Aug 23, 2024
In this captivating episode, we had the pleasure of chatting
with acclaimed author Angie Cruz about her delightful new
children's book, Angelica and La Guira. Angie shared the inspiring
story behind her book, which follows a young girl named Angelica
who receives a special family heirloom - an instrument called the
La guira - from her grandfather in the Dominican
Republic.
Angie passionately described the unique La guira instrument, a tin
can-like percussion tool with a cheese grater-esque surface, played
with a metal comb. She explained how the La guira is deeply rooted
in Latin American culture, and how incorporating it into her book
was a way for Angie to celebrate her Dominican heritage and share
it with young readers.
Angie also discussed the importance of representation in children's
literature, and how she was driven to create a story that would
resonate with Latin kids and families. She beautifully captured the
themes of family, community, and the power of music to bring people
together, even when faced with challenges.
Transitioning to our conversation with educator Zeba McGibbon, we
explored the critical role of social-emotional learning in early
childhood development. Zeba shared insights about her Caring
Critters book series, which uses charming animal characters to
teach kids vital skills like emotional regulation, empathy, and
problem-solving.
Zeba emphasized the concerning trend of decreased playtime in
modern kindergarten classrooms, and passionately advocated for
administrators to recognize the immense value of unstructured play
in fostering children's social-emotional growth. Her Caring
Critters resources provide a wonderful solution for parents and
teachers looking to nurture these essential life skills.
Whether you're drawn to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Angelica
and Laguida or the social-emotional wisdom of the Caring Critters
series, this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in
supporting the healthy development of young minds.
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