Salsa Lullaby by Jen Arena

Written by Jen Arena, Illustrated by Erika Meza, Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2019. (fiction, ages 2-5)

IMG_2765Things have changed very quickly to say the least. I pulled my kids from school a week before the official closures, stressed and worried how their lives will forever be impacted. I look to my parents’ example for strength. My mom revealed that many of my fond childhood memories spending hours at my father’s store came about because he worked six days a week to make ends meet, but didn’t want to give up family time. Thanks to their love, strength, and creativity, I had no idea that we were struggling. I chose this book because it reminded me how many parents, myself included, have the same hope; that our children’s memories during this difficult time will be of how much we love them.

BACKGROUND

A Latinx family sing a playful lullaby to their baby in Spanish and English, hoping for a successful bedtime. Includes a glossary.

BEST FOR

About a two minute read aloud that would be great for active participation, highlighting Spanish, or family relationships.

PAIR WITH

Babymoon by Hayley Barrett

A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Salsa Lullaby

Shop your local indie bookstore

Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom by Teresa Robeson

Written by Teresa Robeson, Illustrated by Rebecca Huang, Published by Sterling Children’s Books, 2019. (biography, ages 5-9)

IMG_2874In honor of international woman’s day I want to introduce this new biography and recipient of the APALA Literature Award for the picture book category. Wu Chien Shiung was an immigrant from China who became a talented physicist. She was crucial in proving new theories but was passed up for the Nobel Peace Prize not once, not twice…but THREE times! It’s safe to say that recognition for her contributions is loooong overdue!

BACKGROUND

Chinese physicist Wu Chien Shiung was born curious. Eventually that curiosity would take her far from her small hometown Liuhe, China to the USA. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

About a fifteen to twenty minute read aloud that would be great for international women’s day *obviously* or any biography unit. Also a great STEM, social justice, or history read.

PAIR WITH

The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just by Melina Mangal

Honda the Boy Who Dreamed of Cars by Mark Weston

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Queen of Physics

Shop your local indie bookstore

‘Ohana Means Family by Ilima Loomis

Written by Ilima Loomis, Illustrated by Kenard Park, Published by Neal Porter Books, 2020. (fiction, ages 4-8)

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It is wonderful to find a title that puts Hawaiian family, culture, and traditions front and center. Not only is the cumulative text lyrical and simple, it is perfectly matched with the deeply textured illustrations by Kenard Park. This read will gently lure young readers deep into the story.

BACKGROUND

A Hawaiian boy and girl watch as their community gather together to grow, tend, and harvest poi to prepare for their ‘ohana’s lū‘au. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

About a five minute read aloud that would be perfect to talk about family traditions, respect of natural resources, to use to spot patterns or model cause and effect.

PAIR WITH

Ho’onani Hula Warrior by Heather Gale

Where Are You From? By Jamie Kim

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading ‘Ohana Means Family

Shop your local indie bookstore