1 . There’s no end to the work to do with improving diversity in children’s media, especially for storybooks. Children need to be able to see themselves in the characters of the stories they hear and read, at a stage where they’re building their understanding of the world around them.
Shachi Kaushik’s new book, Diwali in My New Home, brings the festival of lights to life for an immigrant community.
This picture book is for children aged 5 to 8. It speaks to Indian children’s experiences living abroad when they’ve experienced life in India. The story is about a girl, Priya, who loves being with family and friends to celebrate Diwali. But Priya and her parents began living in the United States this year, and no one seems to know about the holiday. Priya misses the traditions in India. As she joins the lights together and creates rangoli art(地画艺术), Priya introduces the festival of lights to her neighbors. And even though the celebration is different this year, it’s still Diwali.
Kaushik was a lawyer before she discovered the joy of telling stories to young children. Storytelling began when she volunteered in Texas, where she hosted a monthly storytime for children. Seeing the joy on the children’s faces inspired her to write children’s books.
When asked “What’s the secret to making children pay attention to stories?”, she said, “I would say the secret is to be present and not to be shy from acting, singing or dancing. Be a performer. While reading, use facial expressions and voice to add excitement to the story. Also try asking questions like ‘What do you think will happen?’. Let the little ones’ imagination flow. Lastly, try adding a finger play song and some dance moves to get those little ones into the mood.”
1. What is the function of the first paragraph?
A.To give explanation of diversity. | B.To explain the aim of the storybooks. |
C.To show the importance of children’s media. | D.To lead in the introduction of Shachi Kaushik’s book. |
2. What is Diwali?
A.A festival. | B.A country. | C.A community. | D.A character. |
3. What encouraged Kaushik to write children’s books?
A.The joy from children listening to stories. | B.The job as a lawyer. |
C.The experience of selling storybooks. | D.The money earned by hosting storytime. |
4. Why does Kaushik ask questions when telling stories to children?
A.To test if they are shy. | B.To attract their attention. |
C.To encourage them to use facial expressions. | D.To teach them to be a performer. |