Author María Felicia Kelley introduces us to her children's book series, Celebrate the HoliDates, which were deeply inspired by her son Constantine. Constantine has trisomy 21, and the books were initially created as a tool to entertain and inform him about the connection between the calendar dates and fun holidays. Now they are a growing series of educational books that currently include "February Fourteen: 2/14" and our focus for this episode, "October Thirty-One: 10/31". Yep, this is a Halloween episode, y'all! We discuss soul cakes (there's a recipe for them in the book!), why including biracial and multiracial children and parents was important, her research into the holiday AND I introduce María to our very own celebration of Samhain!
OUR GUEST
María Felicia Kelley discovered her passion for writing as a girl growing up in the suburbs of Washington, DC. Earning a degree in broadcast journalism, from The Cronkite School at Arizona State University, María began her career in television as a writer and producer. She also has enjoyed time in front of the camera as a host and spokesperson. Today, she writes creatively with an eye toward children’s stories and educational materials. The pandemic of 2020 moved María to focus her creative energy, bringing long-planned artistic works to life. Wife to a proud Greek American and mother to their three sons, María lives in a Southern California household with strong male energy and an assortment of ethnic identities. As a tri-racial mix, including African, European, and Native American bloods, María taps into the traditions of many cultures. Through much of her writing, she explores the intricacies of her family’s racial heritage that is uniquely American. To learn more about María Felicia Kelley, visit her online at MariaFelicia.com.
Purchase October Thirty-One: 10/31 on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DLBH82H
CONTACT MELA
www.podpage.com/belle-book-candle
FB & IG @bellebookcandlesc
YT: Belle, Book & Candle
Support by becoming a patron: www.patreon.com/bellebookcandle
Or, buy Mela a coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/bellebookcandle
Interested in our upcoming Greenwild Festival on November 13, 2021? Check it out here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/greenwild-festival-for-witches-mystics-tickets-152286885173
CREDITS
My dad wrote the lyrics to my theme song, and we sing it together at the beginning.
Thanks to my husband for his contributions.
Thank you to our guest, María Felicia Kelley.
Original Broadcast: 10.19.21
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