Oct 11, 2024
In this episode, host Jed Doherty chats with two talented
authors who are bringing diverse cultural traditions to life
through their heartwarming children's books.
First up, Jed welcomes Mariana Rios Ramirez, author of the picture
book "Abuelita's Gift: A Dia de los Muertos Story." Mariana shares
the inspiration behind her book, which follows a young girl named
Julieta as she prepares to honor her beloved grandmother during the
vibrant Dia de los Muertos celebration. Jed and Mariana dive into
the rich history and traditions of this Mexican holiday, discussing
how it provides a beautiful way for families to remember and
celebrate their ancestors.
Mariana also opens up about her own experience immigrating to the
US and the importance of passing down cultural heritage to her
children. She beautifully describes the collaborative process of
translating the book into Spanish, highlighting the nuances of
working across languages.
Next, Jed chats with Jolene Gutierrez, co-author of "The Ofrenda We
Built" - a touching story she created with her daughter Cheyenne
during the pandemic. Jolene shares how the loss of her own father
and the challenges of that time inspired them to craft a cumulative
tale celebrating the layers of an ofrenda, or Dia de los Muertos
altar.
The mother-daughter duo's creative partnership shines through, as
Jolene describes Cheyenne's musical ear and knack for rhythm
helping to shape the rhyming text. Jed and Jolene also discuss the
power of books that authentically represent diverse cultures, and
the transformative experience of collaborating with family on a
meaningful project.
Whether you're looking to introduce kids to new traditions or
simply want an uplifting story about the bonds of family, this
episode of Reading with Your Kids is sure to leave you feeling
inspired.
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