Jenn Fujikawa

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Legendary Ladies Finds Beauty and Inspiration in Historic Mythology

Legendary Ladies: 50 Goddesses to Empower and Inspire You is filled with stories of powerful female deities. Written and illustrated by artist Ann Shen, the book is separated into five chapters: Creativity and Manifestation, Love, Power, Protection, and Reinvention, encouraging the reader to find their own strength in each deity according to what might suit their needs best. Each story is presented by origin, mythology, and inspirational purpose. The Hindu god Aditi, the goddess of the past and
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Five Empowering Kids Books to Give as Gifts This Holiday Season

Books make the best gifts because they inspire kids’ imaginations to take them on exciting journeys and help discover new ideas. Whether it’s stories about superheroes or highlighting real-life heroes, books that empower and encourage kids to think globally and dream bigger is the best present you can give. These five books are a great way to give the gift of reading this holiday season. As a child, Malala Yousafzai began blogging for the BBC about life under the Taliban. Known for her human ri
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82-Year-Old Creates App Inspired By Her Love of Tech

Most people might assume that octogenarians are too far removed from tech but 82-year-old Masako Wakamiya is out to prove them wrong. She considers herself an ICT — Information, Communication, and Technology — evangelist, and has become a force for getting seniors more active online. A former banker, when Wakamiya reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 she was housebound, caring for her elderly mother. She bought a computer and taught herself how to use it so that she could socialize with o
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Disney Pixar Shifts Back Into Gear With ‘Cars 3’

Fans were first introduced to the world of Disney Pixar’s Cars 11 years ago this week, and any parent can tell you — Owen Wilson’s voice as Lightning McQueen has been an earworm ever since. While Cars never seemed to hit its mark with adults, it has always been a winner with kids. Kids who love the adventure and are able to easily look past anthropomorphic questions about the vehicles. Just how do the cars turn TVs on and off? Don’t overthink it. Cars 3 is the sequel that the first Cars movie i
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‘Cars 3’ Celebrates Empowerment and Strength

“My teachers taught me that if I wanted a dream, I could go do it — which is why I think I love this movie so much, because it has the same theme.” Cristela Alonzo spoke thoughtfully about mentorship and encouragement when speaking about her role as Cruz Ramirez in Disney Pixar’s newest release Cars 3. The movie’s story of strength and believing in yourself was a running thread in the actors’ minds as they took on their roles in the new film. With Cars 3 being released 11 years to the day of th
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Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Is A Stunning Tale As Old As Time

Disney venturing into live-action versions of their legendary animation was the obvious next step for taking their stories to the next level. With last year’s The Jungle Book being such a huge hit, the stakes are high for 1991’s classic Beauty and the Beast as it steps up to the plate for its own remake. Faithful fans won’t be disappointed as the update stays fairly true to the animated original. At the core of the story is the strange, peculiar, mademoiselle who loves books and falls in love w
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Emma Watson On How Beauty and The Beast Champions The Human Spirit

There’s no more beloved animated classic than Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. 25-years after the release of the original Disney film, the live action movie had some skeptics wondering if a remake was necessary, but the movie’s press junket quickly allayed all fears. “Be Our Guest” is not only one of the film’s acclaimed songs, it was also the theme of the day as far as welcoming viewers into the world they created. Cast and crew were excited to talk about the new movie and how it has been update
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Disney Commits To Reading With The Magic of Storytelling

Disney inspires our imaginations through their inventive ways of bringing stories to life. Whether you’re creating your own or reading an old favorite, stories can spark creativity and be inspirational no matter your age. On February 4th Disney celebrated it’s 2nd annual Disney Reads Day encouraging families to read together and enjoy their favorite stories. Disney’s Magic of Storytelling encourages everyone to read and share reading experiences. At the Disney Reads Day event in Los Angeles, st
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An Interview With Laurie Berkner About Her Heroic Kickstarter For Children In Need (exclusive)

Anyone with a little one knows, Laurie Berkner is a legend amongst the kid-set. A staple on Nick Jr. and Sprout! as well as being a fan favorite with parents, Berkner has been performing children’s music for over 20 years. Her songs are catchy, fun and oh so singable at the top of your lungs even when your kids aren’t around, speaking from experience of course. To coincide with her newest album titled “Superhero” and inspired by the kids she’s met throughout her career who face challenges from
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Marvel Announces Winner Of Girls Reforming the Future Challenge

Marvel movies are about adventure and excitement, but they’re also about technology and creativity both on and off screen. Marvel stands strong in their understanding of the importance of using education to make life better, safer, and healthier. Back in March, along with the Science & Entertainment Exchange, a program of National Academy of Sciences, the studio sought to inspire young girls to create positive world change for their generation and beyond through science and technology. In conju
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The Little Things: National Compliment Day

As Smart Girls, we want to make the world a better place. But sometimes it can be overwhelming to look around and see how much there is to do — sometimes it feels hard to make a difference. That’s why we created an ongoing series called “The Little Things.” These are little things that you can do by yourself or with your friends and family to create a little something that will make someone in your community’s life a little better. There’s nothing better than going about your day and having som
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The Little Things: Winter Coat Donation

As Smart Girls, we want to make the world a better place. But sometimes it can be overwhelming to look around and see how much there is to do — sometimes it feels hard to make a difference. That’s why we created an ongoing series called “The Little Things.” These are little things that you can do by yourself or with your friends and family to create a little something that will make someone in your community’s life a little better. Over the holidays, gifts and presents seemed to arrive non-stop
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The Little Things: Baked Goods For Retirement Homes

The holidays are a time to celebrate and bond with friends and family. During this time of year, grandfriends in retirement homes could always use a little extra company and baking up and bringing along some sweet treats is a great way to show someone you’re thinking about them. • Keep it simple! Family recipes are a great place to start. Creating treats that are meaningful to you become an extension of your own holiday memories. Easy-to-make baked goods like roll out cookies, frosted cupcakes o
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The Little Things: Giving Trees

As Smart Girls, we want to make the world a better place. But sometimes it can be overwhelming to look around and see how much there is to do — sometimes it feels hard to make a difference. That’s why we created an ongoing series called “The Little Things.” These are little things that you can do by yourself or with your friends and family to create a little something that will make someone in your community’s life a little better. For many families in need, the holidays can be a lonely time an
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The Little Things: Cell Phones For Soldiers

When you’re far away from family, it’s important to try and stay in touch and that rings true even more so around the holidays. In 2004, Robbie and Brittany Bergquist were just 12 and 13 when they started the organization Cell Phones For Soldiers. It’s a national nonprofit dedicated to providing troops and veterans with free communication services and emergency funding. When you donate your mobile devices, they are responsibly recycled and proceeds fund Minutes That Matter, which provides free
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The Little Things: Blood Donation

Halloween is the perfect time of year to channel your inner vampire and consider blood donation. Donating blood is a simple way to give back and something you can easily spare that can really impact someone else’s life. Even with numerous donations from Smart Girls all over the country, there’s still not enough donated blood to go around. Blood donation is important because it helps save lives. One out of three people will need blood in their lifetime. It is constantly needed for surgery patien
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The Little Things: Halloween Candy Donation

As Smart Girls, we want to make the world a better place. But sometimes it can be overwhelming to look around and see how much there is to do — sometimes it feels hard to make a difference. That’s why we created an ongoing series called “The Little Things.” These are little things that you can do by yourself or with your friends and family to create a little something that will make someone in your community’s life a little better. Halloween is a fun time of year. It’s the kickoff to the holida
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The Little Things: Volunteering at an Animal Shelter

As Smart Girls, we want to make the world a better place. But sometimes it can be overwhelming to look around and see how much there is to do — sometimes it feels hard to make a difference. That’s why we created an ongoing series called “The Little Things.” These are little things that you can do by yourself or with your friends and family to create a little something that will make someone in your community’s life a little better. Smart Girls love animals: and they need our love and support ju
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The Little Things: School Supply Donations

As Smart Girls, we want to make the world a better place. But sometimes it can be overwhelming to look around and see how much there is to do and it could feel hard to make a difference. That’s why we created an ongoing series called “The Little Things.” These are little things that you can do by yourself or with your friends and family to create a little something that will make someone in your community’s life a little better. It’s that time of year when school is just beginning, there are ne
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The Little Things: DIY Dog Bed

As Smart Girls, we want to make the world a better place. But sometimes it can be overwhelming to look around and see how much there is to do and it could feel hard to make a difference. That’s why we created an ongoing series called “The Little Things.” These are little things that you can do by yourself or with your friends and family to create a little something that will make someone in your community’s life a little better. Choosing to bring a pet into your life is a big decision, but when
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