Kailani’s Gift
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.
EndorsementS:
“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
“From the author of Cora Cooks Pancit, comes a sweet new book, Kailani's Gift, by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young that highlights the beautiful tinikling dance in Filipino culture. I never knew about this dance until I read this book and I have enjoyed learning more about it in my conversations with my Filipino friends. I love seeing more AAPI representation and diversity in children's books!
I also like how this book includes universal themes of perseverance, kindness, patience, and courage. I like how the book shows Kailani's determination to learn the tinikling dance through the support of her family. Intergenerational relationships, especially with grandparents, is such an important aspect of Asian culture, so I am glad to see that highlighted here. This book could be used to teach growth mindset and social emotional learning as readers observe Kailani's feelings as she practices, encounters setbacks, and makes progress. Children will learn how love can be shown through action, service, and creatively developing our gifts and talents.
I like how the back matter includes a glossary of Tagalog words and their pronunciations of the Filipino clothes and foods mentioned in the book.
Dorina's rhythmic words and Lynnor Bontigao's vibrant and culturally authentic illustrations will make you want to move and try a few of the tinikling dance steps yourself! Such a great read aloud for families to enjoy reading and dancing together!
Marie Chan, author, mother and teacher
Free Teacher’s Guide
Download the free Kailani's Gift Teacher's Guide. Reading aloud in classrooms is always a gift, but intentionally integrating compelling books into the wider expanse of children’s learning is an even bigger one. This educator’s guide to Kailani’s Gift aims to help you support children’s reading comprehension and vocabulary development, guide them in thinking about big themes, and teach about Filipino culture—all while enjoying the warmth of being wrapped up in a sweet childhood tale.
Help Kailani find the courage to dance the Tinikling for her Lolo & Lola! Download the fun maze below for free.
Book Dorina for an Author Talk
Dorina has been speaking in the schools for more than a decade now. She loves teaching kids about cultures of the world and reading her book aloud. She also has done cooking workshops with individual classes and groups, teaching them how to make pancit. Dorina taught Children’s Literature as a course at California State University, Fresno, inspiring teachers to use Critical Literacy in the classroom. Dorina has developed online readings and workshops for schools and bookstores.
If you would like to hire Dorina to come speak to your class, homeschool group or private party, fill out the following form.
