In this captivating episode, we had the pleasure of chatting with acclaimed author Angie Cruz about her delightful new children's book, Angelica and La Guira. Angie shared the inspiring story behind her book, which follows a young girl named Angelica who receives a special family heirloom - an instrument called the La guira - from her grandfather in the Dominican Republic.  Angie passionately described the unique La guira instrument, a tin can-like percussion tool with a cheese grater-esque surface, played with a metal comb. She explained how the La guira is deeply rooted in Latin American culture, and how incorporating it into her book was a way for Angie to celebrate her Dominican heritage and share it with young readers. Angie also discussed the importance of representation in children's literature, and how she was driven to create a story that would resonate with Latin kids and families. She beautifully captured the themes of family, community, and the power of music to bring people together, even when faced with challenges. Transitioning to our conversation with educator Zeba McGibbon, we explored the critical role of social-emotional learning in early childhood development. Zeba shared insights about her Caring Critters book series, which uses charming animal characters to teach kids vital skills like emotional regulation, empathy, and problem-solving. Zeba emphasized the concerning trend of decreased playtime in modern kindergarten classrooms, and passionately advocated for administrators to recognize the immense value of unstructured play in fostering children's social-emotional growth. Her Caring Critters resources provide a wonderful solution for parents and teachers looking to nurture these essential life skills. Whether you're drawn to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Angelica and Laguida or the social-emotional wisdom of the Caring Critters series, this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in supporting the healthy development of young minds.

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