Over the next several months, we will be updating our Storytime themes on various countries around the world. The 2020 CSLP Reads summer reading theme “Imagine Your Story” will focus on fairy tales and myths from all cultures, so having storytimes on countries can go along with that theme. Of course, focusing on countries is good anytime, as a way to celebrate the wide variety of people in the United States who immigrated from somewhere else. This month, we will celebrate Central American countries. For a craft project, make Guatemalan Worry Dolls: https://happyhooligans.ca/homemade-worry-dolls/ or www.redtedart.com/how-to-make-worry-dolls-with-pegs/ .
Albert, Burton. Journey of the Nightly Jaguar. In this Mayan legend, the Sun becomes a jaguar at night.
Alphin, Elaine Marie. A Bear for Miguel. Maria helps her father sell items at the market, including her beloved teddy bear. Set in El Salvador.
Argueta, Jorge. Alfredito Flies Home. A little boy can’t wait to fly to El Salvador from his home in San Francisco, to visit his Central American relatives.
Buitrago, Jairo. Two White Rabbits. A little girl describes her journey to the U.S. with her father, seeking refuge.
Castañeda, Omar S. Abuela’s Weave. A young Guatemalan girl and her grandmother weave artistic wall hangings to sell at the market.
Marshall, Linda Elovitz. Rainbow Weaver. In this story with English and Spanish texts, a Mayan girl weaves plastic bags to create her artwork.
Stanton, Karen. Papi’s Gift. Even though her father is in the U.S. working, he doesn’t forget his daughter’s birthday, but his gift is lost in the mail.
Williamson, Melanie. The Wheels on the Bus. This version of the popular storytime song is set in Guatemala.
Wisniewski, David. Rain Player. Based on a Mayan legend, this tale involves a boy who must defeat the Rain God in a ball game.
Penny Peck, San Jose State University iSchool