JamboKids: Celebrate Diversity In Your Toybox
Most parents who adopt a child of a different nationality or ethnicity hope to teach their child one day about their cultural heritage.
Some would argue that children are color blind, so there is no need to celebrate diversity in children. In my experience, this is simply not the case.
My son was raised for the first 2 1/2 years of his life in Laos. He is Caucasian, but for a long time would point to pictures of Lao children and say that it was “Jojo”. When we spent a year in the U.S., Jojo (age 2 1/2 to 3 1/2) was suddenly aware of the differences between himself (”I have white hair.”) and other children in his preschool class (”She has brown skin.”).
It was also during this time that Jojo was very interested to know who was a “boy” and who was a “girl”; I think preschool is a time when children start to observe the world around them and make sense of it all. Some experts believe that ages 3 to 8 are some of the most important and formative years of a child’s life.
My experience in America is that many adults would rather ignore ethnic and cultural differences rather than celebrate them. I happen to quite enjoy learning about different cultures and have even spent 5 years in Asia as a minority there.
When we travel in Asia, Jojo gets special attention from everyone we meet because of his unusual (for Asia), blonde hair. I explain to him that some people have never seen someone with blonde hair before, and it makes them very happy.
I want to teach my biological children (and future adopted children) to appreciate other cultures, not to deny their existence.
If children see that we are uncomfortable answering questions about those who might look different than we do, it will cause them to think that these differences are something to be ashamed about; nothing could be further from the truth!
Richard Rawson co-founded JamboKids, a new toy company with a unique line of multicultural dolls and storybooks for children to address the needs of 45% of kids under the age of 5 who are part of a minority group.
Richard and his wife adopted their daughter, Rachel, from China in 2002.
The JamboKids dolls and storybook characters represent children from a range of cultures - Asian, African, Hispanic, North American, and Russian.
The JamboKids characters have adventures that help to inspire kids to appreciate differences in culture and see a model for life skills and values.
I got the Niecey doll and book set for my children. Niecey is African-American and lives in Mississippi. In her story, Niecey’s Surprise Pie, Niecey works hard to make a special pie to put smiles on the faces of the grumpy residents of Benevolent, Mississippi!
Niecey’s Surprise Pie is a sweet, inspiring story, and the 12″ soft fabric doll is a terrific addition.
JamboKids doll and book sets give parents, grandparents, and caregivers an opportunity to cuddle up and bond with their kids while encouraging a child’s curiosity, and imagination.
JamboKids also has “A Parent’s Guide to Promoting Positive Character Growth” available online for free.
Would you like to win a JamboKids doll and book set for a the child in your life?
To enter for your chance to win, visit the JamboKids store and leave a comment here with which doll and book set you would choose and why!
One winner will be chosen at random.
This giveaway is open to US residents.
This giveaway will close on January 20, 12 midnight CST.
*Congrats to Abby!*
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10 January 2009, 7:24 am
I would have to choose the Rachel Doll from China because my niece’s name is Rachael. I think she would love hearing a story about another little girl named Rachel. They’re both about the same age, as well.
Thanks! :0)
10 January 2009, 7:48 am
I like Tilly. Actually, I like them ALL–such a great size for a doll, and they’re all so cute–I had a really hard time deciding, but went with Tilly because of her freckles, green dress, and appeal of her story.
10 January 2009, 1:05 pm
I would love the Chinese doll!
10 January 2009, 1:41 pm
jazzie is my favorite . we have a cousin with the same name and my granddaughter will love this
10 January 2009, 1:51 pm
I think my niece would like the Tilly doll because she also has red hair. Thanks for the chance.
10 January 2009, 2:13 pm
I have a biracial family, Deja has often wondered why she doesn’t have blonde hair & blue eyes like me or some of her friends. Now she goes around telling people daddy’s “jeans” were stronger than mommy’s, and that she is wearing daddy’s “jeans” because she looks Latina. For her, I’d say the Luz doll would be her pick-since it reflects the Latino Culture and Maya of Central America, where daddy is from.
10 January 2009, 2:21 pm
[...] a special adoption celebration. There are special stories from all over the web. There will be giveaways, who doesn’t love giveaways? Most important is the inspiration and support you will [...]
10 January 2009, 2:27 pm
I like the Luz Doll and Book Set because Luz likes to weave, and so do I.
10 January 2009, 4:07 pm
I love the Anya doll because I like the theme of the story book.
10 January 2009, 4:08 pm
Stumbled (andreashops)
10 January 2009, 4:08 pm
Tweeted~
http://twitter.com/simplyandreah/status/1109195926
10 January 2009, 4:09 pm
I have the adoption celebration button on my left sidebar.
10 January 2009, 4:20 pm
Niecy she looks the most like my daughter!
10 January 2009, 5:21 pm
I’d choose Luz as our daughter is a Filipino-German-Guatemalan mix and looks just like her. Her Dad is from Guatemala and we really want to teach her about her Central American roots and heritage (as well as her Asian ones).
10 January 2009, 5:28 pm
I think my daughter would enjoy the Anya Doll and Book Set. I think it would be neat for her to learn a little about Russian folklore.
10 January 2009, 5:50 pm
I know my daughter would enjoy the Tilly Doll and Book Set! A red headed Tilly doll and book for my little red headed girl.
10 January 2009, 7:44 pm
I would choose Tilly Doll and Book Set because I know my daughter would love her!
10 January 2009, 9:57 pm
“Anya” from Russia would be my choice, especailly since my friend Oksana is from Russia
10 January 2009, 10:25 pm
I’d choose Anya because that’s my neice’s name.
10 January 2009, 11:05 pm
As a adoptive mom thru foster care,we adopted our 16 yr old daughter this past may,an now my son is in the process of adopting a pair of biracial siblings,to welcome my new grandaughter to the family I love the Niecey Doll and Book Set what a perfect gift ,I cant wait,thanks
10 January 2009, 11:36 pm
I like Luz - it would be perfect for my niece
10 January 2009, 11:37 pm
http://twitter.com/valerie2350/status/1109931443
10 January 2009, 11:37 pm
button here http://sweeps4bloggers.blogspot.com/
10 January 2009, 11:40 pm
blogged here
http://sweeps4bloggers.blogspot.com/2009/01/mommosttravelled-jambo-kids-giveaway.html
11 January 2009, 12:23 am
I would love Anya. Its a country that fascinates me and my granddaughter and I can learn about her culture together. Thank you!
11 January 2009, 12:58 am
I’d choose the Tilly Doll and Book Set. Thanks.
11 January 2009, 1:07 am
wow thay are also cute and well what one would i not like you see i like them all and well i think any one of them would be nice to have for my little girl please enter me infor this thanks
11 January 2009, 2:09 am
i would choose the Tilly Doll and Book Set because my niece has red hair too.
11 January 2009, 2:36 am
Anya Doll and Book Set because she sort of looks like my niece.
11 January 2009, 2:37 am
I like them all but I guess I would choose the Niecy doll because she goes with our biracial family.
11 January 2009, 2:54 am
I think I would get Rachel for my son’s half sister who is half asian. I think anything that makes children embrace thier nationalities and the differences in them that make them the wonderful person they are should be applauded.
11 January 2009, 2:58 am
I teach kindergarten. I want all of them for my classroom!.I like Rachel & Niecey the best but I guess I’d pick Rachel.
11 January 2009, 3:24 am
I would pick the Niecey doll and book. My daughter is mixed race and I think she would relate well to the doll and story. Thanks!
11 January 2009, 3:40 am
It was very difficult to choose but after a very hard elimination I would choose Anya. I guess it’s because I like her hat and I have an aunt who came from Russia during WWII and it reminds me of her. All of them are great for teaching children racial tolerance. Purchasing the whole group would be wonderful for a child.
11 January 2009, 3:42 am
I like Tilly. I teach esl kids, so it will help to have a doll to talk to regular kids about multicultural kids.
11 January 2009, 11:48 am
Tillie doll for my granddaughter.
11 January 2009, 6:06 pm
I would choose the Rachel Doll and Book Set because we both have Chinese ancestry
*Thanks* for the giveaway!
11 January 2009, 6:07 pm
I Tweeted the giveaway :
http://twitter.com/LuckyLadybug/status/1111297249
11 January 2009, 6:07 pm
I Stumbled this post :
http://cherylfree.stumbleupon.com/favorites/
11 January 2009, 6:07 pm
I blogged about the giveaway :
http://luckyladybug.wordpress.com/bloggy-giveaways/
11 January 2009, 6:08 pm
I put the “adoption celebration” badge on my blog:
http://luckyladybug.wordpress.com/
11 January 2009, 6:14 pm
I’d get Tilly Doll and bookset because that’s the one my daughter chose.
eddiem11@ca.rr.com
11 January 2009, 6:16 pm
I would like the African American doll to remind me of the handsome first family and how they are going to make things better for the adopted and everyone else.
11 January 2009, 8:07 pm
niecey would be our choice because our son is half black/half white — its so hard to find dolls that match his skin tone and he loves to play “daddy”
autumn398 (at) yahoo.com
11 January 2009, 8:24 pm
I like Anya because it reminds me of my daughter.
11 January 2009, 9:48 pm
I would choose the Tilly Doll and book set because my niece has red hair. Thanks!
11 January 2009, 10:01 pm
I would pick Anya Doll and Book Set because I would like to give it to my neice who is 4yrs old so she could learn about other places and cultures. I know she would love the part about saving the children from the witch! Thanks for sharing!
11 January 2009, 10:06 pm
I already have your adoption celebration badge on my sidebar
11 January 2009, 10:12 pm
I just tweeted at twitter about this site and giveaway check it out
http://twitter.com/exotic1/status/1111720660
Thanks Again
11 January 2009, 10:39 pm
I would get the Rachel doll for my daughters because we are also Chinese and I think they would love to have a doll that looks Chinese.
11 January 2009, 11:02 pm
I would like the Niecey Doll for My niece. She resembles her alot.
11 January 2009, 11:24 pm
I like to celibrate diversity. I like the Jazzy Doll and book set. I think my Granddaughters would love to know more about their Uncle Darrell’s black culture.
12 January 2009, 12:11 am
My favorite is the Rachel Doll. My granddaughter would love this, enter me please.
12 January 2009, 12:18 am
I would like the Anya doll. I like the her story and she is friends with a snow leopard and she is from Russia too.
Thanks for a great giveaway.
12 January 2009, 12:22 am
Stumbled (kalikrush)
Shelley Ks last blog post..Cancer Awareness Earring Giveaway
12 January 2009, 12:26 am
I’d love to give Luz to a little one whose father grew up on an island very near the Mayan homelands.
12 January 2009, 3:12 am
I like Niecey because she is like my foster kiddies.
12 January 2009, 3:46 am
Niecey and her suprise pie sound especially cute for my little niece. I like how the doll’s name has “niece” in it. My niece enjoys baking, so I know she would enjoy the doll and book. Please enter me in your drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
12 January 2009, 4:04 am
My daughter picked the Niecey Doll and Book Set!! She says it reminds her of her best friend!!
Carla
cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com
12 January 2009, 4:04 am
Love all of them! I’d like to start my daughter on the Rachel doll from China. The story sounds wonderful and the illustrations look so beautiful.
12 January 2009, 2:29 pm
I like Anya Doll and Book Set. I’ve researched our genealogy and found that we have ancestors from the Eastern Europe area. Thanks so much. This looks like such a neat product.
Janelles last blog post..The Garden
12 January 2009, 5:53 pm
I like the Tilly Doll & Book Set
gkstratos@yahoo.com
12 January 2009, 5:59 pm
[...] Where to Enter: Mom Most Traveled [...]
12 January 2009, 6:02 pm
We love the Rachel doll and book set! One of our editors is of Chinese origin, and this would be perfect for her youngest!
12 January 2009, 6:04 pm
We’ve blogged about the giveaway here!
12 January 2009, 7:00 pm
I would love the Tilly doll and book set, because it looks like my daughter, so I know she would love it! Thanks!
12 January 2009, 8:08 pm
We want the Niecy doll because we’re Mississippi girls, too!
quitecontrary1977@hotmail.com
12 January 2009, 8:29 pm
Blogged here: http://www.brimfulcuriosities.com/2009/01/full-to-brim-kids-book-giveaway-list_12.html
Janelles last blog post..The Garden
12 January 2009, 10:22 pm
I’d choose the Rachel Doll and Book Set because we talk about China a lot in our family. I’m hoping both my kids will learn Chinese while they’re young and we can travel there as a family.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Amy B.
adennispac@yahoo.com
12 January 2009, 10:38 pm
The Tilly doll and book set looks most like my little girl!
12 January 2009, 11:04 pm
I choose the Rachel Doll and Book Set because it is probably the culture I know the least about. I can only share with my kids as much as I know.
13 January 2009, 2:58 am
i love this idea and i think my daughter would love any of these dolls, but tilly is pretty cute;)
13 January 2009, 8:45 am
They all look great, but I think I like Tilly the best. My daughter would enjoy reading her story.
13 January 2009, 10:35 am
Rachel Doll and Book Set - one because I like her story but also because my son is half Chinese and it would be a great thing to give to my niece to teach her about where her cousin’s family comes from. She really enjoys visiting with him and she is so good with my little snoogs.
13 January 2009, 11:44 am
I would choose the Niecey doll and book set because Niecey looks something like my own children!
13 January 2009, 8:08 pm
I’d like the Rachel Doll and Book Set - love the story
13 January 2009, 8:11 pm
Without hesitation I would choose the Rachel doll. My daugher, born in China, is obsessed with dragons right now. More importantly she is already, at the young age of 5, grappling with questions about her heritage and getting remarks from classmates about her skin and hair color. This would be a very timely addition to our household.
Thanks,
Vicky
vboundy@gmail.com
13 January 2009, 9:57 pm
I would love the Niecey Doll and Book Set because I love that my child would learn to see others and care for them.
13 January 2009, 9:58 pm
I twitter: http://twitter.com/calliesan/status/1116732628
13 January 2009, 10:01 pm
I have the adoption button.
14 January 2009, 1:07 am
I’d like the Tilly doll and book set because she looks a lot like my grandaughter Shayna and its such cute gift for little girls thanks.
14 January 2009, 2:06 am
I would get the Luz doll and book set. I love that she is specifically from Guatemala. My 3 year old daughter was adopted from Guatemala in 2006.
Thanks for the opportunity,
Beth
14 January 2009, 3:06 am
I would choose the Tilly doll and book set because the story seemed like one both my little ones (boy and girl)could appreciate. Plus I have a red head so I’m partial. Thanks!
14 January 2009, 4:41 am
I’d choose the Anya Doll and Book Set, which recounts eastern european and Russian tales. We are from the UK originally, but have many Russian neighbours here in the US. My son (who is 4) would love this. thanks so much.
14 January 2009, 6:44 am
I’d like the Tilly doll and book set. Thats the one my daughter chose as her favorite.
14 January 2009, 7:13 pm
i would most like to win the rachel doll set because i am chinese and ti would be ncie for my sons to learn a little about their mother’s culture
14 January 2009, 10:50 pm
I would like the Rachael Doll and book set for my great granddaughter. I believe it is not only cute but would provide a learning experience also.
15 January 2009, 12:25 am
I would pick the Tilly set for my daughter. She loves to swing so she would love the story.
15 January 2009, 3:06 am
I would love the Chinese doll!
adoption is close to my heart
15 January 2009, 4:54 am
I’d like to have the Russian. I have a close friend who’s family lives in Russia and the kids sometimes have a difficult time with the different cultures and I think this would help with adjusting.
15 January 2009, 7:05 am
I would like the Niecey Doll and Book Set-for a biracial girl.
15 January 2009, 7:07 am
I put the adoption button on my blog.
15 January 2009, 7:08 am
I tweeted. name-donnak4
15 January 2009, 9:54 pm
I’d love the Anya doll and book set for my kids - Russia is the part of the world our ancestors came from. Thanks for the chance!
16 January 2009, 2:25 am
I like Anaya.
My oldest son was adopted at birth (US Domestic). He happens to look like us, but that was not a concern for us. We *needed* a child, and he *needed* a family.
Julies last blog post..How do you teach this?
16 January 2009, 2:26 am
I’m happy to post your Adoption button (as well as your other one) on my blog.
Julies last blog post..How do you teach this?
16 January 2009, 6:18 am
What a wonderful giveaway! Have two adopted children that are always talking about diversity these dolls could be a wonderful addition to our family! The Anya doll looks wonderful…we are always thinking of adopting our 4th from Russia!
16 January 2009, 6:18 am
Added your badge to our blog!
16 January 2009, 12:07 pm
we would love these thanks so much
16 January 2009, 6:41 pm
We have a beautiful African-American little girl we adopted five years ago, and I know she would love one of these dolls. It is great to have more toys that reflect the diversity that many families have!
16 January 2009, 11:46 pm
I would choose Tilly because my daughter would love the Tilly and the Songbird story!
17 January 2009, 3:50 am
I’d pick the Anya Doll and Book Set, looks like a great story.
Ginnys last blog post..Cozi ~ Making my life easier in 2009
17 January 2009, 3:51 am
stumbled ~ momof2ballerinas
Ginnys last blog post..Cozi ~ Making my life easier in 2009
17 January 2009, 5:14 am
I would love to get the Rachel Doll and Book Set for my granddaughter. I worked in China last year and loved the country and the people. What a great way to explain to my granddaugter about this culture!
17 January 2009, 7:25 am
I would pick the Luz doll and book for my 3 year old granddaughter as she is part Hispanic
17 January 2009, 3:49 pm
Tilley is adorable - looks just like someone I know!!
17 January 2009, 3:50 pm
i subscribe
18 January 2009, 3:51 am
I pick Anya Doll because my husband is Russian.
18 January 2009, 12:57 pm
It was a hard choice but I think the one I would go for is the Rachel doll and book. I think my daughter would be drawn to her. Plus it would be a great opportunity to teach her about another culture.
18 January 2009, 2:02 pm
All are wonderful but I’d select Anya.
18 January 2009, 2:35 pm
I would like to win Anya Doll and Book Set, BECAUSE there are about 3 Russian student s in our huge elementary school system with NO translator and no one understand their culture. I think the book could be used to help the children relate better. Does it fix the school system, NO. Sadly, we are in a very wealthy school disctrict, so there is no excuse.
I speak Russian, but do not have a teaching degree in it, so I cannot “help”. So, when I saw this, I thought at least the younger kids would have a chance at understanding.
Jennifers last blog post..Quotable Sunday #3
18 January 2009, 2:39 pm
Dugg It (jkindred3)
Jennifers last blog post..Quotable Sunday #3
18 January 2009, 2:41 pm
Stumbled It (jkindred3)
Jennifers last blog post..Quotable Sunday #3
18 January 2009, 2:44 pm
Your Adoption Celebration button is on my blog.
Jennifers last blog post..Quotable Sunday #3
18 January 2009, 2:45 pm
Fav’d on Technorati (knittingmomof3)
Jennifers last blog post..Quotable Sunday #3
18 January 2009, 11:11 pm
The Anya doll and book would be perfect for our family.
19 January 2009, 12:52 am
I would choose the Anya Doll for my daughter, there are several Russian children in her kindergarten class and it will allow her to learn a little about where they came from.
19 January 2009, 4:58 am
my lil one likes the cute Anya Doll and Book Set the best. it resembles her the most and the mythical story sounds fun!
19 January 2009, 12:22 pm
Tilly Doll and Book Set because my youngest has red hair and she would like a doll who looks like her!
19 January 2009, 12:25 pm
I have your button on my blog: Here
mommyhoodisthankless{AT}gmail.com
19 January 2009, 12:30 pm
I blogged about this giveaway: Here
mommyhoodisthankless{AT}gmail.com
19 January 2009, 12:33 pm
I stumbled your giveaway
Username: wastebasketsa
mommyhoodisthankless{AT}gmail.com
19 January 2009, 12:36 pm
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/wastebasket/statuses/1130307209
username: wastebasket
19 January 2009, 1:57 pm
I would love the Rachel Doll and Book Set. I am adopting a baby girl from China later this year. This would be excellent in helping teach her more about her culture/heritage!
19 January 2009, 4:51 pm
I like Luz . Thanks for the chance to win.
19 January 2009, 5:06 pm
I would chose the LUZ doll because my daughter is a quarter Hispanic - I am half Mexican - and I have an aunt named Luz! I think that these dolls are a great way for all kids to learn about different cultures.
19 January 2009, 7:25 pm
Tilly
19 January 2009, 9:44 pm
I like the Rachel Doll and Book Set…reminds me of my niece who would love this!
19 January 2009, 11:43 pm
I like the Rachel doll & book set. She looks like my niece & I’d give it to her for her Birthday.
20 January 2009, 12:57 am
Tilly looks like my niece Hannah!
20 January 2009, 3:43 am
I love the Jazzie Doll since my husband is from Africa, i would love my children to have a way to feel more connected to their family overseas. these are great!
sarah bs last blog post..more photos of washington
20 January 2009, 4:02 am
I like the Anya doll.
20 January 2009, 5:15 am
I would love the Tilly doll and book set! I love the story idea that she’s transported to a forest and befriends a songbird! Cute!
20 January 2009, 5:44 am
I think I like Tilly. She is a gorgeous little red headed girl. We have a little neighbor girl with bright red hair, and I would LOVE to be able to give this to her.
20 January 2009, 6:11 am
I like the Racheal doll and book set! Thank you!!
20 January 2009, 3:27 pm
My daughters would love Tilly because she looks like their cousin.
20 January 2009, 3:47 pm
I would choose the Rachel doll and book set. The doll is beautiful and I love China’s history, heritage and culture.
20 January 2009, 4:19 pm
I would have to pick the Anya doll - very cute, love the concept with the book.
sweeps4us@gmail.com
20 January 2009, 5:04 pm
the Tilly doll is such a sweetie.. but I love them all
20 January 2009, 6:48 pm
I would choose the Anya Doll and Book Set. My kids could have alot of fun learning about Russian folklore, something they dont know much about.
20 January 2009, 9:08 pm
I would pick niecey because I have a feeling she would most closely resemble my little one once she’s born. Though I think I’d purchase all of them so she could learn about all kinds of different cultures.
20 January 2009, 9:37 pm
I’d choose Tilly - I love her freckles and I love the description of the story about her and the Songbird!
20 January 2009, 10:04 pm
Rachel. Like Rachel, my daughter was adopted from China too.
20 January 2009, 10:31 pm
I would love the Nicey doll & book. Her story sounds so sweet & I think my son would really enjoy the book & the doll.
Thanks!
ericbrooks75(at)yahoo(dot)com
20 January 2009, 11:38 pm
My niece would love the Tilly doll
21 January 2009, 1:20 am
I want the Rachel doll and book for my son and Chinese-American daughter-in-law’s upcoming child.
21 January 2009, 2:33 am
I like the Anya doll. You usually do not find very many things describing the Russina culture. I like to learn and teach about different cultures
21 January 2009, 3:12 am
I think my daughter would enjoy Tilly!
21 January 2009, 3:12 am
I’d choose the Rachel Doll and Book Set because she looks like my youngest daughter.
21 January 2009, 3:16 am
My fave is the Rachel Doll and Book Set, my daughter would enjoy reading about an adventure in China!
21 January 2009, 3:25 am
I so love the Jazzie Doll and Book Set!! So magically perfect for my darling goddaughter who who loves jazz with a passion! : )))
Thanks so much for this fabulous give~away! : )))
leahita[at]gmail[dot]com
21 January 2009, 3:25 am
I stumbled this give~away! : )))
http://leahita.stumbleupon.com/
leahita[at]gmail[dot]com
21 January 2009, 3:26 am
And, I TWITTERED about this give~away…….user name: leahita.
http://twitter.com/leahita/status/1135323258
leahita[at]gmail[dot]com
21 January 2009, 3:41 am
Those are cute dolls. I think my granddaughter would like Tilly. Thanks for having the contest.
21 January 2009, 4:17 am
Tilley Doll And Book set
21 January 2009, 5:15 am
Tilley Doll And Book set
ty 4 the awesome giveaway and entry
21 January 2009, 7:46 am
I would choose the Anya Doll and Book Set because it sounds very interesting!