children ages 5-8 years old. 


Book Review of "The Golden Seahorse

The Golden Seahorse is a mythical character that helps a little girl faces her fears to swim. A girl named Camila was afraid of the ocean because she didn’t know how to swim, but her mother told her not to be afraid because in the ocean there was a golden seahorse that would rescue her.

It is a bilingual book (English-Spanish) with coloring pages with vivid images to illustrate this sweet children's book tale. I definitely recommend this book for preschoolers to first grade students.

The Author, Camelia Kuhn is a kindergarten teacher based in Florida.   He was born in Hartford, Connecticut and grew up in Puerto Rico. From an early age, she found a love for reading through her loving mother who told her children's stories that inspired her to write this tale.  



Amelia Gets Busy! Written by Agatha Rodi - Illustrated by Joanna Scott

Since the beginning of the story, the main character, Amelia seems impressed with all the wonders around her at the village’s farm with her Greek grandma named "yiayia."  Visiting Grandma is an opportunity to enjoy nature, flowers, plants, birds and farm animals. The lovely yiayia protects Amelia with affection and care. The children story ends with a fond display of yiayia’s favorite keepsake box where she keeps the reason to be impressed of farm’s life. She gets very busyPerfect title!

The author Agatha Rodi uses poetic rhymes and rhythm to make the story dances with elegance. Soft pastel illustrations depict the simple and beautiful gardening and farming’s Greek life style. The characters are adorable!

 My favorite lines:

“A jar of yiayia’s favorite cherry jam
Some pieces of spinach pie and feta cheese
Full of spices and crispy dough.
I always take my village with me,
The blue light and the hues of the rainbow
That make me say wow!
That’s why I’m so impressed!’

 

Book Review of "For Every Little Thing: Poems and Prayers to Celebrate the Day"

June Cotner (Editor)Nancy Tupper Ling (Editor)Helen Cann (Illustrations)

I read this lovely book for an honest review, but it caught me by surprise the beauty of each page and the inspirational poems it contains. The illustrations by Helen Cann are full of vivid details that illuminates the poems along with this marvelous anthology that is divided into categories that make us reflect, not only on little things of our daily life but lead us in a simple and deep prayer.

My favorite poem: “The Power of One” As the poet said, “We need to believe in the power of one…”

It is written for children; however, it is a perfect poetic prayer book for everyone who wants to pray FOR EVERY LITTLE THING to Celebrate the Day. Perfect title! I highly recommend this prayer book for all ages.

Book Review of Amazing Sports from Around the World 

“Amazing Sportsfrom Around the World” contains a variety of sport that will surprise you. The book blends engaging illustrations with explanatory narratives about each sport from a wide variety of cultures, such as, Tossing Tuna, Polo on elephants, Jockeys riding ostriches and much more.

Sit, read, and take a trip around the world to learn about different cultures and how they entertain themselves through sports. Readers will learn the history of a variety of sports, how each sport is played, and similarities and differences among the sports across cultures. 

The author, Doug McLaughlin, a fitness trainer talks about how his book inspires readers to learn about new cultures and exciting sports. 

I’m reviewing this book as part of Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2023 (1/26/23) in its 10th Year Anniversary. 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 books into the hands of young readers and educators.

MCBD 2023 

Hashtag: Don’t forget to connect with us on social media and be sure and look for/use our official hashtag #ReadYourWorld.

Thank you for your support!🌷 #LuzDelMes 🌠

ACTIVIDADES GRATIS EN: www.luzdelmes.com

Maritza Martínez Mejía
Mother, Theologian, Author, Educator and Translator

Member: FWA, MCBD Board of Advisors,  Read to Me, Day! Ambassador 
ANLMI & Gremio Poético Colombiano 

FREE Reading Activities visit: www.luzdelmes.com
Received Crystal Apple, VCB Poetry 2015, Latino Book Awards 2016