Personally, we always start the summer off with good intentions and high hopes. I generally take my kids to the bookstore to get them excited to read. With close monitoring and a lot of reminding, my kids generally make it halfway to their summer reading goal. It’s that last month of summer when the reading…
Author: Pragmatic Mom
How To Write a Great College Application Essay
It’s that time of year for rising high school seniors to get started on their Common App application, particularly The Common App essay! I’m sure it’s on your child’s To-Do list, just like it is on mine. But where to get started? How to write an essay that shines? Is buying a sample from essay writing service an option?…
Tempura and Chankonabe & SWAG Giveaway!
This is Andrea Wang’s and my fourth installment of our Asian Culture Series. Today, we are talking oodles of noodles! Asian Culture and KidLit series with Andrea Wang September 2018: Cover Reveal! Andrea’s MAGIC RAMEN: The Story of Momofuku Ando February 2019: Cover Reveal! Mia’s Sumo Joe April 2019: Sumo, Ramen Noodles & Chinese Connection June 2019: Tempura and Chankonabe (and how…
11 Picture Books for Kids to Discuss Big Emotions
I’ve received a pile of new, great picture books that deal with feelings that formed the basis for this booklist. When I think of emotions and kids, the book that pops into my mind is When Sophie Gets Angry, Really, Really Angry. It’s a picture book with illustrations that explode with emotion makes it especially…
Sumo Joe Reviewed in Publishers Weekly!
Sumo Joe was reviewed in Publishers Weekly! Sumo Joe Mia Wenjen, illus. by Nat Iwata. Lee & Low, $18.95 (40p) ISBN 978-1-62014-802-0 A sister eagerly wakes her big yet gentle older brother, “Sumo Joe.” As the girl leaves, Joe welcomes two friends to “practice sumo!” in “the ring” (pillows in a circle), each wrapped in…
64 Physical and Developmental Challenge Books for Kids
I’m creating the book list for Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2020 Classroom Kit: Understand and celebrate our differences. We’ve replaced our previous title, “Understanding and Celebrating People with Disabilities,” after learning that this isn’t the correct language. I have children’s books and resource links for: ADHD Allergies Anxiety/Separation Anxiety Asthma Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Cancer…
My Son’s Drawing Class at MassArt Xtreme Week!
My oldest did the same art class, Xtreme Week, at Mass College of Art and Design a few years ago. She thought her little brother would like it so I got him to agree and signed it up. Secretly, it was also to help regulate his bedtime. He’s been staying up way too late this…







