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 Box of Treasures has been highlighted by many respected voices in the fields of children’s literature, education, and community storytelling. I’m grateful for the thoughtful recognition and support that has helped Bea’s story reach a broad audience. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to share a story filled with love, imagination, connection, and the Filipino Balikbayan box tradition with a generation of young readers!
Editorial Reviews
“This gentle story, informative and appealing in equal measure, celebrates a loving tradition that links family and friends across great distances . . . a touching story, replete with cultural detail and built-in curricular extensions.”― School Library Journal
“A touching celebration of cultural identity and familial connection . . . a welcome addition to everyone’s bookshelf.” ― Readers’ Favorite
Bea in the spotlight
Featured by I’m Your Neighbor Books, a platform dedicated to inclusive stories that foster empathy, belonging, and cultural understanding.
Bea’s Balikbayan Box of Treasures is featured in the Children’s Book Council (CBC) book listings, a trusted resource for educators, librarians, and families.
