Draven Jackson
Blogger | Teacher
Twitter
Living in America, you meet people from all walks of life - Americans with difference nationalities, cultures, and religions that all come together to create the unique American melting pot. It's so important that we take the time to recognize each of these groups and communities of people and the amazing and wonderful cultural elements they bring to the American experience.
For those who may not know, October is actually a special time for one specific American community - it's the month to celebrate Italian American Heritage and the Italian heart that beats loudly and proudly in the cities of America!
If you're looking for amazing, award-winning products to help you celebrate Italian American Heritage month, look no further. We have some of our favorite books, language learning DVDs, and Italian-made products below to show our love and appreciation for Italian Americans all over the country!
Hopping to America: A Rabbit's Tale of La Befana
Written by Diana Pishner Walker
“Hopping to America: A Rabbit's Tale of La Befana" is an amazing book for families everywhere hoping to teach their children about wonderful Italian Christmas traditions. In the story, LaBefana teaches readers about how the bunnies' Italian Christmas traditions weave together with their new American culture. Children will not only learn about what happens during an Italian Christmas, but they will also learn important lessons like forgiveness, compassion, and respect!
Hopping to America: A Rabbit's Tale of a Wedding
Written by Diana Pishner Walker
Another amazing story in the "Hopping to America" series, "A Rabbit's Tale of a Wedding" tells the sweet story of love that blooms even from across the ocean. It is the wonderful story of two families who come together in a new country to share their dreams, futures, and love for one another, even in the face of uncertainty. With this story, you and your child can join the exciting adventure of the "Riepule" families as they journey from Italy to America!
Spaghetti & Meatballs: Growing Up Italian
Written by Diana Pishner Walker
For young readers looking to learn about the amazing true story of Italian American author Diana Pishner, "Spaghetti & Meatballs" is the book for you! Italian readers everywhere will relate to the inspiring story about growing up in an Italian family and learning about Italian heritage, familial bonds, important traditions, and the beautiful culture of Italy. It's not all about spaghetti - that's for sure!
The Christmas Feast: A Fishy Tale
Written by Diana Pishner Walker
“The Christmas Feast: A Fishy Tale" is the perfect choice for readers looking to celebrate the holidays with some Italian culture and stories. In the book, two boys named Benny and Turner learn to fish from their fathers. However, when both fathers become sick before Christmas, the boys decide to go out to sea on their own to bring fish home for their families' celebrations. A raging storm makes the journey more dangerous than they were expecting, and a guiding light appears to aid them on their adventure. Will they be able to bring delicious fish home for their Christmas celebrations? Read the story and find out!
Beyond the Cobblestones
Written by Luisa Livorno Ramondo
Based on a trued story, "Beyond the Cobblestones" is an inspiring story to teach young adult and adult readers alike about the importance of staying true to yourself and following your dreams. Based on the stories of Luisa Livorno Ramondo's mother and her childhood in Italy, this book follows the life of Claudia, who lives in a small Italian town where the cobblestone streets are small and narrow. With a lack of money, food, and education in her town, Claudia sets out on a difficult and unknown journey to improve her life, take control of her future, and follow her passions!
KeeKee's Big Adventures in Rome, Italy
Written by Shannon Jones
A perfect book for young readers, "KeeKee's Big Adventures in Rome, Italy" follows the adventures calico kitty KeeKee as she travels the world in her hot air balloon. In this installment of the series, KeeKee goes to Italy and explores the sights, sounds, and tastes of the historic city of Rome, discovering exciting places and learning everything she can about Roman culture. The fun, colorful pictures and easy to follow story are a great way to get your little one interested in different places and cultures all around the world!
Learn a Language DVD
"Learn a Language DVD" is a great way to start your family on the journey of learning a new language with colorful animations and exciting characters! All six languages are offered in one DVD, so if you're looking to learn Italian (with maybe a little German or Spanish to go along with it), then this is the fun, easy language learning product for you. In this exciting adventure, children can learn colors, numbers, toys, clothes, and other basic vocabulary through colorful animations and real images. With so many options to choose from in an easy to navigate DVD, there's nothing stopping you and your child from learning a new language today!
Happy Island Multi-Use Cushioned Disposable Pads
Happy Island Disposable Pads are a wonderful product made in and imported from Italy, and they use the highest Italian quality and design to create the perfect diaper changing experience for you and your baby. Individually folded and easy to use, these award-winning changing pads are also 25% wider and 4x thicker than other brands - this means they will not only give you the peace of mind that your little one is clean and protected when they need to be changed in public, but they are also more comfortable for your baby!
Draven is an avid writer and reader who enjoys sharing her opinions on movies, books, and music with the rest of the world. She will soon be working as a teacher in Japan and hopes to use her experience to connect with other teachers and students around the globe. Draven spends most of her time at home with her family, her dogs, and her ferret.
To see more, view all posts by Draven Jackson here.