In Part Two of my series of book reviews for Multicultural Children’s Book Day (#ReadYourWorld), I’ll be reviewing FILIPINO CELEBRATIONS by Liana Romulo, illustrated by Corzaon Dandan-Albano. The publisher is Tuttle Publishing.
I was gifted a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review. I believe it’s a wonderful way to help promote diverse books and support the mission of MDBD.
This book is packed with information about how major holidays and events are celebrated in the Philippines, as well as many local festivals held throughout the year in different parts of the country. There are references to the origins of the events and practices, which include Muslim, Spanish, Christian, and Chinese influences from the country’s history. An introduction includes an explanation of the historical influences, which is very helpful.
Fun activities for kids included
Throughout the book many of the main words and phrases are given Tagalog translations, step-by-step instructions for a few crafts and a couple of simple recipes. There’s also a glossary included in the back for a handful of key words.
The book would make a great reference for classrooms wanting to share a range of customs from different cultures around the world. Children with Filipino roots (or who have an interest in learning about the country and its customs) will find a wealth of information in the book. Some of the traditions shown cover events that are familiar to most children, such as birthdays, weddings, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. But all will show the practices unique to Filipinos.
In addition are many celebrations found only in the Philippines. Many towns organize a festival around a patron saint or historic event. There are so many festivals, there could easily be something happening every month in various parts of the country. Other celebrations cover the entire country, such as Independence Day and the Flowers of May.
This is the kind of book kids will return to over and over again. It is so packed with information, it’s easy to discover something new each time.
My other reviews for MCBD include THE PIRATE PRINCESS, KOREAN CHILDREN’S FAVORITE STORIES, and LET’S LEARN KOREAN.
For more details about Multicultural Children’s Book Day, take a look here. Please take a moment to note the list of generous sponsors for this important event.
Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2021 (1/29/21) is in its 8th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those book into the hands of young readers and educators.
Eight years in, MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves continues. Read about our Mission & History HERE.
MCBD 2021 is honored to be Supported by these Medallion Sponsors!
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Prgamaticmom) and Valarie Budayr’s (Audreypress.com)
Platinum Sponsors: Language Lizard Bilingual Books in 50+ Languages, Author Deedee Cummings and Make A Way Media
Gold Sponsors: Barefoot Books, Candlewick Press, Capstone, Hoopoe Books, KidLitTV, Peachtree Publishing Company Inc.
Silver Sponsors: Charlotte Riggle, Connecticut Association of School Librarians, Author Kimberly Gordon Biddle, Pack-N-Go Girls
Bronze Sponsors: Agatha Rodi and AMELIE is IMPRESSED!, Barnes Brothers Books, Create and Educate Solutions, LLC, Dreambuilt Books, Dyesha and Triesha McCants/McCants Squared, Redfin Real Estate, Snowflake Stories, Star Bright Books, TimTimTom Bilingual Personalized Books, Author Vivian Kirkfield, Wisdom Tales Press, My Well Read Child
MCBD 2021 is honored to be Supported by these Author Sponsors!
Poster Artist: Nat Iwata
Authors: Author Afsaneh Moradian, Author Alva Sachs & Three Wishes Publishing Company, Author Angeliki Stamatopoulou-Pedersen, Author Anna Olswanger, Author Casey Bell , Author Claudine Norden, Author Debbie Dadey, Author Diana Huang & Intrepids, Author Eugenia Chu & Brandon goes to Beijing, Green Kids Club, Author Gwen Jackson, Author Janet Balletta, Author Josh Funk, Author Julia Inserro, Karter Johnson & Popcorn and Books, Author Kathleen Burkinshaw & The Last Cherry Blossom, Author Keila Dawson, Maya/Neel Adventures with Culture Groove, Author Mia Wenjen, Michael Genhart, Nancy Tupper Ling, Author Natalie Murray, Natalie McDonald-Perkins, Author Natasha Yim, Author Phe Lang and Me On The Page Publishing,Sandra Elaine Scott, Author Shoumi Sen & From The Toddler Diaries, SISSY GOES TINY by Rebecca Flansburg and B.A. Norrgard, Susan Schaefer Bernardo & Illustrator Courtenay Fletcher, Tales of the Five Enchanted Mermaids, Author Theresa Mackiewicz, Tonya Duncan and the Sophie Washington Book Series, Author Toshia Stelivan, Valerie Williams-Sanchez & The Cocoa Kids Collection Books©, Author Vanessa Womack, MBA, Author Veronica Appleton & the Journey to Appleville book series
MCBD 2021 is Honored to be Supported by our CoHosts and Global CoHosts!
MCBD 2021 is Honored to be Supported by these Media Partners!
Check out MCBD’s Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board!
FREE RESOURCES from Multicultural Children’s Book Day
Diversity Book Lists & Activities for Teachers and Parents
Homeschool Diverse Kidlit Booklist & Activity Kit
FREE Teacher Classroom Activism and Activists Kit
FREE Teacher Classroom Empathy Kit
FREE Teacher Classroom Kindness Kit
FREE Teacher Classroom Physical and Developmental Challenges Kit
FREE Teacher Classroom Poverty Kit
FREE Diversity Book for Classrooms Program
TWITTER PARTY! Register here!
Join us on Friday, Jan 29, 2021, at 9 pm EST for the 8th annual Multicultural Children’s Book Day Twitter Party!
This epically fun and fast-paced hour includes multicultural book discussions, addressing timely issues, diverse book recommendations, & reading ideas.
We will be giving away an 8-Book Bundle every 5 minutes plus Bonus Prizes as well! *** US and Global participants welcome. **
Follow the hashtag #ReadYourWorld to join the conversation, connect with like-minded parts, authors, publishers, educators, organizations, and librarians. See you all very soon on Twitter!
Hashtag: Don’t forget to connect with us on social media and be sure and look for/use our official hashtag #ReadYourWorld.
I love celebrating different cultures through food! It’s such a fun way to learn about a new country. Thanks so much for sharing for Multicultural Children’s Book Day!