It is such an honor to win the California Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award for Fortune Cookies for Everyone! Fortune Cookies for Everyone! (Smithsonian): The Surprising Story of the Tasty Treat We Love to Eat by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Colleen Kong-Savage, and published by Red Comet Press An investigative picture book which cracks the…
My publisher sits on the Board of USBBY, and this year the semi-annual event was in Boston. This meant that we had a lot of time to hang out together, along with the other authors that are part of the Red Comet Press family. I caught some of the activities here: Pinch me! I’m meeting…
Barbed Wire Between Us makes Kirkus’ Spring 2026 Preview: Must-Read Children’s Books Mia Wenjen’s picture book Barbed Wire Between Us (Red Comet Press, March 31), illustrated by Violeta Encarnación, intertwines the stories of Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II and of young Latine immigrants imprisoned after attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border in recent…
The CDC reports that alcohol stands as the primary substance that young Americans misuse most frequently. In 2023, 22% of all the high school students surveyed reported alcohol intake during the previous month. Alcohol consumption leads to two dangerous effects, which include dizziness and impaired coordination. Your health will face further risks that extend beyond…
MacDowell is an artist’s residency program in Peterborough, New Hampshire. The program was founded in 1907 by composer Edward MacDowell and his wife, pianist and philanthropist Marian MacDowell. When our oldest daughter texted, screaming as one can do via text, that she and her business partner had both received a MacDowell Fellowship, I knew it…
Mark your calendars for the 3rd Annual Newton Children’s Book Festival 2026! We have a NEW location! It’s bigger and has a lot more parking! It’s also accessible via an elevator. This year, we will all be in one big room! Date Sunday, November 15th, 2026 11 am to 3 pm Snow date None…
I’m excited to announce the release of my newest picture book, scheduled for October 13, 2026. I struggled for a long time to write a picture book biography about Yuri Kochiyama. Most people haven’t heard of her. She preferred to help in the background and not be front and center. Most people have heard of…