Recently added to the State Library’s Professional Collection:
Multicultural Storytime Magic by Kathy MacMillan and Christine Kirkner
Chicago, IL: ALA Editions, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0-8389-1142-6, softcover
256 pages
Description from the ALA Store:
Storytime audiences grow ever more diverse, and it’s important that the materials used in programs reflect that richness of experience. Multiculturalism need not be an occasional initiative attached to particular holidays. In this book best-selling authors MacMillan and Kirker offer a new paradigm for multicultural programs, one in which diversity is woven into any and every storytime, no matter what the topic. Arranged thematically around dozens of popular storytime themes, the authors
- Present original and traditional resources from all over the world that will enrich storytimes for ages 2 through 5
- Offer concrete book recommendations, fingerplays, and other activities that can be integrated into existing storytimes
- Include download links for flannelboard and stick puppet patterns, and illustrations of American Sign Language signs
With numerous activities and programming suggestions, this book will seamlessly integrate and enhance cultural awareness for children all year round.
BookList says “Recommended for all grade-school media centers and public library youth departments”
The Idaho Librarian says: “a useful tool for youth services librarians in public libraries or school librarians who serve preschoolers and kindergarteners. It will help librarians incorporate multicultural touches into their regular storytimes or put together an entire storytime dedicated to a specific culture or country. Highly recommended.”
School Library Journal Review says “Both beginning storytellers and seasoned librarians can benefit from these fresh ideas.”
I wish I still got to do storytime; I’d like to play with these ideas myself. If you’d like to see what the reviewers liked so much before you pay the $47, you can borrow the book from the New Mexico State Library through interlibrary loan.