We are huge Samurai X fans and we still watch its re-runs at a local kids’ channel. We absolutely love Kenshin and enjoy watching his adventures with his friends over and over. {Hint: there is also an English-dubbed version available on Netflix 
}. Of course, it would be awesome to read about his story, too. Good thing my sister has copies of these manga so this mum does not need to buy her own copy! 
Mum Reads: Stargirl By Jerry Spinelli
This is the 7th book I read for my 2019 Reading Challenge. I have actually read this a decade ago while I was pregnant with my little man. One of my preggy friends recommended the book and lent me her copy. I remember loving the book back then. Must be why I cannot pass up on the chance to have my own copy when I saw that my favorite Facebook book shop is selling it.
The best time to catch up on my reading is when my little man was too busy enjoying himself in the water. I was able to finish it in a day, while watching my little swimmer from the pool side. 
Here is a brief synopsis from Goodreads:
Stargirl. She’s as magical as the desert sky. As strange as her pet rat. As mysterious as her own name. And she captures Leo Borlock’s heart with just one smile.
But when the students of Mica High turn on Stargirl for everything that makes her different, Leo urges her to become the very that can destroy her: normal. In a celebration of nonconformity, Newberry Medalist Jerry Spinelli weaves a tense, emotional tale about the perils of popularity—and the inspiration of first love.
Mum Reads: Fantastic Beasts ~ The Crimes of Grindelwald
We have seen the film when it was shown late last year and I loved it. Of course, it was such a treat to see Newt Scamander’s latest adventures but it was a delight to see our beloved Harry Potter character, Professor Albus Dumbledore {portrayed by Jude Law}, and discover how Johnny Depp would bring to life the villain that is Gellert Grindelwald. All in all, it was a good experience to see the wizarding world all over again. Oh how I missed it!
Reading the book after seeing the film is also such a nice experience. It was a joy to relive the scenes of the films as I poured through the pages of its printed version.
Here is a synopsis of the book from Goodreads:
At the end of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald was captured in New York with the help of Newt Scamander. But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escapes custody and sets about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings.
In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore enlists Newt, his former Hogwarts student, who agrees to help once again, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.
This second original screenplay from J.K. Rowling, illustrated with stunning line art from MinaLima, expands on earlier events that helped shaped the wizarding world, with some surprising nods to the Harry Potter stories that will delight fans of both the books and films.
Mum Reads: Free Download Of Career Transitions E-Book For Mothers
Amazon bestselling author, inspirational speaker, and career coach Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag makes her newly-released eBook From Career Woman to SAHM, WAHM then Businessmom: Lessons from My Transitions available for free download on Amazon during its virtual launch from April 18-19, 2018. The author shares lessons and practical tips from her own experience that are helpful to mothers who are planning or are currently going through a career transition.
Dumadag used to travel frequently around the Philippines to conduct trainings and workshops as part of her full-time job. But when she got married and pregnant with her firstborn child, she decided to leave her high-paying job to become a stay-at-home mom (SAHM) so she can prioritize building a family.
Ginger Arboleda, who used to work full-time before becoming a serial entrepreneur, says, “Teresa takes you through a journey that may very well be your journey in the future. I love how the book is so inspirational and practical at the same time. If you are a career woman who would like to see if working from home or starting your own business is the way to go, then this book is for you.” Arboleda is the CEO of Manila Workshops, Memory Crafters and Love Learning. She is also the co-founder of Taxumo.
“This book is my way of paying it forward. Through this book, I hope to help other mothers become successful in their own transitions. I hope to help many women notice the signs in their lives; and thus recognize that it’s time for them to transition to a new season,” Dumadag says.
“Through these personal anecdotes of mine, I hope to encourage other women to make a leap of faith into the life that they have been dreaming for themselves and for the ones they love,” she added.
Bestselling author, sought-after speaker, and businessman Bo Sanchez has this to say about Dumadag’s latest book, “Do you need courage and faith in your own life journey? Read this book to receive all that, plus more. The down-to-earth adventures in these pages will inspire you to create your own beautiful story.”
Moms from different walks of life are invited to join the virtual book launch by downloading the eBook and sharing about it on their Facebook or Twitter account with the hashtags #transitionsebook and #careertransition. Those who will join the virtual book launch can win raffle prizes like coaching sessions with the author, downloadable planning pages, access to video talks on entrepreneurship, blogging, and establishing a virtual career or business and gift certificates for free use of co-working spaces from our sponsors that include Dojo 8 Coliving Space, Lifesprings Community Center, and The Learning Lodge. You may read the details of the virtual book launch and updates about it on this event page.
This virtual launch is supported by our media partner WhenInManila.com.
Amazon Prime members can download the eBook for free before and after the two-day promotion. Regular Amazon.com customers can purchase the eBook for $2.99 after April 19.