This year I am pleased to be a part of a blogging community celebrating multicultural children’s literature.
January 27th is the third annual Multicultural Children’s Book Day, an event created by two women with a passion for diversity within children’s literature, Mia Wenjen and Valarie Budayr. They are committed to helping young readers “see themselves within the pages of a book and experience other cultures, languages, traditions and religions within the pages of a book.”
You can read more about the event, its mission, sponsors, cohosts, and a great classroom reading challenge opportunity at the end of my post.
So — I volunteered to be sent a book of their choosing, and to review it on Orange Marmalade. On the 26th of January, I’ll post a link so you can access the many other reviews of the other diverse selections. I am eager to read them! (Jan. 26 update: The link is here.)
Catherine’s Pascha: A Celebration of Easter in the Orthodox Church, written by Charlotte Riggle, illustrated by R.J. Hughes
published in 2015 by Phoenix Flair Press
I’m very happy to tell you about this book, which qualifies in every way for the goals of this event. There are a diversity of cultures, languages, and traditions included in the account, and it covers a subject that is quite under-represented in children’s literature — the practices of various faiths. Certainly religion and faith hold a central place in the vast majority of households around the world, perhaps especially in non-Western households, and we all could do a better job of understanding and respecting one another’s beliefs, values, and practices in this area.
Catherine’s Pascha walks us through the age-old Easter traditions within the Orthodox Church. It’s narrated by Catherine, a young girl who is determined to stay awake this year, for the first time, during this all-night-long celebration. Truly, staying up until midnight on New Year’s Eve is child’s play compared to participating in this extraordinary service.
Orthodox’s ancient traditions encompass traditional foods, blessings, and a friendly competition with eggs, all of which
are joyful elements that will pique any child’s interests. More profound, though, are the centuries-old patterns of this highest worship service of the year. If you have never celebrated Easter, or if you do not come from a liturgical tradition, this book gives a remarkably clear explanation of what is involved, including short excerpts from the Bible and hymns, that enter the service at specific moments. Traditional greetings are given in multiple languages including Russian, Greek, and Yup’ik.
How cool is this — Trinity Church on King George Island, Antarctica!
One intriguing decision was to incorporate into the illustrations, images of Orthodox churches around the world. From Tanzania to Tokyo to Antarctica, we see the structures, find out when they were built, and learn their names in the local language and script. It’s a fascinating way to experience the vastness and diversity of the Orthodox faith.
Included in the back pages are pronunciation guides, a glossary of religious terms used, and a Q&A with more information about Pascha. Additionally, the book’s creators have created a website with gobs more information including recipes for traditional foods, ideas for dying your own Pascha eggs, and other activities. I thought making the sweet Honey Bunnies sounded like a tasty option!
orange marmalade 
This looks like a lovely book to share with children to enrich their religious knowledge! Thanks!
Yes, it was intriguing to me. Glad to be a part of Multicultural Children’s Book Day!
This looks like a great multicultural book with so many lessons about Easter! Thank you for reviewing it for Multicultural Children’s Book Day!
Yes, it’s a great Easter book, and their website is full of Easter activity ideas. It’s been so great seeing all the titles included in MCCBD!
“honey bunnies and Pascha eggs!” what’s not love?! Thank you for the beautiful review of an equally beautiful book. I’ve been lucky enough to get to know the author and she is one special lady. Thanks for supporting MCCBD2016!
It was a pleasure!
I grew up celebrating Easter, but in a very different culture and tradition, so it’s fascinating to explore how such a familiar holiday can be celebrated in such wonderfully different ways!
I agree! This was new to me as well.
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