We’re a multicultural familia and I’m always on the look out for books that celebrate diversity.  So I was super excited for the opportunity to become a book reviewer for the Multicultural Children’s Book Day: Celebrating Diversity in Children’s Literature.  

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of reviewing it.  I did not receive monetary compensation for this review. All opinions are my own. 

Mission: Despite census data that shows 37% of the US population consists of people of color, only 10% of children’s books published have diversity content. Using the Multicultural Children’s Book Day, Mia and Valarie are on a mission to change all of that. Their mission is to not only raise awareness for the kid’s books that celebrate diversity, but to get more of these types of books into classrooms and libraries. Another goal of this exciting event is create a compilation of books and favorite reads that will provide not only a new reading list for the winter, but also a way to expose brilliant books to families, teachers, and libraries.

This event is brought to you by the co-creators of the Multicultural Children’s Book Day: Celebrating Diversity in Children’s Literature event Mia Wenjen from Pragmatic Mom and Valarie Budayr from Jump Into a Book/Audrey Press, and the main sponsors: Wisdom Tales Press, Lee & Low Books Chronicle Books, and Susan Daniel Fayad: Author of My Grandfather’s Masbaha.

The book that I will be reviewing is courtesy of Barefoot Books a leader in multicultural children’s publisher. Be sure to check out their  Barefoot Books’ kids page for great ideas and activities that I’m sure your children will enjoy!  A special thanks to the folks  Barefoot Books for the opportunity to review the wonderful children’s book Mama Panya’s Pancakes. 
Both our son and I really love this book!  This is a story of a sweet little boy Adika, and his mother Mama Panya who are going to the market to buy flour. On their way there Adika invites everyone back to their home to have some pancakes. Mama Panya is a bit concerned that there won’t be enough pancakes for everyone. The beautiful twist in this story is how Adika’s invite has brought this community together.  All of Adika’s guests show up with food, flour and milk; and together they share and enjoy a feast.

We enjoyed reviewing the references at the end of the book, and learning about village life in Kenya. My son’s favorite part was reading about the flora and fauna of the country; and he was also mesmerized by the details of the illustrations. For example, the dog in the back barking at the mongoose while Adika and Mama Panya were talking, or the beautiful butterflies by the palm trees.

The authors Mary and Rich Chamberlin offer a delightful, and educational look into the life of a young Kenyan boy, and his mother.  This multicultural book is indeed a keeper!  

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24 Comments

  2. That sounds like a great read, and so wonderful son was interested in the flora and fauna. Perhaps you have a little landscaper on you hands?

  5. What a great book and a fantastic review! I really want to read this book to my kids. Thanks so much for sharing this, Frances!

  6. We love pancakes, so we would love a book like this that uses pancakes to get the message across. 🙂 Thank you for sharing your review with us. Have a fantastic weekend and week ahead!

  8. Thanks SJ! Yes, my little one was really interested in the surroundings. It's a beautiful illustrated book!

  9. Hello Cool Mom! Thanks for stopping by! We love pancakes, too but just be warned it's not your typical pancake! 🙂

  10. Hi This Kids Reviews Books!! Pancakes are a fave at home, but these pancakes are a bit different in taste, and texture. 😉

  13. This looks delightful and educational! Reminds me of a time when one of my neighbors got an old metal drum and made a huge outdoor fire to cook pancakes for the whole neighborhood!

  14. that sounds like a beautiful story with a lovely message. glad your son enjoyed it and i love that books like this encourage further reading and researching. thank you for sharing.

  15. Thank you for stopping by! Yes, the book indeed is far more than just a children's book! 🙂

  16. Now that must have been fun! Outdoor fire to cook pancakes for the whole neighborhood? I can only imagine. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

  18. Great review. Barefoot books have a great line up and this one looks like a fantastic read. I love the illustration. Thanks for sharing the recommendation on Kidlit Blog Hop!
    -Reshama @Stackingbooks

  21. Thank you so much Frances for joining us for Multicultural Children's Book Day. What a wonderful community building book Mama Panya's Pancakes is! I will be sure to check it out! It reminds me a little of Stone Soup.

  22. So glad to see these great multicultural books get exposure. There is a tremendous need for them in libraries and schools. Thanks for sharing on the Kid Lit Blog Hop! Cheryl, Hop Hostess

  23. I am loving all of your book reviews!! I think I need to go shopping! This one sounds absolutely lovely.

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