Pardon me if this post is a more of a mess than usual since I’m trying to do this on my phone! May You Love and Be Loved: Wishes for Your Life by Cleo Wade My rating: 4 of 5 stars Its sweet positive message would make this a perfect birthday, graduation or baby shower gift. Two Homes, One Heart by Jessica Young My rating: 3 of 5 stars A sweet gentle look about a child transitioning living in two homes after the parent’s divorce. Maybe this would be good for parents too to make sure they’re civil around one another for the child(ren)’s sake even if not to the extent depicted here. Riley Re ..read more

There’s No Such Thing as Vegetables by Kyle Lukoff My rating: 4 of 5 stars This notion of vegetables not being a real thing seems to be having a moment and Kyle Lukoff manages to add to it in a hilarious and brilliant way that also manages to make a commentary on social constructs. Bye Land, Bye Sea by René Spencer My rating: 4 of 5 stars Two kids who speak different languages find themselves having to rely on one another in this unique and adventurous picture book. The illustrations really add to the storytelling. Marley’s Pride by Joëlle Retener My rating: 4 of 5 stars I love that there’s m ..read more

In 2024, I’ve read 143 books so far. The breakdown is: 9- Adult novels 1- Adult non-fiction 20- Graphic novels 23- Middle Grade novels 83- Picture Books and Board Books 6- Young Adult novels of which 20- Nonfiction Picture Books 18- Audio Books 11- Books by Filipino Authors and/or Illustrators 25- Books by LGBTQ+ Authors and/or Illustrators Kailani’s Gift by Dorina K. Lazo Gilmore-Young My rating: 4 of 5 stars As Kailani’s Lolo and Lola’s golden anniversary approaches, she wants to join her siblings in dancing Tinikling but she discovers it’such harder than it looks. Even with the help fro ..read more

Built to Last by Minh Lê My rating: 4 of 5 stars Will tug at your heartstrings. Fun story about creativity and not giving up when what you create doesn’t go as planned. Also, a beautiful story about friendship through the years. Signs of Hope: The Revolutionary Art of Sister Corita Kent by Mara Rockliff My rating: 4 of 5 stars A visually stunning picture book about Sister Corita Kent and her unique way of seeing the world. The Amazing Beasts of Philippine Mythology: When You Have to Say: “Excuse Me, Mister Monster Sir!” by The Ang Ink Artists Collective My rating: 4 of 5 stars A collection of ..read more

Blogging this year has been difficult for some reason even though I’ve decided to do it only every other week. This was coming from being able to do a weekly post consistently all of last year. But, last year, I think I also decided not to write about my personal life (not that I had much to write about) or my goals so maybe I feel like I haven’t been connecting as much as I want in this platform. But I love this (IMWAYR) community and I love talking about books so I think I’ll go back to sharing more of myself on here. Even typing that up has been sort of therapeutic and I did remember that ..read more

In 2024, I’ve read 113 books so far. The breakdown is: 7- Adult novels 1- Adult non-fiction 18- Graphic novels 14- Middle Grade novels 67- Picture Books and Board Books 6- Young Adult novels of which 15- Nonfiction Picture Books 15- Audio Books 7- Books by Filipino Authors and/or Illustrators 22- Books by LGBTQ+ Authors and/or Illustrators Our Nipa Hut: A Story in the Philippines by Rachell Abalos My rating: 4 of 5 stars Readers who enjoyed Virginia Lee Burton’s The Little House and Phoebe Wahl’s The Blue House will want to pick up Our Nipa Hut as the dwelling is as much of a character as the ..read more

Exactly as Planned by Tao Nyeu My rating: 4 of 5 stars Reversible books seem to be a trend nowadays. In this one, two friends are about to meet up but they each encounter a series of obstacles that changes the result of their get together. Wherever You Go by Alexandra Penfold My rating: 4 of 5 stars Someone Just Like You by Helen Docherty My rating: 4 of 5 stars Kind of like a mash up of Bodies Are Cool and This Is How We Do It, this inclusive picture books promotes empathy by showing what we may have in common from those who may not look like us. This would make a perfect baby shower or grad ..read more

In 2024, I’ve read 74 books so far. The breakdown is: 5- Adult novels 0- Adult non-fiction 17- Graphic novels 7- Middle Grade novels 40- Picture Books and Board Books 5- Young Adult novels of which 14- Nonfiction Picture Books 8- Audio Books 5- Books by Filipino Authors and/or Illustrators 17- Books by LGBTQ+ Authors and/or Illustrators Hooray for She, He, Ze, and They!: What Are Your Pronouns Today? by Lindz Amer My rating: 4 of 5 stars This was a refreshingly exuberant way to talk about pronouns and finding the one(s) that’ll fit. Hilo Book 10: Rise of the Cat: by Judd Winick My rating: 4 o ..read more

What’s New, Daniel? by Micha Archer My rating: 4 of 5 stars Readers will once again enjoy seeing and experiencing the world through Daniel’s eyes this time prompted by a simple question. Finding Papa by Angela Pham Krans My rating: 3 of 5 stars Based on the author’s personal experiences, this beautiful story of resilience and family will resonate with many readers. The illustrations are gorgeous. Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo My rating: 4 of 5 stars I decided to read this because we were having a Grandparents Day Celebration at work. This was a super touching story about a boy visiting ..read more

In 2024, I’ve read 38 books so far. The breakdown is: 3- Adult novels 0- Adult non-fiction 9- Graphic novels 2- Middle Grade novels 24- Picture Books and Board Books 0- Young Adult novels of which 7- Nonfiction Picture Books 2- Audio Books 3- Books by Filipino Authors and/or Illustrators 4- Books by LGBTQ+ Authors and/or Illustrators I reread the Amulet series to fully appreciate the final book in the series. Here were my quick reviews: #1: The Stonekeeper- Still memorable as I recall how intense the series starts with a car accident. Immediately exciting and cinematic, especially the final s ..read more