Meet the Judges: Introducing the Cohort for the 2024 Valorena Publishing & Cocoa Kids Collection Scholarship

Valorena Publishing is pleased and honored to introduce the judging cohort for the inaugural Valorena Publishing & Cocoa Kids Collection Scholarship. 

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! 

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.

(Click the image to see each of the two full-sized pages) 

Dive into Diversity: Exploring 2024's Multicultural Children's Book Day Gems (Part 2)

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.

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!

___________________________________________________________

"In the Nick of Time,Too"

by Deedee Cummings

Illustrated by Charlene Mosley

Publisher: Make A Way Media, LLC Published: 2022

ISBN of 978-1-95-1218-33-1 Pages:40

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dive into Diversity: Exploring 2024's Multicultural Children's Book Day Gems

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.

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!

___________________________________________________________

"Please Don't Give Me A Hug!"

by Judi Moreillon,

Illustrated by Estelle Corke

Publisher: Star Bright Books Published: 2021

ISBN of 978-1-59572-917-0 Pages: 14         

    This story unfolds a poignant exploration of how children express and receive friendliness, love, and affection. The book not only celebrates individual preferences but also interweaves crucial themes of empathy and emotional intelligence. Moreillon skillfully navigates the intricacies of children's comfort levels regarding physical affection, delivering a powerful message that underscores the beauty of diverse

expressions of love.

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.

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.

Valorena Publishing Goes Silver and Announces Its Inaugural Scholarship in Time for MCBD 2024

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.

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. 

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. 

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.