December 3, 2019 I have nothing but good memories of your mom. I was new to LA in the mid-1950’s and started working for the Air Force on Maple Street and met Rose there; we worked in different departments but on the same floor. I remember having many Friday-after-work Mexican dinners at El Cholo. We…
Our recent trip to Kauai was filled with outdoor activities like the beach, fishing, and hiking to beautiful spots, but I was glad of a few teachable moments for my kids to learn about Native Hawaiian culture. Interestingly, this Native Hawaiian was charged with commercial vending for these presentations. “A Native Hawaiian charged with…
I’ve been busy helping my co-author of How to Coach Girls, Alison Foley, start her own business, Foley Athletic Advising. My daughters and I helped her launch her company, on New Year’s Eve this past year. At Foley Athletic Advising, we offer comprehensive on-field training, skill evaluation, and recruiting advising. On the field, we work…
I’m excited that Sumo Joe has been reviewed by BookList as well as Publisher’s Weekly and Kirkus Reviews! Booklist Online Exclusive: May 24, 2019 Sumo Joe. By Mia Wenjen. Illus. by Nat Iwata 2019. 40p. Lee & Low, $18.95 (9781620148020). Gr. 1–3 Looking suitably round and solid in Iwata’s simply drawn domestic scenes, gentle Joe…
Thank you to Boise Paper for sponsoring this post! There’s something that might make you a superhero to someone. You could literally save their life by donating blood. Did you know that the American Red Cross has a Missing Types campaign, now in its second year, to inspire new blood donors to roll up a…
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…
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…