Leaves to My Knees

Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2023 (1/26/22) is in its 10th 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 books into the hands of young readers and educators.

Ten 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.

“Leaves to My Knees” by Ellen Mayer and illustrated by Nicole Tadgell is published by Star Bright Books. It is a multilayered read-aloud for ages 3-6 and is also available in Spanish/English bilingual edition. A teaching guide by California Early Math Project can be found at www.starbrightbooks.com 

Star Bright Books for gifting me a book to review.

The story is told from the POV of Camille, a spunky young girl who is persistent in her goal of raking leaves despite several setbacks. The book is infused with enthusiasm and rhythms. There are lots of repeated words and sight words. It's the perfect book for a class read-aloud.

Camille is gifted her own size rake one fall day by her daddy. She is determined to rake a pile of leaves to her knees. Jayden, her younger brother, has his own smaller rake, He is working too on his own pile. Their work is intercepted by a BIG BREEZE and then lots of leaves WHOOSH away.

Reading the book with a class promotes classroom discussion on themes of persistence and determination as shown by the many times Camille had to start over trying tying to get her piles higher.

Each image in the book builds a subtle lesson in basic math components of measurement. It also presents a great opportunity to discuss how we measure things by using certain vocabulary such as larger, smaller, and knee-high, different size rakes, growing and diminishing size leaf piles, big and little jackets, and different age characters all contribute to the measurement concepts. Even though the book speaks to the experiences of raking leaves conversation can be extended to shoveling snow, making a snowman, yard clean-up, and even piles of folded clothes. The illustrations are drawn in soft watercolor hues. Cool colors were used to depict Camille and Jayden and earth colors for the dad so kid characters stand out more. The illustrations show active children. I particularly liked how children will be able to see themselves in each of the pictures with the clothing, hair, and outside scenes all of which are relatable to the listener. 

Sue Ready is a freelance writer, food blogger, book reviewer of all genres, and former teacher. 

All About The Author Ellen Mayer

Ellen Mayer has worked as an education researcher and early literacy home visitor. With Star Bright Books, she created the Small Talk Books® series. Each Small Talk Books® are playful stories featuring a young child and an adult having fun and engaging in rich conversation. "Leaves to My Knees" is her ninth book for children. She lives with her husband and very large cat in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

 Visit at ellenmayerbooks.com

All About The Illustrator  Nicole Tadgell 

Nicole Tadgell is an award-winning watercolor artist of more than 30 luminous picture books. Her books have received numerous honors, including the Christopher Award and the Children’s Africana Book Award. Born in Detroit, Michigan, frequent moves weren’t easy for Nicole, especially to new schools where she was the only Black kid in class. Art has always been both an escape and a labor of love for Nicole. Today, she brings stories to life while advocating for diversity in children’s literature. Nicole lives in Chesapeake, Virginia. 
Nicole, the artist, also created coloring pages for young readers to enjoy.
To download them, please click here.

Visit at  nicoletadgell.art

MCBD 2023 is honored to be Supported by these Medallion Sponsors!

FOUNDER’S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Pragmaticmom) and Valarie Budayr’s (Audreypress.com)

🏅 Super Platinum Sponsor: Author Deedee Cummings and Make A Way Media

🏅 Platinum Sponsors: Language Lizard Bilingual Books in 50+ Languages

🏅 Gold Sponsors: Interlink Books, Publisher Spotlight
🏅 Silver Sponsors: Cardinal Rule Press, Lee & Low, Barefoot Books, Kimberly Gordon Biddle

🏅 Bronze Sponsors: Vivian Kirkfield, Patrice McLaurin , Quarto Group, Carole P. Roman, Star Bright Books, Redfin.com, Redfin Canada, Bay Equity Home Loans, Rent.com, Title Forward

Classroom Kit Poster: Led Bradshaw

MCBD 2023 is honored to be Supported by these Author Sponsors!

Authors: Sivan Hong, Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, Josh Funk , Stephanie M. Wildman, Gwen Jackson, Diana Huang, Afsaneh Moradian, Kathleen Burkinshaw, Eugenia Chu, Jacqueline Jules, Alejandra Domenzain, Gaia Cornwall, Ruth Spiro, Evelyn Sanchez-Toledo, Tonya Duncan Ellis, Kiyanda and Benjamin Young/Twin Powers Books, Kimberly Lee , Tameka Fryer Brown, Talia Aikens-Nuñez, Marcia Argueta Mickelson, Kerry O’Malley Cerra, Jennie Liu, Heather Murphy Capps, Diane Wilson, Sun Yung Shin, Shannon Gibney, John Coy, Irene Latham and Charles Waters, Maritza M Mejia, Lois Petren, J.C. Kato and J.C.², CultureGroove, Lindsey Rowe Parker, Red Comet Press, Shifa Saltagi Safadi, Nancy Tupper Ling, Deborah Acio, Asha Hagood, Priya Kumari, Chris Singleton, Padma Venkatraman, Teresa Robeson, Valerie Williams-Sanchez and Valorena Publishing, Martha Seif Simpson, Rochelle Melander, Alva Sachs, Moni Ritchie Hadley, Gea Meijering, Frances Díaz Evans, Michael Genhart, Angela H. Dale, Courtney Kelly, Queenbe Monyei, Jamia Wilson, Charnaie Gordon, Debbie Ridpath Ohi, Debbie Zapata, Jacquetta Nammar Feldman, Natasha Yim, Tracy T. Agnelli, Kitty Feld, Anna Maria DiDio, Ko Kim, Shachi Kaushik 

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FREE RESOURCES from Multicultural Children’s Book Day

MCBD 2023 Poster
Mental Health Support for Stressful Times Classroom Kit
Diversity Book Lists & Activities for Teachers and Parents
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FREE Teacher Classroom Activism and Activists Kit
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📌 Register for the MCBD Read Your World Virtual Party

Join us on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at 9 pm EST for the 10th annual Multicultural Children's Book Day Read Your World Virtual 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. **