In an era where digital distractions frequently dominate the daily routines of young children, local independent bookstores continue to serve as vital community anchors, fostering a lifelong love of literature, cultural appreciation, and hands-on creativity. On Saturday, November 6th, at 11:00 AM, Newtonville Books—located at 10 Langley Rd, Newton, MA 02459—will play host to a vibrant, family-oriented storytime and craft event.
This special engagement features authors Kathy Choi and Mia Wenjen, who will present readings from two acclaimed children’s picture books: Giving Thanks with Halmoni: Celebrating Chuseok, the Korean Harvest Festival (written by Kathleen Choi and Sook Nyul Choi, illustrated by Il Sung Na) and The Traveling Taco: The Amazing and Surprising Journey of Many of Your Favorite Foods (written by Mia Wenjen).
This comprehensive report provides an in-depth look at the upcoming event, explores the cultural and educational significance of the featured books, highlights the broader literary works of author Mia Wenjen, and examines the critical role that multicultural children’s literature plays in modern early childhood education.
The collaboration between Kathy Choi and Mia Wenjen represents a convergence of diverse storytelling traditions, focusing on heritage, culinary history, and intergenerational gratitude. Planning for the Newtonville Books event began months in advance, coordinating with independent booksellers to ensure an engaging atmosphere for young readers and their families.
Independent bookstores have experienced a renaissance as community hubs, and events like this one require meticulous logistical preparation—from securing display copies and arranging craft materials to optimizing the layout of the children’s section to accommodate families.
The November 6th Schedule of Activities
The itinerary for the Saturday morning event is designed to be interactive, welcoming children and caregivers into a shared cultural exploration:
11:00 AM – Welcome and Introductions: Authors Kathy Choi and Mia Wenjen welcome attendees to Newtonville Books, setting a warm, community-focused tone.
11:10 AM – First Reading: The session opens with a reading of Giving Thanks with Halmoni: Celebrating Chuseok, the Korean Harvest Festival, introducing young audiences to traditional Korean customs, family values, and the themes of harvest and gratitude.
11:30 AM – Second Reading: The storytelling continues with The Traveling Taco: The Amazing and Surprising Journey of Many of Your Favorite Foods, taking children on a fascinating historical and geographical tour of everyday ingredients and cross-cultural culinary exchanges.
11:50 AM – Hands-On Craft Session: Children participate in a themed craft activity designed to reinforce the themes of the books, allowing them to express their creativity while connecting directly with the material.
12:15 PM – Book Signing and Meet-and-Greet: The event concludes with an opportunity for attendees to meet the authors, purchase signed or inscribed copies of the featured books, and engage in community dialogue.
Supporting Context & Literary Metrics
Spotlighting the Featured Works
1. Giving Thanks with Halmoni: Celebrating Chuseok, the Korean Harvest Festival
Authors: Kathleen Choi and Sook Nyul Choi
Illustrator: Il Sung Na
Core Theme: Family, heritage, and gratitude.
Significance: Chuseok is one of Korea’s most important and festive holidays, celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. The book provides an authentic window into Korean culture, highlighting traditional foods, family gatherings, and the deep respect paid to elders and ancestors. Through vibrant illustrations by Il Sung Na, young readers learn about cross-cultural parallels to Thanksgiving, broadening their understanding of how different societies express thankfulness.
2. The Traveling Taco: The Amazing and Surprising Journey of Many of Your Favorite Foods
Author: Mia Wenjen
Core Theme: Food history, globalization, and cultural blending.
Accolades: Recognized as a Notable Social Studies Award Winner.
Significance: Food is one of the most accessible entry points into cultural education. The Traveling Taco examines how beloved foods do not belong to a single culture in isolation, but are instead the result of centuries of migration, trade, and culinary innovation. The book encourages children to look closely at what is on their plates and appreciate the diverse global threads that connect humanity.
The Broader Literary Portfolio of Mia Wenjen
Author Mia Wenjen has built an extensive and celebrated body of work spanning picture books, non-fiction guides, and social justice narratives. Her books consistently champion inclusivity, historical awareness, and active citizenship. Below is an overview of key titles in her catalogue:
Historical and Social Justice Non-Fiction
Barbed Wire Between Us (Illustrated by Violeta Encarnación): A poignant exploration of historical resilience and human connection, supported by comprehensive educational tools, including a downloadable teacher’s guide and accompanying video content.
Postcards from Malcolm X: How Yuri Kochiyama Became a Civil Rights Activist (Illustrated by Keith Henry Brown): This notable work details the remarkable life of Yuri Kochiyama, illuminating her alliance with Malcolm X and her lifelong dedication to civil and human rights.
We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court: A compelling narrative detailing the legal and cultural battle fought by the dance-rock band The Slants to protect First Amendment rights against disparagement trademark laws, culminating in a historic U.S. Supreme Court victory.
Cultural Exploration and Environmental Science
Fortune Cookies for Everyone! (Smithsonian): The Surprising Story of the Tasty Treat We Love to Eat (Illustrated by Colleen Kong-Savage): Published in partnership with the Smithsonian, this book uncovers the surprisingly complex and multicultural history behind the ubiquitous restaurant treat.
Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World (Illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng): A Junior Literary Guild selection that takes readers on a global journey to explore innovative, eco-friendly farming practices designed to protect our planet for future generations.
Sumo Joe (Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Books of the Year): A playful yet respectful look at martial arts, sibling dynamics, and following one’s passions.
Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes: An empowering collection of biographies highlighting the athletic achievements and barrier-breaking careers of trailblazing Asian American and Pacific Islander women in sports.
Early Childhood and Parenting Resources
Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!: A high-energy, humorous picture book designed to help families navigate the universal challenges of bedtime routines.
Gnomes and Ungnomes: Poems of Hidden Creatures: An imaginative poetry collection celebrating whimsical woodland creatures.
The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide: A practical guide for families navigating the complex landscape of collegiate athletic and academic funding.
How to Coach Girls (Co-authored with Alison Foley): An essential coaching manual focused on empowering youth female athletes through positive reinforcement, leadership development, and skill-building.
Official Statements and Educational Impact
The value of community literary events extends far beyond entertainment. Educators and child development experts emphasize that early exposure to diverse narratives helps build empathy, cognitive flexibility, and social awareness.
"When children see their own traditions reflected in books—and when they read about the traditions of others—they build a foundation of empathy and curiosity that lasts a lifetime. Events at local bookstores like Newtonville Books provide a physical space where these connections can take root in real time."
— Community Literacy Advocate
Studies in children’s literature indicate that reading books centered on global traditions—such as Chuseok or the migratory history of global foods—enhances reading comprehension while teaching social studies concepts naturally. Furthermore, incorporating hands-on crafts helps kinesthetic learners process narratives more effectively, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.
Future Outlook: The Resurgence of Independent Bookstores and Multicultural Literature
As we look toward the future of children’s publishing, the demand for authentic, diverse, and historically grounded stories continues to rise. Authors like Kathy Choi and Mia Wenjen are at the forefront of a literary movement that refuses to view multicultural stories as "niche," recognizing them instead as essential components of a complete modern education.
Local bookstores will undoubtedly remain vital to this ecosystem. By serving as incubators for author-reader interactions, independent shops like Newtonville Books ensure that literature remains a communal, participatory experience rather than a solitary digital transaction.
Summary of Event Details for Attendees
Event: Storytime and Craft with Kathy Choi and Mia Wenjen
Featured Books:Giving Thanks with Halmoni and The Traveling Taco
Date: Saturday, November 6th
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Newtonville Books, 10 Langley Rd, Newton, MA 02459
Admission: Open to the public, family-friendly, and free to attend (books available for purchase and signing on-site).
Families, educators, and community members are encouraged to arrive early to secure seating for this special morning of stories, crafts, and cultural celebration.
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