Children's Books
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SCBWI SoCal Authors & Illustrators at the LA Festival of Books 2026
The LA Times Festival of Books 2026 is almost here, and SCBWI Southern California is bringing together an incredible lineup of children’s book authors and illustrators for a full weekend of storytelling, book signings, and community. I’m so excited to be attending for the first time with my picture book, Bea’s Balikbayan Box of Treasures. If you’re attending the Los Angeles Festival of Books at USC (April 18–19, 2026), be sure to stop by Booth 826 in the Green Zone, where a rotating group of SCBWI SoCal creators will be signing books and meeting readers throughout the weekend. This is a wonderful opportunity to: Meet Me at Booth 826 — Saturday, April 18 (10 AM–12 PM) I’ll be…
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Bea Book Launch Updates + Swag Pack info!
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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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Book Review: Pedro and Daniel by Federico Erebia
I’m so honored to have received a digital ARC copy of PEDRO AND DANIEL by Federico Erebia. I read a lot, and in recent years there’s not been a book that’s touched my heart quite the same way as Pedro and Daniel. Pedro and Daniel releases June 6th, 2023, and is now available for pre-order! Please consider pre-ordering his book if you’d like to help support Federico and his debut. Other ways you can support Federico is by: A) Adding Pedro and Daniel to your ‘want to read’ list on Goodreads. B) Put in a library request at your local library. C) Add Pedro and Daniel to an Amazon wish list! D)…
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Bea Book Launch Updates + Swag Pack info!
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Grow Your Writing Resource: KidLit Podcasts
Do you spend considerable time in your car, out and about, or on the go? I spend extensive time daily in the school pick-up line or walking around the school. My children get out 45 minutes apart, and parking is a little daily dance of making sure you park on the right side of the road, so you don’t get stuck in traffic later on your way out. How do I best make use of my waiting time? Well, of course, writing is always my first choice, but sometimes it flows; other times, it just doesn’t. What I’ve found super helpful during these times is listening to podcasts. But how…
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Introducing my Kid Lit Pitch Pie FREE resource
I’ve been a member of writing Twitter since 2010 and have participated in dozens of pitch events. But you know how long it took before I got my first heart? Ten years!! In 2021, I received my first ❤️ during PBPitch from a wonderful and kind agent. I submitted my story right away, and she requested several additional manuscripts! That’s when a buzz filled my heart and spoke to me, saying — this is possible! I began honing my pitch writing skills, learning more about the process, and dove right in. I studied successful pitches and trends during events and entered another pitch event. Four hearts this time and 7…
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Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2023 || Book Review: Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athlete by Mia Wenjen
Ten years in, MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves continues. Read about our Mission & History HERE. I’m so honored to be a book reviewer this year, and to share my #gifted book CHANGING THE GAME: ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN FEMALE ATHLETE by Mia Wenjen with you! #readyourworld A little about the book: CHANGING THE GAME: ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN FEMALE ATHLETE by Mia Wenjen shines a spotlight on seventeen Asian American female athlete trailblazers who attained high levels of success despite setbacks such as poverty, gender stereotypes, and racism. The book is an inspirational stepping…
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Bea Book Launch Updates + Swag Pack info!
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Picture Book Review: Cow Says Meow by Kirsti Call | Read this one out loud!
Cow Says Meow Author: Kirsti Call Illustrator: Brandon James Scott I had the pleasure of reversing Kirsti Call’s latest picture book “Cow Says Meow.” Here is the book blurb on the back cover: Read this zany picture book full of mixed-up animal sounds out loud. Fun puns and wordplay will have readers mooing, neighing, and clucking, and even laughing with every page turn. I feel the key phrase in that blurb is read out loud. Because it’s true, when you read it out loud, especially to a three year old and six year old, a special kind of magic happens. You will laugh, and you will have little readers joining…
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Epic! App for Kids: The netflix for children’s books and research gold for writers
Raise your hand if you have young children? Now keep your hand raised if you also like to write books for children? Still have your hand in the air? Then you NEED to try Epic! An amazing app available on apple and android smart devices. They have thousands of children’s ebook titles available, and are adding more each day including huge, mega popular titles and characters such as “Ramona”, “Peter Rabbit” and “Where the Wild Things Are.” Here’s what my evenings look like now that we have Epic in our home. First, I set up a profile for my daughter and I to read together. Her current favorite books include “Old MacDonald’s Letter Farm”, “Duck Goes…
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Picture Book research at Barnes and Noble
This past sunday, I was able to get out and do something I haven’t done in quite awhile! I walked into a yummy book-scented Barnes and Noble complete with a cd section ala Blockbuster Music, and headed to read some popular picture books! Of course, whenever I pass anything that might of interest to my little one, I get distracted. I mean, come on, what 22 month old wouldn’t enjoy a soft barnyard full of chickens, ducks, cows, and pigs? Then again, maybe it delighted me just as much! I finally made my way to the picture book section, and pulled out these five fun stories — and devoured them!…
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First Year Favorite Books
My daughter and I have shared many great reads this past year, but some certainly stand out. Here’s some of our favorites! 1. Ten Little Ladybugs by Melanie Gerth When my daughter was very young, she loved staring at the bright colors, and as she grew more aware she loved rubbing her tiny fingers over the ladybug shapes and into each of the holes in the pages. This book is still one of her favorites. 2. Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by James Dean Not exactly the typical baby book, this one my daughter loves due to the repetition, and sing-songy tone used when reading it aloud. It…
