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About 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.

Praise

“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 Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young

Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young is a writer, speaker, teacher, and former journalist. As the founder of the Widow Mama Collective grief support group on Facebook, she is passionate about helping people navigate grief and discover God’s glory on life’s unexpected trails. Her previous books include the award-winning children’s book Cora Cooks Pancit, Chasing God’s Glory, Walk Run Soar, and Create in Me a Heart of Mercy.

Dorina enjoys meeting God as she runs trails through mountains or near the ocean. She and her husband, Shawn, are raising three daughters in central California.

Product Details

40 pages | Published by WaterBrook

On Sale Date: Apr 16, 2024

Trim Size: 8-1/2 x 8-1/2

Carton Quantity: 48

Sneak Peek

Start reading today! 

Kailani’s siblings are preparing the traditional tinikling dance for their grandparents’ anniversary, but Kailani doesn’t know how to dance the tinikling. When she chooses to be brave enough to try to learn, the effort proves to be a beautiful gift that blesses Lolo and Lola.