Kailani's Gift

Brief overview: 

Watch as Kailani works hard to learn a new skill that's hard for her and celebrate when her commitment to never give up results in the best gift for her grandparents.

Recommended age range: 3-7

Strengths: 

• The author pulls young readers into Kailani's world as she learns a special Filipino dance to celebrate her grandparents' anniversary. 
• The illustrations are gorgeous and guide little ones to track with the tinikling dance. 
• A great book to engage preschoolers with another culture and show the value of perseverance.

Additional Notes:

• Includes a glossary of Tagalong words at the end of the book.

Overall rating: 9 (out of 10)

EXPLORE: VAISAKHI

Exploring traditions from other cultures is one way to expand your family’s view of the world and cultivate a heart for the peoples that God loves. Learn about Vaisakhi (vu-SAH-kee), the most important holiday of the year for Sikhs (seeks).

Celebrated annually on April 13 or 14, Vaisakhi (vu-SAH-kee) is similar in significance to Christmas or Easter among Christians. There are 28 million Sikhs worldwide—making the Sikh religion the fifth largest in the world! The majority of Sikhs live in the Punjab region of northern India. Sikhs believe only one God exists and that all religions worship him. A core aspect of their faith is treating everyone equally. Sikhs also strive to work hard, be honest, help the poor, and serve others.

Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi for two reasons. One, it marks the beginning of the Sikh community of faith, started by Guru Nanak in 1699. 

Two, it signals the start of the spring harvest in northern India. People gather in their fields to harvest crops, particularly wheat and mustard. While some reap the crops, others sing and play the dhol (dole), a large wooden drum. The work of gathering is transformed into a community festival.

Once crops are collected, families use the harvested wheat and mustard to prepare traditional foods–roti (ROH-tee), a round flatbread, and green curry flavored with mustard. Families wear new, colorful clothes, and attend a service at the gurdwara (guhr-DWAH-ruh). In this place of worship, the guru reads from the Guru Granth Sahib, (GOO-roo grahnt SAH-heeb), the Sikh holy book.

Afterward, everyone in the community marches in a parade through the village. Vibrant yellow and orange decorations reflect the golden wheat fields at harvest time. People sing and play the drums and tumbi (TOOM-be), a small instrument that looks like a one-stringed guitar. Women perform a special harvest dance called the bhangra (BAHN-gruh).

Sometimes activities for children are set up and free food is provided for all at the gurdwara. More than a place of worship, the gurdwara serves as a community center where food, friendship and shelter are extended to all. Vaisakhi is a joy-filled celebration that reflects Sikh core values and is shared by family, friends, and the entire community.

Read my full article with kid-friendly ways to pray and an activity at Via Families.