This month I’m collaborating with fellow children’s book authors and featuring a series called “Why Representation Matters in Children’s Literature.” Each week, I’ll be sharing a guest essay by one of my favorite children’s book authors on this topic culminating with a book giveaway. Today I'm excited to welcome my friend Xochitl to the blog. [...] Keep Reading
General
Mosaic Voices: Why representation matters in children’s literature and beyond
This month I'm collaborating with fellow children's book authors and featuring a series called "Why Representation Matters in Children's Literature." Each week, I'll be sharing a guest essay by one of my favorite children's book authors on this topic culminating with a book giveaway. Please share and let us know your own thoughts on this topic in [...] Keep Reading
Nobody wants to be part of that club
My oldest daughter and I snuck into the back of the church just before the memorial service started. She asked me to go with her to support one of her classmates, whose dad had died several months earlier while out for a jog. Because of the pandemic, the family had waited to host this celebration of his life so more people could attend. We [...] Keep Reading
Pandemic lessons: When hospitality is more than entertaining
My daughters gather at the stove giggling and chatting. The familiar fragrances of garlic, oregano, and basil permeate the air. The girls take turns swirling the ruby red tomato sauce and meatballs in the big pot with a wooden spoon. “Be careful with my meatballs,” Nana Maria chides playfully. “You don’t want to break any of them up.” My [...] Keep Reading
Summer’s heating up: Check out our Family Summer Reading List 2021
One of our favorite ways to relax during the hot days of summer is to read. Our family of five likes to read in all different genres. Sometimes we read books out loud together and sometimes we read solo by the pool, in our bedrooms, on the airplane, or any place. The beauty of reading is that even if you can’t go on some exotic vacation or you [...] Keep Reading
Mentoring friends: The power of “going with” them
Yazmin lingered in the pews at the back of our church sanctuary, chatting with a friend as she bounced her baby boy, who was just a couple of months old at the time. I knew her from our mom’s group and as a leader in our church’s Spanish service and youth group. I had just finished emceeing a two-day conference on the theme of discipleship, and [...] Keep Reading