Newbery Medalist Meg Medina and NBA star Jayson Tatum are out with children's books
Sep 27, 2024
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Meg Medina, a Newbery Medalist celebrated for her children's books, shares memories of her caring babysitter, Señora Mimí, in her new book highlighting the bond between a girl and her caregiver. Meanwhile, NBA star Jayson Tatum discusses his co-authored children’s book, Baby Dunks-a-Lot, which captures the joys of parenting and basketball. Insights into cultural representation in storytelling and the emotional dimensions of childhood shine through their conversation, blending themes of resilience, dreams, and the influence of family.
Meg Medina's 'No More Señora Mimí' beautifully highlights the essential role of caregivers in children's lives, inspired by her own experiences.
Jayson Tatum's 'Baby Dunks a Lot' combines humor and familial themes to engage young readers while fostering a love for basketball and reading.
Deep dives
Celebrating Childcare Workers
The book 'No More Señora Mimi' is a heartfelt tribute to childcare workers, exemplified through the relationship between a little girl named Anna and her babysitter, Señora Mimi. Author Meg Medina shares how her own childhood experiences, particularly her bond with her caregiver, inspired the story. As Medina recounts her memories, she emphasizes the role caregivers play in children's lives, portraying them as figures of love and support. The narrative beautifully intertwines personal anecdotes and cultural elements, highlighting the importance of these relationships in shaping young lives.
Creating Cultural Authenticity
Illustrator Brittany Chickasey discusses the challenge of capturing the essence of Cuban culture in the illustrations, particularly through the depiction of traditional Cuban crackers that hold significance in Medina's life. By incorporating specific cultural references, such as the food and language, the book aims to resonate with children from similar backgrounds while educating others. Chickasey describes how she approached the art with a blend of digital and traditional techniques to evoke warmth and nostalgia. This attention to detail not only enriches the visual storytelling but also honors the cultural heritage reflected in the narrative.
Inspiring Children Through Literature
NBA star Jason Tatum’s new children's book, 'Baby Dunks a Lot,' introduces a comedic and relatable scenario involving a baby who possesses exceptional basketball skills but struggles to play because of bedtime. Tatum's inspiration stemmed from his own parenting experiences, particularly the moments he shared reading to his son during challenging times. The book aims to engage young readers by blending humor with relatable themes of ambition and family bond. Through this endeavor, Tatum hopes to inspire a love for reading and basketball, while also sharing his journey of overcoming hardships.
Newbery Medalist Meg Medina remembers her childhood babysitter perfectly. Medina called her Señora Mimí–and now, the author is celebrating caregivers of all kinds in her new children's book. No More Señora Mimí, illustrated by Brittany Cicchese, tells the story of a little girl whose relationship with her babysitter changes after the girl's grandmother moves in. Then, NBA champion Jayson Tatum is also out with a new kids' book. Baby Dunks-a-Lot, co-authored by Sam Apple and illustrated by Parker-Nia Gordon, is about a baby basketball star. In today's episode, NPR's Ayesha Rascoe introduces a conversation between Medina and Cicchese about illustrating culturally specific references, like Cuban crackers, and representing subtle changes in a children's story. Then, Here & Now's Scott Tong chats with Tatum about the NBA player's relationship with his son and the upcoming Celtics season.
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