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The History of the Balikbayan Box: How Filipino Families Send Love Across the Ocean
If you’ve ever seen a large cardboard box packed with snacks, gifts, clothing, and small treasures headed to the Philippines, you’ve likely seen a balikbayan box. But what exactly does balikbayan mean—and how did this beloved tradition begin? What Does “Balikbayan” Mean? The word balikbayan comes from two Filipino words: Together, the word refers to someone returning home to the Philippines. Over time, the term also came to represent the care packages sent by Filipino families living abroad. These large boxes are filled with gifts, everyday necessities, and favorite treats, sent across the ocean to loved ones in the Philippines. But the balikbayan box is more than just a package. It’s a powerful symbol of family, connection,…
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Big News for Bea: Best Book Award 2025 and Features
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Creator Interview: Kimberly Horch on Finding Joy in Children’s Book Writing
Welcome to the #GrowYourWriting 2026 Creator Interviews blog series. I’m thrilled to feature talented kidlit creators this year and spotlight their beautiful work and inspiring journeys. I’m so excited to introduce our March featured creator, Kimberly Horch. Kimberly is is truly an inspiration. I’ve had the honor of sharing a debut group with her and she is not only a talented creator but an amazing cheerleader as well! I’m so thrilled to share her story with you today! Kimberly Horch is an author and a self-proclaimed agent of joy. She runs the kindness-focused instagram @thedaybrighteningcommittee. She started writing for her 5 kids, and finds inspiration in their antics daily. Every…
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Big News for Bea: Best Book Award 2025 and Features
Bea’s Balikbayan Box of Treasures written by me, illustrated by Dream Chen and published by Free Spirit Publishing toppled into the world in August 19, 2025. I am so honored to share that her story has resonated with readers, reviewers, educators and librarians. I’m thrilled to share all the places where Bea has been recognized and featured. Award Announcement I’m humbled and overjoyed to share that Bea’s Balikbayan Box of Treasures is a 2025 Best Book Award Winner, presented by American Book Fest. I’m deeply grateful for the support of educators, librarians, reviewers, and families who have embraced Bea’s story. Official 2025 Best Book Award press release As Featured in… Bea’s Balikbayan…
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Bea Book Launch Updates + Swag Pack info!
It’s an exciting season here, and I’m thrilled to share everything that’s blossoming in the world of Bea’s Balikbayan Box of Treasures!I have a very important update to share regarding the launch date. Due to unforeseen circumstances the official release date has been pushed back from July 15th, 2025 to August 19th, 2025. If you have preordered, you may have received an email notification from your vendor notifying you of this change. Just as Bea had to wait for her balikbayan box to arrive to her family abroad, Bea’s story will take a little longer to make her way out to all of you! As a thank you for all your…
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#GrowYourWriting Creator Interview: Alison McGauley
Welcome to the #GrowYourWriting 2025 Creator Interviews blog series. I’m thrilled to feature talented kidlit creators this year and spotlight their beautiful work and inspiring journeys. I’m so excited to introduce our May featured creator, Alison McGauley. Alison is is truly an inspiration. I’m so grateful ro have her as a friend and critique partner as we navigate this giant KidLit jigsaw puzzle together. Alison is a special education teacher and the author of Kenzie’s Little Tree (Orca Book Publishers), illustrated by Emilie Leduc. As a chronic illness warrior, Alison is passionate about writing stories that speak to children and caregivers who are impacted by illness or disability. She also…
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#GrowYourWriting Creator Interview: Suzanne Elson
Welcome to the #GrowYourWriting 2025 Creator Interviews blog series. I’m thrilled to feature talented kidlit creators this year and spotlight their beautiful work and inspiring journeys. Our April featured creator is Suzanne Elson. Suzanne’s debut Middle Grade Haunted Pond (Oh MG! Press) debuted in March 2025. Suzanne’s debut picture book, Calm Down Counting (DCCED) also launched in March 2025, in both English and French. Suzanne’s twenty-plus year career as an ESL teacher has allowed for an easy transition to classroom visits. Happily married for over thirty years, with three adult sons and two beautiful grandbabies, (and one more on the way!), Suzanne’s passion for camping remains undiminished. Born in Scotland,…
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#SpringFlingKidLit 2025 Entry: SUNFLOWER SUPERHEROES
SUNFLOWER SUPERHEROES By Christine Alemshah [WC: 143] I’m sure you know all about sunflowers.How they start as itty bitty seeds and grow, grow, grow — even taller than you sometimes!And that their seeds are tasty snacks for birds, critters, and humans!If I’m honest, they’re more like salty cases with crunchy nuggets inside that become perfect projectiles for —Phooey – puh!Right.Where were we?The good part!Did you know sunflowers can be secret superheroes for our Earth?Picture this:A place where the soil is toxic and nothing will grow.It’s not safe for animals, plants, or humans.How can an area like this thrive?Scatter seeds across barren Earth.Add waterand sunshine,and sunflowers will grow, grow, grow.They soak…
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#GrowYourWriting Creator Interview: Leslie Eva Tayloe
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#GrowYourWriting Creator Interview: Cynthia Mackey
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#GrowYourWriting Participant Journey Series: Author, S. J. Barratt
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