Storytime + Signing with Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young and Marie Chan

Bel Canto Books is delighted to host a storytime and signing with Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, author of KAILANI'S GIFT and Marie Chan, author of MAMIE TAKES A STAND.

Kindly RSVP so we can plan accordingly. Please stay home if you feel sick.

This event will be held indoors at KUBO LB (3976 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach CA).

E VENT SCHEDULE

11:15am - Event check-in begins

11:30am-12:00pm: Marie Chan, MAMIE TAKES A STAND storytime and calligraphy activity

12:00pm-12:25pm: Marie Chan book signing

12:30pm-1:00pm: Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, KAILANI'S GIFT storytime and activity

1:00pm-1:15pm: Q&A with both authors

1:15pm-1:45pm: Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young book signing

1:45pm: Event ends

ABOUT THE BOOKS

KAILANI'S GIFT

A picture book celebration of family, Filipino heritage, and dance that showcases the value of patience, perseverance, and blessing others with your gifts and talents.

As Kailani watches her siblings practice a traditional Filipino dance for their grandparents' anniversary party, she longs to join them. But keeping up with the rhythm and hopping in time with the beats of the tinikling is much harder than Kailani imagined! With Daddy's help, Kailani practices the motions of the dance step by step. But will she be able to learn the tinikling in time to surprise her Lolo and Lola? Illustrator Lynnor Bontigao's work pairs exquisitely with Dorina Gilmore-Young's storytelling to celebrate Filipino culture and traditions. Also included is a glossary of Tagalog terms used throughout the book.

MAMIE TAKES A STAND

Children will learn the little-known story of Mamie Tape, an eight-year-old Chinese American girl whose desire for knowledge and belonging led her family to fight for her right to attend public school in San Francisco.

Middle-grade readers will learn the little-known story of Mamie Tape, an eight-year-old Chinese American girl whose desire for knowledge and belonging led her family to fight for her right to attend public school in San Francisco.

In the fall of 1884 in San Francisco, California, Mamie excitedly arrived for her first day at an American public school, only to find the principal blocking her way. Why? Because Mamie was Chinese.

Thus began the Tape family’s yearlong struggle to secure Mamie’s right to attend public school. In the spring of 1885, Mamie’s case reached the California Supreme Court, who reaffirmed a lower court’s ruling that public schools should be open to children of all races.

Kids will be introduced to this largely unknown tale from American history and learn to treat others with empathy and respect.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

With a master of fine arts in children's literature and a passion for multiculturalism, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young is a writer, speaker, former news reporter, and foodie. Her children's book Cora Cooks Pancit received the Picture Book of the Year Award from the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association. Dorina is a self-proclaimed "glory chaser" who meets God as she runs trails through mountains or near the ocean. Dorina and her husband, Shawn, are raising three daughters in central California.

Marie Chan shares stories that inspire love for all. Being the daughter of Taiwanese immigrants fueled her passion to write children’s books that amplify underrepresented voices, highlight hidden figures in Asian American history, and build cross-cultural awareness. Marie received a BIPOC scholarship from SCBWI for her biography of Mamie Tape. Marie is a former public school teacher and lives in California with her husband, two children with a third in heaven, and her giant rabbit, Sunshine.

ABOUT BEL CANTO BOOKS

Founded by Jhoanna Belfer, a Filipina-American poet and former hospitality executive, Bel Canto Books offers a curated selection of fiction, nonfiction and children's books, organized around a theme of the month, in particular celebrating books by women and people of color. Learn more at belcantobooks.net.

ABOUT KUBO LB

KUBO LB is a creative community space for Filipinx, BIPOC, LGBTQ, and Women led small businesses. KUBO LB is a space to support and educate small businesses through retail, business workshops and more. Learn more at kubolb.com.

KAILANI'S GIFT by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young

MAMIE TAKES A STAND by Marie Chan

Host or Publisher Bel Canto Books - Long Beach, CA