BOOK BUZZ
Praise For Soaring Kite Books
“As the mother cuddles, feeds, and plays with her young child, readers experience a full day through its eyes. This picture book’s rhythmic language is as comforting as the swaying of a loving mother’s arms; a sweet lulling, naptime read. Subtle touches like 'I lift up my sleep sack...' make this addition to the new baby genre feel fresh and modern.”
"'My brain is magic!'— [a girl] shares examples, often using animal-connected metaphors.“Sometimes my brain is a bee, buzzing around the room,” as she flits from her rocking horse to her toys to a display of flowers. The book maintains an upbeat tone and approach throughout, while encouraging appreciation for the myriad ways brains can function in a kid-friendly, playful fashion."
"The first entry in the “Holidays in our Home” series features an unnamed brother and sister celebrating Lunar New Year. The older brother has crocheted a special dragon as a gift for his meimei (Mandarin for younger sister) and keeps trying to find the right time to give it to her amid the festivities. Traditions such as red envelopes, paying respects to ancestors, fireworks, and the lion dance are all thoroughly explained.
Recommended for larger collections or those that need books about Lunar New Year.'"
"Abuela’s dance moves lead the way: “One step…Two steps…And jump as we turn!” Flavored by their childhoods in the Dominican Republic, Mack and Mesa’s collaboration buzzes with sweet warmth. As the young nighttime dancer strains to listen, Abuela shares a dreamlike truth that will linger with readers. An evocative and earnest nighttime reverie."
"The young Korean girl who narrates eats kimchi every day. However, her diet is far from monotonous. She eats it fried, stewed, in a roll, on noodles, and more, displaying the versatility of this traditional dish. A delicious read-aloud and perfect recommendation for every child,
any day of the week."
Starred Review
“Looking down from a candy-colored world, the 'rosy-cheeked and sparkly-eyed' children... write letters to convey their happiness, bring parents peace, and remind rainbow babies that they have loving siblings watching over them. With few picture-book reflections of pregnancy and infant loss, this warmhearted title is welcome. ”
"Zain usually loves the Ramadan holiday, but everything feels different this year. He and his parents recently moved to a new neighborhood, and there is no local mosque, nor other families nearby who celebrate like Zain does. Though he feels disappointed, Zain takes matters into his own hands and creates a Ramadan celebration his own way. This addition to the “Holidays in Our Home” series is a heartfelt and detailed book to share with all children, whether or not they celebrate Ramadan themselves."
Starred Review
“This adorable board book series teaches toddlers new concepts through the stylings of Latin American music. Cumbia addresses manners, including please and thank you, but most importantly how to respect others’ boundaries and asking/giving consent. Merengue introduces kids to the sounds of the different instruments most commonly played in that genre. These volumes have so many uses, but even more fun, they’re perfect for a dance party! ”
"Riya is afraid of the dark and does not understand why she has to endure the nighttime celebration that includes loud noises from fireworks and crowds, so Mama shares with her why Diwali is so important. With new understanding (and the promise that she can bring her own lantern), Riya is happy to join in the joyous celebration with her multigenerational family and friends. This is a sweet story, simply told, that explains the steps of preparing for Diwali, what happens during each day of the celebration, and the history behind the holiday. Hindi words sprinkled throughout are defined in glossary, and a craft and recipe round out the back matter."
“Javier can’t believe his new teacher has tattoos. He begins to understand why, when Mr. Mendoza explains the significance of each one. Exaggerated, humorous illustrations.”
"Body positivity is presented for young children by a range of people who all celebrate their wonderful bodies. The children include a young girl with a prosthetic who loves her legs because “they help me move."
"This practical, poetic, sensible, and soothing title offers a poem that could be very helpful for teaching children about self-regulation. A young boy is very angry but is encouraged to try 'something new.' The options provided include deep breathing, stretching, and wiggling.
By featuring practical steps to help a child find calm and focus, this is a much-needed addition to preschool classrooms."
EMBRACE NEW CULTURES
Holiday In Our Home Series
Coming Soon: August 2024
Explore the beauty and significance of holidays and festivals around the world! Children have the opportunity to embrace multiculturalism and understand the world around them at a young age. Each book includes cultural back matter and an activity or craft to continue the celebration in the classroom or in your own home.
CLASSROOM FAVORITES
Georgie Dupree Series
The Georgie Dupree series features a spunky elementary student, a loving Black family that reminds you of your own, and classmates of all backgrounds and abilities as they learn lessons of thinking outside of the box and making friends, self-confidence in the classroom, and the power of positivity and teamwork. Each Georgie Dupree book includes with free Common Core 3-subject lesson plans in the back of the book.