tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24042112723340603552024-03-27T02:36:29.658-04:00Maple Sugar ChildCELEBRATING THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN CHILDChildren's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.comBlogger253125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2404211272334060355.post-85293877162204804532024-02-23T01:35:00.001-05:002024-03-16T14:26:57.553-04:00Celebrate Black Children's Book Week<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqci6jvjRAlqxkyt0I1t7RjEt0wqXYUhiWs-WNXPi2xEsv_dk6COk9NTO0SJKF8X1xsD3mnx3iwFBvq7oPn6kKbzxJRAq8TMyv3MC7LGWa4L5s-18HVqsBOL8H6BqBa5Z-CXnTLdTFehl-gDDDHgxzjHtP8STJmpDC-FS3k8VCItVCEG1nZ8ncEfdZza8/s1400/mail.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqci6jvjRAlqxkyt0I1t7RjEt0wqXYUhiWs-WNXPi2xEsv_dk6COk9NTO0SJKF8X1xsD3mnx3iwFBvq7oPn6kKbzxJRAq8TMyv3MC7LGWa4L5s-18HVqsBOL8H6BqBa5Z-CXnTLdTFehl-gDDDHgxzjHtP8STJmpDC-FS3k8VCItVCEG1nZ8ncEfdZza8/w512-h640/mail.webp" width="512" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Children's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2404211272334060355.post-39680906121312305002024-01-29T23:05:00.000-05:002024-01-29T23:05:24.704-05:00The African American Children's Book Fair<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRG93MF4mMG156F128NfynFvU8tSUfCW9Y_CJvyMtzhG2M8kB2rdlU7XPNHFqMeNGr8S6_Fq9xaGlpr-4OQHO3NkgfyeViyOSmuxUR2b85JAcXWxbquS2_yv8gsJNMcBhyphenhyphenwEVLLNqvQlcDbT865McoeLPVM9xrFMIAMrj2yWSy_du4Dkc-gyY0-QXUR22/s1116/412368416_7466832193327282_8206192251050731825_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1116" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRG93MF4mMG156F128NfynFvU8tSUfCW9Y_CJvyMtzhG2M8kB2rdlU7XPNHFqMeNGr8S6_Fq9xaGlpr-4OQHO3NkgfyeViyOSmuxUR2b85JAcXWxbquS2_yv8gsJNMcBhyphenhyphenwEVLLNqvQlcDbT865McoeLPVM9xrFMIAMrj2yWSy_du4Dkc-gyY0-QXUR22/w516-h640/412368416_7466832193327282_8206192251050731825_n.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><p></p>Children's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2404211272334060355.post-82624811698710851422024-01-16T00:54:00.001-05:002024-01-30T00:13:54.678-05:00National Day of Racial Healing January 16, 2024<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUleuGxAIwMruZJ3tAACcNPPD9lGIU7b4PwzfpLvVzcDJGCLKvMsFBjXN9mOJqmBQvDGT29mQ_k3g4ynmkaWZq0mBXOKlNoFdUTt_VpxGzm0J5s5yTq5xVBhB6rDwLqUfyKpn8dOXVdDvE-0KDGWkbQWM7zV4LvSn2LgESpVgHM4Y_LshkLctvZ82Pky1P/s474/fcd7e4dae340da499e6060e2f9f4761e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="474" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUleuGxAIwMruZJ3tAACcNPPD9lGIU7b4PwzfpLvVzcDJGCLKvMsFBjXN9mOJqmBQvDGT29mQ_k3g4ynmkaWZq0mBXOKlNoFdUTt_VpxGzm0J5s5yTq5xVBhB6rDwLqUfyKpn8dOXVdDvE-0KDGWkbQWM7zV4LvSn2LgESpVgHM4Y_LshkLctvZ82Pky1P/s320/fcd7e4dae340da499e6060e2f9f4761e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Every year the W. K. Kellogg Foundation on January 16 celebrates a Day of Racial Healing by sponsoring events on healing racism. They provide a platform where indivuals and organizations can address issues of racial inequality. "<span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">As we enter into 2024, we’re resolving to be open and honest with ourselves and those around us about our experiences and the impact of racism. </span><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz _aa9_ _a6hd" href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/howweheal/" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: white; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: -apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#HowWeHeal</a><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"> begins with us, and </span><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz _aa9_ _a6hd" href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/racialhealing/" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: white; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: -apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#RacialHealing</a><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"> can only begin if we commit ourselves to it."</span></p><p></p><p><a href=" https://dayofracialhealing.org/take-action/"> https://dayofracialhealing.org/take-action/</a></p>Children's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2404211272334060355.post-34154113747520980312024-01-15T17:00:00.000-05:002024-01-15T17:00:26.250-05:00Martin Luther King Jr Day: Daring to Dream<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMjJxdSMXVMM1YffmhyDdILjR-o_Y2TcNXEUQbXCqUM3GhbOgXzqhhDN-jZLnuEXBz6a5J6BLR9iu6ryx1xBluF2Umbemb-j5Jc9wSpAyT5UdmR472m3e9ZotrP74SUq-qn4IBKlG_ePvrpqh31-kyXNh_g_ffG1koQe3rt-kZV-Y75mpKhyphenhyphendmQmNYtPl/s259/mlk.jpeg%20.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMjJxdSMXVMM1YffmhyDdILjR-o_Y2TcNXEUQbXCqUM3GhbOgXzqhhDN-jZLnuEXBz6a5J6BLR9iu6ryx1xBluF2Umbemb-j5Jc9wSpAyT5UdmR472m3e9ZotrP74SUq-qn4IBKlG_ePvrpqh31-kyXNh_g_ffG1koQe3rt-kZV-Y75mpKhyphenhyphendmQmNYtPl/w400-h300/mlk.jpeg%20.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"> "Everybody can be great ... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love."</p><p style="text-align: justify;">‘Shifting the Cultural Climate through the Study and Practice of Kingian Nonviolence’ is the theme for the 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Day. To honor King’s memory, since 1994 this federal holiday has also been celebrated as a day of service. How would our world look like if everyone did his part to build a better world. The website for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service encourages people to think of the holiday as “a day on, not a day off” by volunteering for local causes. MLK inspired millions of people in his lifetime and continues to inspire us to this day. Across the globe, activists look to King for inspiration and courage. Modern movements for racial equality and justice, such as the Black Lives Matter movement, are extensions of the work that he started. Join with people around the country to make a difference especially this year with so many families in our country and around the world affected by Covid and war. Visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service for ideas and opportunities to volunteer. Days of Service help to raise awareness, mobilize volunteers, and provide individuals with an opportunity to engage and build new connections, and help nonprofits find support for their programs. MLK Day of Service is intended to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”</p><p><a href="https://americorps.gov/serve/volunteer/mlk-day">https://americorps.gov/serve/volunteer/mlk-day</a></p><p><a href="https://thekingcenter.org/king-holiday-2024/">https://thekingcenter.org/king-holiday-2024/</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Children's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2404211272334060355.post-19595974072857841772023-12-25T00:52:00.001-05:002023-12-26T01:55:32.156-05:00John Legend - Happy Xmas (War Is Over) (Official Animated Video)<iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/MAT9Jcc2KsA?si=4LwVNkLdwuM_vycw" width="480"></iframe><div><br /></div><div>From John Legends Christmas Album, A Legendary Christmaas</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Have a Joyful and Peaceful Christmas!</b></span></div>Children's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2404211272334060355.post-22038031985783604612023-11-16T15:56:00.002-05:002023-11-16T15:56:53.616-05:00Wish<p> </p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ctlz0R1tSZE?si=uMsAwPgBNS5H0ffC" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Wish" </span><span style="font-size: 18px;">stars Oscar winner Ariana DeBose as a 17-year-old girl named Asha, who wishes on a star when she senses a darkness in the Kingdom of Rosas, casted by King Magnifico that no one else does. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"> When Asha asks for help from the stars, a fallen star appears to help her save the kingdom. With Asha’s courage and determination, she is able to reconnect humans with the power of wish-making, a theme reflected in many of Disney's movies. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;">Afro Latina star Ariana DeBose explains Asha is about building community and being unselfish. Wish brings together t</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">he power of wish-making, fairy tales and representation on the big screen. “Wish,” is the movie commemorating Walt Disney Studios’ 100th anniversary and will be released on November 22.</span></span></div>Children's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2404211272334060355.post-67258044771922958522023-11-03T02:21:00.005-04:002023-11-05T01:13:07.210-04:00UniverSoul Circus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZn9MH474HvgZQCqTkJU2dwGftPVG5UwW1Y01z9xp65y0cWecLLVFhxHngqX8H9t69XvS5Ad_JXCAGgzC6EpnW9XYmXl26k7uTCD-fO_-k13LAB-6bfOHn_GJBPMIfEAMUIbekT_N46JvMJ4Fv36W-zTJ_AhoPCXg-djJ3W8gWAIyWKpjlD7IId8n7nBUo/s300/images-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZn9MH474HvgZQCqTkJU2dwGftPVG5UwW1Y01z9xp65y0cWecLLVFhxHngqX8H9t69XvS5Ad_JXCAGgzC6EpnW9XYmXl26k7uTCD-fO_-k13LAB-6bfOHn_GJBPMIfEAMUIbekT_N46JvMJ4Fv36W-zTJ_AhoPCXg-djJ3W8gWAIyWKpjlD7IId8n7nBUo/w640-h358/images-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>UniverSoul Circus </i></span></b> known as the coolest show on earth! bring their razzle and dazzle performances to New York City with a stop at Orchard Beach in the Bronx from Nov 2-5. This African American owned circus showcases their diverse and multicultural talent at major cities across the country. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“We get to share our culture with everyone and each member of the audience leaves with a message: that everyone belongs. The UniverSoul Circus is for the people…it’s their show.” states Cedric Walker, Founder and CEO After 29 years, millions of people from all over the world have enjoyed thousands of shows and the fun continues. Their next stop is Philadelphia from Nov 10-18 and later Coney Island. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As part of their initiative to build community, they have reached out to homeless families and provided them with free performance. We love performing for families across the country, but our Family Open House is our way of reaching out to the local community and helping those in need as best we can, and we’re thrilled that business, media, and community leaders are as supportive of this event as we are,” said Cedric Walker, “There are many great organizations that, thankfully, are willing to help provide necessities to these transitional families, but we can offer them something very unique with a night out together at the circus and we hope to make this an annual event.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div>Check their schedule and learn more about them at <a href="https://www.universoulcircus.com/">https://www.universoulcircus.com/</a></div><div><br /></div></div><p></p>Children's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2404211272334060355.post-17522507436350048292023-10-11T00:36:00.002-04:002023-10-17T01:39:07.691-04:00Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with Afro Latino Children's Books <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span face=""URW Grotesk T W01", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue Light", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif" style="color: #221e1f;">National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America f</span><span face="URW Grotesk T W01, HelveticaNeue-Light, Helvetica Neue Light, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, Lucida Grande, sans-serif" style="color: #221e1f;"><span>rom September 15 to October 15. Unfortunately, many Afro Latinos have complained that they have been excluded from this cultural recognition. Films and TV shows like the popular novelas and books have rarely included Afro Latino culture. Now t</span></span><span face=""URW Grotesk T W01", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue Light", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif" style="color: #221e1f;">heir diverse and vibrant stories are beginning to be told. In pop culture, movies like Miles Morales feature an Afro Latino character. Here are a few books for children to enjoy </span><span face=""URW Grotesk T W01", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue Light", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif" style="color: #221e1f;">the rich voices and talents of Afro-Latino storytellers.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-xm1l5fUXdKK_2Dn7sL57GKTyy8UmhLA2I_IDH4nes7klIkzYR3Ogc4w3Idm9GoOX4z-apOyO8yEw8l1fu1RKjik6oehfzMCxApNBD-MbssBCTJtjMNDoz_k-T0AqWP__fNXkikPpOUgyKK3hfvZgKsBeZY5Z0RiJKkRo6yRaYV05xY6q4QpUOJSxN75/s450/9780142407790.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-xm1l5fUXdKK_2Dn7sL57GKTyy8UmhLA2I_IDH4nes7klIkzYR3Ogc4w3Idm9GoOX4z-apOyO8yEw8l1fu1RKjik6oehfzMCxApNBD-MbssBCTJtjMNDoz_k-T0AqWP__fNXkikPpOUgyKK3hfvZgKsBeZY5Z0RiJKkRo6yRaYV05xY6q4QpUOJSxN75/s320/9780142407790.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; box-sizing: inherit; color: #221e1f; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.readbrightly.com/books/9780142407790/celia-cruz-queen-of-salsa-by-veronica-chambers-illustrated-by-julie-maren/" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: black; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.1s ease-in-out 0s;"><i style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa<br /></span></i></a><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">by Veronica Chambers, illustrated by Julie Maren<br /></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Introduce your kids to Celia Cruz, the world-renowned salsa singer. This picture book biography celebrates her vibrant personality and passion for salsa music that touched millions of fans. The stunning artwork and captivating narrative will have you pressing play on a Celia-inspired playlist when you’ve finished reading. </span><i style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: times; font-size: large;">(Ages 5 - 8)</i></div><p style="background-color: #f4f4f4; box-sizing: inherit; color: #221e1f; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicptQC2uoSzok6lfaRg85WojQhHQQ0b3vhsSugoudaTioTghmQ4-IcABX_vV58h6k9pKAY7fsw2g1r6b3R-D_Kg9l5TQFb5WvRA0VXuovl62zlgibOxc21Q3NN-C9eALTcHp-Hs1UPRJiBEz1H3NuimYj963yzZsJl6bP3GFE79Lh2YPjEps1v5HIaJBtm/s450/9780593323793.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="298" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicptQC2uoSzok6lfaRg85WojQhHQQ0b3vhsSugoudaTioTghmQ4-IcABX_vV58h6k9pKAY7fsw2g1r6b3R-D_Kg9l5TQFb5WvRA0VXuovl62zlgibOxc21Q3NN-C9eALTcHp-Hs1UPRJiBEz1H3NuimYj963yzZsJl6bP3GFE79Lh2YPjEps1v5HIaJBtm/s320/9780593323793.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; box-sizing: inherit; color: #221e1f; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.readbrightly.com/books/9780593323793/hands-by-torrey-maldonado/" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: black; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.1s ease-in-out 0s;"><i style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Hands<br /></span></i></a><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">by Torrey Maldonado<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">This deeply moving story will captivate tweens and teens from cover to cover. It’s about a boy named Trev who must decide what kind of man he wants to become. To protect his family from his abusive stepfather, Trev takes up boxing. But when his talent for art opens an alternative path for protecting his family, Trev must decide whether to fight against an immediate threat or work toward a better future. </span><i style="box-sizing: inherit;">(Ages 10+</i></div></span></div><p style="background-color: #f4f4f4; box-sizing: inherit; color: #221e1f; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCz9augi0G7DCfX72MZl6UWmjAcuQSJadaeZHmNSB2ShNsugGFcJFsHPjtR-R3pU9skMhFtXebfL4nC2Q8iEBbRQtWNqK-DiU0cEvykrguqZfgFv1ocCQnCsHF8R_Bn7wbCnguTS6eP2Vmjs6tWlxMecIQiNyPrtSSJ_VDeCLkeWs0-wPnZ-QXD62MRPxG/s450/9780525556299.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCz9augi0G7DCfX72MZl6UWmjAcuQSJadaeZHmNSB2ShNsugGFcJFsHPjtR-R3pU9skMhFtXebfL4nC2Q8iEBbRQtWNqK-DiU0cEvykrguqZfgFv1ocCQnCsHF8R_Bn7wbCnguTS6eP2Vmjs6tWlxMecIQiNyPrtSSJ_VDeCLkeWs0-wPnZ-QXD62MRPxG/s320/9780525556299.jpg" width="225" /></span></a></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; box-sizing: inherit; color: #221e1f; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.readbrightly.com/books/9780525556299/flora-la-fresca-and-the-art-of-friendship-by-veronica-chambers-illustrated-by-sujean-rim/" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: black; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.1s ease-in-out 0s;"><i style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Flora la Fresca & the Art of Friendship</span></i></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;">by Veronica Chambers, illustrated by Sujean Rim</div></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">This heartwarming story follows Flora, a Panamanian American girl, as she navigates the ups and downs of friendship and family. Between her best friend moving away and her sister’s all-consuming quince preparations, readers can't help but relate to Flora and her experiences. </span><i style="box-sizing: inherit;">(Ages 8 - 12)</i></div></span></div><p style="background-color: #f4f4f4; box-sizing: inherit; color: #221e1f; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfEn9pXbIk6R-GbsUOfr2UJt7x_np5kXjicobpYd8bMWoDyZV3O9hVSRCff18bsKV6izIP0Ic8-t3CkTjIF6AJRdqpDIR3U9bdH2ZcvMuTZcG8g7sq88Btj1kQ-lhqAHG0dnz2XywCYO1NvU1pJN138s8bR3jh-G-kS0h6k37lomQZp45woiRsvZGh6Ar/s450/9780823448487.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="349" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfEn9pXbIk6R-GbsUOfr2UJt7x_np5kXjicobpYd8bMWoDyZV3O9hVSRCff18bsKV6izIP0Ic8-t3CkTjIF6AJRdqpDIR3U9bdH2ZcvMuTZcG8g7sq88Btj1kQ-lhqAHG0dnz2XywCYO1NvU1pJN138s8bR3jh-G-kS0h6k37lomQZp45woiRsvZGh6Ar/s320/9780823448487.jpg" width="248" /></span></a></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; box-sizing: inherit; color: #221e1f; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.readbrightly.com/books/9780823448487/octopus-stew-by-written-and-illustrated-by-eric-velasquez/" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: black; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.1s ease-in-out 0s;"><i style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Octopus Stew<br /></span></i></a><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">by Eric Velasquez<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Dinner turns dangerous in this unique picture book that tells two stories in one. When Abuela gets captured by the octopus she was cooking, Ramsey must save her from the tentacled villain. Fold-out pages show the story’s events as a tall tale while folding them in shows it happening in real life. Kids will love reading both versions of this exciting book. </span><i style="box-sizing: inherit;">(Ages 4 - 8)</i></div></span></div><p style="background-color: #f4f4f4; box-sizing: inherit; color: #221e1f; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: left;"></p><p><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIUeeudi_Fnaf9qkrI-LH7G7T4X6jyLEtmf8GDfj9ZJHIcqlT2AEYUbsC1m_X82n5xK9ShY-OIQJPEha_Ku9xJy8vzTUS8xziSTrPftkadzV7kWv8ONpEVC9Nk3pb3fxJO-erbNeJxBCk6YNrfTolCpotsEHJ4IUd6E4CzJfKdPcTbfpz6bgEbf2k0o2I/s400/9781536233018.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIUeeudi_Fnaf9qkrI-LH7G7T4X6jyLEtmf8GDfj9ZJHIcqlT2AEYUbsC1m_X82n5xK9ShY-OIQJPEha_Ku9xJy8vzTUS8xziSTrPftkadzV7kWv8ONpEVC9Nk3pb3fxJO-erbNeJxBCk6YNrfTolCpotsEHJ4IUd6E4CzJfKdPcTbfpz6bgEbf2k0o2I/s320/9781536233018.jpg" width="214" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.readbrightly.com/books/9781536233018/undercover-latina-by-aya-de-leon/" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: black; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.1s ease-in-out 0s;"><i style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Undercover Latina</span></i></a></div><span style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;">by Aya de León</div></span><span style="background-color: #f4f4f4; color: #221e1f; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Spy and heist fans will love this young adult novel about a Latina who goes undercover to infiltrate the world of white supremacists. An unexpected crush and the pressure of pretending to be someone else complicates the job. It will take all of Andréa’s smarts not to blow her cover before she can expose the white supremacists’ plans.</div></span></div><p style="background-color: #f4f4f4; box-sizing: inherit; color: #221e1f; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhXX5ta-AI55sYMGNQUXtxLoGnIBeHU1Urh6hOhO9Kgy7uZQekAb3WOcM8SA3PsvTxYwU9mWs-CmYX043oG2sxcfF5aNlCyzZuo338FGUUzdVQQcW_x4XqEWdOYQ4xmLvbo4a4htFawoWky0yyPskRQ7cTbuztFA5DXDtyxzZigojipsWlFGndOO7x-1o/s680/if-dominican-were-a-color-9781534461796_xlg-p-500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhXX5ta-AI55sYMGNQUXtxLoGnIBeHU1Urh6hOhO9Kgy7uZQekAb3WOcM8SA3PsvTxYwU9mWs-CmYX043oG2sxcfF5aNlCyzZuo338FGUUzdVQQcW_x4XqEWdOYQ4xmLvbo4a4htFawoWky0yyPskRQ7cTbuztFA5DXDtyxzZigojipsWlFGndOO7x-1o/s320/if-dominican-were-a-color-9781534461796_xlg-p-500.jpg" width="235" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><i>If Dominican Were a Color </i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">by Sili Recio</span></div><div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">The palette of the Dominican Republic is exuberant and unlimited. Maiz comes up amarillo, the blue-black of dreams washes over sandy shores, and people’s skin can be the shade of cinnamon in cocoa or of mahogany. This exuberantly colorful, softly rhyming picture book is a gentle reminder that a nation’s hues are as wide as nature itself. </span></div></div></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #221e1f; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5MXv1gr5EIUAatDchdea2S-rcPiWoEXUyLJGM4naauQ8OlhsKQuDIM01jihLoGHNQQPXsKHzTH0-P2usJDEaL_uTaG1qq3GeEgs9m-7dxD9_KgCtyl1lF5hW2QjBfB5XaOXGSXE2bnDyLBmwVpsnovBgsjRdv6F6XydwFLx7ed6SxaEWjNoJ1u017d0e/s1500/91Jl4ISg2tL._SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1167" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5MXv1gr5EIUAatDchdea2S-rcPiWoEXUyLJGM4naauQ8OlhsKQuDIM01jihLoGHNQQPXsKHzTH0-P2usJDEaL_uTaG1qq3GeEgs9m-7dxD9_KgCtyl1lF5hW2QjBfB5XaOXGSXE2bnDyLBmwVpsnovBgsjRdv6F6XydwFLx7ed6SxaEWjNoJ1u017d0e/s320/91Jl4ISg2tL._SL1500_.jpg" width="249" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="color: #221e1f;">Islandborn</i></div><span style="color: #221e1f;"><div style="text-align: justify;">by Junot Diaz</div></span><span style="color: #221e1f;"><div style="text-align: justify;">When Lola's teacher asks the students to draw a picture of where their families immigrated from, all the kids are excited. Except Lola. She can't remember The Island—she left when she was just a baby. But with the help of her family and friends, and their memories—joyous, fantastical, heartbreaking, and frightening—Lola's imagination takes her on an extraordinary journey back to The Island. As she draws closer to the heart of her family's story, Lola comes to understand the truth of her abuela's words: “Just because you don't remember a place doesn't mean it's not in you.”<span style="color: #221e1f;"><span>Gloriously illustrated and lyrically written, Islandborn is a celebration of </span></span><span style="color: #221e1f;">creativity, diversity, and our imagination's boundless ability to connect us—to our families, to our past and to ourselves. </span></div></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #221e1f; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2mHtfuKQxhVODusSwDNzUD9zYBjIQD0s7gxNuVSCLo1K6mPQF-6weDCV0Is3d65hV1QQPEPV9wR34-eN0SATtEZCmBaBWlFLqPX3zRTd-mtKca6KkIDpJTwHCxOl1pVbE9XkUUhdfd2tCxtZVnlBitUsZIGre4QmvIoUMO0r1-yOlvs8yVBoA15m3QF0/s500/9780063067516.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2mHtfuKQxhVODusSwDNzUD9zYBjIQD0s7gxNuVSCLo1K6mPQF-6weDCV0Is3d65hV1QQPEPV9wR34-eN0SATtEZCmBaBWlFLqPX3zRTd-mtKca6KkIDpJTwHCxOl1pVbE9XkUUhdfd2tCxtZVnlBitUsZIGre4QmvIoUMO0r1-yOlvs8yVBoA15m3QF0/s320/9780063067516.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="color: black; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><div style="color: black; font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;"><i style="color: #221e1f;"> </i><span style="color: #221e1f;"> </span></div><div style="color: black; font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;"><i>Platnos Go with Everything</i></div><div style="color: black; font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;">by Lissette Norman<br /><span style="color: #221e1f;">Paletero Man meets Fry Bread in this vibrant and cheerful ode to plátanos, the star of Dominican cuisine, written by award-winning poet Lissette Norman, illustrated by Sara Palacios, and translated by Kianny N. Antigua. </span><span style="color: #221e1f;">Platanos are Yesenia’s favorite food. They can be sweet and sugary, or salty and savory. And they’re a part of almost every meal her Dominican family makes. </span><span style="color: #221e1f;">Stop by her apartment and find out why platanos go with everything—especially love!</span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #221e1f; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2mm_UOQ1u_Gf3ippWIIc5Me80i6NkELXhsIXHPcBB1WiLCAdwa60VHsz6RMwDI00S8PBzOYoN2FPCKIddFodfx-W4yAQ8GLFGo4q7-uJHPbwfHvKden6ZcMJLNQNU1eBEzQHDo0b67055K8gZ-mRi9Zz7DNQA0xqEMOZsNyNVxMQWJMrJ-q69PRfSQEw/s500/9781665902731.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2mm_UOQ1u_Gf3ippWIIc5Me80i6NkELXhsIXHPcBB1WiLCAdwa60VHsz6RMwDI00S8PBzOYoN2FPCKIddFodfx-W4yAQ8GLFGo4q7-uJHPbwfHvKden6ZcMJLNQNU1eBEzQHDo0b67055K8gZ-mRi9Zz7DNQA0xqEMOZsNyNVxMQWJMrJ-q69PRfSQEw/s320/9781665902731.webp" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: black; text-align: left;"><br /><span style="color: #221e1f;"><span><i>Platnaos Are Love </i> </span></span></div><div style="color: black; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #221e1f;">by Alyssa Reynoso-Morris </span></div><div style="color: black; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #221e1f;">A delicious picture book about the ways plantains shape Latinx culture, community, and family, told through a young girl’s experiences in the kitchen with her abuela. </span><span style="color: #221e1f;">With every pop of the tostones, mash of the mangú, and sizzle of the maduros, a little girl learns that plátanos are her history, they are her culture, and—most importantly—they are love.</span><span style="color: #221e1f;"> </span><span style="color: #221e1f;"><span> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #221e1f; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha359H9piRKeW0jvxFBRGipQmv_AaCvQtQ0UjvveJRGAUsWK1PIScjYia1UPx5pPVefPk9TeLnnEfZ3TEhrhRHlRnjq1Hqc_Y6M1rjGDbNGJqHUudTvMTlGOblS4rxV6ogsZQGTsUvZ1EKqi9ojpnzwfhknVHZJxNjGpbL2kw2544G7lELKtz3hsEfw94f/s500/9781953859464.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="409" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha359H9piRKeW0jvxFBRGipQmv_AaCvQtQ0UjvveJRGAUsWK1PIScjYia1UPx5pPVefPk9TeLnnEfZ3TEhrhRHlRnjq1Hqc_Y6M1rjGDbNGJqHUudTvMTlGOblS4rxV6ogsZQGTsUvZ1EKqi9ojpnzwfhknVHZJxNjGpbL2kw2544G7lELKtz3hsEfw94f/w328-h400/9781953859464.webp" width="328" /></a></div></span><span style="color: #221e1f;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="clear: both;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>El Secreto del Plátano</i> (the Secret of the Plátano)<br />by Luz Maria Mack<br />At first his tiny ears couldn't hear it, but Abuela shares that she can't teach something that only her heart knows. This loving and tender story of the magical union between a grandmother and her grandson was penned by Dominican author, Luz Maria Mack, and inspired by a dream where she and her Abuela met again to dance and share the secrets of the plátanos.<br />Sometimes the secrets of life are written in nature, under the stars, and in the sounds of the whispering leaves. This translation of The Secret of the Plátano brings a lovely intergenerational friendship to a Spanish-speaking audience.</div><p></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #221e1f;"><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/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RXPXqsAispaOObb4o5z7NEGtMSzhsMOVTlxRg9UJYmZvqB_wPmucCy9Ce5q2-dSwJw9nO-ecw4lqifYfOu7wTYGud5WtN8nkZ8eRaC0fleucbsb2zH9Ge-3gYcDU8hrERFl7exUzLeZiVYVv5mLfA3Z79LG3wLO0iBXQd8ggMn4bT-BL_Pb4wyngVlyp/s595/nina-bonita.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="595" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RXPXqsAispaOObb4o5z7NEGtMSzhsMOVTlxRg9UJYmZvqB_wPmucCy9Ce5q2-dSwJw9nO-ecw4lqifYfOu7wTYGud5WtN8nkZ8eRaC0fleucbsb2zH9Ge-3gYcDU8hrERFl7exUzLeZiVYVv5mLfA3Z79LG3wLO0iBXQd8ggMn4bT-BL_Pb4wyngVlyp/w400-h319/nina-bonita.webp" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #221e1f; font-size: large;"><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #221e1f; font-size: large;"><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="color: #221e1f; font-size: large;"> </i><span style="color: #221e1f; font-size: large;">Nina Bonita <br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> by Ana Maria Machado <br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> With the help of a little bunny issues of race and colorism are addressed.</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #221e1f; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #221e1f; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDI4btmaKviWEv7uT9wm65NQIamztlg-202Z_Hp_y9IZR5Hth4Zss2-x8f6wvPUq3ljLJMbnUgfIyGhALS5uFO99g8iP2VPYEgepPzRev1KpijTFS8Lzxmpo9NaGJOle1AUQCiWCvoDTt-KOE7idMjZvvrjJfIJiETOC0NfzATQozGBMJ06Eke9lkHNgjx/s806/Josephinas-Habichuelas_Las-habichuelas-de-Josefina.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="630" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDI4btmaKviWEv7uT9wm65NQIamztlg-202Z_Hp_y9IZR5Hth4Zss2-x8f6wvPUq3ljLJMbnUgfIyGhALS5uFO99g8iP2VPYEgepPzRev1KpijTFS8Lzxmpo9NaGJOle1AUQCiWCvoDTt-KOE7idMjZvvrjJfIJiETOC0NfzATQozGBMJ06Eke9lkHNgjx/w250-h320/Josephinas-Habichuelas_Las-habichuelas-de-Josefina.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #221e1f; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="clear: both; color: #221e1f; text-align: left;"><i style="text-align: left;">Josefina's Habichuelas <br /></i>by Jasminne Menez<br />Young Josefina gives up sweets for Lent and then learns how to make her Dominican family’s traditional Easter dessert.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitj9N36HuIcAll5FbGMmTjOBQeaT0Pp2JHfc1R8rhYGSY9iGXsDfcTbaetNoMLgRXFKGJm1wjMHllWG4kXDN8LcrLsudwj-Ju745yAEJ6Fwutl7B2iQfsMMFidMI6F2g_oc91LCIJRFL2YbxshzUkt_3-HMP-WnZyKZf8sRlJs6TCYCR-VMBs97q1VxWSx/s605/me-mama-9781534454217_xlg-p-500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitj9N36HuIcAll5FbGMmTjOBQeaT0Pp2JHfc1R8rhYGSY9iGXsDfcTbaetNoMLgRXFKGJm1wjMHllWG4kXDN8LcrLsudwj-Ju745yAEJ6Fwutl7B2iQfsMMFidMI6F2g_oc91LCIJRFL2YbxshzUkt_3-HMP-WnZyKZf8sRlJs6TCYCR-VMBs97q1VxWSx/s320/me-mama-9781534454217_xlg-p-500.jpg" width="264" /></a></div></span><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #221e1f;">Me and Mama<br /></span>by Cozbi A. Cabrera<br />On a rainy day when the house smells like cinnamon and Papa and Luca are still asleep, when the clouds are wearing shadows and the wind paints the window with beads of water, I want to be everywhere Mama is. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Mama’s love is brighter than the sun, even on the rainiest of days. This celebration of a mother-daughter relationship is perfect for sharing with little ones! With lyrical prose and a tender touch, the Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Honor Book Mama and Me is an ode to the strength of the bond between a mother and a daughter as they spend a rainy day together. </span></p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #221e1f; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #221e1f; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkROEOHMvDZBoFThTtxBEqs6BaK9pf6NG2_fwTL7fOTMwifne5Fzn6fjhF0PSCBR8Nsj5LXD3cQ7hIO2rkOlwiVwytmiVd1XN1svYgKm8K60Wo6RTpn4H69rRLfeSibqU56EYVEXcuMzPpxNfZje_CALK3UyEY34HcWudT0D900OEUP1nkDCtXNFrNuqZ3/s450/9780593110478+(3).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="450" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkROEOHMvDZBoFThTtxBEqs6BaK9pf6NG2_fwTL7fOTMwifne5Fzn6fjhF0PSCBR8Nsj5LXD3cQ7hIO2rkOlwiVwytmiVd1XN1svYgKm8K60Wo6RTpn4H69rRLfeSibqU56EYVEXcuMzPpxNfZje_CALK3UyEY34HcWudT0D900OEUP1nkDCtXNFrNuqZ3/s320/9780593110478+(3).jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #221e1f; font-family: times; font-size: medium; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span color="rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.7)" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">The Cot in thee Living Room</span></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span color="rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.7)" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">by Hilda Eunice Burgos</span></div></span><span color="rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.7)" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; font-size: medium; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Each night, a young girl watches her mami set up a cot in the living room for guests in their Washington Heights apartment, like Raquel (who’s boring) and Edgardo (who gets crumbs everywhere). She resents that they get the entire living room with a view of the George Washington Bridge, while all she gets is a tiny bedroom with a view of her sister (who snores). Until one night when no one comes, and it’s finally her chance! But as it turns out, sleeping on the cot in the living room isn’t all she thought it would be.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFCZx1pPibYCQYLuMnrZcLvBkDW8wp8Sdk1v3B8KuBRMdYqLCSyehofpu7taSX9igQTg61ArRNeqh3E2_KW7YECZpcdx9xRmLhnAXSUggYlKsPILJDsC0FVmpR-8KEDwgwFExtsL4Z93EjjIdUCdNWL7YLlheR_AikZVate76RPbb3qmP2C4fAYBmDc8I/s1500/81ljsDrscsL._SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1500" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFCZx1pPibYCQYLuMnrZcLvBkDW8wp8Sdk1v3B8KuBRMdYqLCSyehofpu7taSX9igQTg61ArRNeqh3E2_KW7YECZpcdx9xRmLhnAXSUggYlKsPILJDsC0FVmpR-8KEDwgwFExtsL4Z93EjjIdUCdNWL7YLlheR_AikZVate76RPbb3qmP2C4fAYBmDc8I/s320/81ljsDrscsL._SL1500_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #f4f4f4; color: #221e1f;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Cesaria Feels the Beat </span></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: #f4f4f4; color: #221e1f;"><div style="text-align: justify;">by Denise R Adusei</div></span><span style="color: #221e1f;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>This title will be released on June 4, 2024.</i></div></span><span style="color: #221e1f;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #221e1f;"><span>In this powerful and inspiring picture book, a deaf girl stands up for herself and takes off her shoes while dancing at her Carnival performance so she can feel the music through her bare feet. </span></span>Cesaria is going to perform for the seaside Carnival. She skips past the beach barefoot, dressed in her favorite peacock leotard. But when her dance director tells her she must put on her shoes to go on stage, Cesaria signs, “Peacocks don’t wear shoes!” You see, Cesaria hears the music through the soles of her feet, but no one seems to understand…That is, until all the dancers take off their shoes, and learn to feel the music, just like Cesaria.</div></span><span style="color: #221e1f;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Cesaria Feels the Beat is a lyrical and heartfelt story about deafness, community, and Carnival.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvxbe6cHde2ig2wFZ2jRaz248GvxXuVRaMiYAqUbbjheQU7FvmKj8qo08QM2ZJ2cj0wEfSBX13XjxvX-I9vLjTqzGmPffjv3uIDDVcJZB4YSjtokWJfI_2MrwNAJ6dzvwKQcEMgmg7WAWChKqSCwrWdr5Oor5qiZ04L3BgasemlmxFHAxvlYZzg_2ozSA/s1500/8156lAtiuBL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1291" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvxbe6cHde2ig2wFZ2jRaz248GvxXuVRaMiYAqUbbjheQU7FvmKj8qo08QM2ZJ2cj0wEfSBX13XjxvX-I9vLjTqzGmPffjv3uIDDVcJZB4YSjtokWJfI_2MrwNAJ6dzvwKQcEMgmg7WAWChKqSCwrWdr5Oor5qiZ04L3BgasemlmxFHAxvlYZzg_2ozSA/s320/8156lAtiuBL._SL1500_.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>What Can You Do With a Paleta? Qué Puedes Hacer Con Una Paleta</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">by Carmen Tafolla (Author), Magaly Morales (Illustrator)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As she strolls through her barrio, a young girl introduces readers to the frozen, fruit-flavored treat that thrills Mexican and Mexican-American children. Create a masterpiece, make tough choices (strawberry or coconut?), or cool off on a warm summer's day--there's so much to do with a paleta.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span></span><p></p></div>Children's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2404211272334060355.post-27656575169962594222023-08-31T12:37:00.009-04:002023-09-19T09:05:36.969-04:00Black Breastfeeding Week<p> </p><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/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2KGIrcCLJ8Z0xChCcwjxy45IiDMvr2sX4cBkOdK3p-NrFj17rcpEEKdzmJm0O3EFcULLOieSS0fIZyQGZwx6Np3ilROw4eIttJvnYhZ9GPJyMrztAjBSlZkt5liR-QeDg4OdED6Pg5IZFlEdm12Yr1-E9mZqg0eFtZnnYPxILZ7ynQR-LdzpqifwHC4m/s820/the-world-is-yours-banner-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="820" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2KGIrcCLJ8Z0xChCcwjxy45IiDMvr2sX4cBkOdK3p-NrFj17rcpEEKdzmJm0O3EFcULLOieSS0fIZyQGZwx6Np3ilROw4eIttJvnYhZ9GPJyMrztAjBSlZkt5liR-QeDg4OdED6Pg5IZFlEdm12Yr1-E9mZqg0eFtZnnYPxILZ7ynQR-LdzpqifwHC4m/w640-h245/the-world-is-yours-banner-1.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;">August was National Breastfeeding Awareness Month created to encourage and support new mothers who chose to breastfeed. This is <span style="text-align: justify;">a time to spread the word on the benefits of breastfeeding. All month long, people around the world are celebrating the amazing benefits of breastfeeding, while continuing the fight to ensure women have the support they need to breastfeed.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The last week was focused on African American mothers. "In America the message needs to be heard loud and clear especially for African American mothers whose rate of initiating breastfeeding is the lowest in the country. There are social, political and cultural reasons for this disparity that need to be addressed. Today laws are being passed to protect mothers who decide to breastfeed but more work has to be done. Women should not have to fear losing their job in order to nurture their babies."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Breastfeeding offers so many health benefits from helping mother and child bond, providing an incentive to eat healthy and allowing mother's body to heal faster. Most important breast milk provides the nutrients that human babies need.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Communities and hospitals need to spread the word, provide support for breastfeeding mothers and initiate legislature that provides safe public and business spaces for mothers. Even as individuals, we can help mothers with words of encouragement, a cooked meal, housekeeping, shopping errands and much love. We are all part of the village."</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Learn more and spread the word. For mothers who need support here are a few groups providing information and support.</div><div><br /></div><div>The African American Breastfeeding Network</div><div><a href="http://aabnetwork.org/">The African American Breastfeeding Network</a></div><div><br /></div><div>La Leche<br /><a href="https://lllusa.org/">https://lllusa.org/</a><br /><a href="https://www.llli.org/">https://www.llli.org/</a><br /><br />United States Breastfeeding Committee<br /><a href="http://www.usbreastfeeding.org/nbm19">http://www.usbreastfeeding.org/nbm19</a><br /><br />Black Moms Do Breastfeed<br /><a href="https://blackwomendobreastfeed.org/">https://blackwomendobreastfeed.org/</a><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Blackmomsdobreastfeed/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/Blackmomsdobreastfeed/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Healthy Horizon</div><div><a href="https://www.healthyhorizons.com/">https://www.healthyhorizons.com/</a></div><div> March of Dimes</div><div>https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/blog/august-national-breastfeeding-month</div><div><br /></div><div>Mocha Milk Mommy's Breastfeeding Support Group<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/mochamilkmommys/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/mochamilkmommys/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Breastfeeding Info from Weill Cornell Update</div><div><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sponsor-story/weill-cornell-medicine/2023/08/23/a-better-start-for-baby-how-to-support-breastfeeding-moms/70620865007/?fbclid=IwAR1WXvP0NCqjwRinSAueG4THNovXNtWX_iRoFVZLgO4HfIhH_HxgHYgkxUM">https://www.usatoday.com/story/sponsor-story/weill-cornell-medicine/2023/08/23/a-better-start-for-baby-how-to-support-breastfeeding-moms/70620865007/?fbclid=IwAR1WXvP0NCqjwRinSAueG4THNovXNtWX_iRoFVZLgO4HfIhH_HxgHYgkxUM</a></div><div><br /></div><div><p></p></div>Children's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2404211272334060355.post-7494652880993642932023-04-25T00:36:00.000-04:002023-04-25T00:36:19.499-04:00The Little Mermaid Release Date is May 26<p> </p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpGo2_d3oYE" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Disney's live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid is set to be released on May 26. 2023. The new film, directed by Rob Marshall, stars R&B singer Halle Bailey as Ariel and Melissa McCarthy as the villainous sea witch Ursula. The fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen follows the journey of a young mermaid who is willing to give up her life in the sea as a mermaid to gain a human soul.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">In an interview with Edition magazine, Halle Bailey discussed embodying Ariel in Disney’s upcoming live-action reimagining of The Little Mermaid, noting that the response to the trailer was a “shock.” News of Bailey’s casting as Ariel initially drew ire from some Disney fans, who took issue with a Black actress embodying the role of the fictional princess. Despite many racist comments from trolls, the actress and singer was grateful that young women of color were able to relate to her character.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">She also confirmed in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that the director Rob Marshall encouraged her to incorporate aspects of herself into the iconic role, including her locs "— incorporating my locs into the red hair was something that was really special to me." The Grammy Award nominee and half of celebrated sister duo Chloe x Halle further expounded, “I’m really excited for my version of the film because we’ve definitely changed that perspective of just her wanting to leave the ocean for a boy,” she explained. “It’s way bigger than that. It’s about herself, her purpose, her freedom, her life and what she wants. As women we are amazing, we are independent, we are modern, we are everything and above. And I’m glad that Disney is updating some of those themes.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> "Seeing the world’s reaction to it was definitely a shock, but seeing all the babies’ reactions, all the brown and Black young girls, really tore me up emotionally,” she said. “It’s honestly been such a crazy ride, and I genuinely feel shocked and honored and grateful to be in this position. A lot of times, I have to pinch myself and be like, is this real life?”</div>Children's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2404211272334060355.post-65071014691746205712023-04-17T01:19:00.004-04:002023-04-17T10:02:52.285-04:00Celebrating the Birthing Journey<p> </p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y-sSuJAWspU" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><div><h1 class="style-scope ytd-watch-metadata" style="-webkit-box-orient: vertical; -webkit-line-clamp: 2; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #0f0f0f; display: -webkit-box; font-family: "YouTube Sans", Roboto, sans-serif; line-height: 2.8rem; margin: 0px; max-height: 5.6rem; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; text-overflow: ellipsis; word-break: break-word;"><yt-formatted-string class="style-scope ytd-watch-metadata" force-default-style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Celebrating the Birthing Journey: Baby Dove, Sista Midwife Productions, and BMMA</span></yt-formatted-string></h1></div><div><yt-formatted-string class="style-scope ytd-watch-metadata" force-default-style=""><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></yt-formatted-string></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><yt-formatted-string class="style-scope ytd-watch-metadata" force-default-style=""><span style="font-size: small;">As a part of Black Maternal Health Week 2023, Dove, Black Mamas Matter Alliance and Sista Productions discuss the important role Doulas can play in providing healthcare to Black mothers. </span></yt-formatted-string>They unveiled the New Black Doula Directory powered by Baby Dove Care and Sista Midwife Productions. This new resource will limit barriers to accessing Black doulas who provide culturally competent care.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Last year Baby Dove expanded their Black Birth Equity Fund to $500,000. The fund provides Black expecting mothers with financial access to doula services. Porchia-Albert, a doula from Ancient Song Doula Services explains “Our mission has always been about reducing or eliminating the infant maternal mortality rate,” “Things have changed since I first started. Now, we are in a space where people are curious, more conversations are taking place around Black maternal health, and the word doula is something more people have heard about.”</div><div><yt-formatted-string class="style-scope ytd-watch-metadata" force-default-style=""><span style="font-size: small;"><div><br /></div></span></yt-formatted-string></div>Children's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2404211272334060355.post-65352534237431044132023-04-14T14:01:00.019-04:002023-04-18T15:28:06.701-04:00White House Proclamation on Black Maternal Health Week, 2023<p> </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bgsFZ02fsxr26jCkeLn5DRSUCHQ1zZjjPNBEBILZXEd2CElpMPqNgfbJgH7mP9LIQdXEHgizXTnTuDwA6ZUknsQzg9-E8qDNdoOXOo6z0ZI0TBgl-re_MjzL6YUDWMmTiFNIsTLfkm4uBSpKZY3vd-jCkuUoHrdifuAKow5Qv368A726CUqea3sw1g/s299/download-8.jpg" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="299" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bgsFZ02fsxr26jCkeLn5DRSUCHQ1zZjjPNBEBILZXEd2CElpMPqNgfbJgH7mP9LIQdXEHgizXTnTuDwA6ZUknsQzg9-E8qDNdoOXOo6z0ZI0TBgl-re_MjzL6YUDWMmTiFNIsTLfkm4uBSpKZY3vd-jCkuUoHrdifuAKow5Qv368A726CUqea3sw1g/w400-h225/download-8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">This week we celebrate Black Maternal Health Week. The theme for 2023 is “Our Bodies Belong to Us: Restoring Black Autonomy and Joy!” 2023's theme for BMHW will emphasize the strength of the community and the human right of individuals to live freely, safely, and joyfully as themselves. This week provides an opportunity to get informed on the health crisis in the African American community and to share ways to heal our community. We have the highest rate of maternal and infant deaths not only in the nation but in industrial countries across the world. Here are some of the facts. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The United States is the only industrialized nation where Black maternal health is getting worse. Black women are three to four times more likely to die from complications surrounding pregnancy and childbirth than white women. Death rates for infants born to Black Americans with advanced degrees are higher than white Americans who didn't go to high school.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>To address these issues the White House has declared the following: Proclamation on Black Maternal Health Week, 2023</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> "Black Maternal Health Week is a reminder that so many families experience pain, neglect, and loss during what should be one of the most joyous times of their lives. It is an urgent call for action. Black women in America are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. This is on top of the fact that women in America are dying at a higher rate from pregnancy-related causes than in any other developed nation. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Tackling this crisis begins with understanding how institutional racism drives these high maternal mortality rates. Studies show that Black women are often dismissed or ignored in hospitals and other health care settings, even as they suffer from severe injuries and pregnancy complications and ask for help. Systemic inequities are also to blame. When mothers do not have access to safe and stable housing before and after childbirth, they are at greater risk of falling ill. When women face barriers traveling to the hospital for prenatal and postpartum checkups, they are less likely to remain healthy. Air pollution, water pollution, and lead pipes can have dangerous consequences for pregnant women and newborns. And when families cannot afford nutritious foods, they face worse health outcomes. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> That is why my Administration wrote the Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis, which lays out specific actions that the Federal Government will take to improve maternal health, and secured funding from the Congress to help implement it. Vice President Kamala Harris has been a leader on the issue of maternal mortality for years and led the charge to improve maternal health outcomes, including by issuing a call to action to address disparities in maternal care. She continues to elevate the issue nationally, convening State legislators, medical professionals, and others so all mothers can access the care they need before, during, and after childbirth.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Additionally, my American Rescue Plan gave States the option to provide a full year of postpartum coverage to Medicaid beneficiaries — up from just 60 days of coverage. As a result, my Administration has approved requests from 30 States and Washington, D.C. to provide women with Medicaid coverage with a full year of postpartum coverage, and we have made this option permanent for every State that extends Medicaid postpartum coverage. My Administration has helped facilitate Medicaid expansion in four States since I took office, and I continue to call on the Congress to close the Medicaid coverage gap. We are also working to expand and diversify the maternal health workforce, helping health care providers hire and train diverse and culturally-competent physicians, certified nurse midwives, doulas, and community health workers to support women during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care. My American Rescue Plan included historic investments in our health workforce, and my Budget includes $471 million to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity rates — improving access to care in rural communities, expanding implicit bias training for health care providers, and further supporting the perinatal health workforce. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Because expecting mothers deserve to know where to find the best care, the Department of Health and Human Services created a new “Birthing Friendly” hospital designation, a public-facing recognition of the quality and safety of maternity care which will be publicly reported on the Care Compare website beginning this Fall. My Administration is committed to implementing the No Surprises Act, which helps ensure that women are protected from certain unexpected out-of-network medical bills that can come up during pregnancy, postpartum care, and delivery.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> One in 5 women in America experience maternal mental health conditions like postpartum depression, anxiety, or substance use disorder, so we launched the Maternal Mental Health Hotline. By calling 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS — a confidential, 24-hour, toll-free number — new and expecting moms can now connect with professional counselors. We are also supporting and expanding maternal mental health screening programs, including for postpartum depression. My Administration is also partnering with community-based organizations to help pregnant people access addiction services and work with professionals trained in treating substance use disorder.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> We are protecting the job security and workplace rights of pregnant and nursing mothers — including Black women, who are more likely to be fired, quit, or be forced to return to work after giving birth before it is healthy for them to do so. Over the past 2 years, I signed legislation to ensure employers make reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers and job applicants, expand the use of break time and access to private spaces for millions of nursing parents, and study the unique maternal health challenges facing veterans and help ensure they get the quality health care they deserve through the Department of Veterans Affairs.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> At the same time, my Administration is using the power of the Federal Government to address the long-standing disparities that Black communities continue to face — disparities that directly impact the health and well-being of Black mothers. During the height of the COVID-19 crisis, my Administration provided relief to hardworking families, cutting the rate of poverty for Black Americans by nearly a third. We are also confronting racial discrimination in housing; expanding public transit to every neighborhood in the country; improving access to affordable and healthy food through our National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health; and tackling dangerous environmental injustices that have hit communities of color the hardest. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> This week, as we continue our work to make pregnancy and childbirth safe, dignified, and joyful for all, let us remember that health care should be a right and not a privilege. Let us give thanks to the extraordinary maternal health care workforce, which serves its patients and their families every day. And let us join in common cause to end the tragedy of maternal mortality once and for all.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> <span> </span>NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 11 through April 17, 2023, as Black Maternal Health Week. I call upon all Americans to raise awareness of the state of Black maternal health in the United States by understanding the consequences of institutional racism; recognizing the scope of this problem and the need for urgent solutions; amplifying the voices and experiences of Black women, families, and communities; and committing to building a world in which Black women do not have to fear for their safety, their well-being, their dignity, or their lives before, during, and after pregnancy."</p><p style="text-align: left;">To read more visit https:<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/04/10/a-proclamation-on-black-maternal-health-week-2023/" target="_blank">//www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/04/10/a-proclamation-on-black-maternal-health-week-2023/</a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>For more information and to participate in making change:</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Sites:</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">White House - A Proclamation on Black Maternal Health Week, 2023 <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/04/10/a-proclamation-on-black-maternal-health-week-2023/">https://www.whitehousegov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/04/10/a-proclamation-on-black-maternal-health-week-2023/</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Black Mamas Matter Alliance -<a href=" https://blackmamasmatter.org/2023-black-maternal-health-week/" target="_blank"> https://blackmamasmatter.org/2023-black-maternal-health-week/</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">The National Birth Equity Collaborative - <a href="https://birthequity.org/">https://birthequity.org/</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">The Black Maternal Health Caucus - <a href="https://blackmaternalhealthcaucus-underwood.house.gov/">https://blackmaternalhealthcaucus-underwood.house.gov/</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Mama Glow - <a href="https://mamaglow.com/">https://mamaglow.com/</a></p><p style="text-align: left;"> National Black Doulas Association Directory - <a href="https://www.blackdoulas.org/national-directory">https://www.blackdoulas.org/national-directory</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ancient Song Doula Services - <a href="https://www.ancientsongdoulaservices.com/">https://www.ancientsongdoulaservices.com/</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">The Shades of Blue Project- <a href="https://www.shadesofblueproject.org/">https://www.shadesofblueproject.org/</a></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Sésé Doula Services - <a href="https://www.sesebirthingfreedom.com/">https://www.sesebirthingfreedom.com/</a></p><p style="text-align: left;"> MomsRising - <a href="https://www.momsrising.org/">https://www.momsrising.org</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Wolomi -<a href="https://www.wolomi.com/home" target="_blank"> https://www.wolomi.com/home</a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> The Blavatnik Family Women’s Health Research Institute - htt<a href="ps://icahn.mssm.edu/research/womens-health">ps://icahn.mssm.edu/research/womens-health</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Articles:</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blackmaternalhealthcaucus-underwood.house.gov/media/in-the-news/9-organizations-working-save-black-mothers">https://blackmaternalhealthcaucus-underwood.house.gov/media/in-the-news/9-organizations-working-save-black-mothers</a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.self.com/topic/black-maternal-mortality">https://www.self.com/topic/black-maternal-mortality</a></p>Children's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2404211272334060355.post-21841963320456638562023-02-28T21:42:00.000-05:002023-02-28T21:42:06.565-05:00Black History Month 2023<p> <i><b>I can't believe it has been a year since I wrote this post. As we continue to heal and thrive toward greatness, changes may seem very slow. But Black History Month reminds us again of all that we have accomplished, and that celebrating our history is a year long event.</b></i></p><p><i><b><br /></b></i></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42RDGlT5POdXbvr2G94ArnH7L_8ye-NGkTBZLGkcK17WmcVRkYPVu9Ilw11HCHI44ek1qW6XMrzfruYCZioro1rafz3Y3YfohTc0SAT0WdwTi2HmjEGRrCKO_QDdMTkLtfKgE693B2iD3vHIbWqBZrTztRSypRXo1WS-G2eSC_dOB8gO2DpCNde4Yzg/s288/download-26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="175" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42RDGlT5POdXbvr2G94ArnH7L_8ye-NGkTBZLGkcK17WmcVRkYPVu9Ilw11HCHI44ek1qW6XMrzfruYCZioro1rafz3Y3YfohTc0SAT0WdwTi2HmjEGRrCKO_QDdMTkLtfKgE693B2iD3vHIbWqBZrTztRSypRXo1WS-G2eSC_dOB8gO2DpCNde4Yzg/s1600/download-26.jpg" width="175" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></blockquote><p><span style="text-align: justify;">Welcome to Black History Month 2023! For the past 2 years we have experienced some very challenging times. Many of us have experienced lost, separation and pain. Our community has been devastated in many ways because of Covid, violence and economic hardships. Many pillars of our community have been lost. Grandparents, parents, teachers, medical professionals, family and friends who have supported us and our community are no longer here. Even if we have not been touched personally there is still a collective grieving as a community. This month gives us an opportunity to thank God, honor our ancestors and inform our children. Our history shows us that we have the resilience to heal and rebuild when we love and support each other. Let our light shine.</span> </p>Children's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2404211272334060355.post-10896025615373861382023-02-11T12:00:00.000-05:002023-02-11T12:00:38.394-05:00The 11th Daddy Daughter Dance<p> <img alt="11th Annual Daddy Daughter Dance" height="300" src="https://img.evbuc.com/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.evbuc.com%2Fimages%2F385861109%2F185221875345%2F1%2Foriginal.20221102-224244?w=600&auto=format%2Ccompress&q=75&sharp=10&rect=0%2C0%2C3990%2C1995&s=ee490b5f79326c590ca9e01a78b15d07" width="600" /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Real Dads Network is a non-profit organization that provides support and resources for fathers and families. They promote father involvement as critical for the development of healthy children.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">"It is our belief that children do better, both developmentally and in attainment of life opportunities, when both parents are actively involved in the parenting process, regardless of the martial or living circumstances."</p><p style="text-align: justify;">"Our Vision is to create a culture where all fathers are actively involved in the parenting process, and are portrayed and viewed as exemplary role models by society."</p><p style="text-align: justify;">"The Daddy Daughter Dance is one of our signature events. We have been doing the dance for about a decade. The Daddy Daughter Dance is a celebration of that special relationship between fathers and their daughters. Our Dance is an elegant event that presents an opportunity for a father or father figure and his daughter (or daughters) to get dressed up, dance, have dinner, talk, laugh, be entertained and share a memorable evening together with other fathers and their daughters.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">"We have been doing the Daddy Daughter Dance since 2008 and over the years we have directly influenced Chicago, Philadelphia, New Jersey and Virginia to do dances and indirectly influences several other places to do daddy daughter dances." </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Their Daddy Daughter Dance will be held at the <span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #6f7287; font-family: "Neue Plak", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700;">Alhambra Ballroom</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #6f7287; font-family: "Neue Plak", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> -</span><span style="color: #6f7287; font-family: Neue Plak, -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">2116 Adam Clayton Powell Junior Boulevard New York, NY 10027 on February 14 from 4-8 pm.</span></span></p><p><br /></p><p>For more information <a href="https://www.realdadsnetwork.org/">https://www.realdadsnetwork.org/</a></p><p><a href="https://www.realdadsnetwork.org/events/daddy-daughter-dance/">https://www.realdadsnetwork.org/events/daddy-daughter-dance/</a></p>Children's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2404211272334060355.post-85547417336559658782023-02-11T09:55:00.005-05:002023-02-11T14:40:07.817-05:00Celebrate Black Children's Book Week<p> </p><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-left: -15px; margin-right: -15px;"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-3" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: left; min-height: 1px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; position: relative; width: 297.5px;"><div class="vc_column-inner" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px; width: 297.5px;"><div class="wpb_wrapper" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #001355; font-family: Nunito, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;"><div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_rounded vc_box_border_grey" style="border-radius: 4px; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: top;"><img alt="black-childrens-book-week" class="vc_single_image-img" height="400" src="https://blackbabybooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/black-childrens-book-week-scaled-e1641775468330-300x300.jpg" style="border-radius: 4px; border-style: none; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: top;" title="black-childrens-book-week" width="400" /></div></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></div></div></div></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Black Children’s Book Week is a global celebration of Black children and the </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">people who ensure Black children are represented in</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"> books and other children’s media.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The week is administered by Black Baby Books, a platform that makes it easier to discover children’s books with Black characters.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">They invite everyone to join the celebration: parents, guardians, authors, illustrators, publishers, educators, librarians, business people, community advocates, and other advocates for Black children.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Black Children’s Book Week starts on the last Sunday in February every year. This year from 2/26/23 to 4/3/2023.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Visit </span><a href="https://blackbabybooks.com/bcbw/" style="font-size: large;">https://blackbabybooks.com/bcbw/</a></span></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-left: -15px; margin-right: -15px;"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-3" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: left; min-height: 1px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; position: relative; width: 297.5px;"><div class="vc_column-inner" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px; width: 297.5px;"><div class="wpb_wrapper" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blackbabybooks.com/bcbw/ " target="_blank"> </a></span></div></span></span></div></div></div></div>Children's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2404211272334060355.post-42101709484987367342023-02-08T23:59:00.006-05:002023-02-11T02:24:39.080-05:00The African American Children's Book Fair in Philadelphia<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xJAsMsxC4ykXZRAhhHGFr6e0JqoTrxwpFAfya_p77KezN4J5wuVJqOz4m27rFe6OXv3F9gqj5tAQgfieKkGZ1Xo5lblxS4XiwhIeBrlt7wK5MLj-_WZ_4l0nstnIZBpBnm-VS7R_YKZzq8kbW_VwjFuPOa6FCApFBSH5KmwZGRUKs7kFdnnu_3uqEQ/s1545/AACBF23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1545" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xJAsMsxC4ykXZRAhhHGFr6e0JqoTrxwpFAfya_p77KezN4J5wuVJqOz4m27rFe6OXv3F9gqj5tAQgfieKkGZ1Xo5lblxS4XiwhIeBrlt7wK5MLj-_WZ_4l0nstnIZBpBnm-VS7R_YKZzq8kbW_VwjFuPOa6FCApFBSH5KmwZGRUKs7kFdnnu_3uqEQ/w414-h640/AACBF23.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Children's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2404211272334060355.post-3813735715867402492022-11-24T01:00:00.001-05:002022-11-24T01:00:39.087-05:00Girtrek's Annual Black Family 5K<p><i><b>GirlTrek, the largest health movement and nonprofit for Black women in the country, is bringing together thousands of families across the country this Thanksgiving weekend for the Black Family 5K.</b></i></p><p><br /></p><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;"><img alt="Host a Black Family 5K - GirlTrek organized by GirlTrek" class="css-1301ova e53slr01" height="276" src="https://mobilizeamerica.imgix.net/uploads/event/BF5K%20%28Facebook%20Cover%29_20221110182856962481.jpg?auto=format&crop=faces&fit=crop&h=494.24083769633506&w=944" srcset="https://mobilizeamerica.imgix.net/uploads/event/BF5K%20%28Facebook%20Cover%29_20221110182856962481.jpg?auto=format&crop=faces&fit=crop&h=494.24083769633506&w=944" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="529" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">"This week we will reunite with our families over Thanksgiving dinner. For many us, it's been years since we saw some of our loved ones. Others are seeing each other again after losing loved ones. And then there's some who are responsible for making a dish this year.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">And then the next day, we will gather our families for an annual Black family tradition. GirlTrek's #BlackFamily5K. We're walking off all the food we ate on Thursday night. We'll be sharing family memories. Telling the family some big news. Together, from all over the world, Black families will walk for their health and a day of connection.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Gather your aunties, uncles, grandparents, neighbors, and friends. Back for the fifth year, GirlTrek’s Black Family 5K encourages families -- blood or chosen -- to get out in nature and take a walk. The Black Family 5K is a hallmark end-of-year celebration in the GirlTrek movement celebrating fitness, family, and fun. (The Black Family 5ks happen throughout Thanksgiving weekend. Walk anytime that is convenient for you and your family.)</p><p style="text-align: justify;">We need this now more than ever. A reason to revel. To reconnect. To rejoice with our loved ones. Join us as we reclaim Black Friday and center ourselves on kinship, health, and fun rather than shopping, spending, and stress.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Sign up to host your own Black Family 5K TODAY. Start or continue this tradition with YOUR relatives. It's simple and free. Once you register you will get receive a confirmation email with the code to access the official race kit complete with t-shirts and customizable race bibs. Please expect up to a 5-minute delay before receiving the email due to traffic."</p><p>Visit <a href="https://www.mobilize.us/girltrek/event/538516/?utm_campaign=bf5k&utm_medium=&utm_source=&emci=e2dd84da-516b-ed11-ade6-14cb65342cd2&emdi=83a55562-606b-ed11-ade6-14cb65342cd2&ceid=635972" target="_blank">https://www.mobilize.us/girltrek/event/538516/?utm_campaign=bf5k&utm_medium=&utm_source=&emci=e2dd84da-516b-ed11-ade6-14cb65342cd2&emdi=83a55562-606b-ed11-ade6-14cb65342cd2&ceid=635972 </a></p>Children's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2404211272334060355.post-50720207684735837622022-07-18T15:29:00.003-04:002022-07-18T15:38:37.765-04:00Picture the Dream: The Story of the Civil Rights Movement Through Children’s Books<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCj3PQf6_TEIEFBvcmFxyKbESdZWleoaaKQebHUfnOu_4gXmej15AuU7pNr4JSgFZRIf23XXmwRek8QqU-qhQb2pKokmQxK4zB4DfFsaler4M_FSjBmo7lQm0RZY8G5DX7X4GY7c1XX_QU7YlKJIv-HkNMz-XPJAL8fa_N1CRb6jSH7WpXtrWMFRVvg/s1140/59263884-938b-419c-937f-baa108dbb624_picture-the-dream-store.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1140" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCj3PQf6_TEIEFBvcmFxyKbESdZWleoaaKQebHUfnOu_4gXmej15AuU7pNr4JSgFZRIf23XXmwRek8QqU-qhQb2pKokmQxK4zB4DfFsaler4M_FSjBmo7lQm0RZY8G5DX7X4GY7c1XX_QU7YlKJIv-HkNMz-XPJAL8fa_N1CRb6jSH7WpXtrWMFRVvg/w400-h303/59263884-938b-419c-937f-baa108dbb624_picture-the-dream-store.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;">Picture the Dream: The Story of the Civil Rights Movement Through </b><b style="text-align: left;">Children’s Books</b></div><p></p><p> </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In New York City check out the exhibit, <b>Picture the Dream: The Story of the Civil Rights Movement Through Children’s Books</b> at the <a href="https://www.nyhistory.org/exhibitions/picture-the-dream-civil-rights-movement-childrens-books" target="_blank">New-York Historical Society</a>-170 Central Park West at Richard Gilder Way (77th Street), New York, NY 10024, Phone (212) 873-3400.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">This is the first exhibition to delve into the events, people, and themes of the civil rights movement through children’s picture books, one of the most compelling forms of visual expression can be seen through July 24. If you miss the exhibit you can still check out the list of books showcased for the exhibit at <a href="https://www.nyhistory.org/blogs/picture-the-dream-bibliography-books">https://www.nyhistory.org/blogs/picture-the-dream-bibliography-books</a>.</p>Children's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2404211272334060355.post-73949472545914463512022-06-16T14:24:00.000-04:002022-06-16T14:24:55.527-04:00Opal Lee: And What It Means To Be Free: Juneteenth Event<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtYfXUY9FCHvxIDMHzow422ZKVvoTr3idUHF5kQhdZlRXzARPRJ1xPjyUA3nIU_TX8eYaUbZ7cLObXlrPfqD9dfTQbkS41TNoGKWgPpvE97pp_6JayaE3mk2aav38HjO-hprgOa12-E3keq3oodg5_1wTd2_K1tUZC9uwREpakMQhGEHopsCh82rM7A/s800/288580639_1020396011985857_1202714108871978578_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtYfXUY9FCHvxIDMHzow422ZKVvoTr3idUHF5kQhdZlRXzARPRJ1xPjyUA3nIU_TX8eYaUbZ7cLObXlrPfqD9dfTQbkS41TNoGKWgPpvE97pp_6JayaE3mk2aav38HjO-hprgOa12-E3keq3oodg5_1wTd2_K1tUZC9uwREpakMQhGEHopsCh82rM7A/w640-h640/288580639_1020396011985857_1202714108871978578_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Children's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2404211272334060355.post-46627191608799857142022-04-06T18:00:00.007-04:002022-04-06T18:25:03.911-04:00Celebrate Afrofuturism at Carnegie Hall's Spring Famiy Day<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b>Families living in or visiting New York City can participate in a Spring Family Day celebrating Afrofuturism on April 10 at 12 pm. Remember to RSVP and follow Covid restriction.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU33xaC2OxRltihoo5FXz_n8LniZufv53ptaXtbz2e4YLsTyC5CEiTbH7HsiNUHm47UursQbhEfL6NEtROtkSoOcqUfYIs-OFYww9ldPm9krkNAT8Zk91Bx4-ke6MDtIKBEYN6vScEodpUIC0n-BZpThzeiTxa4R4u8IAsdo9eSsavZHRaaQakE5cktA/s1440/277347846_10159784264187486_6003095847683464139_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU33xaC2OxRltihoo5FXz_n8LniZufv53ptaXtbz2e4YLsTyC5CEiTbH7HsiNUHm47UursQbhEfL6NEtROtkSoOcqUfYIs-OFYww9ldPm9krkNAT8Zk91Bx4-ke6MDtIKBEYN6vScEodpUIC0n-BZpThzeiTxa4R4u8IAsdo9eSsavZHRaaQakE5cktA/w400-h267/277347846_10159784264187486_6003095847683464139_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><b>Carnegie Hall’s Spring Family Day</b></a> is a daylong open house that invites children and their parents to explore the idea of Afrofuturism on April 10, 2022 at 12 PM. In a fitting nod to the boundless imagination of Afrofuturism, families enjoy an array of social experiences, arts activities, music making, concerts, and more. Design your own comic-book hero and super-powered instruments for harmony and justice, and participate in a group songwriting session. Sing and dance to soulful funk music, build your own instruments from recycled materials, and more! Ages 5-10 enjoy a Afrofuturism Dance Party with critically acclaimed author, filmmaker, and dancer Ytasha Womack who leads a dance party championing Afrofuturism and the power of imagination. This very special part of Carnegie Hall’s Afrofuturism festival lets you create and learn alongside other families throughout the Resnick Education Wing. Registration for this event opens March 28. Carnegie Hall is located at 57th Street and Seventh Avenue in Manhattan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">COVID-19 Precautions: Please note that they are currently unable to welcome any attendees who are not fully vaccinated, including those under the age of 5. To enter the building, all Carnegie Hall visitors are required to agree to a COVID-19 Liability Waiver and show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 with a vaccine approved by the World Health Organization. This includes visitors under the age of 12, with their guardians acting on their behalf. Boosters are also highly recommended, based on eligibility determined by the CDC. While inside Carnegie Hall, all guests must wear a properly fitting mask over their nose and mouth except when eating or drinking in designated areas.</div>Children's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2404211272334060355.post-27415682034293211612022-02-23T12:26:00.002-05:002022-02-26T15:33:41.010-05:00Meet Multi Artist Louis Henry Mitchell<p> </p><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj00ZWQf92Vxbp0cR3lI0omnO6fZcBnjaQXo8uZHxB9jb6QrTjZifIAZEWAip1hOcARu5_x_hbXJHgHFDwri9LHmgc0j9VcTZ2m6niENwrJBQb_wut8h45eTJnCIHc8xVz1ah_5k-T1ZrrnOqs7RotpiOMJByg7FY5Zvv2tuzRjHOnHy7buQW-1gPNLPw=w400-h400" /></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://www.sheencenter.org/" target="_blank">Sheen Center</a></b> at 18 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012 is offering families an introduction to artist Louise Henry Mitchell on February 26 at 2 pm.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Bring the family and join for a fun, intimate conversation with multi-talented artist Louis Henry Mitchell, as he shares about his inspirational journey from growing up in the East New York section of Brooklyn, to becoming Creative Director of Character Design at Sesame Street – and about the abiding faith in God that sustained him along the way.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Whether designing new Sesame Street Muppets, creating balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, or presenting a hand-drawn portrait of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to Coretta Scott King, Louis always dreamed big, and will encourage you to do the same.</p><p>Don’t miss this once- in-a-lifetime afternoon for dreamers of all ages!</p>Children's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2404211272334060355.post-47275394109529683662022-02-22T02:00:00.003-05:002022-03-07T15:01:17.295-05:00Exploring Black History: Soul Food<p style="text-align: justify;">Before I discovered the Harlem Renaissance, Booker T. Washington and Ancient Nubia. I learned about my cultural heritage at my mother and grandmother's table. Caribbean and Southern food was my first introduction to my cultural identity. Hearing stories about the family and our history, and learning the recipes that were pass down was my introduction to Black History. Where do these recipes come from? Why are certain foods considered good luck? What foods do you feed a new mother? As I got older helping in the kitchen and learning family recipes also became part of my introduction to Black joy. At my grandmother's table, food, love, laughter and stories were shared by family and friends. Meals were a sensuous occasion of smell, taste and camaraderie. This is where my identity was formed watching everyone working together while sharing their lives and their wisdom.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Throughout Black history there has always been Nanas and Aunties who opened their home and shared their table with everyone. They were the ones who kept families and traditions alive. They were also the great chefs and master storytellers who brought joy to the community. At this time when Black joy is so needed, we can celebrate the unsung heroes of Black History who kept alive families and traditions, and taught the spirit of sharing.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Here are a few books to share with young people that connect us with food, traditions and history.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6RyouZNCvAaQRjk3X7Ei93V86J9wb_rX3dWGiZ0eqzPvlojash7Bde6De2Bv_NcO2T98BBZWnjbuOwhviAZ5Gh_Yrs_FDzbGvt8cH_RMnkeaukWJcJKJFhdEf1s7gylMzG2pKba2cMCq-mvY52bnPIKvJd02BZkafcf_krnyQKbZhehlSoD4BIuezVg=s475" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="389" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6RyouZNCvAaQRjk3X7Ei93V86J9wb_rX3dWGiZ0eqzPvlojash7Bde6De2Bv_NcO2T98BBZWnjbuOwhviAZ5Gh_Yrs_FDzbGvt8cH_RMnkeaukWJcJKJFhdEf1s7gylMzG2pKba2cMCq-mvY52bnPIKvJd02BZkafcf_krnyQKbZhehlSoD4BIuezVg=s320" width="262" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Feast-10-Cathryn-Falwell/dp/0618382267/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1G3ZOE6KEGTK2&keywords=feast+for+ten+by+cathryn+falwell&qid=1644978488&sprefix=feast+for+ten%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-1">Feast for 10 </a></b> by Cathryn Falwell (Author)</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A counting book that features an African-American family shopping for food, preparing dinner, and sitting down to eat. Lively read-aloud text paired with bright collage illustrations. Nice seeing the dynamics of a large family being represented.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHYo0PiOqcwsMn6g-4FFH1CycfqWG2COs5qH2dQJMjsRF0_ftDLzVPs2WReVsy3wDKGdWK-Eq15WoPjkpT16PZPnpYtuSB7-OgDwMO9DXC5Z8TRrOzQomLhvtpIar3PFU0vp0AxDpDpk-Uz8eyyJgNISM0fN8oX5EVqD_zLVGD_4Cb1UvweoX7WDbquA=s320" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHYo0PiOqcwsMn6g-4FFH1CycfqWG2COs5qH2dQJMjsRF0_ftDLzVPs2WReVsy3wDKGdWK-Eq15WoPjkpT16PZPnpYtuSB7-OgDwMO9DXC5Z8TRrOzQomLhvtpIar3PFU0vp0AxDpDpk-Uz8eyyJgNISM0fN8oX5EVqD_zLVGD_4Cb1UvweoX7WDbquA" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Carla-Christmas-Cornbread-Hall/dp/1534494693/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3L2C43EJ0C936&keywords=Carla+and+the+Christmas+Cornbread&qid=1644979284&sprefix=carla+and+the+christmas+cornbread%2Caps%2C175&sr=8-1">Carla and the Christmas Cornbread</a></b> - by Carla Hall and illustrated by Cherise Harris. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Carla Hall, my favorite TV chef inspires young children with a story from her childhood. In this heartwarming tale from her childhood, superstar chef and TV host Carla Hall shares the story of young Carla, who eats a sugar cookie meant for Santa on the night before Christmas and then tries to make things right. Christmas is Carla’s favorite holiday of the year. She goes to her grandparents’ house and eats grandma’s special recipe—a perfectly delicious cornbread. She listens to her grandpa Doc’s marvelous stories about traveling the world. And, best of all, she spends lots of time with her family. But how will Santa know to stop at their house if they don’t leave him a midnight snack? With her grandmother’s help, Carla comes up with a plan, but will it be enough to save Christmas?</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPQGWe0GGrirfDiv8Rn2VOz2i4NoHbcuTPnkvFRNvG8tEw0bm4QvI2T1W-fcjt1uiT1gecP9Ne2JcLiaXcEBPiHluiMWARhV1Ne_5JbAJLAZWWm-nujACRU_1zJHovmD28-5eiSRKKlNsl9XFtpzKJtWX_ylnCxMdRZIc3SZ1yUslhtFiGWfl00ZkYIg=s500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="442" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPQGWe0GGrirfDiv8Rn2VOz2i4NoHbcuTPnkvFRNvG8tEw0bm4QvI2T1W-fcjt1uiT1gecP9Ne2JcLiaXcEBPiHluiMWARhV1Ne_5JbAJLAZWWm-nujACRU_1zJHovmD28-5eiSRKKlNsl9XFtpzKJtWX_ylnCxMdRZIc3SZ1yUslhtFiGWfl00ZkYIg=s320" width="283" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rainbow-Stew-Cathryn-Falwell/dp/1643790579/ref=sr_1_1?crid=25VDF6XUDUFGL&keywords=rainbow+stew+book&qid=1644979366&sprefix=rainbow+stew%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-1">Rainbow Stew</a></b> by Cathryn Falwell (Author, Illustrator)</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's a rainy summer day, but the vegetables in Grandpa's garden are just waiting to be picked. Yellow peppers, purple cabbage, red tomatoes, green zucchini, orange carrots, and more. So many colors! So many delicious ingredients to slice, chop, peel, and dice for a great big pot of mouthwatering Rainbow Stew. The sweet story of three children who spend a rainy day with their grandfather, picking fresh vegetables in his garden, and then cook and share a meal of healthy vegetable stew.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZzkipmCsrPQ5KH20G9n7JD8p6BvX4EOfpJvkjkrhVL-YLV4s3XxINq8gZC_PqYwURO5X0Ivo4_8v8dNpQagmRW9ApGI8ED-73HeBGqGgeMzgfWrGh9cT2c7lKr7pj3W2MUY17zSKQIt-xPKGrc33sznP7pkUfEKHeJoIhtt1aZFdFmzIiJ8kt-kFKUQ=s500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="500" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZzkipmCsrPQ5KH20G9n7JD8p6BvX4EOfpJvkjkrhVL-YLV4s3XxINq8gZC_PqYwURO5X0Ivo4_8v8dNpQagmRW9ApGI8ED-73HeBGqGgeMzgfWrGh9cT2c7lKr7pj3W2MUY17zSKQIt-xPKGrc33sznP7pkUfEKHeJoIhtt1aZFdFmzIiJ8kt-kFKUQ=w400-h329" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rubys-Reunion-Dinner-Angela-Dalton/dp/0063015749/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2MA2CLKNM942G&keywords=ruby%27s+reunion+day+dinner&qid=1644979758&sprefix=ruby%27s+reunion%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-1">Ruby's Reunion Day Dinner</a></b> by Angela Dalton (Author), Jestenia Southerland (Illustrator)</p><p style="text-align: justify;">This joyful picture book taps into the rich African American tradition of family reunions, with delicious food at the heart of the celebration. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Once a year, each of Ruby’s relatives prepares a special dish to share at their family reunion. Daddy calls it their “signature dish”—and Ruby wants one of her own. She wanders through the bustling kitchen looking for inspiration. As she watches Pop-Pop’s chicken sizzling in the skillet, Uncle G slicing onions, and Auntie Billie cooking corn on the hot grill, she wonders if she’s just too young to have a signature dish. That’s when she finds it— the perfect solution!</p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDP8f0ljd0CSk-XfSgQa84x8s3dMFrUnzNhnJBOGkVclotToDPdqw80ETeVnFjvIW6JeqF-C3zEsImMeObCjl0syA_tpW6ihyhdFLOyDloaFekKqrTaJ4ZEnBMgWqQPy10pAaa-wV1trEDDd-pd5G6sIYPr3MUb_p8x08R2UTHes62X1GorhvvkimKyQ=s499" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="386" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDP8f0ljd0CSk-XfSgQa84x8s3dMFrUnzNhnJBOGkVclotToDPdqw80ETeVnFjvIW6JeqF-C3zEsImMeObCjl0syA_tpW6ihyhdFLOyDloaFekKqrTaJ4ZEnBMgWqQPy10pAaa-wV1trEDDd-pd5G6sIYPr3MUb_p8x08R2UTHes62X1GorhvvkimKyQ=w310-h400" width="310" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chef-Toussaint-David-Christopher-Miller/dp/0578842734/ref=sr_1_2?crid=25FJ0PL7NSK5O&keywords=Chef+Toussaint+by+David+Christopher+Miller&qid=1645445089&sprefix=chef+toussaint+by+david+christopher+miller%2Caps%2C217&sr=8-2" target="_blank">Chef Toussaint by David Christopher Miller</a> (Author), C J Love (Illustrator)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You will love watching Chef Toussaint make magic in the kitchen, from fried chicken to apple cinnamon french toast. Join this 9-year-old master chef as he turns his grandmother's old recipes into award-winning dishes. Experience the power of literacy through a great storyline and memorable images. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Chef Toussaint's culinary genius has allowed him to be featured on the Food Network, and his food being sold in several restaurants in Georgia. Spend time with Chef Toussaint in the kitchen as he uses vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, basil, curry powder, ginger, and a bunch of natural spices. Eggs, butter, milk, cheese, onions, parsley, garlic, and mushrooms fill the shelves in his refrigerator. Chef Toussaint is a great family book complete with recipes and a message for parents in the back of the book.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKVljI4K1ThG20P5ic2PbJQWLb1OXX8oHFlT_LgDAEOwejP8CIUerQTm_-GKcLewfjhlwUjbiHVbfsLsIRx65Hpm7HZpZ6GXcciJJ6MvRO12PpI-DpjgF8MurbCG7bQdiEeyxF1vUoZ2nePjAWbSiYlqeCIUFM8KWYJJ5ra4Va3aRWlTGFXhcE8RJJrw=s500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="500" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKVljI4K1ThG20P5ic2PbJQWLb1OXX8oHFlT_LgDAEOwejP8CIUerQTm_-GKcLewfjhlwUjbiHVbfsLsIRx65Hpm7HZpZ6GXcciJJ6MvRO12PpI-DpjgF8MurbCG7bQdiEeyxF1vUoZ2nePjAWbSiYlqeCIUFM8KWYJJ5ra4Va3aRWlTGFXhcE8RJJrw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Food-Sunday-Winsome-Bingham/dp/1419747711/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3C0NY2ASDEENK&keywords=Soul+Food+Sunday&qid=1645444885&sprefix=soul+food+sunday%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Soul Food Sunday</a> by Winsome Bingham (Author), Charles G. Esperanza (illustrator)</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Granny teaches her grandson to cook the family meal in this loving celebration of food, traditions, and gathering together at the table. The story is a warm celebration of tradition and coming together at a table filled with love and delicious food.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>On Sundays, everyone gathers at Granny’s for Soul Food.<div>But today, I don’t go to the backyard or the great room.</div><div>I follow Granny instead.</div><div>“You’re a big boy now,” Granny says. “Time for you to learn.”</div><div> </div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyYeO5LqA62AhHQaarsLNAsA3TFhom-K026be9v6J0Ld6n2IZjC5ueNhbA43b2ik62sWy1M3XcGnQ6aU0w3IxSOi-j9WImofVO3wr2UlKyZdEc3rjwORmiBYmiLitwpREWdinSCLOEM4FDLSTcz6V21czUfK1XzsfzAzjV5tzIT4tClM2Ra76VflQJNg=s499" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="386" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyYeO5LqA62AhHQaarsLNAsA3TFhom-K026be9v6J0Ld6n2IZjC5ueNhbA43b2ik62sWy1M3XcGnQ6aU0w3IxSOi-j9WImofVO3wr2UlKyZdEc3rjwORmiBYmiLitwpREWdinSCLOEM4FDLSTcz6V21czUfK1XzsfzAzjV5tzIT4tClM2Ra76VflQJNg=s320" width="248" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Soulful-Holidays-inclusive-celebrating-Christmas/dp/1734156546/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3FJ2KFT1JCP03&keywords=soulful+holidays+hill&qid=1645444699&sprefix=soulful++holidays%2Caps%2C84&sr=8-2" target="_blank">Soulful Holidays</a>: </b>An inclusive rhyming story celebrating the joys of Christmas and Kwanzaa by Ciara L Hill (Author), Christian Krabbe (Illustrator)</div><div><br /></div><div>An inclusive rhyming story celebrating the joys of Christmas and Kwanzaa!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Cozy up together with this charmingly illustrated family book told in easy-to-read memorable rhymes. Through this heartwarming tale, children and families all over the world can experience the magic of Christmas and the true essence of Kwanzaa. Read about the food, songs, cultural decorations, and more! The catchy couplets in this dazzling picture book will delight readers with the inclusive traditions of families who honor one or both of these incredible holidays.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuzDfrgSVCz4WhDdpxBEAHpg7bfOi-EUW8U6o1_h7QbQwyLGmyKaeam0PLdwtJzE2-NKbAl8jhDeoLbQkpqeiZsCCGV2zhkLqC2bKRN2SsEzWJQ2ClEAIYQtvZcRt_ENztvpGmUaGCtLJY261K5GU5oZKvP4E1csoo_dSUzUkDWsYg8xGRa_uwmoPchw=s499" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="386" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuzDfrgSVCz4WhDdpxBEAHpg7bfOi-EUW8U6o1_h7QbQwyLGmyKaeam0PLdwtJzE2-NKbAl8jhDeoLbQkpqeiZsCCGV2zhkLqC2bKRN2SsEzWJQ2ClEAIYQtvZcRt_ENztvpGmUaGCtLJY261K5GU5oZKvP4E1csoo_dSUzUkDWsYg8xGRa_uwmoPchw=s320" width="248" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pies-Nowhere-Georgia-Sustained-Montgomery/dp/1499807201/ref=sr_1_1?crid=12O0A7EC6B2FP&keywords=pies+from+nowhere+by+dee+romito&qid=1645443750&sprefix=pies+from+nowhere%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Pies from Nowhere: How Georgia Gilmore Sustained the Montgomery Bus Boycott</a></b> by Dee Romito (Author), Laura Freeman (Illustrator)</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Pies From Nowhere looks into the life of Georgia Gilmore, a hidden figure of history who played a critical role in the civil rights movement and used her passion for baking to help the Montgomery Bus Boycott achieve its goal.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Georgia Gilmore was a cook at the National Lunch Company in Montgomery, Alabama. When the bus boycotts broke out in Montgomery after Rosa Parks was arrested, Georgia knew just what to do. She organized a group of women who cooked and baked to fund-raise for gas and cars to help sustain the boycott. Called the Club from Nowhere, Georgia was the only person who knew who baked and bought the food, and she said the money came from "nowhere" to anyone who asked. This picture book highlights a hidden figure of the civil rights movement who fueled the bus boycotts and demonstrated that one person can make a real change in her community and beyond. It also includes one of her delicious recipes for kids to try with the help of their parents!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi756fSMbc-_oqePFsV1tsti6-PgG8IaKCcR6NN5OiaxVtCIAeChxF1SoeWjwjZg4zXisrcyUjCfrJXGYPgmQh3jy_n9Xn0v4aQym7AxcjAyldX_QU2imCN-zK19oaMR8edeEPIL9pTWfZR_qkbJf-sKJkvWPx9iqN6DiDpzERMOAIba63R6QO_DxEChg=s500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="404" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi756fSMbc-_oqePFsV1tsti6-PgG8IaKCcR6NN5OiaxVtCIAeChxF1SoeWjwjZg4zXisrcyUjCfrJXGYPgmQh3jy_n9Xn0v4aQym7AxcjAyldX_QU2imCN-zK19oaMR8edeEPIL9pTWfZR_qkbJf-sKJkvWPx9iqN6DiDpzERMOAIba63R6QO_DxEChg=s320" width="259" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Waffles-Mochi-Cooking-Gratitouille-Recipes/dp/059323409X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=QYW05ZF4JA69&keywords=waffles+and+mochi+cookbook&qid=1645444174&sprefix=waffles%2Caps%2C218&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Waffles + Mochi: Get Cooking!: </a></b>Learn to Cook Tomato Candy Pasta, Gratitouille, and Other Tasty Recipes: A Kids Cookbook by Yewande Komolafe (Author), Michelle Obama (Foreword)</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Explore the globe with Waffles + Mochi and learn about the stories behind the food we eat in this accessible, child-friendly cookbook, based on the Netflix children’s show from Higher Ground, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s production company in partnership with Netflix.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Each chapter begins with a simple recipe to master—like creating magical salts to dust over your dishes, boiling eggs four ways, and baking a potato that’s anything but ordinary. Then the recipes build from there. Before you know it, you’ll be whipping up Tenacious Tomato Salad, Chicken Sancocho, Kimchi Grilled Cheese, and Cloud Meringues. Enjoy this international adventure with food.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiauGIJ86iM4eG7bDQ-mg4w3uzNL7-y3FITUKSWaMtDyvbWlzvdBCX5L5A_7KrQVXM5PnJpQzClBJd6cBZoxeWBdBcwQK91-eNi6l8X0dzCNlMmBWI6RKBEXQ3F2JMVyLF3oty5Sj-EsuUVwDe9GQJV06S564qbQfMPc-17T3hKS33RoW6hm7ltYADbag=s499" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="399" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiauGIJ86iM4eG7bDQ-mg4w3uzNL7-y3FITUKSWaMtDyvbWlzvdBCX5L5A_7KrQVXM5PnJpQzClBJd6cBZoxeWBdBcwQK91-eNi6l8X0dzCNlMmBWI6RKBEXQ3F2JMVyLF3oty5Sj-EsuUVwDe9GQJV06S564qbQfMPc-17T3hKS33RoW6hm7ltYADbag=s320" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bring-Some-Apples-Ill-Make/dp/0544809017/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3G3J8T5331VFH&keywords=bring+me+some+apples&qid=1645445210&sprefix=bring+me+some+apples%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Bring Me Some Apples and I’ll Make You a Pie: A Story About Edna Lewis</a></b> by Robbin Gourley (Author)</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Long before the natural-food movement gained popularity, Edna Lewis championed purity of ingredients, regional cuisine, and farm-to-table eating. She was a chef when female chefs—let alone African American female chefs—were few and far between. With lyrical text and watercolor illustrations, Robbin Gourley traces the roots of Edna's appreciation for the bounties of nature through the seasons. Folk rhymes, and songs about food are sprinkled throughout the text, and five kid-friendly recipes and an author's note about Edna's life are included.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWFK7CeG6vGHmvUBYdQG2VbLcTXNBBZBcWGNX9Bx3xPt7ksh_tmkkqwqfNq8Hfgb-eIgfrPBA_mSC-ZzsVqoXWFp9sM0W392Mxkw3dohqYNLsHb5ydcsLz8tGe_540DobwNJ6hot_53ylB63q4XSHGKfuDnGR5pK4U_WE9YTKRasAslaXb4KcbidpiQQ=s500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="500" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWFK7CeG6vGHmvUBYdQG2VbLcTXNBBZBcWGNX9Bx3xPt7ksh_tmkkqwqfNq8Hfgb-eIgfrPBA_mSC-ZzsVqoXWFp9sM0W392Mxkw3dohqYNLsHb5ydcsLz8tGe_540DobwNJ6hot_53ylB63q4XSHGKfuDnGR5pK4U_WE9YTKRasAslaXb4KcbidpiQQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Garden-Dr-Carver-Susan-Grigsby/dp/0807536474/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2SJ0W48MLJACV&keywords=in+the+garden+with+dr.+carver&qid=1645685227&sprefix=in+the+garden%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-1" target="_blank">In the Garden with Dr. Carver </a></b>by Susan Grigsby (Author), Nicole Tadgell (Illustrator)</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sally is a young girl living in rural Alabama in the early 1900s, a time when people were struggling to grow food in soil that had been depleted by years of cotton production. One day, Dr. George Washington Carver shows up to help the grown-ups with their farms, and the children with their school garden. He teaches them how to restore the soil and respect the balance of nature. He even prepares a delicious lunch made of plants, including “chicken” made from peanuts. And Sally never forgets the lessons this wise man leaves in her heart and mind. Susan Grigsby’s warm story shines new light on a Black scientist who was ahead of his time.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhxkeqvfEyc3tt2TptWgt1E5n6GvkhxK7pBlKbc7-bZbFIljMXnso5Iid-fJs8Uom02Ac8gs_nrH1c6IS8Ne8H18c39cTAB0LG1Bl7AVfc2J4eH9yX1jyxSoB0pGNLdz7YRcqFNyO7mbn3LYCHsWL8GtFI0lMhJPEuGt65NwNLDppfbk2X27YRoTyr9g=s499" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="499" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhxkeqvfEyc3tt2TptWgt1E5n6GvkhxK7pBlKbc7-bZbFIljMXnso5Iid-fJs8Uom02Ac8gs_nrH1c6IS8Ne8H18c39cTAB0LG1Bl7AVfc2J4eH9yX1jyxSoB0pGNLdz7YRcqFNyO7mbn3LYCHsWL8GtFI0lMhJPEuGt65NwNLDppfbk2X27YRoTyr9g=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Harlem-Grown-Idea-Transformed-Neighborhood/dp/1534402314/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1B9GC2V3H8US2&keywords=harlem+grown&qid=1645685667&sprefix=harlem+grown%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Harlem Grown: </a></b>How One Big Idea Transformed a Neighborhood by Tony Hillery (Author), Jessie Hartland (Illustrator)</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Harlem Grown tells the inspiring true story of how one man made a big difference in a neighborhood. After seeing how restless they were and their lack of healthy food options, Tony Hillery invited students from an underfunded school to turn a vacant lot into a beautiful and functional farm. By getting their hands dirty, these kids turned an abandoned space into something beautiful and useful while learning about healthy, sustainable eating and collaboration.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihx3Jd1bm660jW9aJIRW-zw3V1teJ30wGDMSf5nwG_cpJBidTro2hEv70qZ4Abzy9a6E2DeEidoDiK1d8NAZTtsu9VtFxCehGuoqTspFFnEMBHas2oubQYkhDn86qFZf8cAIf7ZCh5UM8j6MbtVf5lO9cnUBhEf26bM3Q9ETQtP6IZxSDEuiydCHYymw=s1033" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1033" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihx3Jd1bm660jW9aJIRW-zw3V1teJ30wGDMSf5nwG_cpJBidTro2hEv70qZ4Abzy9a6E2DeEidoDiK1d8NAZTtsu9VtFxCehGuoqTspFFnEMBHas2oubQYkhDn86qFZf8cAIf7ZCh5UM8j6MbtVf5lO9cnUBhEf26bM3Q9ETQtP6IZxSDEuiydCHYymw=s320" width="310" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://everybodyeatsbook.com/" target="_blank">Everybody Eats </a></b>by Jasmine Crowe (Author), Nadia Fisher (Illustrator)</div><div><br /></div><div>When Carter volunteers at the food bank for the first time, she runs into one of her friends from school and hunger takes on a personal note. After reading a book on how she can help fight against hunger, Carter goes on a journey through her community to do what she can and teach others how they can help, too!<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Children's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2404211272334060355.post-33031255399114618882022-02-02T17:26:00.001-05:002022-02-02T17:32:40.300-05:00The 30th Anniversary of The African American Children's Book Fair Set in Philadelphia<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsSKFocWbO75JnZBGZrdPf0HMRmUxYENNTeGJJDA8fMHpGx7t2ZZ99F0y5ks4YV_m-98IH91BJbSPqj7DS6a37Gt--eNC6PD2H7vsXmioDM35gKyT2GnLV--ctxCJMgRj75HYa9sOCe9hrI-mm-Yr1JcEna09dG7pk23FaEEj43Ba7elB2ITZxGJLFVA=s901" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="901" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsSKFocWbO75JnZBGZrdPf0HMRmUxYENNTeGJJDA8fMHpGx7t2ZZ99F0y5ks4YV_m-98IH91BJbSPqj7DS6a37Gt--eNC6PD2H7vsXmioDM35gKyT2GnLV--ctxCJMgRj75HYa9sOCe9hrI-mm-Yr1JcEna09dG7pk23FaEEj43Ba7elB2ITZxGJLFVA=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The African American Children’s Book Project was created by Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati in 1992 to promote and preserve children’s literature written by or about African Americans. Come to their 30th Anniversary African American Children's Book Fair in Philadelphia on February 26 from 1-4 pm. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Join virtually to preview the 30th Annual African American Children’s Book Fair on Saturday, February 5, 2022 – 1:00-3:00PM est – Face book Live. Get an inside look at the stellar line up of some of the best and the brightest from the children’s literary community. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Register at <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">https://theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org/</a>. Books of the presenters can be purchased on: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">Bookshop/theliterarycafebooksandevents.com.</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The 30th Annual African American Children's Book Fair – LIVE and IN PERSON will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA on Saturday, February 26, 2022, from 1:00 to 4 p.m est. Hosted by the African American Children’s Book Project, the book fair is one of the oldest and largest single-day events for children's books in the country. Games, prizes and promotional give-aways will highlight the afternoon. A wide selection of affordable Black children’s books will be available for purchase. Mask are required at all times. There is also a Covid-19 protocol in place.</div>Children's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2404211272334060355.post-71545110433416831182022-02-02T15:45:00.000-05:002022-02-02T15:45:30.283-05:00Disney and Questlove Release "Rise Up, Sing Out"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlCfCbySvqk94ENQOweU6uKhSoKuStw7wNdOY-KkNaBD2SepZzd_3_jdHZEg8zaUQk8rj6hAvx4rbDRIGcg4yH6iZGt2Jrf4D9wRACNqpUTBZg98ptIFiaxKyVpftMF0n-EWWyGQFkmRw_Da2Cw9KXxD6cmkVm42pLNPQlgWzhmegH1KmEAIzNs39ePg=s780" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="780" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlCfCbySvqk94ENQOweU6uKhSoKuStw7wNdOY-KkNaBD2SepZzd_3_jdHZEg8zaUQk8rj6hAvx4rbDRIGcg4yH6iZGt2Jrf4D9wRACNqpUTBZg98ptIFiaxKyVpftMF0n-EWWyGQFkmRw_Da2Cw9KXxD6cmkVm42pLNPQlgWzhmegH1KmEAIzNs39ePg=w400-h241" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">For Disney this is the right time to release “Rise Up, Sing Out,” a series of musical animated short films with an aim to inspire with empowering and culturally optimistic messages celebrating differences. The eight-episode series, executive produced by Ahmir ‘”Questlove” Thompson and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter of the Roots, will be available on Disney Plus starting Wednesday, February 2, but the first episode will be shown on the Disney Channel and Disney Junior.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Questlove and Black Thought not only produce the music for the series and are executive producers of the series, but also appear in it, as cartoon characters. Walt Disney Records will release the musical track from “Rise Up, Sing Out” on Friday, February 4.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">According to <a href="https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/disney-questlove-rise-up-sing-out-1235169305/" target="_blank">Variety</a>, Questlove and Black Thought in a prepared statement explain, “We feel this is the perfect time ... for us to take this project out into the world to sow seeds of kindness that will hopefully have a lasting impact for generations to come.”</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The series, which will address themes such as diversity, inclusion, kindness, and self-expression, was produced in response to parents’ increasing demand from Disney Junior to provide entertainment to help keep them entertained (with a positive message). They talk to children about respect for others. One episode celebrates Black hair, while another explores names that may be mispronounced or stigmatized.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Joe D’Ambrosia, senior vice president of original programming and general manager of Disney Junior, in a statement further explains. “Bigotry, bias and stereotyping aren’t simple topics for anyone to tackle, but the talented creative team did a thoughtful job in delivering memorable songs and stories that reflect the opportunity storytellers have to help parents as they raise healthy, thoughtful and well-rounded kids.”</p>Children's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2404211272334060355.post-71711295996415041942022-02-01T17:32:00.007-05:002023-02-28T21:38:38.526-05:00Black History Month: Honoring Ourselves and Our Ancestors<p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjP8PmRaNKGxroTmwigB5DHv4DyVboU8netOPvM-IPCMldAt0BSycss0eTonPlatpqIyJJjtEqVzm07B4WO42gDdhcLPS7h3d7Ts6ZZbIW5Dg-fcTJ2flqx1aG_jl0xMAs00n7-Ku7CYfjiptDvvO2Qtnu0g2hf2oRLqWAaHl-icvoUDNmgKgdMVk61mA=s288" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="175" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjP8PmRaNKGxroTmwigB5DHv4DyVboU8netOPvM-IPCMldAt0BSycss0eTonPlatpqIyJJjtEqVzm07B4WO42gDdhcLPS7h3d7Ts6ZZbIW5Dg-fcTJ2flqx1aG_jl0xMAs00n7-Ku7CYfjiptDvvO2Qtnu0g2hf2oRLqWAaHl-icvoUDNmgKgdMVk61mA" width="175" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Welcome to Black History Month 2022! For the past 2 years we have experienced some very challenging times. Many of us have experienced lost, separation and pain. Our community has been devastated in many ways because of Covid, violence and economic hardships. Many pillars of our community have been lost. Grandparents, parents, teachers, medical professionals, family and friends who have supported us and our community are no longer here. Even if we have not been touched personally there is still a collective grieving as a community. This month gives us an opportunity to thank God, honor our ancestors and inform our children. Our history shows us that we have the resilience to heal and rebuild when we love and support each other. Let our light shine.</p><p></p>Children's Focushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05061123348691401477noreply@blogger.com0