tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74019649052779888682024-03-13T13:08:21.509-07:00 Valorena Online, L.L.C.'s Valerie's VignettesValerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401964905277988868.post-63314521322213881362024-02-18T05:13:00.000-08:002024-02-18T10:23:18.984-08:00Creating a Beautiful Black Future and Black History<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: 12pt;">This year's Black History Month theme: "African Americans and the Arts" really resonates with me, as does the HBO Documentary <a href="https://youtu.be/okH5n9CZbx0?si=P1mPQokMfsrhfWwP" target="_blank">"Black Art: In the Absence of Light."</a> An alumnus of The Studio Museum Harlem program "Books, Authors & Kids," I was fortunate enough to receive the support of The Studio Museum Harlem community. It made a difference in my work and efforts, a difference I am working to honor as I continue in my artistic practice.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWCwP56kZSerhj8fE0zOSIoZfYyfQ5HDiQRHsIuO3Zl8EhEuOUc93EJQk4STw4LFyb6JaiSoxE8UPwZkwNtTywJxrN2ACnHF319vtR_NtWjAOB_txVGWdnt62XufN-CXDvMrNFFT-wCNT8ylXAsk9YCnQdqpnXv8r5vmYEdYkeDfMr0Roebd5f7irKXpR/s3114/Studio%20Museum%20Harlem%20.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3114" data-original-width="2390" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWCwP56kZSerhj8fE0zOSIoZfYyfQ5HDiQRHsIuO3Zl8EhEuOUc93EJQk4STw4LFyb6JaiSoxE8UPwZkwNtTywJxrN2ACnHF319vtR_NtWjAOB_txVGWdnt62XufN-CXDvMrNFFT-wCNT8ylXAsk9YCnQdqpnXv8r5vmYEdYkeDfMr0Roebd5f7irKXpR/w308-h400/Studio%20Museum%20Harlem%20.jpeg" width="308" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Today, I do this in many ways. First, I continue my broad efforts in multimodal formats, including the picture books space, and work through my rebranded enterprise, Valorena Publishing. Second, I pay that support forward by supporting young Black artists like the illustrator of my second edition, </span><a href="https://www.behance.net/akinwadeto3542?locale=en_US&" style="font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">Miss Tosin Akinwande</a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, an incredible talent who works with me from her native Lagos, Nigeria. Third, and most recently, giving back looks like the </span><a href="https://bold.org/scholarships/valorena-publishing-and-cocoa-kids-collection-scholarship/" style="font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">Valorena Publishing & Cocoa Kids Collection Scholarship</a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> that is open through March 12th to aspiring students of the arts doing creative writing and illustration for use in the picture book genre. With more than 100 amazing and talented applicants to date, the sheer number of applicants lets me know the need for this kind of support is real.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;">More broadly, the need to support Black Art is critical because Black Art has the power to educate and inspire. It provides a window into the lives and experiences of Black people, and it helps to deepen our understanding of the world. Through Black Art, we demonstrate the beauty, resilience, and strength of the Black community and the struggles we have faced and overcome.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;">Black artists and artisans have shown us in beautifully striking ways how our culture has made a way when there was none. We’ve seen and created beauty time and again out of what others saw as scraps and garbage and reached new heights of transcendence when afforded opportunity. Black artists and artisans "show and prove" our cultural and collective exceptionalism, technicolor dreaming, in Black.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b>Black Art is American Art</b>. It holds a wholly unique role in our culture, not only showcasing talent, but telling the stories of a people in a nation where they are often overlooked and undervalued. And African American practitioners, both celebrated and quotidian, have been at the forefront of cultural moments and movements advocating for our identity, civil rights, and social justice.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;">Overall, the contributions of African Americans to American art and culture are deeply woven into the fabric of the nation's identity, influencing not only artistic expressions but also societal attitudes and perceptions. Black Art is the heart, soul, face and fabric of the Culture. For me, Black Art and creativity is life.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;">This year as we celebrate Black History Month, let’s step up our collective support of the arts in the Culture by taking a moment to give back to the community. Visit an artists' space, support an aspiring artist on social media, or buy a piece of art created by a Black maker. When we support our artistic community, we support ourselves and help to create a beautiful and meaningful Black future and Black History.</span></p></div><br /></div>Valerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401964905277988868.post-35022170711545584862024-02-11T20:30:00.000-08:002024-02-23T06:41:35.667-08:00 Meet the Judges: Introducing the Cohort for the 2024 Valorena Publishing & Cocoa Kids Collection Scholarship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Valorena Publishing is pleased and honored to introduce the judging cohort for the inaugural Valorena Publishing & Cocoa Kids Collection Scholarship. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Our esteemed panel will review and evaluate the more than 100 applications we've received to date to determine this year's winner. Please read on to learn about this amazing group of women to see how they have made impactful contributions to the world of publishing and media. These trailblazing and overall badass women are truly inspiring! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The pages shown are from the Scholarship Program Media Kit. For more information or to get the full media kit, please contact me at Valerie@Valorenaonline.com.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(Click the image to see each of the two full-sized pages) </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWwaJEtpTPFJUSAlfjM_9O52b81fQXKcBkWJuti-O_qvKWfDlrr9pbd8wgFEkAWP4fSen-8pgzuFr1CumAYGFJ8RDK3bMIkD9uefUfeItjVCrv9aCEdvkrh7NgJ1nh7aPoh3ixlaZr9uJr7nv4fJ2cjuyIKdMHUIv0IOORbPPdDAnS7SeiprZeKbf4eNz/s7590/UPDATED%20-%20JUDGES%20-%20MEET%20THE%20COHORT%20Scholarship%202024%20_Page_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="7590" data-original-width="5865" height="848" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWwaJEtpTPFJUSAlfjM_9O52b81fQXKcBkWJuti-O_qvKWfDlrr9pbd8wgFEkAWP4fSen-8pgzuFr1CumAYGFJ8RDK3bMIkD9uefUfeItjVCrv9aCEdvkrh7NgJ1nh7aPoh3ixlaZr9uJr7nv4fJ2cjuyIKdMHUIv0IOORbPPdDAnS7SeiprZeKbf4eNz/w656-h848/UPDATED%20-%20JUDGES%20-%20MEET%20THE%20COHORT%20Scholarship%202024%20_Page_1.jpg" width="656" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_oNcleIk-zFDQmY0DsBmY4WRnefLZQ4j0CRWaJkbgi2N9OxSNrZ_cM7RW21FInf8-VayuczHCJLdccYbJOxY70pp_XKQC0TXkfcmSHFU5hiFPRUjg4D18PzTNe5hLXDqIKp-yzUw8vYc1IrhZU2Y8lh4QYtsdOL8qtei-V4xkn83kw63IBQGRmYgm_XO/s7722/_judges_-_meet_the_cohort_scholarship_2024_Page_2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="7722" data-original-width="5976" height="795" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_oNcleIk-zFDQmY0DsBmY4WRnefLZQ4j0CRWaJkbgi2N9OxSNrZ_cM7RW21FInf8-VayuczHCJLdccYbJOxY70pp_XKQC0TXkfcmSHFU5hiFPRUjg4D18PzTNe5hLXDqIKp-yzUw8vYc1IrhZU2Y8lh4QYtsdOL8qtei-V4xkn83kw63IBQGRmYgm_XO/w657-h795/_judges_-_meet_the_cohort_scholarship_2024_Page_2.jpg" width="657" /></a></p>Valerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401964905277988868.post-84090792489595836532024-01-28T19:08:00.000-08:002024-01-28T19:08:34.908-08:00Dive into Diversity: Exploring 2024's Multicultural Children's Book Day Gems (Part 2)<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #374151; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Embark on a literary adventure with our spotlight on the 2024 Multicultural Children's Book Day. Explore three captivating gems: "Please Don't Give Me A Hug!" by Judi Moreillon, navigating the delicate balance of consent; Deedee Cummings' whimsical odyssey "In the Nick of Time Too," weaving themes of friendship and empathy; and Dr. Tee-Tee's "Together til' the End: Ife's Incredible Friends," a tale of enduring companionship.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="color: #374151; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">These reviews are your passport to a vibrant literary landscape where multicultural voices resonate, and where unity is fostered among young readers. Join us on this journey through diverse narratives, contributing to the tapestry of children's literature. Enjoy and #Read your world!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: center;"><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="color: #374151; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">___________________________________________________________</span></p><h2 style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: cambria; font-size: 22px; margin: 0px; position: relative;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: justify;"></span></h2><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><h1 style="margin: 0px; position: relative;"><span style="color: #374151; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"In the Nick of Time,Too"</span></span></h1><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #374151; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: times;">by </span></span><span style="color: #374151; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Deedee Cummings</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #374151; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Illustrated by Charlene Mosley</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 17.6px;"><span style="color: #374151; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></div><div style="font-size: 17.6px;"><span style="color: #374151; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: times;">Publisher: Make A Way Media, LLC Published: 2022 </span></span></div><div style="font-size: 17.6px;"><span style="color: #374151; font-family: times; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;">ISBN of 978-1-95-1218-33-1</span><span style="color: #374151; font-family: times; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Pages:40 </span></div><div style="font-size: 17.6px;"><span style="color: #374151; font-family: times; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.25em; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: times;">This heartwarming holiday yarn centers around the endearing characters of Nick Saint and his steadfast friend, Cooper. This sweet narrative delves into the wonder of Christmas, revealing a surprise visit that evolves into a journey of self-discovery and an experience that reveals the true essence of the holiday spirit.</span></p></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px; text-align: start; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></p><p style="border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px; text-align: start; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: times;">Breaking away from the typical Christmas story, Cummings crafts a narrative brimming with festive charm, imparting a compelling message of kindness and hope. Nick and Cooper embark on a mission to spread these virtues in their daily lives, providing readers with a poignant reflection on the significance of these values during the holiday season and beyond.</span></p><p style="border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-family: times;"><img alt="" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="700" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsKpW_VMar-8bnRgFnZuPg5z6p75WuYHNWFQ4vJWanvTV0Zk50csCNYbCt2K5gepMM1nQlwdtD7_pMx2ezbRjr56tSI3wyiHnknZf6QI9PR92IyFIbbNkNNoce_iDdxGJ3cKH67fsarDwl9DmPOCjboBwhH4511WfzKbvx7sRtO8xLxFF_u2Ey3MLDf36L" width="239" /></span></span></p><p style="border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: times;">In this way, the book appeals and resonance with children of all ages and backgrounds. Through the relatable characters of Nick and Cooper, readers are encouraged to embrace the challenge to spread love, hope, and kindness. More than an entertaining read, the story is a call to action, motivating young minds to make a positive impact in their communities. </span></p><p style="border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px 0px; text-align: start; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: times;">Important to MCBD, "In the Nick of Time Too" beautifully captures the diversity of love and kindness, underscoring that these virtues come in various forms and colors. With a timeless message that extends beyond the festive season, the book leaves readers with a heartwarming sense of joy and a renewed understanding of the universal values that bind us all. This holiday tale, adorned with acts of kindness and compassion, is destined to become a cherished favorite, inviting families to revel in the magic of Christmas.</span></p><div><span style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #262626; font-family: times; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></div></div></div></div>Valerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401964905277988868.post-3520300209920909412024-01-26T14:49:00.000-08:002024-01-26T15:33:57.632-08:00Dive into Diversity: Exploring 2024's Multicultural Children's Book Day Gems<p>
<span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="color: #374151; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Embark on a literary adventure with our spotlight on the 2024 Multicultural Children's Book Day. Explore three captivating gems: "Please Don't Give Me A Hug!" by Judi Moreillon, navigating the delicate balance of consent; Deedee Cummings' whimsical odyssey "In the Nick of Time Too," weaving themes of friendship and empathy; and Dr. Tee-Tee's "Together til' the End: Ife's Incredible Friends," a tale of enduring companionship.<br /></span></p>
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<span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="color: #374151; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">These reviews are your passport to a vibrant literary landscape where multicultural voices resonate, and where unity is fostered among young readers. Join us on this journey through diverse narratives, contributing to the tapestry of children's literature. Enjoy and #Read your world!</span>
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<h1 style="margin: 0px; position: relative;"><span style="color: #374151; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">"Please Don't Give Me A Hug!"</span></span></h1>
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<span style="color: #374151; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: times;">by Judi Moreillon,</span></span>
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<span style="color: #374151; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: times;">Illustrated by Estelle Corke
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<span style="color: #374151; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: times;">Publisher: Star Bright Books Published: 2021 </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #374151; font-family: times; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;">ISBN of 978-1-59572-917-0 Pages: 14</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: times; text-align: justify;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #374151; text-align: start; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span> </span>This story unfolds a poignant exploration of how children express and </span><span style="font-family: times;">receive friendliness, love, and affection. The book not only celebrates</span><span style="font-family: times;"> individual preferences but also interweaves crucial themes of empathy</span><span style="font-family: times;"> and emotional intelligence. Moreillon skillfully navigates the</span><span style="font-family: times;"> intricacies of children's comfort levels regarding physical affection,</span><span style="font-family: times;"> delivering a powerful message that underscores the beauty of diverse</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">expressions of love.</span></div><div style="font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: times;">The narrative encourages young readers to recognize and respect the unique boundaries of others, fostering empathy from an early age. Corke's illustrations vividly bring characters to life, enhancing the emotional impact and making it relatable for children of various backgrounds. Beyond its universal appeal, the book stands out for incorporating empathy and emotional intelligence into the narrative.</span> </div><div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: times;">It serves as a valuable resource for parents, educators, and caregivers, fostering conversations about personal boundaries and cultivating a positive and inclusive atmosphere for children to navigate social interactions with understanding and respect. "Please Don't Give Me A Hug!" is a must-read, transcending diversity to become a catalyst for conversations about empathy and emotional intelligence.</span>
<br /></div></span></div>
<p></p>
Valerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401964905277988868.post-87225970203448410182024-01-26T06:57:00.000-08:002024-01-26T06:59:09.841-08:00Valorena Publishing Goes Silver and Announces Its Inaugural Scholarship in Time for MCBD 2024<p>Multicultural Children's Book Day (MCBD) stands as a vibrant celebration dedicated to promoting diversity in children's literature, fostering cultural understanding, and encouraging young minds to explore the richness of various backgrounds through the power of storytelling. In this spirit, Valorena Publishing proudly embraces its Silver Sponsorship of MCBD, marking a decade of unwavering commitment to advancing literacy and inclusivity.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1qSIItpbQwRD4Ctg0TJBOE9HcgjkKSKGGbC8RjaEIwl7mTlSumogwXFYqrqN5HIPGglr_AluFOCPl-ko5vmF_qIYhqpHAVWgK3Duu9LcAm39IoKtC-jb7mKQjPWJATEqYaVKneGs19FEnvKUxAs_snb4DbWRTvoglsUkvvO_pRd6FAtaaxPmdY9s90KY5" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1qSIItpbQwRD4Ctg0TJBOE9HcgjkKSKGGbC8RjaEIwl7mTlSumogwXFYqrqN5HIPGglr_AluFOCPl-ko5vmF_qIYhqpHAVWgK3Duu9LcAm39IoKtC-jb7mKQjPWJATEqYaVKneGs19FEnvKUxAs_snb4DbWRTvoglsUkvvO_pRd6FAtaaxPmdY9s90KY5" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglHLm8lSQCV2m1n_tmhvk12BCfh9G5TPAVoOJU9adfXmAvgzc62pydQOGj7LmsGDojVVNWM_7hqv0YzK06QD5kafdr_ciMbXQGoZ0uQLIXKvAfHJ-UnJ6n4sdLbLFSY0RUsYIkAMZmx2X1BZUTPsWT2uGugPUQowpR0dTPwl-BWy3EP5NC4p1pcKf6mUqE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglHLm8lSQCV2m1n_tmhvk12BCfh9G5TPAVoOJU9adfXmAvgzc62pydQOGj7LmsGDojVVNWM_7hqv0YzK06QD5kafdr_ciMbXQGoZ0uQLIXKvAfHJ-UnJ6n4sdLbLFSY0RUsYIkAMZmx2X1BZUTPsWT2uGugPUQowpR0dTPwl-BWy3EP5NC4p1pcKf6mUqE=s16000" /></a></div></div></div></div><p></p><div>Valorena Publishing has been at the forefront of championing diverse voices and perspectives in children's literature for 10 years. Our enduring dedication has significantly contributed to creating a more inclusive literary landscape, where young readers can discover stories that reflect their own experiences and those of others. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="color: black; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; text-align: left;">Doubling-down on our commitment to diversity in publishing and picture books, Valorena Publishing has this year launched the Valorena Publishing & Cocoa Kids Collection Books Scholarship and Awards event. This initiative exemplifies the company's passion fro nurturing future authors, illustrators and literary talents from diverse backgrounds. The scholarship and awards program aims to provide support and recognition to aspiring creators who bring unique perspectives to the world of children's literature. </div><div style="color: black; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; text-align: left;">As a Silver sponsor of the MCBD and the driving force behind the Valorena Publishing & Cocoa Kids Collection Scholarship and Awards, Valorena Publishing continues to make a lasting impact on the world of literacy development and the literary landscape, ensuring that every child can find stories that resonate with their own cultural identity and broaden their understanding of the world. </div><div style="color: black; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div></div>Valerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401964905277988868.post-3637841150222104952023-11-23T06:04:00.000-08:002023-11-23T07:07:50.707-08:00 It's time to give thanks. <p><span style="font-family: inherit;">And there's no better way to show gratitude than to give back! <span style="background-color: white;">That's why this year, we're thrilled to announce the Valorena Publishing & Cocoa Kids Collection</span><span style="background-color: white;">®</span><span style="background-color: white;"> Scholarship supporting education, literacy and children's publishing.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are all the details:</span></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: arial;">(Nov. 21, 2023—Palisades, NY) Valorena Publishing is delighted to announce the launch of a new initiative aimed at furthering empowering literacy, children's publishing, and emerging female professionals in this field.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Hosted on Bold.org, The Valorena Publishing & Cocoa Kids Collection® Scholarship seeks to support BIPOC and multicultural women to live authentically and share their unique stories by providing a $500 scholarship to support their studies and development in fields related to children's picture books. </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLc1W_32Avh0-4cijvwdVfVn0A8bxyiEe4b4gqWm7T-4PGT-bRTaKv5MjcCWRiU3-TyGaX0AIpe2wastsDeXncnU0AXhSHq4RNWc1zN1HpCAAPEM4KBKUEibM-uMyTSnja5_5LO6DjRZbcBpyqaJSsZEwBDd4KWRN9XwWqWIpUlV22p8vDs5oiN5Pndtyi" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1172" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLc1W_32Avh0-4cijvwdVfVn0A8bxyiEe4b4gqWm7T-4PGT-bRTaKv5MjcCWRiU3-TyGaX0AIpe2wastsDeXncnU0AXhSHq4RNWc1zN1HpCAAPEM4KBKUEibM-uMyTSnja5_5LO6DjRZbcBpyqaJSsZEwBDd4KWRN9XwWqWIpUlV22p8vDs5oiN5Pndtyi=w213-h180" width="213" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This scholarship is open to female, BIPOC, and multicultural high school, undergraduate, or graduate students with a creative portfolio, published projects, or those actively engaged in a course of study related to literacy, literature, poetry, writing, publishing, editing, or illustration. The application deadline is March 12, 2024.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Dr. Valerie Williams-Sanchez, a Ph.D. in Literacy (St. John's University, NY) is the founder of Valorena Publishing and the Cocoa Kids Collection® books.</span> </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Dr. Williams-Sanchez expressed her hope that this scholarship will assist other BIPOC and multicultural women, like herself, in doing work or pursuing study relevant to the development of children's picture books.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">"When I was developing my own book series, I faced a significant need for financial support to complete my publishing projects and academic studies," Dr. Williams-Sanchez said. "It is my hope that this prize, in even a small way, will make the journey a bit easier for the next generation of aspiring women of color looking to make their mark in the publishing space."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Valorena Publishing strongly believes that books serve as the backbone of society, imparting valuable lessons from a young age. For children, books often represent their first encounters with the world, shaping formative experiences that influence their views on society. The importance of diverse voices and characters in books cannot be overstated. Children's picture books featuring children of color, telling stories of empowerment, and supporting literacy development are crucial in communities of color and to readers everywhere. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">To learn more about the Cocoa Kids Collection® series, visit: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.cocoakidscollectionbooks.com/&source=gmail&ust=1700833505273000&usg=AOvVaw1WyzXEm-wobBfWnfkNQAt_" href="https://www.cocoakidscollectionbooks.com/" rel="noreferrer" style="color: #0069a6;" target="_blank">www.CocoaKidsCollectionBooks.com</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">To apply, for this scholarship, visit:<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bold.org/scholarships/valorena-publishing-and-cocoa-kids-collection-scholarship/&source=gmail&ust=1700833505273000&usg=AOvVaw0y3q9YHOkLYfWKnCv9CP4l" href="https://bold.org/scholarships/valorena-publishing-and-cocoa-kids-collection-scholarship/" rel="noreferrer" style="color: #0069a6;" target="_blank"> https://bold.org/<wbr></wbr>scholarships/valorena-<wbr></wbr>publishing-and-cocoa-kids-<wbr></wbr>collection-scholarship/</a></span></p></blockquote><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just a few days in, the scholarship has already received some amazing submissions. But we'd like to hear from more applicants! So please, do help spread the word. </span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Also, know that the early support of the Cocoa Kids Collection® books Indiegogo campaign contributors have made so much of this possible, for which we remain eternally grateful! </span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wishing you and yours a holiday season full of grace, gratitude and thanksgiving.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Warmly,</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dr. Valerie ~</span></div>Valerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401964905277988868.post-59012447704828686322023-10-13T10:10:00.148-07:002023-10-17T06:27:32.850-07:00Cocoa Kids Collection's Silver Edition & Dyslexia Awareness Month <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 20px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge the genetic condition that stems from differences in the brain and its ability to process language (neurodivergence).</span></div><div><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" face="-apple-system, system-ui, system-ui, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, Fira Sans, Ubuntu, Oxygen, Oxygen Sans, Cantarell, Droid Sans, Apple Color Emoji, Segoe UI Emoji, Segoe UI Emoji, Segoe UI Symbol, Lucida Grande, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 20px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" face="-apple-system, system-ui, system-ui, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, Fira Sans, Ubuntu, Oxygen, Oxygen Sans, Cantarell, Droid Sans, Apple Color Emoji, Segoe UI Emoji, Segoe UI Emoji, Segoe UI Symbol, Lucida Grande, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 20px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4wj99B_0_KmwYaFhW60OaRzLdKmqcVOtt_G8nCsGCDygBboG0qRBtQl1uOQbXh4FkOp94-gv0RdeMl6DRNoNKfEwqbwVXd301tSmTc7mk2h1Mj17hpXjUfwuCzlo-uLtVT4TPjXYm7JwL04lgedI28War9J7_WLdyTxHfi89XjxRh-ilBocZCQUeJCn2a" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="362" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4wj99B_0_KmwYaFhW60OaRzLdKmqcVOtt_G8nCsGCDygBboG0qRBtQl1uOQbXh4FkOp94-gv0RdeMl6DRNoNKfEwqbwVXd301tSmTc7mk2h1Mj17hpXjUfwuCzlo-uLtVT4TPjXYm7JwL04lgedI28War9J7_WLdyTxHfi89XjxRh-ilBocZCQUeJCn2a" width="308" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">Silver is the ribbon color for Dyslexia Awareness.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table></span></span><div><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 20px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 20px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It is a condition that often runs in families and accounts for about 1 in 10 people. Globally, there are some 780 million people who are dyslexic; and in the US, more than 40 million adults have it, though only about 2 million have been diagnosed. </span></div><div><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 20px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" face="-apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 20px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">For the Cocoa Kids' Second Edition, the book series was reimagined with neurodivergent readers in mind. That's why I'm thrilled to share our first review of the newly designed book that comes from my ADCOLOR Leaders colleague, Ms. </span><a class="ql-mention" data-entity-urn="urn:li:fsd_profile:ACoAAAhAPxAB2sTGXML6Y9AUe7hvLgZGkUrLy2M" data-guid="2" data-object-urn="urn:li:fsd_profile:ACoAAAhAPxAB2sTGXML6Y9AUe7hvLgZGkUrLy2M" data-original-text="Lois Castillo" data-test-ql-mention="true" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lois-castillo/" spellcheck="false" style="background-color: white; border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;">Lois Castillo</a>. <span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" face="-apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 20px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">She is a mother of two sons, who like herself are dyslexic. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" face="-apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 20px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> _________________________________________</span></span></div><div><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: 20px; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><b><br /></b></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: 20px; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><b> Isaiah and the Chocolate Mountain, Second Edition </b></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: 20px; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">By Valerie Williams-Sanchez</p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: 20px; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><br /></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: medium;">Publisher: Valorena Publishing </span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: medium;">Published: 2023</span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: left;">ISBN</span><span style="text-align: left;">: <span style="background-color: #fffdfd; white-space-collapse: collapse;">978-0-692-46639-1 </span></span><span style="background-color: #fffdfd; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: collapse;"> </span></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: medium;">Pages: 22 </span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: 20px; text-align: center;"> _________________________________</span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: 20px; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 20px; text-align: center;"><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" face="-apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 20px; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">BOOK REVIEW</span></div><p style="font-size: 20px;"></p><h4 style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: 20px; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"> <i>Isaiah and the Chocolate Mountain</i>: An Inclusive Adventure for Young Readers</h4><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: 20px; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"> </p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: 20px; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"> <i>Isaiah and the Chocolate Mountain</i> is a delightful children's book that embarks on a unique and heartwarming journey. As a parent familiar with the challenges of dyslexia, I was delighted to discover that this book not only weaves a captivating narrative but also offers a dyslexic-friendly font, ensuring a more enjoyable and accessible reading experience for both my child and me.</p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: 20px; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"> The story revolves around Isaiah, a young boy who, to the surprise of many, holds a strong aversion to chocolate. With his birthday just around the corner, Isaiah cannot fathom receiving chocolate as a gift. However, his well-intentioned Aunt surprises him with an enormous box of chocolates, thinking it a special gesture. Little does she know that this seemingly simple gift will set in motion an extraordinary adventure.</p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: 20px; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"> The author masterfully portrays Isaiah's emotions and frustrations, making it effortless for children, especially those with dyslexia, to empathize with the character. The dyslexic-friendly font, thoughtfully employed throughout the book, significantly enhances readability. Well-spaced letters ease the reading process, allowing young readers to follow along without being overwhelmed by dense text.</p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: 20px; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"> As the story unfolds, Isaiah's initial anger and disappointment drive him to make a bold decision—he leaves his own birthday party in search of a place free of chocolate, only to find himself on a chocolate mountain.</p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: 20px; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"> The book's message about self-acceptance and the strength of individuality is both heartwarming and universally relevant for children of all ages. It encourages young readers, including those with dyslexia, to embrace their uniqueness and never shy away from standing up for their beliefs.</p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: 20px; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"> The vibrant and captivating illustrations in <i>Isaiah and the Chocolate Mountain</i> offer valuable visual support for the narrative. They skillfully convey the characters' emotions and enhance the overall reading experience. In conclusion, <i>Isaiah and the Chocolate Mountain</i> is a beautifully crafted children's book that goes beyond mere entertainment.</p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: 20px; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"> With its dyslexic-friendly font and valuable life lessons, it is a must-read for families seeking to foster inclusivity and self-confidence in their young readers. This book not only enriched my child's reading journey but also provided us with a meaningful and enjoyable story to bond over. I wholeheartedly recommend it to children and parents alike. </p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: 20px; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><br /></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: 20px; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">______________</p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: 20px; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><br /></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: 20px; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Lois Castillo is the creator of <a href="https://thechangemakerstable.com/">The Change Maker's Table</a> podcast.</p></span></div><div><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" face="-apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 20px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZP09J6f2FuooB9JYdeKac18kefdvyr_ijkGZJlBIu8fYugkzNWdVy21vfjwRO65holxCg6QhxXnFPmGKoRc8N6loIcBXWzsaSywsC56cdC51SjKPHUuJPER0mBmxCMqrjbD8M2PndMhQp7kCzaS9kTtplGL6q9TgtQnbVUbFYw8LHtxHNvE4k8FR2qb46" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="158" data-original-width="206" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZP09J6f2FuooB9JYdeKac18kefdvyr_ijkGZJlBIu8fYugkzNWdVy21vfjwRO65holxCg6QhxXnFPmGKoRc8N6loIcBXWzsaSywsC56cdC51SjKPHUuJPER0mBmxCMqrjbD8M2PndMhQp7kCzaS9kTtplGL6q9TgtQnbVUbFYw8LHtxHNvE4k8FR2qb46=w208-h159" width="208" /></a></div></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Valerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401964905277988868.post-69707297360602638182023-07-23T08:45:00.005-07:002023-07-23T09:07:56.003-07:00The Cocoa Kids Collection®, Second Edition is Here!<p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;">Valerie's Vignettes has been quiet for some time. Now, I'm happy to share why. We've been developing what I'm happy to announce --T</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;">here's a new book in the Cocoa Kids Collection</span><strong style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">®</span></strong><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial;">! </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; white-space-collapse: break-spaces;">Celebrating the series' 10th anniversary, the new title is a</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; white-space-collapse: break-spaces;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; white-space-collapse: break-spaces;">r</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; white-space-collapse: break-spaces;">ei</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; white-space-collapse: break-spaces;">magining</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; white-space-collapse: break-spaces;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; white-space-collapse: break-spaces;">of the title that started the series, </span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; white-space-collapse: break-spaces;">Isaiah and the Chocolate Mountain. </i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWy018kqz-ytihECpSKkApPb_4HdmJXDvdrwGZRBzHgNKHASMIE-Wovwyp_bgbtT6ZSgigDSSAAIonx8LEoDrMxCstpbnE5LGXN8jJIoeCdWsF9vHEQfBdC4JcAsAjAANN4IxO33fvtp7Al-qEf5rxFu_D0Ies5Ne7KNqz4C3XMOiU0q1MpKMAoRZkv7h/s864/ICM2*.5x12.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWy018kqz-ytihECpSKkApPb_4HdmJXDvdrwGZRBzHgNKHASMIE-Wovwyp_bgbtT6ZSgigDSSAAIonx8LEoDrMxCstpbnE5LGXN8jJIoeCdWsF9vHEQfBdC4JcAsAjAANN4IxO33fvtp7Al-qEf5rxFu_D0Ies5Ne7KNqz4C3XMOiU0q1MpKMAoRZkv7h/s320/ICM2*.5x12.jpeg" width="213" /></span></a></div><p><span color="rgba(10, 16, 26, 0.7)" style="white-space-collapse: break-spaces;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The story remains the same: When Isaiah gets the one thing he hates - chocolate - for his birthday, anger leads to adventure and a lesson in emotional intelligence. </span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEc_DtWxgEuXl6YMJeejYTleI73fLJ4TMrTgsHUJ2Y2hLyc-n8yju0yyym4Xm2LeCeBOV2iPzDQ8z79DVFe0rzHRa4pJzoD1IYETakGG1S6u9a9aIaIvPuh4DaIZDAjnfnbxzEQTPiy2SAuSuxAVQSQQxfQCx_jhMWFY8EsvQHcbd5zsNFRJlpcE8amP-u/s620/Back%20Cover%20ART.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="601" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEc_DtWxgEuXl6YMJeejYTleI73fLJ4TMrTgsHUJ2Y2hLyc-n8yju0yyym4Xm2LeCeBOV2iPzDQ8z79DVFe0rzHRa4pJzoD1IYETakGG1S6u9a9aIaIvPuh4DaIZDAjnfnbxzEQTPiy2SAuSuxAVQSQQxfQCx_jhMWFY8EsvQHcbd5zsNFRJlpcE8amP-u/w240-h248/Back%20Cover%20ART.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span color="rgba(10, 16, 26, 0.7)" style="white-space-collapse: break-spaces;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div><span color="rgba(10, 16, 26, 0.7)" style="white-space-collapse: break-spaces;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div>New to this second edition story, dyslexic readers will enjoy new story features intended to make reading easier, including dyslexia-friendly fonts and sentence word lengths. </span></span><div><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: break-spaces;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: break-spaces;">The </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: break-spaces;">new edition was made possible with the support of our donors, listed below.</span><div><div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #222222;">So, please, c</span><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)">heck it out as well as the fresh new look of the <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.cocoakidscollectionbooks.com/&source=gmail&ust=1690212724403000&usg=AOvVaw3uV31gAFQ0IRL3JIu61EHT" href="https://www.cocoakidscollectionbooks.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Cocoa Kids Collection® website</a>. </span><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white;">Like the new, second edition book, it's cleaned up and scrubbed down for easy reading. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; text-align: right;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; text-align: right;">Happy reading, </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; text-align: right;">Dr. Valerie Williams-Sanchez, </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; text-align: right;">Valorena Publishing</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3RDnjrCIpfC-hN7Zj_v7mg5Vx1i-4guYr6sWlG3vCqVVjV9AyExHZdhNIHQY7bBKPNQOCjMHQ90JUhjrQQR56ZspgM7qwJgzrAqvZ-_qBzYzEikCAXYXTRxYz5hMVu6EzxQFbQsDWaoJwHFS_meVOEFYsTjeu9-N2jimhXVpVupY7doFuUAClJp3W430/s1448/Animated%20selfie.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3RDnjrCIpfC-hN7Zj_v7mg5Vx1i-4guYr6sWlG3vCqVVjV9AyExHZdhNIHQY7bBKPNQOCjMHQ90JUhjrQQR56ZspgM7qwJgzrAqvZ-_qBzYzEikCAXYXTRxYz5hMVu6EzxQFbQsDWaoJwHFS_meVOEFYsTjeu9-N2jimhXVpVupY7doFuUAClJp3W430/s1448/Animated%20selfie.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3RDnjrCIpfC-hN7Zj_v7mg5Vx1i-4guYr6sWlG3vCqVVjV9AyExHZdhNIHQY7bBKPNQOCjMHQ90JUhjrQQR56ZspgM7qwJgzrAqvZ-_qBzYzEikCAXYXTRxYz5hMVu6EzxQFbQsDWaoJwHFS_meVOEFYsTjeu9-N2jimhXVpVupY7doFuUAClJp3W430/s1448/Animated%20selfie.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3RDnjrCIpfC-hN7Zj_v7mg5Vx1i-4guYr6sWlG3vCqVVjV9AyExHZdhNIHQY7bBKPNQOCjMHQ90JUhjrQQR56ZspgM7qwJgzrAqvZ-_qBzYzEikCAXYXTRxYz5hMVu6EzxQFbQsDWaoJwHFS_meVOEFYsTjeu9-N2jimhXVpVupY7doFuUAClJp3W430/s1448/Animated%20selfie.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3RDnjrCIpfC-hN7Zj_v7mg5Vx1i-4guYr6sWlG3vCqVVjV9AyExHZdhNIHQY7bBKPNQOCjMHQ90JUhjrQQR56ZspgM7qwJgzrAqvZ-_qBzYzEikCAXYXTRxYz5hMVu6EzxQFbQsDWaoJwHFS_meVOEFYsTjeu9-N2jimhXVpVupY7doFuUAClJp3W430/s1448/Animated%20selfie.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3RDnjrCIpfC-hN7Zj_v7mg5Vx1i-4guYr6sWlG3vCqVVjV9AyExHZdhNIHQY7bBKPNQOCjMHQ90JUhjrQQR56ZspgM7qwJgzrAqvZ-_qBzYzEikCAXYXTRxYz5hMVu6EzxQFbQsDWaoJwHFS_meVOEFYsTjeu9-N2jimhXVpVupY7doFuUAClJp3W430/s1448/Animated%20selfie.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3RDnjrCIpfC-hN7Zj_v7mg5Vx1i-4guYr6sWlG3vCqVVjV9AyExHZdhNIHQY7bBKPNQOCjMHQ90JUhjrQQR56ZspgM7qwJgzrAqvZ-_qBzYzEikCAXYXTRxYz5hMVu6EzxQFbQsDWaoJwHFS_meVOEFYsTjeu9-N2jimhXVpVupY7doFuUAClJp3W430/s1448/Animated%20selfie.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1448" data-original-width="1426" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3RDnjrCIpfC-hN7Zj_v7mg5Vx1i-4guYr6sWlG3vCqVVjV9AyExHZdhNIHQY7bBKPNQOCjMHQ90JUhjrQQR56ZspgM7qwJgzrAqvZ-_qBzYzEikCAXYXTRxYz5hMVu6EzxQFbQsDWaoJwHFS_meVOEFYsTjeu9-N2jimhXVpVupY7doFuUAClJp3W430/w140-h142/Animated%20selfie.png" width="140" /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: arial; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>P.S. </span><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span color="rgba(10, 16, 26, 0.7)" style="white-space-collapse: break-spaces;"><span>Sending thanks to the new edition donor</span></span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimsaNW0ISTHc0H9iMVloV6fIrv6CiZ4lBjX7ShL3CgTsjkhjrkrbcLYExu4dSKIK-RztWgS4NVPL9X-qqqJHf9sPGf5c-3w0yQN3rPoccX5ehIlcO4of03HK_XHITUPWGxNZ9LwDaWK9Jkvx91iiwjaHeI5tBNZeSdUxJ-cjfQmCzhqDzrVSnVvozldUsu" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: break-spaces;"><img alt="" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="1776" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimsaNW0ISTHc0H9iMVloV6fIrv6CiZ4lBjX7ShL3CgTsjkhjrkrbcLYExu4dSKIK-RztWgS4NVPL9X-qqqJHf9sPGf5c-3w0yQN3rPoccX5ehIlcO4of03HK_XHITUPWGxNZ9LwDaWK9Jkvx91iiwjaHeI5tBNZeSdUxJ-cjfQmCzhqDzrVSnVvozldUsu=w641-h159" width="641" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span color="rgba(10, 16, 26, 0.7)" style="white-space-collapse: break-spaces;"><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div></div></div>Valerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401964905277988868.post-64686690067993469522022-03-12T06:09:00.025-08:002022-03-12T11:28:23.717-08:00Rememory: A Special Interest Group from Cultural Literacy Everywhere<p><span style="font-family: times;"><span> </span>Join <a href="https://cleurope.eu/2021/10/13/dwelling-cle-ucd-symposium-2022/">The Dwelling Symposium</a> hosted by <a href="https://cleurope.eu/">Cultural Literacy Everywhere</a> and University College Dublin to be part of the <a href="https://cleurope.eu/rememory/" target="_blank">Rememory Collective</a>, an exploration of memoir as a cultural experience. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTK27Pcit00ZJYHR-0f2WAdJubqcHdSfhudvxfm-FLxQHC_8eLYlYufe_M0gDAvGMBi_j4SHSd3i08RczjBSbwtsPptKMoQSlOsWQ2AOVM2MHRYy4pi53UcOlwjf0tDUAZG6emzOU_nh6tPfp47MGK-ZUgS-75z1nZwJ1Jq12FOtNyJr9MJ4laW0B3YQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="1856" height="441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTK27Pcit00ZJYHR-0f2WAdJubqcHdSfhudvxfm-FLxQHC_8eLYlYufe_M0gDAvGMBi_j4SHSd3i08RczjBSbwtsPptKMoQSlOsWQ2AOVM2MHRYy4pi53UcOlwjf0tDUAZG6emzOU_nh6tPfp47MGK-ZUgS-75z1nZwJ1Jq12FOtNyJr9MJ4laW0B3YQ=w640-h441" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://cleurope.eu/about/core-group/" target="_blank"><i>Art by <span style="text-align: left;">Zeina Dghaim</span></i></a></span></div><p></p><p><span face=""Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Sans", Geneva, Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.144px;"><span><span></span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Sans", Geneva, Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span><span style="font-size: 14.144px;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: times;">The process of developing cultural literacy is analogous to literacy development. This includes developing vocabulary and background knowledge to be utilized during the reading process. Likewise, when building culture literacy, the stories, narratives, social codes, and collective memories of a culture must be absorbed and stored in order to process cultural experiences. The development of both processes starts early. From childhood, our cultural experiences are recorded through our memories and ordered through our language and lived experiences.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span> For this Special Interest Group (SIG), we will explore rememories, the identified and named cultural histories, stories, and experiences, that lay beneath the surface of our cultural experience. Surfaced through memoirs, themes old and new will be revisited and made fresh through our ruminations and exploration of select personal moments viewed through the lens of our earliest scribbles and childhood memories through the photographs and poetry of our collective twilight and tomorrows. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span><span> </span>Click the image below to learn about </span></span><span style="color: #333333;">Cultural Literacy Everywhere (CLE), the association. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cleurope.eu/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Learn more about Cultural Literacy Everywhere." data-original-height="346" data-original-width="2048" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnRNvJlaLfJBmeiJgdEyOg6f0nHJPYrXWKcLm6mC74fBFt5diqv6TQvOdfQg-oEwK6M2qSLZxqs9z4E3M8whwimh7IAsz7FWLNUWbdVtsmeCNkC1Fl07iBsmGMboi4cEXeqM9gTyhyUVzRInj4EDvN8r5DPI5LimJJ0aqdfj8cFM_NPAx44wnm4wgeEA=w389-h64" width="389" /></a></div></span></span></div><p></p>Valerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401964905277988868.post-16254794347577632122021-12-16T10:27:00.007-08:002021-12-20T03:53:19.774-08:00Add the Gift of Literacy to Your Holiday Shopping List.<p><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Happy Holidays, All! </span></span></p><p><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;"><span> </span>Remember this when you're doing your Christmas shopping: </span><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;">If you read to your child a single book each day, by their 5th birthday you will have </span><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;">read 1,825 books!</span><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;"> </span></p><p><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;"><span> </span>More importantly, it is only through reading that <a href="https://laulima.hawaii.edu/access/content/user/cawdery/ED_282/EARLY_CATASTROPHE_ED_297.pdf" target="_blank">Hart & Risley's <b>30 Million Word Gap </b>(2003)</a> can be reduced and the effects diluted!</span><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">These days, there are w</span></span><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;">onderful, diverse books -- and picture books in particular -- that make reading more fun than ever. </span></p><p><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;"><span> </span>As follows, here are a few of my favorite picks both, old and new, to choose from. </span><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;">This holiday season, pick one up for yourself or someone you love. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;">Happy shopping.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-msBQ7cmIS4Q/YcBugtpvm_I/AAAAAAAACxE/xYFYjVh7wT8Kq7_nNXtfQD7FjoXi8PnpACNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1228" height="276" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-msBQ7cmIS4Q/YcBugtpvm_I/AAAAAAAACxE/xYFYjVh7wT8Kq7_nNXtfQD7FjoXi8PnpACNcBGAsYHQ/w501-h276/image.png" width="501" /></a></span></div><p></p><p></p><div>Resources: https://www.edutopia.org/article/new-research-ignites-debate-30-million-word-gap</div>Valerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401964905277988868.post-40026551606545173442021-02-22T16:17:00.014-08:002021-02-25T11:00:08.204-08:00 A Big Day for Women and Democracy <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span>Women, particularly Black American women, are widely credited for being difference makers in the recent election. From the voting rights activism and organizing efforts of former Georgia House Representative, Stacey Abrams to the nationwide grassroots turnout and overwhelming 90% of Black women who voted for President Joe Biden, women’s voices were heard loud and clear in the 2020 presidential election. Earlier, for the hundred and forty-four years since our nation’s founding through 1920, women’s voices were subjugated, and their votes silenced.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><span> </span>A smattering of states allowed women to vote at first; however, it was not until after the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment that all American women gained sovereignty. That’s why the turnout of women last year, which also marked the centennial of the 19th Amendment, was so meaningful. Imagine how different our election results may have been had American women, who make up 51.1% of the total US population (according to data from Statistica), not been allowed to cast a ballot? More, imagine how important and exciting that day was so many years ago when women throughout our nation cast their first vote? </div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>Author Terry Lee Caruthers and illustrator Robert Casilla have done just that in a new picture book entitled, <i><b>The Big Day</b></i>, which captures the excitement and imagines the thrill of being among the first women in history to cast a vote. Now heading into March and Women’s History Month, read on to learn more and to celebrate yet another important inflection day in our nation’s history.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">_____________________________________________________</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"The Big Day"</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Written by Terry Lee Caruthers, Illustrated by Robert Casilla</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div> <span> </span><span> </span>Publisher: Star Bright Books<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Published: 2021</div><div><br /></div><div> <span> </span><span> </span>ISBN 978-1595729149<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pages: 40 </div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>Readers will feel like they have taken a step back into history through the story and images of <i><b>The Big Day</b></i>, by Terry Lee Caruthers and Robert Casilla. A multi-modal reading experience that begins the moment you open the book and reveal the collage of images that signify the importance of the book’s theme –- The Black Women’s Suffrage Movement. </div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>Casilla’s richly colored illustrations enliven Caruthers’ words with detailed drawings that bring history to life and transport the reader into the moment and excitement of Big Mama and Tansy’s big day. </div><div><br /></div><div><span><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GX3_J-VDKXg/YDREuuYpUsI/AAAAAAAACdw/LufLQ9O0hgQE0cBFwt4RdGXQlzhFg6RCgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Image%2B-%2BBig%2BDay%2B1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1183" data-original-width="2048" height="135" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GX3_J-VDKXg/YDREuuYpUsI/AAAAAAAACdw/LufLQ9O0hgQE0cBFwt4RdGXQlzhFg6RCgCNcBGAsYHQ/w240-h135/Image%2B-%2BBig%2BDay%2B1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></span></div><div><span> </span>From the time they wake, the day is filled with excitement, electricity, and interest. First breakfast and then into the bathtub, their preparations build with each turn of the page. Big Mama then adorns Tansy’s hair with big pink ribbons that match her dress and the magnitude of the day. The occasion is still a mystery to young Tansy when Big Mama loving chided her to “Quit dawdling, child and go get dressed.” </div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>The excitement grows as the pair put on their finest: Big Mama dons her Sunday-go-to-meeting dress, her heirloom brooch, and even her wide-brimmed hat, the one with the ostrich feathers and tea roses. But, when Big Mama slips on a white sash with the words “Colored Women’s Political League,” Tangy knows the day is like none other. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HWrQ2emOGFA/YDRInaWfySI/AAAAAAAACd4/DCfZQ00-BfU9_KCkmZ7wS6N5p4gcKvpagCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/A%2BBig%2BDay%2Bfor%2BDemocracy.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1477" data-original-width="2048" height="209" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HWrQ2emOGFA/YDRInaWfySI/AAAAAAAACd4/DCfZQ00-BfU9_KCkmZ7wS6N5p4gcKvpagCNcBGAsYHQ/w296-h209/A%2BBig%2BDay%2Bfor%2BDemocracy.jpg" width="296" /></span></a></div><span> </span>During the trolley ride to the polling station, Big Mama shares the history of what the day means with Tangy and us. “Not so long ago, we had no say,” Big Mama explains. Enslaved Africans could be bought, sold, and owned like furniture. But after the war, all of that changed, at least for black men. That’s why this day, The Big Day was so important. Big Mama and other women of color could finally participate in the electoral process and partake in American democracy. Black women and women throughout the nation could have their say!</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>The story told in <i><b>The Big Day</b></i> is the fictionalized account of Agnes Sadler, and is based on true events of September 6th, 1919, when she cast a ballot for the first time in Tennesse, one of the states that afforded women sovereignty prior to 1920. It is a story that is brought to life not only by the narrative accounts but also by the rich array of artifacts, expository text, and context that give the story resonance and relevance for contemporary readers of all ages. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><p class="p10" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Valerie Williams-Sanchez, Ph.D. ~ </span></p><p class="p10" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 17.6px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p class="p10" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 17.6px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></p><p class="p10" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 17.6px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-small;"><i style="font-family: Cambria; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">This book was provided by Star Bright Books for </span></i><i style="font-family: Cambria; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2021 review.</span></i></span></p></div>Valerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401964905277988868.post-67279820985208775282021-02-08T12:16:00.017-08:002021-07-19T15:11:45.805-07:00Juneteenth, a Celebration for One and All. <p><img border="0" src="https://www.blogger.com/img/transparent.gif" /><span> </span>There’s a movement afoot to make Juneteenth, the annual cultural celebration also known in the African American community as Emancipation Day, a national holiday. </p><p><span> </span>Currently, the day is an unofficial holiday celebrated in 47 states, and commemorates June 19th, 1865, as the date when the end of slavery reached slaves in the Southwestern States. It is important because while the Constitutional amendment of the Emancipation Proclamation was formalized in 1863, it was not until years later that freedom was extended throughout the country. The Juneteenth celebration which has been honored and upheld in Black communities for more than 150 years, originated in Galveston, Texas, and is the annual nod to celebrations that followed the reading of the proclamation by General Gordon Granger, shown below, according to (www.Juneteenth.com): </p><blockquote><blockquote><p><i>"The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer."</i></p></blockquote></blockquote><p><span> </span>Today, Juneteenth is celebrated in all states but three, (the Dakotas and Hawaii) and is hosted in cities across America and beyond. It is universally regarded as a time for reflection and rejoicing. </p><p><span> </span>In 2020, legislation was introduced by U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and now Madame Vice President, Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.) to recognize the Juneteenth National Independence Day, as a nationwide day of remembrance. Once ratified, Juneteenth would become the eleventh federal holiday. </p><p><span> </span>To introduce young audiences to this important holiday, check out the book and review of the new edition of <i><b>Juneteenth for Maize,</b> </i>by Floyd Cooper, below. For more information about the holiday and efforts to make it a national holiday, visit <a href="http://www.Juneteenth.com">www.Juneteenth.com</a> and the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation’s website at <a href="http://nationaljuneteenth.com/">NationalJuneteenth.com</a>.</p><span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________________________</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--GVxGX_9HHo/YPXu0A6DyFI/AAAAAAAACrQ/y1Lb5xORxM0KRxTflcrsHBgCPnPrHFFXwCNcBGAsYHQ/pngwing.com.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="971" height="143" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--GVxGX_9HHo/YPXu0A6DyFI/AAAAAAAACrQ/y1Lb5xORxM0KRxTflcrsHBgCPnPrHFFXwCNcBGAsYHQ/w160-h143/pngwing.com.png" width="160" /></b></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Floyd Cooper: 1956 - 2021</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--GVxGX_9HHo/YPXu0A6DyFI/AAAAAAAACrQ/y1Lb5xORxM0KRxTflcrsHBgCPnPrHFFXwCNcBGAsYHQ/pngwing.com.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><b style="color: #262626;"><i><br /></i></b></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--GVxGX_9HHo/YPXu0A6DyFI/AAAAAAAACrQ/y1Lb5xORxM0KRxTflcrsHBgCPnPrHFFXwCNcBGAsYHQ/pngwing.com.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><b style="color: #262626;"><i> "Juneteenth for Mazie"</i></b></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><h4 style="color: #262626; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i> Written and Illustrated by Floyd Cooper</i></h4><p class="p3" style="color: #666666; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="color: #262626; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 36px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36px;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> <span> </span></span>Publisher: Capstone Editions <span> </span><span> <span> </span></span>Published: 2021</p><p class="p5" style="color: #262626; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"> </p><p class="p4" style="color: #262626; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 36px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36px;"><span> <span> </span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>ISBN: 978-1-68446-364-0 <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Pages: 30 </p><p class="p3" style="color: #666666; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="p6" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36px;">Mazie is tired of waiting!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She can’t play outside, have a cookie, or stay up late. She just can’t seem to do anything she wants. Instead, the word “no” seems to greet her at most every turn. But even with all of its rules, Dad reminds us, her life does not compare to that of her ancestors, especially her great-great-great-grandpa Mose, who heard “no” even more!</p><p class="p6" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36px;"><br /></p><p class="p6" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36px;"><b><i>Juneteenth for Mazie</i></b> is a book about history, freedom, and celebration. From Dad’s retelling of Mose’s struggles as an enslaved African laborer in the cotton fields of the South to the history of those who ran north to freedom following “a bright star,” to recounting her ancestor’s crossing into history on the first Liberation Day, Mazie is taught of the gains made – and those still to be made – by former enslaved Africans in America. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p7" style="font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4p9OEQCAKo4/YCGbC8WveAI/AAAAAAAACb4/5tHM3yU1N8469qWpiF3GR4faKJP00gm5ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Juneteenth%2Bfor%2BMazie%2Bcover%2Bart.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1581" height="269" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4p9OEQCAKo4/YCGbC8WveAI/AAAAAAAACb4/5tHM3yU1N8469qWpiF3GR4faKJP00gm5ACNcBGAsYHQ/w220-h269/Juneteenth%2Bfor%2BMazie%2Bcover%2Bart.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><p class="p8" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: times;">Author/illustrator Floyd Cooper commemorates the power of history and remembrance with a personal and resonant tale that beautifully imagines this important inflection point in our nation’s collective cultural history. </span></span></p><p class="p8" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36px;"><span> </span></span></p><p class="p8" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36px;"><span> </span>The new board book edition, originally published in 2015, depicts images that evoke the joy and celebratory spirit the Juneteenth holiday honors. Experienced t</span><span style="font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36px;">hrough Cooper’s narrative and signature artistic style, we traverse eras of change, achievement, and remembrance. </span></p><p class="p8" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36px;"><br /></span></p><p class="p8" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36px;"><span> Readers</span> savor visual vignettes of Black culture’s rich and tumultuous past, as well as the beauty and diversity of the Black community and its resilience over the ages.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36px;"> </span><span style="font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36px;">The warmth of the culture is brought to life through Cooper's art that captures the faces and feelings of Americans of the African Diaspora in tones of sepia, gold, and mahogany. Visages and vistas create an artistic collage that conjures a cultural pride that can be appreciated by all. </span></p><p class="p8" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36px;"><span><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="p8" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36px;"><span> </span>Designed as a title to help families introduce the concept and history of the Juneteenth holiday and all that it represents, </span><b style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36px;"><i>Juneteeth for Mazie</i></b><i style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36px;"> </i><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36px;">offers readers a gorgeous chance to feel how African American culture celebrates its steady march forward, and to remember.</span></span></p><p class="p9" style="color: #262626; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p class="p10" style="color: #262626; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;">Valerie Williams-Sanchez, Ph.D. ~ </span></p><p class="p10" style="color: #262626; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p class="p10" style="color: #262626; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></p><p class="p10" style="color: #262626; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-small;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cambria; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman";">This book was provided by Capstone Editions for </span></i><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cambria; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman";">Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2021 review.</span></i></span></p></div>Valerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401964905277988868.post-41035099585719842432021-01-28T21:48:00.019-08:002021-02-09T13:01:31.286-08:00Multicultural History is Today. The 8th Annual MCBD is HERE! A new day in America was ushered in on January 20, 2021, when the 46th U.S. President Joseph R. Biden and our nation's highest elected and first, multicultural woman, Vice President Kamala Harris were sworn into office. A great day for our country and this dynamic duo for democracy who have said the day marked the realization of many dreams.<div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wb4iOR58UGA/YBObB2uV0_I/AAAAAAAACY0/R0PCJZtNtVs-wLHHZPhcio5eojxksSj_ACNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="1472" height="307" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wb4iOR58UGA/YBObB2uV0_I/AAAAAAAACY0/R0PCJZtNtVs-wLHHZPhcio5eojxksSj_ACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h307/image.png" title="Inauguration Day 2021." width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>In this, the eighth annual year of the <a href="https://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/" target="_blank">Multicultural Children's Book Day</a>, our cause and our theme are more relevant than ever. That's because a multicultural child who has grown to adulthood is in our nation's second-highest office! And it's more than just a little fantastic! </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PxtyL8MZiAU/YBOuHzvN0KI/AAAAAAAACZQ/v8J-v1peS1c1mZl7RbfMj5XhZHQ1kNg4gCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1108" height="178" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PxtyL8MZiAU/YBOuHzvN0KI/AAAAAAAACZQ/v8J-v1peS1c1mZl7RbfMj5XhZHQ1kNg4gCNcBGAsYHQ/w223-h178/image.png" width="223" /></a></div>To truly appreciate the importance of this inflection in our collective culture, we must reflect on our past. Two books that can help us do this with those who need it most -- our children -- are mine this year to review: <a href="https://starbrightbooks.com/index.php?id_product=739&rewrite=the-big-day&controller=product" target="_blank">"The Big Day" by Terry Lee Caruthers</a> and <a href="https://shop.capstonepub.com/consumer/products/juneteenth-for-mazie/" target="_blank">"Juneteenth for Maize" by Floyd Cooper</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>These two beautiful children's picture book titles explore the past in ways that make history come alive, offering fresh perspectives and reconstructed imaginings of two very important events in our nation's history.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TNiK3-8R1Pk/YBOufWk3MNI/AAAAAAAACZY/FKJQHLWqnDENvWcg8nEjmn_vtasr2d1-gCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="822" height="215" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TNiK3-8R1Pk/YBOufWk3MNI/AAAAAAAACZY/FKJQHLWqnDENvWcg8nEjmn_vtasr2d1-gCNcBGAsYHQ/w162-h215/image.png" width="162" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The first picture book, by Caruthers, imagines the excitement of being the first Black woman to cast her ballot in Knoxville, Tennesse. The second title, Cooper's board book, offers young readers a gorgeous composite of time-traveling vignettes that evoke the pride and preciousness of freedom. </div><div><br /></div><div>This entry is just a sneak peek at what is to come. It is a brief introduction that seeks to set the stage for the two articles that will be posted during the month, through Black History Month and asks that you come back to visit the site. So don't be a stranger. Visit the site again and again, and let's keep the Multicultural Children's Book Day and Movement going strong.</div><div><br /></div><div>Valerie Williams-Sanchez, Ph.D. ~</div><div><br /></div><div><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cambria; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman";">Books were provided by Star Bright Books and Capstone Editions for </span></i><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cambria; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman";">Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2021 Review.</span></i></div>Valerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401964905277988868.post-20447167048585036152020-04-12T23:41:00.001-07:002020-04-12T23:42:31.881-07:00A Sweet Treat for Your Ears.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Now on Podcast, <a href="https://anchor.fm/cocoakidscollectionbooks" style="text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">The Cocoa Kids Collection Books Read Along.</a> <span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Listen to the stories of The Cocoa Kids Collection, the kids book series that puts minority and multiracial kids center stage to tackle big issues with wit, whimsy, and chocolate. These sweet tales, by author Valerie Williams-Sanchez will be music to the ears of kids of all ages! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #5f6369; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We hope you'll ❤️ “🍫+👦🏾👧🏽+📚!”</span></span></div>
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Valerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401964905277988868.post-77523770947909882322020-03-17T13:08:00.000-07:002020-03-21T06:54:26.014-07:00Family Literacy Self-Publishing to Connect in the Era of COVID-19<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Looking for a family project? Now is the time to tell your family story! Try observing and writing a story about your family's fun and funny at-home experiences and interactions. Then, work with your children to self-publish it. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><i>Researched by V. L. Williams-Sanchez</i></td></tr>
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Self-publishing, defined as when a writer publishes their own work at their own expense (Tiwari, 2017), offers wonderful opportunities for families to take ownership of their literacy and literate lives.<br />
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According to a Bowker report, the number of self-published titles increased by 30% from 2016 to 2017. And that number continues to rise with more and more people, from all walks of life, engaging in authorship.<br />
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From book reading, to book writing, this windfall of "at-home together time" can offer a chance to propel student literacy learning forward, as well as to recast family interactions into socially constructive and educationally productive daily activity that can be turned into a short-term project while the kids are home.<br />
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And social distancing need not be a hurdle. As an example, consider having your kids talk with their family members, including grandparents who might not be living in the same household, to mitigate our senior's social isolation while the kids report on and capture a story or two from their elder's youth. The exercise will offer an opportunity for family connectedness, while maintaining social distancing which is critical at this time.<br />
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Have older children write and younger children illustrate these stories to make a wonderful creative family project that once published, will become a family heirloom. And with the growth of self-publishing, as show in the graphic above, your family's novel, picture book, or short story collection will be in good company!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">RESOURCES </span><br />
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<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Self-Publishing in the United States: Print and eBook</i>, Bowker, LLC, 2017.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Tiwari, N. (2017). Self publishing in the 21st century. </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">PUB 371: The Structure of the Book Publishing Industry in Canada</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">.</span></li>
</ul>
Valerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401964905277988868.post-52164876265175929542020-01-30T21:56:00.002-08:002020-05-04T15:14:23.929-07:00Multicultural Children's Book Day 2020 is Here!<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Each year for Multicultural Children's Book Day (MCBD), I sign-up to be a book reviewer, reading and providing my feedback about a new title, chosen for me by the event organizers. It is an activity I enjoy and one to which I look forward as it allows me to remain deeply connected to the genre and to build my personal knowledge of children’s books and reading trends. So much so, that my reviewer activities now extend beyond this one-day reading holiday. I now also write reviews for small, independent publishers of children's books and am an Author Sponsor for MCBD.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"> This year, </span><a href="http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="font-family: arial; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Multicultural Children’s Book Day</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial";"> 2020 (1/31/20) is in its 7</span><sup style="font-family: arial;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial";"> 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. Seven 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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"> Since 2015 when I wrote my first review, I have been keenly conscious of the shifts and stagnation in the type of content available for our youngest readers. The effects of which I first wrote about in </span><a href="https://www.valorenaonline.com/2017/07/the-cocoa-kids-collection-thesis.html" target="_blank">The Cocoa Kids Collection© Thesis: “Revaluing Children of Color’s Lives Through Children’s Literature.”</a> <span style="font-family: "arial";">That’s why I felt moved to vocalize an observation I have made about the cross-section of books I have been asked to review this season. There have been three: </span><i>Katie Comma,</i><span style="font-family: "arial";"> by B.B. Swann, illustrated by Maja Anderson; </span><i>Swashbarklers of the Sea</i><span style="font-family: "arial";"> by author, illustrator Cynthia Kremsner; and the single title for MCBD, </span><i>The Escape of Robert Smalls: A Daring Voyage Out of Slavery,</i><span style="font-family: "arial";"> by Jehan Jones-Radgowski, and illustrated by Poppy Kang.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"> Each of these books was an enjoyable read that I feel will contribute to wide reading options available to emergent readers. They are each an achievement of which their author should be proud. Also, the composite of titles and themes is worth note inasmuch as they reflect the unrelenting reality of kids’ books, their content, and characters. That is: fantasy characters dominate, as in </span><i>Katie</i><span style="font-family: "arial";">; animals too often replace humans, as in </span><i>Swashbarklers</i><span style="font-family: "arial";">, and in diversity narratives, stories about Black Americans are disproportionately grounded and framed in slavery. G</span><span style="font-family: "arial";">ranted, I could as easily have received a composite of books that reflected a different reality. However, in the random sample that chose me, the titles and content I receive reflect an unchanging truth that statistics uphold. It’s also why I continue to do my part to raise awareness and effect change through my study of literacy and writing of books and prose. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"> It is my hope that soon we will begin to see equal levels of representation in our society, and that new avenues for original expression will continue to grow and transform what Nancy Larrick (1965) once called "the all-white world" of children's books. Fresh narratives will feature stories by and about blacks and people of color living full, rich lives without being substituted by fantasy characters or human-like animals. Stories will be grounded in contemporary pop-culture as well as in an imagined future. This, I feel, is how we as a reading community and national culture will grow. That's why it is my great pleasure to feature and support new voices. </span><span style="font-family: "arial";">A look at the</span><span style="font-family: "arial";"> authors in the two books Valerie's Vignettes features in this post shows that their lives are far from ordinary. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"> Jones-Radgowski’s life in foreign service echos a love of adventure that her book about legendary Robert Smalls describes. And the story and characters in Moore-Fields' <i>Pit Fighters</i> are based on the events and people in his life. It’s also why I have decided to include in this edition and those to come, Question & Answer (Q&A) author interviews of the people behind the books. These up-and-coming authors- of-color work touch the pulse of trends in the writing community. So, I invite you to check out these two, new works. Moreover, be sure to come back next month to meet another author and to read another insightful Q&A.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Enjoy, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial";">Valerie </span><span style="font-family: "arial";"> </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MCBD 2020 is honored to have <a href="http://www.cocoakidscollectionbooks.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Valerie Williams-Sanchez and Valorena Publishing</a>, and the following sponsors on board.</span></b></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Author Sponsors: <a href="https://jerrycraft.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jerry Craft</a>, <a href="http://www.arbey.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A.R. Bey and Adventures in Boogieland</a>, <a href="http://eugeniachu.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Eugina Chu & Brandon goes to Beijing</a>, <a href="http://www.kennethbraswell.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kenneth Braswell</a> & <a href="http://www.fathersincorporated.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fathers Incorporated</a>, <a href="http://www.luzdelmes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Maritza M. Mejia & Luz del mes_Mejia</a>, <a href="https://kathleenburkinshaw.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kathleen Burkinshaw & The Last Cherry Blossom</a>, <a href="https://audreypress.com/portfolio/sissy-goes-tiny-by-rebecca-flansburg-and-ba-norrgard/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SISSY GOES TINY by Rebecca Flansburg and B.A. Norrgard</a>, <a href="http://www.joshfunkbooks.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Josh Funk and HOW TO CODE A ROLLERCOASTER</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B077XZJ1JR" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Maya/Neel Adventures with Culture Groove</a>, <a href="https://www.laurenranalli.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lauren Ranalli</a>, <a href="http://www.littlegreenmonster.org/">The Little Green Monster: Cancer Magic! By Dr. Sharon Chappell</a>, <a href="https://meonthepage.com/materials/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Phe Lang and Me On The Page</a>, <a href="http://www.afsanehmoradian.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Afsaneh Moradian and Jamie is Jamie</a>,<a href="https://www.danidixonbooks.com/tumblecreekpress" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TUMBLE CREEK PRESS</a>, <a href="https://www.nancytupperling.com/books-for-children/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nancy Tupper Ling</a>, <a href="http://www.gwenjacksonstories.com/about-the-book.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Author Gwen Jackson</a>, <a href="https://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/BookDetails/784597-the-secrets-hidden-beneath-the-palm-tree" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Angeliki Pedersen & The Secrets Hidden Beneath the Palm Tree</a>, <a href="http://pinkpearlwriting.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Author Kimberly Gordon Biddle</a>, <a href="https://audreypress.com/portfolio/best-ownvoices-childrens-books-my-favorite-diversity-books-for-kids-ages-1-12-by-mia-wenjen/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BEST #OWNVOICES CHILDREN’S BOOKS: My Favorite Diversity Books for Kids Ages 1-12 by Mia Wenjen</a>, <a href="http://www.sunkissesmoonhugs.com/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Susan Schaefer Bernardo & Illustrator Courtenay Fletcher (Founders of Inner Flower Child Books)</a>, <a href="http://www.authorannmorris.com/books.php" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ann Morris & Do It Again!/¡Otra Vez</a>!, <a href="https://janetballetta.com/book-store.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Janet Balletta and Mermaids on a Mission to Save the Ocean</a>, <a href="https://estbooks.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Evelyn Sanchez-Toledo & Bruna Bailando por el Mundo\ Dancing Around the World</a>, <a href="http://www.shoumisen.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shoumi Sen & From The Toddler Diaries</a>, <a href="http://sarahjamilastevenson.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sarah Jamila Stevenson</a>, <a href="http://www.tonyaduncanellis.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tonya Duncan and the Sophie Washington Book Series</a>, <a href="http://teresarobeson.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Teresa Robeson & The Queen of Physics</a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nadishka-Aloysius/e/B01M1KIY0R" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">, Nadishka Aloysius and Roo The Little Red TukTuk</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gbcbaltimore/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Girlfriends Book Club Baltimore & Stories by the Girlfriends Book Club</a>, <a href="https://www.findingmywaybooks.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Finding My Way Books</a><a href="http://www.dianahuang.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">, Diana Huang & Intrepids</a>, <a href="https://www.fiveenchantedmermaids.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Five Enchanted Mermaids</a>, <a href="https://www.ribbonstravelingcastle.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Elizabeth Godley and Ribbon’s Traveling Castle</a>, <a href="https://www.olswanger.com/greenhorn.php" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Anna Olswanger and Greenhorn</a>, <a href="http://www.mybbtroy.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Danielle Wallace & My Big Brother Troy</a><a href="http://www.littleyellowjeepney.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">, Jocelyn Francisco and Little Yellow Jeepney</a>, <a href="http://www.marianallanos.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mariana Llanos & Kutu, the Tiny Inca Princess/La Ñusta Diminuta</a>, <a href="http://www.saraarnoldbooks.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sara Arnold & The Big Buna Bash</a>, <a href="https://roddie.webs.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Roddie Simmons & Race 2 Rio</a>, <a href="https://www.litnoirepublishing.co/product-page/alice-s-musical-debut" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DuEwa Frazier & Alice’s Musical Debut</a>, <a href="http://applevillebooks.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Veronica Appleton & the Journey to Appleville book series</a> <a href="https://greenkidsclub.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Green Kids Club, Inc</a>. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Super Platinum <a href="https://www.makeawaymedia.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Make A Way Media/ Deirdre “DeeDee” Cummings,</a> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Platinum <a href="https://www.languagelizard.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Language Lizard</a>, <a href="http://www.packngogirls.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pack-N-Go Girls</a>, </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gold <a href="https://audreypress.com/">Audrey Press</a>, <a href="https://lernerbooks.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lerner Publishing Group</a>, <a href="https://kidlit.tv/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">KidLit TV</a>, <a href="https://abdobooks.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ABDO BOOKS: A Family of Educational Publishers</a>, <a href="https://www.pragmaticmom.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PragmaticMom & Sumo Jo</a>, <a href="http://www.candlewick.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Candlewick Press</a></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Silver <a href="https://charlotteriggle.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Author Charlotte Riggle</a>, <a href="https://www.capstonepub.com/library/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Capstone Publishing</a>, <a href="http://gubapublishing.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Guba Publishing</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/melissamunroboydauthor" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Melissa Munro Boyd & B is for Breathe</a></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bronze <a href="http://www.caroleproman.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Author Carole P. Roman</a>, <a href="https://www.snowflakestories.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Snowflake Stories/Jill Barletti</a>, <a href="https://viviankirkfield.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vivian Kirkfield & Making Their Voices Heard</a>. <a href="https://barnesbrothersbooks.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Barnes Brothers Books</a>, <a href="https://timtimtom.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TimTimTom</a>, <a href="http://www.wisdomtalespress.com/index.shtml" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wisdom Tales Press</a>, <a href="https://www.leeandlow.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lee & Low Books, </a><a href="http://www.charlesbridge.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Charlesbridge Publishing</a>, <a href="https://www.barefootbooks.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Barefoot Books</a> <a href="https://www.talegaritales.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Talegari Tales</a> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">We’d like to also give a shout-out to MCBD’s impressive CoHost Team who not only hosts the book review link-up on celebration day, but who also works tirelessly to spread the word of this event. View our CoHosts <a href="http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/about/co-hosts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </span>Co-Hosts and Global Co-Hosts <a href="http://acraftyarab.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A Crafty Arab</a>, <a href="http://www.afsanehmoradian.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Afsaneh Moradian</a>, <a href="https://agatharodi.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Agatha Rodi Books</a>, <a href="http://alldonemonkey.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">All Done Monkey</a>, <a href="http://www.thebarefootmommy.com/2017/09/diverse-childrens-books/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Barefoot Mommy</a>, Bethany Edward & <a href="http://www.biracialbookworms.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Biracial Bookworms</a>, <a href="https://booksmykidsread.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Michelle Goetzl & Books My Kids Read</a>, <a href="https://www.craftymomsshare.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Crafty Moms Share</a>, <a href="http://coloursofus.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Colours of Us</a>, <a href="http://discoveringtheworldthroughmysonseyes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Discovering the World Through My Son’s Eyes</a>, <a href="http://www.theeducatorsspinonit.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Educators Spin on it</a>, <a href="https://www.enannylink.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shauna Hibbitts-creator of eNannylink</a>, <a href="http://growingbookbybook.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Growing Book by Book</a>, <a href="http://hereweeread.com/abou" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Here Wee Read</a>, <a href="https://descendantofposeidonreads.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Joel Leonidas & Descendant of Poseidon Reads {Philippines}</a>, <a href="http://imaginationsoup.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Imagination Soup</a>, <a href="http://kidworldcitizen.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kid World Citizen</a>, <a href="http://kristisbooknook.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kristi’s Book Nook</a>, <a href="http://www.thelogonauts.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Logonauts</a>, <a href="http://mamasmiles.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mama Smiles</a>, <a href="http://www.misspandachinese.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Miss Panda Chinese</a>, <a href="https://multiculturalkidblogs.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Multicultural Kid Blogs</a>, <a href="http://sergesmagarinsky.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Serge Smagarinsky {Australia}</a>, <a href="http://www.shoumisen.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shoumi Sen</a>, <a href="http://www.spanishplayground.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jennifer Brunk & Spanish Playground</a>, <a href="https://youthlitreviews.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Katie Meadows and Youth Lit Reviews</a></span></div>
</div>
Valerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401964905277988868.post-38484324925484289122020-01-30T20:47:00.003-08:002020-01-30T22:35:56.531-08:00Meet Merrick Moore-Fields, Author of The Pit Fighters <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xp-g8xS64bs/XjOwNP9s6tI/AAAAAAAAB-A/QIaAtZzfcfgyH_qD5IsO8aJO8X76ilejgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/172D25AF541C45C88730B4705E0AF966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="909" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xp-g8xS64bs/XjOwNP9s6tI/AAAAAAAAB-A/QIaAtZzfcfgyH_qD5IsO8aJO8X76ilejgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/172D25AF541C45C88730B4705E0AF966.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Comicbook Creator and Afro-Futurist, Merrick Moore-Fields</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Introducing Merrick Moore-Fields a budding comic book author and Afro-Futurist. Merrick is the creator of <i>The Pit Fighters</i>. He recently shared his story and reflections on authorship with Valerie's Vignettes.<br />
<b><br /></b> <b>Q1: Merrick, please tell us a bit of your project’s background, why you wrote it, and what you hope to achieve in doing so. </b><br />
<br />
<i>The Pit-Fighters</i> is science-fiction action tale about a group of fighters competing in a fighting tournament. Meanwhile, the nephew of one of the fighters manipulates time to stop and otherworldly horror threatening the universe. I have been working on this series since I was in middle school. This project has been through several drafts (I still have trouble reading through my early work, mostly because my handwriting was atrocious back then.) and I hope to finally get this series off the ground. I wrote <i>The Pit-Fighters</i> as a stepping stone into a larger universe, one inspired by Star Wars and Afrofuturism.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.calamityness.com/carnalvi" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1288" data-original-width="909" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMeVi-6BGak/XjOwJZKmTnI/AAAAAAAAB98/uwr2YUflX08n-9URDfBlPld4GZci4dpIwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/B664F5A8D1EF469EA0F44FE263E7D01A.png" width="225" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://www.calamityness.com/carnalvi" target="_blank">Learn more about the Pitfighters, here.</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Q2: Why did you choose comic books, as opposed to another form of writing, as your form of expression?</b><br />
<br />
I love comics. I have enjoyed reading them since I was 4 years old. I started off with comic strips like Calvin and Hobbes and then moved up to more complex graphic novels like <i>Watchmen</i>. I just think it is a very expressive medium that allows for complex ideas.<br />
<br />
<b>Q3: Were you interested in writing in school?</b><br />
<br />
Yes, I was mostly into poetry and spoken word. I was in a spoken word club in high school. I did some creative writing, although that was mostly on my own.<br />
<br />
<b>Q4: What is Afrofuturism? And why is this your genre of choice?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>There are many definitions of Afrofuturism. One definition I like comes from Jamie Broadnax, a guest writer at the Huffingtonpost. In her article, "What the heck is Afrofuturism?" she states, "Afrofuturism is the reimagining of a future filled with arts, science, and technology seen through a black lens." I believe this to be an accurate description. It is a genre that allows me as a writer to construct black characters without the overarching presence of Eurocentric thought.<br />
<br />
<b>Q5: Tell us about your development team and how you develop your stories?</b><br />
<br />
I found some incredibly talented people online through sites like Deviantart and Facebook.<br />
Sebastian Sala was a great artist who helped bring my characters to life, while Angel Rondon<br />
brought vibrant colors that gave each page energy. Finally, Cristian Docolomansky Cerda<br />
created fantastic lettering that really made the comic pop. I normally would write the script first,<br />
do some concept drawings, thumbnails, and then send the necessary documents for the team<br />
to work on. I am very hands-off, and I want to give the artist some breathing room to put their<br />
own spin on my characters.<br />
<br />
<b>Q6: <i>The Pit Fighters</i> features a main character who is first referred to as "Little Sun-Born." </b><b>Please tell us about this character. How did he come to be and how did you develop his voice, </b><b>his style of language and talking?</b><br />
<br />
That's Zeke. His full name is Ezekyel Arken-Spire, and he's one of the first characters I wrote. I<br />
wrote him when I was in 5th grade. He's a kid who was given the ability to control time from a device called the Chronosphere. I developed his style by modeling him after my older brother<br />
while throwing a bit of my personality in the mix. He's fun to write about, and I hope readers will<br />
become engrossed in his character when his tale unfolds.<br />
<br />
<b>Q7: What are your goals for the book and series? What's next for <i>The Pit Fighters</i>?</b><br />
<br />
I consider <i>The Pit-Fighters</i> to be my "launch-pad" for an even bigger project that I have been<br />
working on since I was in middle school. I plan to separate <i>The Pit-Fighters</i> into two parts, finally<br />
leading into my main series. For what's next in the story hopefully there will be some fighting.<br />
<br />
<b>Q8: How do you feel your work can impact young readers?</b><br />
<br />
It always puts a smile on my face when young readers pick up and read my work. I hope the<br />
impact would be that they see themselves in my characters, and hopefully in the future, cosplay<br />
as them.<br />
<br />
<b>Q9: Are you familiar with Rudine Bishop Simms’ famous discussion of “Windows, Mirrors and </b><b>Sliding Doors”? How if at all, do you feel it applies to<i> The Pit Fighters</i>?</b><br />
<br />
I actually just looked up the discussion (thank you internet.) I think that <i>The Pit Fighters</i> fits right<br />
into it. It is very important for little readers to see themselves in what they read. I hope my<br />
writing will help make their library a little more diverse.<br />
<br />
<b>Q10: What do you hope your readers take away from your books?</b><br />
<br />
I want my readers to see black characters as multi-dimensional and complex, capable of<br />
anything on the page. When I was little, I always wanted to see characters who looked like me<br />
doing more than what society expects them to do. With Afrofuturism, black characters can<br />
literally do anything they want.<br />
<br />
<b>Q11: What advice would you give other aspiring comic book authors?</b><br />
<br />
Keep writing: there will be a time when you are able to go back and iron out all the fluff in your<br />
stories, but keep building your stories and characters, and you will create your own universe in<br />
no time.<br />
<br />
<b>Q12: Last, please share anything more you’d like to contribute to our discussion.</b><br />
<br />
I feel we are in the midst of a renaissance going on when it comes to Afrofuturist works being<br />
published by POC. I hope to contribute to this growing market.Valerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401964905277988868.post-54858729342789057712020-01-30T20:25:00.004-08:002020-02-01T14:48:24.347-08:00Multicultural Children's Book Day, 2020 -- Book Review<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;">
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">“The Escape of Robert Smalls: A Daring Voyage Out of Slavery”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">By Jehan Jones-Radgowski; Illustrated by Poppy Kang</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;">Publisher: Capstone Editions Published: 2019</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;">ISBN: 9781543512816 Pages: 42</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 27px;">Robert Smalls' true story is one for the ages. He was an enslaved man who commandeered a Confederate steamboat and then sailed it to freedom with his family and others among the ship’s 16 passengers. Then, as a freedman, Smalls returned to South Carolina and purchased the home of his former slaveholder funded in part by the $1,500 he was rewarded by the U.S. Navy for capturing the escape ship. Later, Smalls went into politics and became a member of the House of Representatives. He retired a U.S. Congressman years before his death in 1915. But Smalls' most enduring accomplishment remains – his daring voyage out of slavery. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 27px;">And that adventure is exactly what is captured in Jehan Jones-Radgowski’s new children’s book: The Escape of Robert Smalls: A Daring Voyage Out of Slavery.<o:p></o:p></span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 27px;">Based on the real-life story of Robert Smalls, the book offers a dramatic retelling of the historic event. Beyond the history itself, what makes this retelling fresh and engaging, worthy of a read, is the quality and cadence of the narrative. Depicted in a cartoon style of illustration, each of the book’s double panels draws the readers deeper into the adventure, tip-toeing through the night when Smalls made history. <o:p></o:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 27px;">The new book doesn’t just tell this story; rather, it shows it in hues of grey, blue and brown. Readers are immediately drawn into the shadowy, sea-faring world of which illustrations set the tone for a rich description of the ingenuity behind Smalls' endeavor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 27px;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 27px;">With each turn of the page, another layer, another facet in Smalls' freedom play is revealed. These illustrations include drawings of how he practiced assuming the captain’s identity by studying and learning the slaveholder’s movements and demeanor. Other details like Smalls' use of a disguise to avoid being discovered, is also depicted. Such details echo the emotion of the harrowing act and tell a story that is driven by suspense-building, page-turning pauses. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 27px;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 27px;">All action crescendos to an exuberant climax as the stealth seaman and his family reach safety. Readers will imagine the cheers and feel the relief the characters feel in reaching safety. In taking this approach, readers, too, will come away with a deep appreciation of the real brilliance and danger that characterized Smalls’ act and an awareness of the liberating sweetness of freedom.</span></div>
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Valerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401964905277988868.post-47453088546929109292019-08-19T16:34:00.003-07:002019-10-14T19:23:29.400-07:00Original Literacy Scholarship Published Based on W.E.B. DuBois's Brownies' Book, the 1st Magazine for African-American Youths<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> With editors such as legendary scholar and visionary publisher, W. E. B. DuBois, and Jessie Faucet, a renowned literary voice of the Harlem Renaissance, </span><span style="border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Brownies' Book </span><span style="background-color: white;">(January 1920-December 1921) is a publication for the ages. In print just two years, the children's magazine catered to an audience that targeted "all children, but especially for ours, the Children of the Sun" (DuBois, 1919, p. 285). In view of its groundbreaking contributions, the monthly is distinguished as a foundational work in American children's publishing, literature, and literacy. Examination of the short-lived magazine's successes and challenges uncovers and sheds light on its core strategies to move past decades-old impediments to achieve new gains in literacy, publishing, and community building.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Visit the site and download the full study, <a href="https://scholar.stjohns.edu/thereadingprofessor/vol42/iss1/5/" target="_blank">here</a>.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></span> Citation: </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Williams-Sanchez, Valerie L. (2019) "The Brownies' Book," </span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Reading Professor</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">: Vol. </span>42 :<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Iss. 1, Article 5.</span>Valerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401964905277988868.post-89241468098037725232019-02-20T18:31:00.001-08:002019-02-20T18:35:05.201-08:00It's an Interactive Reading of "Lorena and the Magic Mocha Mirror"<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Please join us for a FREE, family fun-day </span></span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">hosted by </span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Studio Museum Harlem and </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">NY Public Library</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">.</span></h4>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #39364f; letter-spacing: 0.5px; padding-top: 0px;">Books, Authors & Kids - </span><span style="color: #39364f; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Sat, March 9, 2019, </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #39364f; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">1 – 2 PM</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;">Learn more and register at <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cocoa-kids-book-collection-reading-lorena-the-magic-mocha-mirror-tickets-55821815553?aff=ebdssbdestsearch" target="_blank">EventBrite</a> or the <a href="https://www.studiomuseum.org/event/books-authors-amp-kids/1552154400" target="_blank">Studio Musem Harlem</a> website.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pre-order<i> Lorena and the Magic Mocha Mirror</i>, or another series title at the website: </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.cocoakidscollectionbooks.com/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">www.CocoaKidsCollectionBooks.com</span></a></h4>
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<br />Valerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401964905277988868.post-5496686750329968952019-01-16T18:29:00.002-08:002019-11-02T14:49:28.601-07:00Valerie's Vignettes Reviews a Re-released Classic and Something New, Multicultural Books for the New Year.<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: , serif; font-weight: normal;"> It's a new year and time for a new selection of books to add to your reading list. To celebrate </span>Multicultural Children's Book Day 2019, Valerie's Vignettes has two great books to recommend.<br />
<span style="font-family: , serif; font-weight: normal;"> The first book,</span><span style="font-family: , serif; font-weight: normal;"> </span><i style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif; font-weight: normal;">Rocks & Rice </i><span style="font-family: , serif; font-weight: normal;">is a new story, a richly illustrated picture-book that highlights the universality of a particular culinary pairing, and demonstrates how food and dining rituals can serve as a surprising intersection of cultural understanding. </span><br />
The <span style="font-family: , serif; font-weight: normal;">second book is a rediscovered classic written by one of America's great literary voices. </span><i style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif; font-weight: normal;">Little Man, Little </i><i style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif; font-weight: normal;">Man: A Story of Childhood </i><span style="font-family: , serif; font-weight: normal;">was written by James Baldwin more than 40 years ago. Recently rediscovered, the book is experiencing a resurgence of interest and popularity. A unique and masterful work, the narrative is a celebration of childhood that audiences young and old can appreciate. </span><span style="font-family: , serif; font-weight: normal;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: , serif; font-weight: normal;"> Each book is a wonder-filled</span><span style="font-family: , serif; font-weight: normal;"> adventure</span><span style="font-family: , serif; font-weight: normal;"> into the multicultural experience that offers literary soul-food for thought.</span><span style="font-family: , serif; font-weight: normal;"> Enjoy and #ReadYourWorld ! </span><br />
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<i style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman";">By Sandra Richards,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman";">Illustrated by Megan Kayleigh Sullivan</span></i><span style="color: #535353; font-family: "times new roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman";"> Publisher: Wise Ink Creative Publishing Published: 2016</span><span style="color: #535353; font-family: "times new roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman";"> ISBN: 978-1-940014-73-9 Pages: 32 </span><span style="color: #535353; font-family: "times new roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman";"> Food is the most popular cornerstone of culture, and Sandra Richard’s children’s story, “Rice and Rocks,” shows how this proves true for one special little boy. In this delightfully illustrated children’s tale, young Giovanni is embarrassed that his grandmother plans to serve the Jamaican staple, beans and rice – which he un-affectionately calls “rice and rocks” – to his school friends during the family’s traditional Sunday dinner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RD-QJQVdd8M/XEk9IxGrYgI/AAAAAAAAB08/dtVVAxLH0xkhJ2lKtkA4WtDOzTc3aatCACLcBGAs/s1600/RiceRocksbySandraLRichards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1397" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RD-QJQVdd8M/XEk9IxGrYgI/AAAAAAAAB08/dtVVAxLH0xkhJ2lKtkA4WtDOzTc3aatCACLcBGAs/s320/RiceRocksbySandraLRichards.jpg" width="278" /></a><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman";"> But when Auntie and Jasper, Giovanni’s mystical and wisecracking pet parrot, take him on a wondrous adventure that spans geographic and cultural boundaries, Giovanni learns that “rice & rocks” are nothing about which to throw stones! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman";"> Through their adventures, and his guests’ sharing of their own family traditions associated with flavorful favorite, including Japanese sekihan, Puerto Rican arroz con gandules, and New Orleans-style red beans and rice, Giovanni learns that the diverse dish is a celebration in itself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7401964905277988868" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman";"> Readers, 5-9, will learn how universal culinary culture can be in this tasty tale that offers myriad morsels of foodie fun facts as well as nod to Louis “Satchmo” Armstong, whose signature salutation, we learn was, “Red beans and ricely, yours.”</span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman";"> “Rice & Rocks” is a story that teaches us all to sincerely savour our similarities. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman"; line-height: 32px;">-Valerie Williams-Sanchez <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span></i><i><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman";">This book was provided by Wise Ink Creative Publishing for</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman";"> 2019 Multicultural Children’s Book Day review.</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman"; line-height: 30px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><i>"Little Man, Little Man:</i></span></span></h3>
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<i style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">A Story of Childhood"</i></h3>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman"; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"> By James Baldwin, Illustrated by Yoran Cazac</span></div>
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<span style="caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38); color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman";">Publisher: Duke University Press </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman"; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify;">Published: 1976</span><br />
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: justify;">ISBN: 978-1-4780-0004-4 Pages: 120</span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman"; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman"; line-height: 32px;"> The indelible storytelling of one of America’s most prolific and polemic native sons, James Baldwin, is brought to life through the echoing prose and evocative imagery of Little Man, Little Man. </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman"; line-height: 32px;">Baldwin’s only </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman";">published children’s book, it is one that captures the sights, sounds, and perspective of childhood. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman"; line-height: 32px;"> Told from the vantage point of his niece, Blinky, 8, his nephew, TJ, 4, and their neighbor, WT, 7, Baldwin captures the ethos, vernacular, imagination, and carefree innocence of growing-up during the mid-70s in Harlem. We see and feel the pulse of life through the eyes of the kids, at their level. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman"; line-height: 32px;"> Not a simple book; rather, it speaks simply and honestly of the realities of city life right down to the empty faces of the broken. Through the children's eyes we see the people they pass while they play, running to retrieve errant and bouncing balls down endless asphalt avenues. These intimate views expand beyond the concrete facades and into the living spaces of those who live on the block into homes and lives of the friends we meet through the book's pages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman"; line-height: 32px;"> Following the threesome's interactions, Baldwin's signature narration gives voice to the humor and honesty, the love, laughter, and drama, the everyday adventures that unfold in the city. The community that emerges is tough yet tender, replete with equal parts love and despair, and abundant in nurturing wisdom for its youngest and most vulnerable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman"; line-height: 32px;"> Accenting the author's narrative yarn, illustrator Yoran Cazac’s jazz-infused and impressionist pictures radiate the rich, vibrance of their urban village. From the rhythm in its voice to the colors of its imagery, Little Man, Little Man is not simply a picture book, rather, it is an authentic, masterfully crafted love letter about urban childhood that is worthy of a read by children and adults alike. </span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span></i> <i><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman";">This book was provided by Duke University Press for</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman";"> 2019 Multicultural Children’s Book Day review.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/" rel="noreferrer" style="color: #0000cc; outline: 0px;" target="_blank">Multicultural Children’s Book Day</a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; text-align: center;">2019 is honored to have the following Medallion Sponsors on board! </span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; text-align: center;">*View our 2019 Medallion Sponsors here: https://wp.me/P5tVud- and *View our 2019 MCBD Author Sponsors here: https://wp.me/P5tVud-2eN </span>Including: <span style="font-family: "cambria"; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0000cc; outline: 0px;"><a href="http://www.vwilliamssanchez.org/" rel="noreferrer" style="color: #0000cc; outline: 0px;" target="_blank">Valerie Williams-Sanchez and Valorena Publishing</a> . </span></b></span>Also connect with us on social media and look for the official hashtag <strong>#ReadYourWorld</strong>.</span></div>
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Valerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401964905277988868.post-45277181023279736162018-12-10T19:34:00.001-08:002018-12-12T20:12:27.686-08:00The 6th Multicultural Children’s Book Day to Be Held January 25, 2019<h3>
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The Annual Nonprofit Event Gifts Books For Classrooms </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7401964905277988868" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7401964905277988868" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/r0rqhn3bzpwavn6/2019%20mcbd_poster.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="618" height="320" src="https://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/mcbd_poster_nameFINAL.jpg" title="Free poster available at the website." width="246" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/r0rqhn3bzpwavn6/2019%20mcbd_poster.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">Free downloadable poster. Artwork by Julie Flett.</a></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-align: left;">(Dec. 10, 2018) -- </span><span style="text-align: left;">It's nearly time again for Multicultural Children's Book Day. Now entering its sixth </span><span style="text-align: left;">year, the fundraising event will again raise needed funds of which 100% of proceeds go towards gifting books to teachers for their classroom libraries. The event continues to experience a groundswell of interest which in its third day in 2018, reportedly achieved </span></span><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; outline: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; transition: 0.1s ease-in-out;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/recap-and-summary-of-multicultural-childrens-book-day-2018/" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; transition: 0.1s ease-in-out;"><u>3.2 Billion Social Media Share Impressions</u>.</a> </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">The program is the brainchild of children’s reading and play advocates Valarie Budayr from Jump Into a Book and Mia Wenjen from Pragmatic Mom, who teamed up to create the ambitious (and much needed) national event and non-profit initiative, as noted on the event website (</span><span style="background-color: white;">https://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com).</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "cambria";"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #003300;">Author Valerie Williams-Sanchez and Valorena Online Publishing</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">In 2019, Author/Illustrator Valerie Williams-Sanchez will again participate in the Multicultural </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">Children's Book Day. </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent;">Different than in years past, Williams-Sanchez will not only serve as a reader/reviewer of other children's </span>titles<span style="background-color: transparent;"> but also will be an Author Sponsor for this important reading and literacy event. </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">Moving into the spotlight with a cohort of </span>inspired <span style="background-color: transparent;">and inspiring authors, Williams-Sanchez along with Valorena Online (VO), and Valorena Publishing -- the moniker for current and future children's book titles -- decided to learn more about the event that is an important literacy-building event. </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: center;">Ahead of the big day, VO chatted with Rebecca Flansburg (RF), the self-described writer, influencer, and project manager for MCBD, about how the initiative that grown and current trends in self-publishing. Here's what we learned:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>VO:</b> <b>Are the majority of the MCBD entries self-published?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>RF: </b><i>I would say it's an even split between traditionally published and self-published with our MCBD Sponsors and Authors. There also been an uptick in Small-to-Midsized Boutique Presses like TimTimTom Books, Language Lizard, Starlight Books, Chickasaw Press, and Ohio University Press.<b><span style="color: red;"> </span></b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>VO: What makes self-published diversity books different than commercial diversity books?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>RF:</b> <i>The thing I love about self-published books is those authors are not afraid to write books about important, but not-as-common, topics like foster care, anxiety in kids, adoption, and diverse religions, holidays, cultures, and traditions. Self-published books can also be produced faster which means they can get into the hands of readers quicker. Self-published books have gotten a bad rap for years because there are cases where the books are not well edited and don't have the "polish" of a traditionally-published book. Though there are instances of self-published children's books being a little rough around the edges, the amazing thing about book readers and buyers is that, if an author produces something subpar, they will certainly let the author and other readers know via reviews and social media! </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>VO: What</b><b> growth have you witnessed in self-published diversity books through MCBD?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>RF:</b> <i>What I have noticed about self-publishing as a whole is the fact that it has grown in popularity. Authors who have struggled for years to find an agent or spent months querying publishers can now take matters into their own hands and with the vast amount of online tools and tutorials produce and publish the book they've always dreamed of creating. I would have to say that the quality of self-pub books has increased as well. </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>VO:</b> <b>Are there any common stories, experiences, or motivations that self-published authors in this community share?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>RF:</b> <i>Mainly that it can be hard to get traction and visibility for their books and even harder to get them into libraries. Self-published authors are their own marketing and P.R. team so it can be frustrating to try to find ways to be seen. That's another reason why MCBD is so helpful to all authors-it offers a unique opportunity to get their work in front of a huge audience of book readers and buyers. </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>VO:</b> <b>How does this program compare to other programs that may be similar (consider organizations like WNDB)? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>RF:</b> <i>MCBD and WNDB have a common goal of raising awareness for the need to shine the spotlight on the kids' and YA books that let readers "see themselves" in the pages of the books they read. WNDB has been very instrumental is encouraging change in the publishing industry since many of their core members are diverse authors. MCBD is more a grassroots movement that works directly with readers, caregivers, parents, teachers, and librarians by getting multicultural books into homes and classrooms as a non-profit. There can never be too many folks advocating for change in the world :).</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>VO:</b> <b>What do you anticipate will happen with this industry in 5, maybe 10 years? Will it rival traditional publishing? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>RF:</b> <i>It's hard to say. Traditional publishing will always be around but the smaller and more nimble small presses and self-publishers will definitely give them some competition.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>VO:</b> <b>What's the Male/Female breakout for MCBD authors?</b><b><span style="color: red;"> </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>RF:</b> <i>Oddly enough, there seems to be a much stronger female presence, even though it does vary a bit year-to-year.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>VO:</b> <b>Do you know what average sales are for your program participants? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>RF:</b> <i>MCBD never promises or guarantees book sales in any way shape or form. We use our reach, vibrant social media and core of parents and educators to raise awareness of an author or publisher's work. Visibility is so important in an online world that tends to be noisy and crowded. MCBD offers an effective way for authors and publishers to get their books in front of the eyes of their ideal customer.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>VO:</b> <b>Is there an ethnicity breakdown for your authors? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>RF:</b> <i>Since every year is different, I don't have any stats on that.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>VO:</b> <b>Are authors largely teachers/educators? What is the average length of time authors have been writing as self-published authors? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>RF: </b><i>We've had quite a few self-published authors who are educators or former educators. We've also seen quite a few who are doctors or mental health professionals as well.</i> <b><i>Advice to Self-publishers: Spend the time and money making your diverse children's books the best it can be. Have it professionally edited several times and invest in a quality illustrator. If you want book-buyers to take you seriously and buy your book, you have to offer up only your best work.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: , serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Valerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401964905277988868.post-21915440835861084632018-01-21T12:56:00.000-08:002019-10-19T16:11:16.443-07:002018 Multicultural Children's Book Day: Book Review <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;">With retail copies of my third book, <a href="http://www.cocoakidscollectionbooks.com/" target="_blank">Lorena and the Magic Mocha Mirror</a> drying and ready for pre-order and purchase, it's my pleasure to participate in the 2018 Multicultural Children's Book Day. My third time as a reviewer, I am again tasked with reading and sharing my thoughts about a new book. With so many new titles and entries to this initiative -- just over 500, I'm told --</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16pt; text-align: center;"> I am thrilled. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;">What's encouraging, is the breadth of new content available. But what's not such great news is the continued need for efforts to increase literacy levels among our nation's youngest readers. </span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;">According to recent data from the Balitmore-based, Annie E. Casey Foundation, fourth graders' in the nation's ethnic minority demonstrate literacy levels that are still well below acceptable levels, and the US trails well behind other developed countries. </span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">For these reasons, I am excited to again do my part, participating in the fifth annual Multicultural Children's Books Day. I feel it is an important initiative. It is through a collective effort to develop engaging and relevant content and applied, </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">rigorous translational reading research that turns data into policy and practice, that real change will be realized. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“Sofia Martinez: Every Day Is Exciting”</span></i></b></b><br />
<i style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">By Jacqueline Jules, Illustrated by Kim Smith</span></i><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XzIEIYfWq94/WIUGRB59wZI/AAAAAAAABf0/kdD51uBv8bQxUqJUh_l0rTenUxWG_kh-QCK4B/s1600/blogger%2Bbutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XzIEIYfWq94/WIUGRB59wZI/AAAAAAAABf0/kdD51uBv8bQxUqJUh_l0rTenUxWG_kh-QCK4B/s200/blogger%2Bbutton.jpg" width="198" /></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">Publisher: Capstone Imprint - Picture Window Books</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">ISBN: 978-1-5158-2343-8</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">Pages: 96</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">Published: 2018</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sofia Martinez is a spunky 7-year-old with big dreams, big adventures and a loving family that helps her make every day exciting in the new book written by Jacqueline Jules and illustrated by Kim Smith. <span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Through her family adventures, Sofia shows how adversity is simply an opportunity for learning – and fun! From a dilemma at her first quinceanera, to a seemingly incurable case of the hiccups, to a brief power outage at her family home, Sofia demonstrates creativity, moxie, with Latinx cultural flair. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The book is small in size (measuring a diminutive 5-by-7inches), but big on entertainment, punctuated by colorful cartoon images, which make it a real page-turner. Add the Spanish/English vocabulary and glossary and the result is a wonderful narrative with bilingual language and word acquisition attributes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>--</o:p></span></i><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> By </o:p></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">Valerie Williams-Sanchez, MS, PMP</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10.0pt;">This review is part of </span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Multicultural Children’s Book Day</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> 2017 (1/27/18) which </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10.0pt;">is in its 5<sup>th</sup> year and was founded by Valarie Budayr from </span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://www.jumpintoabook.com/"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Jump Into A Book</span></i></a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> and Mia Wenjen from </span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://www.pragmaticmom.com/"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">PragmaticMom</span></i></a></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10.0pt;">.</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> The mission of MCCBD </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10.0pt;">is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in home and school bookshelves while also working diligently to get more of these types of books into the hands of young readers, parents and educators.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10.0pt;">For full program details, including a full list of sponsors, visit #READYOURWORLD, or click the links above.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/2106-sponsors/recap-of-past-sponsors/" target="_blank">MCCBD 2017 - Valorena Online</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/2106-sponsors/recap-of-past-sponsors/" target="_blank">MCCBD 2016 - Cocoa Kids Collection Books</a></span></div>
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VALORENA ONLINE, L.L.C.</div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> P.O. Box 180, Palisades, NY 10964<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">em: </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><a href="mailto:Valerie@ValorenaOnline.com">Valerie@ValorenaOnline.com</a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> ph: (714)654-6453<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.cocoakidscollectionbooks.com/">www.CocoaKidsCollectionBooks.com</a></span><br />
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Valerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401964905277988868.post-17808260362274105352017-09-15T19:01:00.000-07:002017-10-02T17:56:56.055-07:00Cocoa Kids Collection Books™ Original Illustration Selected for New York Art Center Exhibition<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #593115; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Media Contact: Valerie Williams-Sanchez</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #593115; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Phone: (714) 654-6453<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #593115; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Cocoa Kids Collection Books™ Original Illustration <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #593115; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Selected for New York Art Center Exhibition<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #593115; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Palisades, New York (September 14, 2017) </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #593115; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">– </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7401964905277988868#www.VWilliamsSanchez.org"><span style="background: white; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Valorena Online, LLC</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #593115; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> is pleased to announce that an illustration from the forthcoming <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Cocoa Kids Collection Books© </b>title has been selected along with works by a dozen other artists, to be featured in an upstate New York Art School show. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #593115; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The piece, “Grandma Mimi’s Kitchen,” from the book, </span><a href="http://www.cocoakidscollectionbooks.com/"><span style="background: white; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lorena and the Magic Mocha Mirror©</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #593115; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> has been selected to appear in </span><a href="http://rocklandartcenter.org/about-us/"><span style="background: white; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rockland Center for the Arts (RoCA)</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #593115; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> upcoming exhibit, “Home,” a show, which will be on view </span><span style="background: white; color: #593115; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">October 8 through November 19, 2017, and explore </span><span style="background: white; color: #593115; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">artists’ notions and expression of “Home.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #593115; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As described on the </span><span style="background: white; color: #593115; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">RoCA</span><span style="background: white; color: #593115; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> website: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #593115; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Our home interiors create our environment and state of mind. It is often the place we associate with our identity. How does our interior home space affect our emotional and mental outlook on life? Is our living space affected by the outside environment? Or does the home environment affect how we interact in the outside world? Is it a sanctuary, a creative space, a place of conflict, new beginnings, endings, or memories? The artists in this exhibit explore the home and its environment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #593115; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In announcing its selection, </span><span style="background: white; color: #593115; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">RoCA</span><span style="background: white; color: #593115; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> acknowledged Valerie’s work for having captured the essence of the show’s theme. Her hand-drawn work, created to punctuate her books’ narratives, shows Lorena, the story’s protagonist, being body shamed by beach bullies until a trio of mermaids encourage her to love her body, while on vacation with her family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #593115; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the artist’s statement, Valerie wrote: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #593115; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“To create this “Home” scene, I meditated on my own childhood and days spent at my grandmother Mary Evelyn (a.k.a. Evie) Givens’ house. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Evie’s house was my home away from home, and time with Evie was always an adventure. Afternoons were spent in discussion of big ideas, learning and fun. It was Evie who encouraged me in my youth to “write something every day.” Scrabble was most always on the agenda at Evie’s, and day trips were frequent. An avid fan of the arts, Evie and I would travel by bus – Evie didn’t drive— to museums, galleries and gardens in my native Southern California, filling my childhood with vivid memories of love, laughter, and light. Even when no one was home, as was the case while she and I were out having adventures, Evie’s cluttered yet tidy home was a cherished space that I return to in my heart even now as an adult. Evie passed away in 2008. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #593115; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I called on these recollections of history to create an easy, breezy image that would evoke for my young readers the warmth of a summer day, and the love and comfort most often associated with home and family. These feelings are hinted at in the room’s details, like the family pictures on the walls and refrigerator. Also, I took a coloring book drawing approach to pull kids into the stories and to make the books more accessible, using a cheerful and bright palate, meant to appeal to young sensibilities’ developing visual literacy. I hope my books bring joy to my readers and inspire them to create and explore their own memories through reading and books. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #593115; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Artist Valerie Williams-Sanchez</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #593115; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> is the principal consultant for Valorena Online, LLC, a former daily journalist and writer who is the author of the Cocoa Kids Collection Books©, fictional tales that put multi-racial and minority children center stage in the self-published series that tackles big issues with wit, whimsy, and chocolate. The third book of the series, Lorena and the Magic Mocha Mirror© marks Valerie’s debut as an illustrator. Valerie began illustrating her books out of a desire to perfect and fully articulate her creative vision. Markers were used for the book illustrations; however, Valerie’s preferred mediums are charcoal and watercolor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #593115; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A certified Project Manager Professional (PMP®), Valerie is Mom to Lorena, 21, Auntie to Isaiah, 9, and a former teacher to countless, at-risk, and special needs kids of all ages. Valerie includes creative writing and drinking hot chocolate among her passions. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Learn more about Valerie and her books at <span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/www\.cocoakidscollectionbooks\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";">www.CocoaKidsCollectionbooks.com</span>.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
Valerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401964905277988868.post-57831570552126874282017-07-29T11:07:00.000-07:002017-07-30T09:40:21.668-07:00Indiegogo - Going, Going, Gone!<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thanks to my newest group of supporters! The Indiegogo campaign is a wrap, and "Lorena and the Magic Mocha Mirror" is a step closer to a bookshelf near you. </span><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" style="display: inline; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; line-height: 18px; outline: none; width: auto;" tabindex="0">We achieved 12% of our project goal thanks to those "Beach Blanket Buddies" named here. For projects like my Cocoa Kids Collection of Books, this sort of support makes a huge difference!</span><span class="fbPhotoTagList" id="fbPhotoSnowliftTagList" style="display: inline; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="fcg"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="fbPhotoTagList" style="display: inline; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="fcg"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="fbPhotoTagList" style="display: inline; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="fcg"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="fbPhotoTagListTag tagItem">Frances M. Williams</span>, </span></span></span><span class="fbPhotoTagListTag tagItem" style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">Ed Richardson</span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">, </span><span class="fbPhotoTagListTag tagItem" style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">Rhonda Jones</span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">, </span><span class="fbPhotoTagListTag tagItem" style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">Ciara Cox</span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">, </span><span class="fbPhotoTagListTag tagItem" style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">Borzou Daragahi</span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">, </span><span class="fbPhotoTagListTag tagItem" style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">Anna J. Allen</span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">, </span><span class="fbPhotoTagListTag tagItem" style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">Vlatka Majstorovic, </span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">and</span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"> </span><span class="fbPhotoTagListTag tagItem" style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">Rose De Maio</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of the new features of this Indiegogo campaign was the inclusion of Spanish language project information. In case you missed it, below is that passage again, in a cleaned-up and proofread version! It's a </span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; text-align: center;">free translation from English to Spanish.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wgPvXF7Ps_E/WX21361kYGI/AAAAAAAABow/vqdED3T3XPkrJgjhWawnnFycTrnUW31VQCLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Endomorph, Mesomorph and Ectomorph" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wgPvXF7Ps_E/WX21361kYGI/AAAAAAAABow/vqdED3T3XPkrJgjhWawnnFycTrnUW31VQCLcBGAs/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" title="Lorena and the Magic Mocha Mirror Body Type Paper Dolls" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Last, "Lorena and the Magic Mocha Mirror" is a book that teaches girls to have a healthy body image using paper dolls. Here is a peak at the book's cut-out forms of the three body types girls will dress.</span></span></div>
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<span class="fbPhotoTagList" style="display: inline; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="fcg"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">_______________________________________________________________________________</span></span></span></div>
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La C<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">ampaña Publicitaria de Lorena y el Espejo Magico de Moca</span></h4>
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<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Hola! Soy Valerie, autora de los libros de la <b>“Colección Niños de Cacao.”</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>En la primera historia de la colección, <i>“Isaiah y la montaña de chocolate”,</i> Isaiah sale de casa, empieza una aventura y acaba conquistando nuestro cariño. Luego, en la historia de <i>"Eddie y el coche fantástico de chocolate”,</i> Eddie nunca se da por vencido hasta que alcanza el círculo de ganadores. Ahora, en la historia de <i>"Lorena y el espejo mágico de moca",</i> Lorena se encuentra en la playa con unos jóvenes acosadores</span><span style="line-height: 150%;">. Con la ayuda de unas nuevas amigas, su historia llega a un final feliz.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Esta es la historia: La pasión de Lorena por el helado de moca la convierte en un blanco fácil para los amantes del bullying y la playa, durante el viaje anual de toda la familia a la casa de la playa de la abuela Mimi. Pero la situación cambia cuando conoce a unas sirenas trillizas, y estas le enseñan que hay cuerpos de todo tipo y que se debe apreciar lo que tiene cada uno. Lorena es nuestra heroína pequeñita, que sale a flote.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Esta campaña, otra vez, busca el apoyo financiero del público y de nuestros aficionados, para completar la publicación de este libro nuevo que intenta llenar la necesidad de los lectores cuyos intereses son los menos considerados por la industria de libros infantiles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">DATOS</span></span></u></b></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tendencias del comercio de libros, por contenido pertinente,
sobre y por afroamericanos:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">• La cifra total de títulos infantiles* del
2014 al 2016 es de unos 3.400 a 3.500 por año, aproximadamente, </span>aunque los afroamericanos representan un 12.5%
de la población Americana.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>• Los libros
infantiles <b>escritos por afroamericanos</b> fueron solo un 3% de todos los
libros publicados entre 2015 y 2016.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> • Los libros
infantiles <b>sobre afroamericanos</b> fueron solo el 8% de todos los libros
publicados durante el mismo período. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><b><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">¡La disparidad es clara!</span></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">* “Todos los libros” se define como todos aquellos libros que
fueron enviados al CCBC para fines de encuesta y seguimiento. El Centro
Cooperativo de Libros Infantiles (CCBC, por sus siglas en inglés) es una
biblioteca única de la Facultad de Educación de la Universidad de Wisconsin,
que se enfoca en el estudio, el análisis y la investigación.</span></span></i></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-right: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-right: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Contando con los
personajes multiculturales más recientes de la <b>"Colección de los Niños
de Cacao"</b> y con el primer personaje femenino en un papel principal, <i>“Lorena
y el Espejo mágico de moca”,</i> ahora se incluye Lorena, que lleva el mismo
nombre de mi hija. Es mi tercer libro infantil de ficción y mi primer proyecto
como ilustradora.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-right: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>La última campaña
publicitaria alcanzó solo el 11% de su meta financiera. Esta vez, ¿por que no
unirse a nosotros, donar y comunicar a sus amigos y asociados para que sean
parte de esta iniciativa y así ayudarnos a obtener el 100% de lo que nos hace
falta ($5,000)? Su apoyo a este proyecto es muy importante. ¡Conviértase en
nuestro socio editor!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-right: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Cuando lo haga,
obtendrá beneficios** geniales, y nuestro agradecimiento por haber apoyado uno
de los segmentos menos valorado por las editoriales tradicionales: los niños
afroamericanos.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">¡Sea
parte de la revolución!</span></div>
<br />Valerie Williams-Sanchezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159488194640143382noreply@blogger.com0