
While at RootsTech a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to meet Deanna Bufo Novak, founder of kidsHeritage, Inc. She is the author of three children's books designed to help kids learn about their own heritage and about different cultures and people of the world.
Deanna's premier product is the My Heritage Book, an award-winning personalized hardcover book that teaches a child about each of the nations and cultures of his or her individual heritage. When you order, you list your child's name and the countries of the child's ancestors (up to eight). The book will also list a message to the child and who it is from, which is a great feature for gift-giving.
As you read the book, you are taken on a journey through each of the child's different heritage nations. The text is simple enough for a child to understand, yet also informative! You will learn about each nation's geography, national flag, food, and traditional dress. You will also learn about important and familiar ways each culture has contributed to music, science, art, literature, or even common holiday traditions!
The My Heritage Book's colorful artwork does a wonderful job of illustrating the nations and cultures depicted. The illustrations are original artwork of Alicia Bresee, created specifically for the My Heritage Book. Here is a nice example of the detail and color in the illustrations:
Deanna's premier product is the My Heritage Book, an award-winning personalized hardcover book that teaches a child about each of the nations and cultures of his or her individual heritage. When you order, you list your child's name and the countries of the child's ancestors (up to eight). The book will also list a message to the child and who it is from, which is a great feature for gift-giving.
As you read the book, you are taken on a journey through each of the child's different heritage nations. The text is simple enough for a child to understand, yet also informative! You will learn about each nation's geography, national flag, food, and traditional dress. You will also learn about important and familiar ways each culture has contributed to music, science, art, literature, or even common holiday traditions!
The My Heritage Book's colorful artwork does a wonderful job of illustrating the nations and cultures depicted. The illustrations are original artwork of Alicia Bresee, created specifically for the My Heritage Book. Here is a nice example of the detail and color in the illustrations:
My daughter is six years old and we have really enjoyed reading through this book together. She especially likes learning how to say 'hello' and 'goodbye' in each language (which is included in the book). She also found it neat that she recognized some of the Polish foods our family still eats at holidays, and she told me that she wants to try some of the other ethnic foods mentioned. (I have some recipes to research!)
As we read through each country in the book, we talked about the specific ancestors that came from each place, and I showed her photos of each person, when available. Another great resource to use in conjunction with this book is YouTube, where you can find free videos of traditional dance, music, and festivals unique to each country and culture.
At the back of each My Heritage Book, there is a page on which you can help the child list her family's own special traditions. There is also a personalized, full-color family tree chart on which you can list the child's parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.
As we read through each country in the book, we talked about the specific ancestors that came from each place, and I showed her photos of each person, when available. Another great resource to use in conjunction with this book is YouTube, where you can find free videos of traditional dance, music, and festivals unique to each country and culture.
At the back of each My Heritage Book, there is a page on which you can help the child list her family's own special traditions. There is also a personalized, full-color family tree chart on which you can list the child's parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.
As a mom and a genealogist, teaching my children about their cultural heritage is one of my top priorities. However, that task can be daunting and time-consuming when your children claim ancestry from multiple countries. The My Heritage Book introduces children to the nations and cultures of their ancestors in an age-appropriate and interesting manner. It's a great way to encourage a love of tradition and heritage among the youngest members of our families.
To order a copy of the My Heritage Book and for more information about Deanna's other products, please go to www.myheritagebook.com. Be sure to also 'like' the My Heritage Book Facebook page found at this link.
A complementary copy of My Heritage Book was provided to me by kidsHeritage, Inc. All opinions remain my own. This post does not contain affiliate links.
To order a copy of the My Heritage Book and for more information about Deanna's other products, please go to www.myheritagebook.com. Be sure to also 'like' the My Heritage Book Facebook page found at this link.
A complementary copy of My Heritage Book was provided to me by kidsHeritage, Inc. All opinions remain my own. This post does not contain affiliate links.