Category: Allyship

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All About Wonder Crate Jr.

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Hey Loves!

I am back with another great review for you. Again, while this product, Wonder Crate Jr., was a complimentary received product, the views and thoughts below are all of my own. (Read: I am not here to lie to you!)

OK, here’s the thing, I have been burned several times with subscription kits. That’s the short-end and honestly me telling you all of the details would take far too much time that neither of us have. Just know I was incredibly skeptical about this product.

That means you get a very thorough review. Starting with the customer service and the shipping. I mean, I kind of feel like all companies should provide quality customer service, however Wonder Crate goes above and beyond. I was honestly impressed. Their shipping was very fast and my package was not damaged. If you know anything about USPS you know that is highly unlikely. 

Next the packaging – So part of the reason that I have been burned on subscription crates in the past is because I physically have had to do way too much for a subscription crate that was supposed to be for my children. I just don’t feel like they should require 90% of parent involvement and direction. So, I opened this box fully expecting that. Spoiler alert: I was wrong.

For those of you not familiar with Wonder Crate, they are a kid-based subscription that focus on inspiring change-makers from Civil Rights leaders to Artists and allow kids to learn about them through engaging hands-on learning like completing a couple of quality crafts and a book relating to the said person’s life. The box we received was all about Frida Kahlo and I don’t know why this worked out so well for us, but she is the next artist we’re going to be studying. (Note, I planned this in May of 2021. I didn’t change plans based on this box.) 

Per their website, each box comes with a biography book, hands-on activities, parent guide and reusable tote in the first box. “Wonder Crate Jr. introduces kids ages 5-7 to inspirational role models, sparks curiosity and connects them to their own possibilities. Possible role models include: Leonardo da Vinci, Marie Curie, Alan Turing, Greta Thunberg, Maya Angelou, Jane Goodall, and MLK Jr.

I also love that this product was created by a mom who felt defeated after the 2016 Election and turned her pain into passion to make change in the next generation.

I personally am thrilled about this and plan on adding to Christmas and birthday wishlists. You can find out more and purchase it here. Check out what my fellow Melanted Gold Squad Review Member thought about Wonder Crate Jr. here.

Allyship

Juneteenth Baskets (and Celebration Ideas!)

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Hey Loves!

One of my absolute favorite things about the culture of our house is that Black History and the celebration of Black people isn’t a day or a month. It’s literally every day.

So, I wanted to be sure to “kick it up a notch” for Juneteenth for a few reasons.

To know me is to know I love celebrating-the big, small and everything on between. I’m also big on traditions. It’s very VERY important that my kids see celebrations of Juneteenth just like they celebrations of Valentine’s Day or Halloween.

One of my favorite quotes is, “traditions make you remember” and I need them to remember the culture of home. Juneteenth helps by being tradition.

As my kids are getting older, they can absorb and comprehend so SO much I am so glad to educate, commemorate and celebrate all month long with these baskets.

Each basket contains:

DIY Pajamas: I ordered solid pajama short sets from Amazon and added patterned vinyl from my local vinyl shop.

DIY shirts: Using shirts from target, I added some vinyl to remind them that their joy is their birthright.

Craft kits- grabbing supplies from home and a craft store with some beads from our favorite jewelry designer, I put together a couple crafts. You can see the deets here.

Books- James got this one and Jude got this.

I also added a blank book for them to create a recipe book and awesome activity kits from Afrocentric Montessori.

I also created a word search for James. You can snag yours below.

Pennants- I designed these and you can grab yours below. Be sure to print in landscape!

JUNETEENTH WORD SEARCH FREE DOWNLOAD!
JUNETEENTH PENNANT FREE DOWNLOAD
Allyship

Christmas and Winter Holiday Book Round-Up

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Hey Loves!

Its the most wonderful time of the year! I mean, after the year we’ve had, let us all rejoice and enjoy the festivities! Speaking of festivities, I, like you, have had to alter them due to the pandemic. Thankfully there are amazing books to open our eyes and hearts and guide our experiences. I’ve teamed up with Lakeisha from Maya’s Book Nook to share this awesome book list with you. Don’t forget- all the links are available for you to shop or reserve from the library. Let’s get into it!

Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht is a whimsical tale about finding, taking care of and decorating the prized Christmas Tree. Beautifully illustrated with a host of diverse characters, this book is sure to have all excited for tree-trimming. (Spoiler alert: The book comes with a pop-up Christmas tree and it is gorg!) It definitely got my 2 very ready to pick out and decorateour tree!

Silent Night by Lara Hawthorn is a heart-stopping take on a treasured and timeless Christmas carol, Silent Night. Using the lyrics, the illustrations walk you through the journey to the birth of Jesus. Each image is depicted so well, I read it over and over

The Nutcracker in Harlem by T. E. McMorrow spins the classic tale into a jazzy and debonair story following Marie, the magic toy soldiers gifted from her Uncle, and the sounds of Christmas. Set in Harlem, the images are depicted with rich joy and festivities, as well as a battle for sweets calling for Marie to step up and lead. 

I Got the Christmas Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison follows the protagonist through the holiday exploring all there is to Christmas spirit. All readers can be taught or reminded of what Christmas spirit truly is-not getting presents, but rather the joy inside you that comes from all the little things-lights, jingles and activities in the holiday season. 

The Night Before Christmas by Rachael Isadora is one of my favorites. This tale, more than a century old, is retold with vibrant illustrations that are not like others. Stockings and ornaments with African-print fabric, children with braids, locs and Kufi hats and a jolly Brown Santa and his reindeer. With these illustrations, the tale is a more relevant experience for us and fills our heart with Christmas wonder. 

What’s Cooking, Jamela? by Niki Daly is a hilarious book that caused Maya to realize that the chicken on the farm is the same chicken we eat. She may or may not have refused to eat chicken for a few days. Jamela is supposed to take care of the chicken mama buys and fatten it up for Christmas dinner. The chicken ends up becoming a pet rather than a meal at the close of this story. It’s hard to find copies available for purchase, so you may have to check it out at your library or watch a read aloud on Youtube. 

Everybody’s Tree by Barbara Joosse is a new release this holiday season. Eighty years ago, a young boy helped to plant a spruce tree in his yard. Over time, the tree grew larger and the family members got older and older. The tree had grown so large, it was chosen to be the special evergreen for the town’s Christmas tree lighting. The tree becomes everybody’s as all of the residents gather around to witness the lighting.

Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto follows a young girl on Christmas Eve as she helps to prepare tamales for the family dinner. When Maria’s mother leaves the kitchen, and her diamond ring on the counter, Maria couldn’t help but to try it on. In an unfortunate twist of events, Maria believes the ring is missing. She and her cousins try to eat all of the tamales to find the missing ring. You’ll have to read this one to find out what happens next!

Way Too Many Latkes by Linda Glasser is a funny tale about Faigel, the maker of the best Hanukkah latkes in Chelm. This year, Faigel forgets the recipe! When she sends her husband to the rabbi for help with the recipe, Faigel gets into more than she can handle. Thankfully, the rest of the neighbors are invited to eat the neverending supply of latkes.

Miracle on 133rd Street by Sonia Manzano (who played Maria on Sesame Street) tells the story of when Mami bought a roast that was too big to fit in the oven. Jose and Papa head to the local pizzeria to see if they can cook the roast there. Although their neighbors weren’t feeling the Christmas spirit initially, when the amazing scent of the food starts wafting through the air, all are filled with joy as they come together.

Allyship

November Fun: Diverse Gratitude and Family Gathering Book Haul

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Hey Loves!


The dynamic duo strikes again! Lakeisha from Maya’s Book Nook and I really have a thing for quality diverse books and today we are sharing all the things we love about November! Gratitude, good food, and fun family time! I’ll be using these books all of November. You can use this Bookshop link conveniently to purchase or add these books to your library holds. Let’s get right into it.

Full, Full, Full of Love by Trish Cooke is a fun and easy read while helping littles learn patience when waiting for a family meal together. The protagonist waits with his grandma for what seems like an eternity for all of his family to arrive for a feast. The wait is hard but Grandma makes fun. It’s after a few helpings of dinner and yummy desserts, he realizes these times aren’t just about the food and it’s not just the food that fills everyone. Being together makes them full of love. 

Thanks a Million by Nikki Grimes is the perfect addition to your poetry stash. This book of short poems is apt for the entire family, helping all focus on gratitude. Not only are the images diverse, the poems are diverse in abilities, soci-economic status, and gender. These poems cover gratitude for everything from nature, to neighbors to numbers. 

Gracias Thanks by Pat Mora is a lovely bilingual story that follows the protagonist, a little boy, through his day of showing gratitude for so much in his life. Written in English and Spanish, gratitude is shown for the poignant things like family, parents and nature but are done in a hilarious manner that’s enjoyable for all readers.

Feast For 10 by Cathryn Falwell is a little book packed with goodness. Although geared toward toddlers, my two still love this tale, counting from 1-10 all the ingredients for a family feast. Then, counting from 10-1, all the key ingredients that really matter, the soul in the food, the love that is shared and the people to share it with. 

My Heart Fills With Happiness by Monique Gray Smith follows the happy heart of a little girl sharing all the things she delights in. They aren’t toys or material items but rather spending time with loved ones, being creative and cooking. The book inspires readers of all ages to focus on the intangible things all around them that could fill their heart with happiness. 

What is Given From the Heart by Patricia C. McKissack and April Harrison is one of the most touching books we’ve ever read.

Don’t Say a Word, Mama by Joe Hayes is a funny bilingual English-Spanish book that focuses on generosity. Two sisters, who love each other dearly, try to secretly out-give each other with the best gifts from their gardens. We love books with repeated lines and this one will have your little one yelling, “Don’t say a word, Mama!” 

I Am Thankful: A Thanksgiving Book for Kids by Sheri Wall was just released in August 2020. The rhyming text and vibrant illustrations follow several families and their holiday traditions. From visiting pumpkin patches to spending time with family near and far, watching parades, preparing special dishes, and serving the needy, this book is sure to get your family in the Thanksgiving spirit. I especially love that the author included several ways for little ones to show gratitude at the end of the book.

Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp is an older book that contains a timeless message. Giving Thanks provides a model for how we should show our gratitude for all Mother Earth has provided us with; the water, stars, plants, animals, and more. This is a children’s version of the Thanksgiving Address, a traditional morning message of gratitude, that is still provided at Iroquois ceremonies.

Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora is not specifically about Thanksgiving, but it’s always seasonally appropriate to read a book about good food, generosity, and community. Omu, which means queen in Igbo (a Nigerian language), is cooking up a delicious stew that makes everyone in the neighborhood come knocking on her door. Maya was genuinely concerned when she realized Omu had given all of her stew away. You’ll have to read this one to find out what happens next!