Storynory: Little Red Riding Hood

Hi everyone,

I know I promised to upload a short audio clip of Aladdin's Lamp but it is taking too long. Thus, instead of that story, I found a Youtube video of Little Red Riding Hood done by Storynory.

Hope you like it.

Storynory: Introducing Prince Bertie

Welcome back to Reading Cultures!

Today I searched for podcasts that read aloud children's books. I was so excited to come across the podcast called Storynory. Since November 2005, Storynory has been publishing an audio story every week. Their mascot is a frog named Prince Bertie. The storytellers are amazing - they use different voices for different characters. Even though Storynory covers various children's stories, there are many multicultural stories selections such as the Chinese fairytale The Emperor's Dream. Children will have a fun time listening to the audio stories while learning about different cultures.

You can even enjoy these audio stories on the go by downloading the audio file to your computer from their web site and to your Ipod via Itunes. At Itunes, just search for Storynory and all the podcasts are FREE.

Check out their web site at http://storynory.com/.

To give you a taste of Storynory, here is a short audio clip of the Persian tale Aladdin's Lamp. The story is narrated by Natasha Gostwick.

*On second thought, since it is taking a while for the clip to be uploaded, I will have the clip another time.

The Multicultural Minute #8: Biracial Middle Grade and YA

Check out Shen's Books: Great resource for stories about different Asian cultures

Hi everyone!

While looking for multicultural children's books I came across Shen's Book. Shen's Book is "a publisher of multicultural children’s literature that emphasizes cultural diversity and tolerance, with a focus on introducing children to the cultures of Asia" (Shen's Book website).

Also, Shen's Book has a Youtube Channel called ShensBooks where they have a segment named "The Multicultural Minute." During the one minute clips, they interview authors and share book titles.

If you need a place to find books on different Asian cultures, definitely check out Shen's Book.

The website is http://www.shens.com/.

Here is a video clip of "The Multicultural Minute," too. Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQxeCqmskjs&feature=related. In the video, Renee shares book titles featuring biracial characters for older children (middle school & YA).

Better yet - check out this video clip right above this posting!!!

A Day's Work by Eve Bunting

Title: A Day's Work

Author: Eve Bunting

Targeted Age Group: Ages 4-8 & Grades K-3

*Latino/a story*

Summary: A Day's Work captures the intergenerational love shared between the abuelo and his nephew. A boy named Francisco tries to find work for his abuelo (grandfather) who has just moved to California to live with Francisco and his mother. His abuelo is originally from Mexico and speaks limited English. Thus, Francisco serves as his abuelo's interpreter and persuades Ben to hire his abuelo as a gardener for a day's work. In order to get hired, Francisco lies that his abuelo is skilled gardener when in fact he is actually a carpenter. Abuelo gets upset when he learns the truth about Francisco's lie.

How to Use the Book Within the Classroom: In grades K-3, the story can be used to get students to discuss about intergenerational differences they have experienced with their own grandparents. Even though the targeted age group is ages 4-8, I feel that this book can also be used in a sixth grade classroom to introduce the issue of immigration and work.

I Love My Hair! by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley

Title: I Love My Hair!

Author: Natasha Anastasia Tarpley

Targeted Age Group: Ages 4-8 & Grades K-3

*African-American story*

Summary: Title: Keyana, a young African-American girls shares her story of when her mother tries to comb the tangles out of her hair. Keyana dislikes it when her mother combs her hair because it hurts. However, her mother tells her that she is fortunate to be blessed with her hair. The reader goes on an imaginary journey as the mother explains to Keyana why she is lucky. Keyana learns to cherish her distinctive hair and her heritage.

How to Use the Book Within the Classroom: The book can serve as a good read aloud book in class especially in a classroom with African-American students. Students would learn about the importance of appreciating their cultural heritage.

The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Goble

Title: The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses

Author: Paul Goble

Targeted Age Group: Ages 4-8 & Grades K-3

Fun Fact: 1979 Caldecott Medal winner

*Native American story*

Summary: In The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses, Goble tells the tale of a Native American girl whose tribe follows the buffalo. She tends the horses in her tribe and grows to love them. Thus, the girl follows her dream and decides to live with the horses. Her family respects her decision and allows her to be with the wild horses.

How to Use the Book Within the Classroom: The book can serve as a good introduction to an unit on Native Americans or art in a grade K-3 classroom. The teacher could also play the audio tape of the book where the story is accompanied by Native American music. After reading the story, the students can work on an activity that incorporates art where they create a picture similar to ones in The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses.