Kailani's Gift - by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A picture book celebration of family, Filipino heritage, and dance that showcases the value of patience, perseverance, and blessing others with your gifts and talents.

As Kailani watches her siblings practice a traditional Filipino dance for their grandparents' anniversary party, she longs to join them. But keeping up with the rhythm and hopping in time with the beats of the tinikling is much harder than Kailani imagined!

With Daddy's help, Kailani practices the motions of the dance step by step. But will she be able to learn the tinikling in time to surprise her Lolo and Lola?

Illustrator Lynnor Bontigao's work pairs exquisitely with Dorina Gilmore-Young's storytelling to celebrate Filipino culture and traditions. Also included is a glossary of Tagalog terms used throughout the book.

Review Quotes

"Moments between Kailani and her father model a joyous bond in this low-stakes family tale rendered in Gilmore-Young's friendly prose."--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

With a master of fine arts in children's literature and a passion for multiculturalism, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young is a writer, speaker, former news reporter, and foodie. Her children's book Cora Cooks Pancit received the Picture Book of the Year Award from the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association. Dorina is a self-proclaimed "glory chaser" who meets God as she runs trails through mountains or near the ocean. Dorina and her husband, Shawn, are raising three daughters in central California.

Lynnor Bontigao hails from one of the more than 7,600 islands of the Philippines. She loves to illustrate stories that share her own experiences as well as stories where family relationships, culture, and food are intertwined. Lynnor is the debut author-illustrator of Sari-Sari Summers and lives in New Jersey with her husband, two kids, and tiny dog.