April 2020: 24 Years of Celebrating Children & Bookjoy

Pat Mora

This is a challenging year for all including those of us committed to children and fostering bookjoy for each of them. Children’s Day, Book Day, a yearlong initiative, culminates annually with celebrations April 30. During April, we have what we call our Diapalooza on my blog. We share ideas and promote celebrations across the country.

This year, we are promoting children and young people enjoying reading and writing AT HOME. We want to be a nation of readers! April 30th, enjoy a celebratory treat.

Our deep thanks to the libraries, schools, publishers and organizations who promote Children’s Day, Book Day, also known as El día de los niños, El día de los libros, a celebration for all our children—all languages, all cultures.
Pat
Children's Day, Book Day 2020

Alive: March 2020

Pat Mora

Would I be less cold-natured had I not been born in the desert? I’ll never know. I do know that even a few warmish days, a respite from Santa Fe’s cold where I now live, shamrockgive me an energy boost even without the shamrocks that I always grow inside in March. Spring is coming!

It’s a challenging spring with international health worries and election primaries on the news. Soon, though, I travel to speak to students, teachers, librarians and parents—all audiences I enjoy. Writing and presenting are among my favorite activities.

As you know, since I’m an avid reader, I’m also very committed to motivating our country to be a nation of readers. For many years, reading has helped me relax and learn. I feel very lucky to spend time with books and to encourage our young people across the country to be readers too. My granddaughter is a reader too now. Woo-hoo!

Join us in promoting and growing Children’s Day, Book Day, April 30th and every day of the year.
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Happy Book Birthday to Yo prometo lealtad (I Pledge Allegiance Spanish Edition)

Pat Mora

Yo prometo lealtad (I Pledge Allegiance Spanish Edition)I Pledge Allegiance written by Pat and her daughter, Libby Martinez, is available in a Spanish edition on February 4, 2020.

Yo prometo lealtad has been translated by Adriana Dominguez and features Patrice Barton’s wonderful illustrations.

I Pledge Allegiance was published in 2014 to warm reviews and awards:

  • Texas Institute of Letters Denton Record-Chronicle Award, 2015
  • International Latino Book Award, Best Children’s Fiction Picture Book, 2015
  • CCBC Choices (Cooperative Children’s Book Center), 2015
  • Denver Public Library’s Best & Brightest Children’s Books, 2014
  • Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People, NCSS/CBC, 2015
  • Kentucky Bluegrass Award Master List, 2016
  • Grand Canyon Reader Award Nominee, Picture Book, 2016
  • Maine State Library Cream of the Crop for Children’s and Young Adult Literature, 2015
  • Greenburgh NY Public Library, Best Picture Books list, 2014

 

The publisher created an educator guide for the book; you can download it here.

ALIVE 2020

Pat Mora

A year ago, I began this section for sharing some of my ruminations. When I was a little girl in my hometown of El Paso, Texas, my wonderful dad, Raúl Mora, known to many of his English-speaking clients as Roy, opened an optical company. Because it was directly across from a United States federal building, Mom and Dad named their business the United Optical Company.

My siblings and I all worked there at times whether cleaning desks or cleaning and delivering glasses to doctors’ offices. I grew up hearing Dad use the phrase 20/20 to mean “perfect” vision.

In this 2020 year, many of us are hoping that our cherished country will see clearly the work we need to do, collectively and individually, as a democracy, to live our stated ideals. One of my major commitments is promoting the pleasure and importance of reading and the importance of children, our nation’s future, through Children’s Day, Book Day, a daily initiative.

What do you hope keeps you creative and lively in 2020?
Pat

The Feast of the Epiphany, January 6

Pat Mora

More widely celebrated in Latin America than in the United States, the Feast of the Epiphany, also known as Three Kings’ Day or Los Tres Reyes, marks the the arrival of the Magi symbolizing that the Christ Child was revealed to the world. The tradition of making (or buying) a Three Kings’ Wreath or rosca de reyes inspired my book, The Bakery Lady: La señora de la panadería. I wrote it to show a close Mexican-American family celebrating this tradition by baking together. I am blessed to have known such closeness in my own life.

As a writer, I love the word epiphany from the Greek meaning a manifestation or striking insight. Wishing you epiphanies in the new year.

Pat
The Bakery Lady/La señora de la panadería

Reflections for the New Year

Pat Mora

In the Coming Year, Let’s…

Nurture our creative selves.

Cherish family and friends, laughing with them often.

Savor and share the earth’s beauty, the wealth of diverse cultures and languages, the wonder of art, and bookjoy.

Participate in growing a nation of readers since literacy is essential in a democracy.

Affirm the importance of meaningful, life-long education for all that enriches our lives and society, learning-communities of equals committed to reflection and responsible action.

Lead boldly advocating that equality always be linked to group inclusivity, the transformative power of our humanity.

Collaborate creatively with those who share our goals and values, rejecting negativity and cynicism, inspired and sustained by optimism, celebrating our successes.
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Love our work, welcoming ideas, insights and strategies that deepen our full selves.

Prioritize regularly to invest our unique energy wisely.

Heed the wise who awaken our sluggish selves.

Practice gratitude, hope and faith daily.

Strive to be healthy in spirit, mind and body.

Download the poster.
In the coming year, let's...