• Author Events,  Book Reviews,  Children's Books,  Children's Literature

    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)…

  • Author Events,  Book Reviews,  Children's Books,  Children's Literature

    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…

  • Picture Book,  Writer's Conferences

    Picture Book Review: A Balloon for Isabel

    Sometimes there are books that touch my heart so much, I can’t help but review them. A Balloon for Isabel  by Deborah Underwood is one of these books. Here are a few reasons why I love this book. 1) It has a clever, witty plot and is an all around fun read. 2) The main character is an adorable little girl named, Isabel. She also happens to be a porcupine who wants a balloon, and for obvious reasons can’t have one. Brilliant. 3) It’s filled with vibrant, colorful illustrations. 4) Isabel’s best friend is Walter. His Dad owns a candy shop. But what does Walter love? Broccoli, of course. What…

  • Book Reviews,  Children's Books

    Fairies on the brain: A book review and book trailer

    It’s no secret that I’m a little obsessed with fantasy books. One of my favorite types of fantasy characters to read about are fairies. Give me evil fairies, quirky fairies, invisible fairies, or MC’s that are part fairy (like Sookie Stackhouse) and I am instantly intrigued. My latest read was Justine Larbelstier’s How to Ditch Your Fairy. This book fulfilled my fairy craving and thensome! It is a quick read, centered around a teen girl who is trying to ditch her parking fairy in lieu of something better — like the clothes-shopping fairy her best friend has. I love how Larbelstier’s pulls you into a world where fairies exist (or…

  • Book Reviews,  Young Adult Fiction

    Book Review: The Hunger Games

    I have recently finished The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins. I’ve seen these books on bestseller lists for quite some time, but whenever I read the synopsis for the first book I couldn’t envision myself getting into it. In my younger days I loved horror and had no problem with watching or reading about gory situations or war. But I  have to confess — I’ve grown to be a bit squeamish. One particular quote from School Library Journal made me hesitatant to read it: “Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their…

  • Book Reviews

    Book Review: 2011 Children’s Writer and Illustrator’s Market

    I have been absent from the blogosphere for about two weeks now, sorry Readers. It has been an insanely busy two weeks! I made it through the first two weeks of school and a weekend trip to San Luis Obispo for the Central Coast Writer’s Conference (more to come on the conference soon!). Our drive for the trip was a total of 10 hours in one weekend. I have also spent this last week trying my hand at queries/manuscript submissions, which has been quite a challenging, yet enjoyable ride thus far. During my free times in the evenings I have been avidly reading, writing, and researching. One of my current…