Source

EUGENE, OREGON, May 22, 2004: The annual Skipping Stones Honor Award books cultivate an awareness of our multicultural and natural world without perpetuating stereotypes and biases. These educational, entertaining & exceptional books and teaching resources offer a great variety of learning experiences for students and teachers, children and parents.



Specially selected this year is “Chachaji’s Cup” by Uma Krishnaswami, illustrated by Soumya Sitaraman (Children’s Book Press, $16.95) appropriate for elementary grades is one of the honored books in the multicultural category. It is a story of young Neel and Chachaji (uncle). They often have tea and snacks together. Neel learns about his Indian heritage and culture through Chachaji’s stories. Chachaji always drinks out of his favorite tea cup that carries many memories of their family’s migration during the partition of India. One day, Chachaji’s favorite cup drops from Neel’s soapy fingers while doing dishes. Not long after that, Chachaji is admitted to the hospital due to heart trouble. Neel glues together the broken cup and gives it to Chachaji as he comes home. Stark illustrations give life to the characters in the story which instills Indian family values.



The 2004 selection contains 20 recommendations in the three categories for various age groups. The Multicultural and International Books and the Ecology and Nature Books promote positive role models, promote cooperation, nonviolence, and appreciation of nature. The Teaching Resources and Educational Video selection aims to help educators in their work with children and youth. A beautifully illustrated, 2-color poster (11″ x 17″) with vital info about honored books is available for free with a SASE from Skipping Stones magazine, P. O. Box 3939, Eugene, Oregon 97403-0939 USA. Reviews appear in the summer issue of Skipping Stones. The complete list is also available on their website, “source” above.

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