"The Big Buna Bash" - a bookwrap

Mmmmmm!  The fabulous aroma of fresh-brewed coffee is both inviting and celebratory!  Let's attend a Buna Bash shall we? 

After all Almaz has given us an invitation...Wanna go with me? Let's do it!  

Unwrapping

"The Big Buna Bash"

Authored by Sara C. Arnold

Illustrated by Roberta Malasomma

*Ages:  5-8

* Grade Level:  K-3

* Publisher:  Brandylane Publishers, Inc.

* Pub. Date: Feb. 05, 2020

* Paperback:  36 pages

* Language:  English

Praise

“I appreciate Sara Arnold’s initiative in writing this book…it is a story that says, ‘Do not be afraid of being who you are. What makes you different can sometimes, but it can also make you unique and interesting to others.’ In times like these, we need more stories like The Big Buna Bash!”--HIH Prince Joel David Makonnen Haile Selassie

“It’s a ‘we’ world—and our children must be exposed to different races, cultures, and customs. That’s why I love The Big Buna Bash. It shows all children that differences can bring you together, and helps kids see our similarities. That’s how we raise a kinder, stronger, more empathetic generation of children—by turning ‘me’ into ‘we!’”-- Michele Borba, EdD, author of Unselfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-Me World

"This a sweet story. It's so touching to see young Almaz decide to turn an uncomfortable situation into an opportunity to rise to the occasion and share her unique cultural traditions. That is a good trait to learn in life. I appreciate Sara Arnold's initiative in writing this book, not only because it gives young readers a chance to experience our Ethiopian culture through the traditional buna ceremony that brings people together, but also because Almaz can be a role model to younger generations everywhere. It is a story that says, 'Do not be afraid of being who you are. What makes you different can be difficult sometimes, but it can also make you unique and interesting to others.' In times like these, we definitely need more stories like The Big Buna Bash!" --HIH Prince Joel David Makonnen Haile Selassie

"Coffee lovers will enjoy learning about the buna ceremony in this cute story of a young girl's Ethiopian coffee-drinking tradition." --Christie Wright Wild, children's book author

"It's a 'we' world--and our children must be exposed to different races, cultures, and customs. That's why I love The Big Buna Bash. Almaz makes a mistake at school, but stands up to peer pressure in a courageous and kind way by sharing her family's Ethiopian tradition. In the process, she shows all children that differences can bring you together, and she helps kids see our similarities. That's how we raise a kinder, stronger, more empathetic generation of children--by turning me to we!" --Michele Borba, EdD, author of Unselfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World

Unwrapping some Wonderful Illustrations for You

The Book

" Buna means "coffee" in Ethiopia. The buna ceremony is an important part of Ethiopian and Eritrean culture.  During the ceremony, the hostess prepares the coffee in front of her guests and then serves it as a sign of friendship and hospitality.  A buna ceremony is not only about drinking coffee, but also a way of bringing people together!"

Almaz, a young girl in grade one, is a new Ethiopian immigrant.  She feels weird because of her name when her teacher Mrs. Hill calls the roll. Why can't she have a regular name like everyone else in the class?  One fateful Tuesday morning in her Language Arts class she makes a mistake which leaves her feeling very embarrassed.  She is taunted and teased by the other kids around her.  Oh my!  

When she gets home she relays her frustration and hurt feelings to her mom and big sister. They decide to throw a buna bash so her classmates can experience Ethiopian culture and traditions.  But will her friends accept her invitation and want to come?  

The message of the book is positive as a buna party extends kindness, friendship and inclusiveness to all. I like how the family turns a sad, hurtful situation into a happy, heartwarming one.  The illustrations are lovely and enrich the storyline greatly.  They are, vibrant and colourful and express the emotions that Almaz is feeling.  Lastly, the book points out that kids can be proud of their heritage and uniquenss in a world that is so diverse.  I like the book a lot and highly recommend it.  

 

Storywraps Rating - 5 +++ HUGS!!!!!

Meet the Author 

Sara C. Arnold is just a woman who loves coffee, especially buna! Born in the U.S., Sara immigrated to Israel in 1981, and she now teaches English in Jerusalem. She hopes this book will encourage children to understand and respect people different from themselves. "The Big Buna Bash" is Sara's first publication. Visit Sara online at www.saraarnoldbooks.com.

About the Illustrator

Roberta Malasomma was born in Naples, Italy. In 2013, she earned her bachelor's degree in graphic design at the Academy of Fine Arts. Using her passion for drawing, Roberta followed her dreams and started illustrating children's books. Her favourite illustrators are Beatrix Potter and Helen Oxembury.

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