Multicultural Tales for Children’s Book Week

Two authors who are appearing at Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, NC, on Sunday, May 16, write stories of other lands. Caroline McAlister has two picture books, one set in Mexico, the other in Italy. Maryam Tabibzadeh’s poetic book reflects Persian culture.

Caroline McAlister
¡Holy Molé! (August House)
www.carolinemcalister.com

Inspired by the Mexican folk tradition, Holy Molé! explains the origins of mole sauce, the popular national dish that combines chocolate with spices and nuts. Young Carlos tries to stay out of the way as lunch is prepared, but his curiosity gets the best of him. His eagerness results in a moment of crisis, followed by what the brothers can only assume is a miracle.

Set in Renaissance Italy, Brave Donatella and the Jasmine Thief is based on a legend about the real Duke Cosimo de Medici. With enchanting illustrations it explores the dangers people are willing to face in the name of love.

Caroline McAlister lives in Greensboro and teaches writing at Guilford College. Her travels to Italy and Mexico early in life inspired these two books.

Maryam Tabibzadeh
Persian Dreams (Dream Books)
http://www.persiandreams.org

Persian Dreams is the fascinating family saga of life in Iran that spans a century, revealing one family’s unforgettable story against the backdrop of a country in constant turmoil. Persian poetry translated from divan-e-shams flows smoothly throughout the story line, adding an element of romance and nostalgia to the already haunting tale of love, family, and revolution.

Maryam Tabibzadeh graduated from Pahlavi University and then completed studies in 1983 at SUNY Binghamton in Advanced Technology. She is the chief editor and founder of “Persian Corner” a bilingual Online Magazine, and served as the chief editor of the Iranian Cultural Society of NC newsletter for several years, both as a contributor and a translator of articles. She is the author of several short stories and has now published two books.

Celebrate Children’s Book Week

I’m lucky enough to be part of this illustrious group of authors who will be celebrating Children’s Book Week at Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, NC. Here’s a press release about the event:

CELEBRATE CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK WITH SEVEN LOCAL AUTHORS

Chapel Hill, NC, May 16, 2010—Join seven local children’s and young adult authors for a reading, question-and-answer session, and booksigning. Hear excerpts from David Macinnis Gill’s award-winning Soul Enchilada (Greenwillow); Bonnie J. Doerr’s eco-mystery Island Sting (Leap Books); Carolyn McAlister’s retold folktales ¡Holy Molé! (August House) and Brave Donatella and the Jasmine Thief (Charlesbridge); Maryam Tabibzadeh’s poetic Persian Dreams (Dream Books); Laurie J. Edwards’ biography of R&B singer Rihanna (Lucent) and thriller/romance from the anthology Summer Lovin’ (Wild Rose Press); Adrienne Ehlert Bashista’s picture books on Russian adoption, When I Met You and Mishka: An Adoption Tale (DRT Press); and Anne Runyon’s seasonal picture book, The Sheltering Cedar (Portal Press).

Attendees will be treated to a sneak peek at two of Leap Books’ most recent paranormal releases: Freaksville by Kitty Keswick and Under My Skin by Judith Graves. These teen novels have unique graphics and illustrations by Canadian artist Val Cox.

Leap Books, a newly launched publisher of teen and tween books, is sponsoring this Children’s Book Week . Featured authors are all local members of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), an international organization that provides networking, education, and support for authors and illustrators of children’s books at all stages of their careers.

The American Booksellers Association began Children’s Book Week in 1919. In 1944 the Children’s Book Council (CBC) took over the role of promoting reading and literacy through Children’s Book Week activities. Each year in May, CBC sponsors a nationwide week of events to encourage children and teens to read. A list of these events, as well as related online activities, can be found at the CBC website.