Remembering

Xelena Gonzalez is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her poignant picture book "Remembering." Set in the vibrant backdrop of San Antonio, Texas, the book explores themes of loss, remembrance, and the Day of the Dead tradition. Xelena shares how the book portrays a family navigating the sorrow of losing a beloved pet, while also honoring the first Day of the Dead without their furry companion. Through the conversation, they delve into the importance of addressing grief with children, the beauty of cultural traditions, and the role of picture books as a form of healing arts. Xelena emphasizes the significance of embracing conversations about death and loss with children, allowing them to process their emotions and understand the natural cycle of life. She reflects on the joyful and celebratory nature of the Day of the Dead tradition, which offers a unique perspective on death as an integral part of life. Drawing from her Mexican American heritage, Xelena explains the festive rituals and symbolism associated with the holiday, highlighting its universal message of acknowledging mortality and appreciating the present moment. In addition to her literary contributions, Selena shares her personal connection to the healing arts, weaving stories and movement into her work as a means of fostering emotional connection and transformation. Listeners are left with a profound understanding of the power of storytelling, as Xelena eloquently describes her picture books as prayers that connect readers to their inner selves, the world around them, and the shared human experience. Click here to visit Xelena's website - https://www.xelena.space/about  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com