French fries are not from France?! They actually originated in Belgium. French fries are also what the British call “chips”, as in “Fish and Chips.” And, surprise! Fish and Chips came from the Portuguese Jews who were fleeing the Portuguese Inquisition. In fact, Thomas Jefferson, who went to France during the Revolution War also stopped…
Author: Pragmatic Mom
OCA Reads: A Virtual Conversation with Mia Wenjen
I’m thrilled to be doing a virtual event with OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates. OCA Reads: A Virtual Conversation with Mia Wenjen May 22 at 8 pm EST Register at bit.ly/ocareads2025. Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with us on Thursday, May 22 from 8:00–9:15 PM ET with a virtual…
Book Announcement: A Place to Call Home! {and a new title …}
I am thrilled to announce my newest picture book, A Place To Call Home, illustrated by Mary Atwood and published by Tilbury House Publishers, an imprint of Sleeping Bear Press. This rhyming picture book explores sustainable homes from around the world. Publication is now scheduled for Spring 2026. We are in the process of coming…
22 Children’s Books to Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month
Thank you to my friend Jany for creating this list in celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month! p.s. Here is one more: A Ring for a King by Martha Seif Simpson, illustrated by D. Yael Berhard King Solomon is weary, and his cupbearer, a young boy named Ezra, wants to help. They both seek words…
FOOD FOR THE FUTURE makes Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction!
I found this from author Sarah Albee on Facebook and saw that Food for the Future made the Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction too! Congrats to all the book creators on this list! p.s. Related posts: New! Food for the Future Activity and Discussion Guide! Food for…
Today is My Book Birthday for The Traveling Taco & 10 Book GIVEAWAY!
Today is my book birthday for The Traveling Taco! To celebrate, I’m giving away 10 signed copies! Please fill out the Rafflecopter at the bottom to enter! The Traveling Taco by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong An exploration of the history of kids’ favorite foods from around the world From pizza to pasta…
7 Train Books to get Young Readers on the Right Track + GIVEAWAY!
Please welcome my guest author today, Marsha Diane Arnold. Her newest book is about a steam engine train, and she has a list of 7 Train Books to get Young Readers on the Right Track! We are giving away a copy of Big Boy 4014 and the Steam Team. To enter, please fill out the…