Multicultural Children’s Book Day (MCCBD) falls on January 27, 2016. The mission of MCCBD is to not only raise awareness for kids’ books that celebrate diversity, but to also get more of these of books into classrooms and libraries. MCCBD assigns a book for participating bloggers to review, and I reviewed Chocolate Milk, Por Favor! written by author and educator Maria Dismondy and illustrated by Donna Farewell.
Chocolate Milk, Por Favor was released in April 2015. The book celebrates diversity with empathy and shows how actions speak louder than words. The story follows Gabe on his first day of school. Gabe doesn’t speak English and he does things differently like ordering his favorite drink – chocolate milk – in Spanish. Fellow classmate Johnny doesn’t know what to make of this newcomer and decides he doesn’t like him.
Gabe starts to make new friends. Johnny is jealous that other kids like him and refuses to give Gabe a chance – until they unexpectedly bond over a shared interest. Johnny realizes that opening his heart and mind can lead to positive outcomes and that kindness is an act that goes beyond language.
The story is fiction; however the main character is based on a real Gabe who was a new student in the author’s first grade classroom. Using relatable language and charming pictures, the author and illustrator successfully capture readers’ attention. Though the title includes Spanish, the story’s universal messages of diversity and empathy as well as overcoming obstacles goes beyond race and ethnicity. Children from all backgrounds will enjoy reading Chocolate Milk, Por Favor.
Are you ready now to pour yourself a glass of chocolate milk? While enjoying your delicious drink, here’s a quick and easy recipe for Banana Sandwich that compliments it. Enjoy this recipe as a sweet and savory snack or meal.
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Banana Sandwich
Banana Sandwich compliments a glass of chocolate milk very well. For a hot version of the sandwich, spread the outside of each slice of bread with butter and after assembling the sandwich heat each side in a skillet or griddle pan for a minute or two until golden brown.
Ingredients
2 Slices Bread
2 Tablespoons Mayonnaise or Peanut Butter
1 Medium Very Ripe Banana
Instructions
Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise or peanut butter on one side of each slice of bread.
Peel banana and slice into 1/4 inch rounds.
Place banana slices on one slice of the bread - the side with the mayonnaise or peanut butter.
Top it with the other slice of bread making sure the mayonnaise or peanut butter are facing inside the sandwich.
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Download the Reader’s Guide. Watch a LIVE reading of Chocolate Milk, Por Favor by Author Maria Dismondy and purchase it on Amazon and other sites.
About MCCBD
The MCCBD team’s mission is to spread the word and raise awareness about the importance of diversity in children’s literature. Young readers need to see themselves within the pages of a book and experience other cultures, languages, traditions and religions within the pages of a book. MCCBD encourages readers, parents, teachers, caregivers and librarians to follow along the fun book reviews, author visits, event details, a multicultural children’s book linky and via its hashtag #ReadYourWorld on Twitter and other social media.
The co-creators of MCCBD are Mia Wenjen from Pragmatic Mom and Valarie Budayr from Jump Into a Book/Audrey Press. Find a bio for Mia and Valarie here. View the Diversity Book Lists and Resources for Educators and Parents here. Connect with Multicultural Children’s Book Day on Facebook.
MCCBD Sponsors
Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2016 Medallion Level Sponsors #ReadYourWorld include the following:
Platinum – Wisdom Tales Press, StoryQuest Books, Lil Libros
Gold – Author Tori Nighthawk, Candlewick Press
Silver – Lee and Low Books, Chronicle Books , Capstone Young Readers
Bronze – Pomelo Books, Author Jacqueline Woodson, Papa Lemon Books, Goosebottom Books, Author Gleeson Rebello, ShoutMouse Press, Author Mahvash Shahegh, China Institute.org
MCCBD Co-Hosts
Multicultural Children’s Book Day has 12 amazing Co-Hosts and you can view them here.
Classroom Reading Challenge
MCCBD holds a Classroom Reading Challenge. This very special offering offers teachers and classrooms the chance to very easily earn a free hardcover multicultural children’s book for their classroom library. These books are not only donated by the Junior Library Guild, but they are also pre-screened and approved by them as well.