Bianca with I'm Your Neighbor Books and AudioFile Magazine on Immigration Stories

In this episode, Bianca talks to two amazing guests about The Welcoming Library, an initiative that sparks conversations on immigration through the reading of picture books. It's a program led by the non-profit organization I'm Your Neighbor Books, so Bianca talks with Kirsten Cappy, who co-founded I'm Your Neighbor Books in 2012. She brings 20 years of experience using children's books and the companion tools she creates to increase curiosity, empathy, and cultural competency. Kirsten was named one of the Boston Globe's Everyday Heroes for her work on The Welcoming Library.

Bianca first learned about I'm Your Neighbor Books and their signature project, The Welcoming Library, from our friends at AudioFile Magazine. Each month on The Children's Book Review, we feature a curated list of the best new audiobooks for kids, as selected by the editors at AudioFile. These lists are constantly blowing us away with the inclusion of incredible stories, diverse characters, and fantastic casts of voices and music. So, when the AudioFile team mentioned they are now a proud supporter of The Welcoming Library, Bianca wanted to learn more and share it with you. So also joining the conversation is AudioFile Magazine's editor and founder Robin Whitten. Robin is passionate about audiobooks and the magic of the listening experience. 

Transcription:

You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review (coming soon).

Resources:

Visit The Welcoming Library website: https://imyourneighborbooks.org/welcoming-library/

The Welcoming Library audiobooks list: https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/lists/welcoming-audiobooks/

AudioFile Magazine on the audiobooks in the project: https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/articles/listen-to-welcome-listen-to-belong/

Visit the In Her Presence website: https://inherpresence.org/

Discussion Topics:

• About The Welcoming Library and the importance of sharing stories of immigration
• AudioFile Magazine's partnership with The Welcoming Library
• The Wonder audiobook format
• Survey statistics on reading stories of immigration
• The items you'll find in The Welcoming Library kit
• A discussion on the picture books featuring the experience of immigrants
• How to obtain a Welcoming Library kit
• How to donate to I'm Your Neighbor Books