From Sound to Shore: Where to Watch the Christmas Ship Festival

by Allison SutcliffeOctober 25, 2022

The holidays may be months away, but the Seattle Christmas Ship Festival will be here before you know it. Get tickets while you can

The Seattle Christmas Ship Festival is back in 2022! One of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions, if you can’t wait to experience this dose of holiday cheer, you’re in luck. Whether you want to catch a ride with St. Nick on the The Spirit of Seattle or want to listen to the choir, gathered ’round a bonfire at a local beach, there are tons of ways families can enjoy this Pacific Northwest tradition. Remember that this super popular event sells out quickly, as do reservations at local restaurants. So if you want to get in on the singing, Santa, lighted boat action, now is the time to do it.

Experience the Seattle Christmas Ship Festival

Ride the Christmas Ship Lead Boat

Every year Argosy Cruises pulls out all the stops with the spectacularly decorated Spirit of Seattle, the designated Christmas Ship that all the other boats follow. During the 90-minute cruise, a local choir sings at scheduled shore side locations (see schedule below) and Santa mingles with the kids and smiles for holiday pictures. While on board you can expect some holiday sing-alongs and a very special reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas with Santa. The boat has two fully enclosed, heated decks, one outside deck, restrooms and a cash bar. While cruisin’ the waters, you and your little elves can enjoy snacks, chowder and beverages available for purchase. Reserve online.

Cost: $54/Adult; $40/Kid (4–12); $50/Senior; Free, kids 3 & under; $72/person for Opening Night (Nov. 25) & Grande Finale (Dec. 23)

Follow the Christmas Ship Boat

Being on the Christmas Ship is quite a treat, but so is riding the Follow Boat that (you guessed it) follows the lead ship. Not only will you get fantastic photos of the Spirit of Seattle, but you’ll get many of the Christmas Ship perks, too. Fully enclosed with outside areas, restrooms and food and drink for purchase, the follow boat cruise is a bit longer and includes a broadcast of the choir aboard The Spirit of Seattle. So far the Follow Boat will run on two nights—

Good to Know: This year the Follow Boat is 21 and over. Maybe a great date night?

Cost: $57/Person

Dine at a Waterfront Restaurant

Because sitting down to dinner at a restaurant with a view is always in season, here’s a fun idea: check the sailing schedule below and pick a primo viewing location with nearby waterfront restaurants, like Lake Union, Alki, Redondo Beach or Leschi. Places like Duke’s, Anthony’s, Salty’s and Ivar’s Salmon House are all great options with covered outdoor seating and viewing decks, so you and the fam can feast your eyes on a panorama of glowing boats while also enjoying a fine meal.

Watch from the Shore at Local Beaches & Parks

Whether it’s your neighborhood beach park or a stunning downtown location like the Olympic Sculpture Park, when the Christmas Ships sail past it’s a truly spectacular sight. Many locations will have a bonfire going, which are noted below. Bundle up the kiddos, grab a thermos of hot cocoa and go! Times listed below detail when the parade will stop and broadcast choir performances over their state-of-the-art sound system. The full schedule includes sailing departure times, private events and bonfire details.

Christmas Ship Sailing Schedule

Friday, November 25: Pier 55 (Opening Night/First Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
5:35 p.m. Don Armeni Park

Friday, November. 25: Pier 55 (Opening Night/Second Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
8:35 p.m. Elliott Bay Marina

Saturday, November 26: Pier 55 (First Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
2:35 p.m. Olympic Sculpture Park
Sailing includes cookies with Santa

Saturday, November 26: Pier 55 (Second Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
5:35 p.m. Salty's on Alki Beach

Saturday, November 26: Pier 55 (Third Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
8:35 p.m. Alik Beach Park (bonfire)

Sunday, November 27: Shilshole Bay Marina (First Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
5:35 p.m. Carkeek Beach Park (bonfire)

Sunday, November 27: Shilshole Bay Marina (Second Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
8:35 p.m. Golden Gardens Park (bonfire)

Friday, December 2: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (First Sailing)
Choir: Master Chorus Eastside
5:35 p.m. Ferdinand State Park (bonfire)

Friday, December 2: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (Second Sailing)
Choir: Master Chorus Eastside
8:10 p.m. Gene Coulon Memorial Park (bonfire)

Saturday, December 3: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (First Sailing)
Choir: PrimeTime Quartet
2:35 p.m. Pritchard Island Beach (bonfire)

Saturday, December 3: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (Second Sailing)
Choir: PrimeTime Quartet
5:35 p.m. Seward Park (bonfire)
Sailing includes cookies with Santa

Saturday, December 3: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (Third Sailing)
Choir: PrimeTime Quartet
8:40 p.m. Stan Sayers Memorial Park (bonfire)

Sunday, December 4: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (First Sailing)
Choir: Peninsula Community Chorus
5:35 p.m. Mercer Shore Club (private)

Sunday, December 4: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (Second Sailing)
Choir: Peninsula Community Chorus
8:35 p.m. Mt. Baker Beach (bonfire)

Friday, December 9: Lake Union Park (First Sailing)
Choir: PrimeTime Quartet
5:35 p.m. ASUW Shell House (bonfire)

Friday, December 9: Lake Union Park (Second Sailing/Parade of Boats)
Choir: PrimeTime Quartet
8:20 p.m. Fremont Cut (rolling show/bonfire)

Saturday, December 10: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing)
Choir: Puyallup HS Norselanders
2:10 p.m. Marina Park (1st performance/bonfire)
2:50 p.m. Magnuson Park (2nd performance/bonfire)
Sailing includes cookies with Santa

Saturday, December 10: Kirkland City Dock (Second Sailing)
Choir: Puyallup HS Norselanders
5:35 p.m. Juanita Beach Park (bonfire)

Saturday, December 10: Kirkland City Dock (Third Sailing)
Choir: Puyallup HS Norselanders
5:35 p.m. Seattle Tennis Club (private)

Sunday, December 11: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
5:35 p.m. Laurelhurst Beach Club (private)

Sunday, December 11: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
8:35 p.m. Houghton Beach

Friday, December 16: Carillon Point Marina (First Sailing)
Choir: Master Chorus Eastside
5:35 p.m. Madrona Park (bonfire)

Friday, December 16: Carillon Point Marina (Second Sailing)
Choir: Master Chorus Eastside
8:35 p.m. Denny Blaine Park (bonfire)

Saturday, December 17: Carillon Point Marina (First Sailing)
Choir: Vocal Vintage
2:35 p.m. Waverly Beach Park
Sailing includes cookies with Santa

Saturday, December 17: Carillon Point Marina (Second Sailing)
Choir: Vocal Vintage
5:35 p.m. Madison Park (bonfire)

Saturday, December 17: Carillon Point Marina (Third Sailing)
Choir: Vocal Vintage
8:40 p.m. Meydenbauer Bay Park

Sunday, December 18: Carillon Point Marina (First Sailing)
Choir: Touchstone Quartet
5:35 p.m. Windermere Park (private)

Sunday, December 18: Carillon Point Marina (Second Sailing)
Choir: Touchstone Quartet
8:40 p.m. Luther Burbank Park

Monday, December 19: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing)
Choir: Bellevue Youth Choir
5:35 p.m. OO Denny Park (bonfire)

Monday, December 19: Kirkland City Dock (Second Sailing)
Choir: Master Chorus Eastside
8:40 p.m. Log Boom Park

Tuesday, December 20: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
8:40 p.m. Lake Forest Park Civic Club (private)

Wednesday, December 21: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing)
Choir: Holy Names Vocal Ensemble
5:35 p.m. Carillon Point (bonfire)

Wednesday, December 21: Kirkland City Dock (Second Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
8:40 p.m. Sheridan Beach Club (private)

Thursday, December 22: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
5:35 p.m. Medina Beach Park

Thursday, December 22: Kirkland City Dock (Second Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
8:35 p.m. Yarrow Point (bonfire)

Friday, December 23: Lake Union Park (First Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
2:40 p.m. The Ballard Locks (bonfire)
Sailing includes cookies with Santa

Friday, December 23: Lake Union Park (Second Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
5:35 p.m. Ivar's Salmon House

Friday, December 23: Lake Union Park (Third Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
8:30 p.m. Seattle Yacht Club (1st performance/private)
9:10 p.m. Gas Works Park (2nd performance/bonfire)

Good to Know: Argosy Cruises donates a portion of all ticket sales to The Seattle Times’ Fund for Those in Need, an annual program that raises money for several charitable organizations in the Puget Sound area.

Online: argosycruises.com

All photos courtesy Argosy Cruises

When Did ‘The Talk’ Have to Become about Guns?

By Sara Shanahan

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

May 25, 2022

Wedged between homework and fundraising forms in the kindergarten folder was a letter to parents: It advised us of an upcoming active shooter response drill. Words like armed intruder spread across sentences on school letterhead detailing the session for students. The following week, stuffed between readers, handwriting and math practice papers was a new note addressing the tragedy at the Tree of Life Synagogue, outlining activities the children would participate in to honor first responders and victims of the tragic event.

I found myself staring at the school papers, formulating a dialogue in my mind. A conversation difficult for adults alone, but now necessary to have with my daughter.

We cover things quickly—I’m lucky to get this five-year-old to sit and focus for just a few minutes. We discuss the ALICE acronym (alert, lockdown, inform, counter, evacuate), and she tells me what she’s responsible for during the event of an active shooting: “We run and hide, throw things at the bad guy and get out.” My stomach turns. Our local police officers equipped with firearms were unable to fully protect themselves from bullets sprayed by the shooter who injured and killed innocent people near Mr. Rogers’ real-life neighborhood—a tight-knit community located across a few steel bridges from us.

This talk is tough. I let her take the lead and let me know what she learned, chiming in with my own what would you do scenario. The most important element I ask my child to take away from our conversation is to always be aware of your surroundings. This message I will ingrain in her mind every time we arrive in a public place. “Look for exits and identify a quick and easy way out in case of emergency. Be aware of where you’re sitting, and if possible, never have your back to the main entrance.” Unsettling, right?

Our conversation isn’t long. She wants a snack and some crayons to color, bored by my big words and requests to repeat after me.

Hearts are heavy, and it’s hard not to notice the sadness surrounding the city of Pittsburgh. I’m shaken knowing my little girl is at school, bowing her head on the playground in a moment of silence. I’m unsure if she fully understands what is going on—reoccurring acts of gun violence are forcing her to grow up too soon.

Our children are being trained to defend themselves. The ALICE acronym is now as important as the ABCs. Our little ones are learning survival skills to run, hide and fight for their lives because dangerous people are hurting others with automatic weapons laws protect.

No matter how much we are divided on politics and personal rights, it’s small acts of kindness that cement us. Writing thank-you notes to first responders, delivering sympathy cards to family members grieving lost ones and donating blood to victims of gun violence show we love and support one another and the communities we live in. For those taking a stand against the evil of intolerance and hate growing around us at an alarming rate, I cannot help but think of Pat Benatar’s song “Invincible.” The battle cry chorus reminds me of every one of us echoing we are #StrongerThanHate.

“We can’t afford to be innocent / Stand up and face the enemy / It’s a do or die situation / We will be invincible.”

Originally published Nov. 2018.

Sara Shanahan

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

As managing director of two children—19-months apart in age on purpose—Sara has hands-on experience in human development, specializing in potty pushing, breaking up baby fights and wrestling kids into car seats. When there's a moment to look away, she's writing for the web, blogging and building websites.

Magical Holiday Shows Not to Be Missed This Season

by Hannah JudgeNovember 2, 2021

Well, folks, it’s that time of year again: when you and your family take a festive group outing to one of Portland’s many holiday shows! Perhaps it’s an evening venture to a stage performing Christmas tales of old, or to see a local spin on classic holiday stories. Either way, it is sure to be a merry time! Let us enliven your winter spirit with our picks for this season’s must-see Portland holiday shows!

Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree

Come and visit Sunset Presbyterian Church’s choir, three-hundred strong, for your classic holiday tunes! This show features a beautifully crafted Nativity scene and is made possible through a masterful cast of singers, dancers, and local actors. You will be entranced by the live orchestra and humored by the dancing Santas in this festive feature, so be sure to carve out a space in one of these upcoming evenings to make memories with friends and family.

Nov. 27 - Dec, 5
14986 NW Cornell Rd,
Portland OR
Online at: singingchristmastree.org/

Oregon Children's Theater

Join the Oregon Children’s Theater for a performance that will be sure to create a special family memory. This year’s performance, titled “Happy Everything!”, features teenagers from the cast of OCTC’s show “Impulse!”, and includes the caroling classics that will be sure to inspire that beloved Christmas spirit. Head to the Oregon Children’s Theater website for details about the cast and ticket prices! If you have a credit from a show during the 2019-2020 season, Oregon Children’s Theater will allow you to redeem it for this show.

Nov. 19 - Dec. 19
Friday: 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 2 p.m., 5 p.m.
Sunday: 11 p.m., 2 p.m.
Brunish Theatre: 1111 SW Broadway,
Portland OR
Online at: octc.org/merry-happy-everything

Portland Gay Men's Chorus

Here for only one whirlwind weekend, the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus is returning this Christmas season with the event “Gather”! This show will feature classic winter songs and holiday staples that will tickle your festive spirit and brighten the beginning of your December. Be sure to check for tickets on their website as they will be going-going-gone, and you surely won’t want to miss this special occasion.

Dec. 10-12
1111 SW Broadway,
Portland, OR
Online at: pdxgmc.org/shows/gather/

Oregon Ballet Theatre

The Oregon Ballet Theatre has been preforming its beautifully choreographed showing of the Nutcracker every holiday season since 1989 (barring COVID-season, of course). Never fear - they are back this 2021 Christmas season to bless Portlanders near and far with Tchaikovsky, snowflakes and all things Sugar Plum Fairy! Don’t miss this elegant Christmas classic by heading to the Oregon Ballet Theatre’s website for tickets - be sure to note which shows include the live orchestra!

Dec. 11 - Dec. 26
Keller Auditorium: 222 SW Clay St,
Portland OR
Online at: obt.org/nutcracker

The Oregon Symphony

The Oregon Symphony is putting on a host of Christmas-themed events this year, and many only are showing for one night! Whether it’s for “Comfort and Joy: A Classical Christmas” or “A Merry-Achi Christmas”, the Oregon Symphony’s large spread of seasonal showings will bring on the holiday spirit, full-swing. So dress your family up in your Sunday’s best and head to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall for a musical evening you’ll be sure to enjoy.

Dec. 8 -19th,
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall: 1037 SW Broadway, Portland OR 97205
Online at: orsymphony.org/concerts

—Hannah Judge

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Celebrate Christmas in October with 41 New Movies from the Hallmark Channel

by Sarah ShebekSeptember 28, 2021

It’s almost time for the most wonderful time of the year, if you’re a Hallmark movie lover. Unlikely new romances between small-town woodsmen and high-powered executives are almost here, courtesy of Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas and Miracles of Christmas programming!

Starting October 22, you can watch all-new movies every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8 p.m. But if that’s not enough entertainment, you can also watch a new movie every Saturday at 10 p.m. on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. And you’ll be treated to the starpower of Candace Cameron Bure, Lacey Chabert, Alison Sweeney and more throughout a slate of 41 original premieres.

It would be impossible to list every movie appearing, but here are a few must-watch options:

October 22
You, Me & The Christmas Trees starring Danica McKellar, Benjamin Ayres and Jason Hervey. Olivia is Connecticut’s resident expert on evergreens who, just days before the holiday, agrees to help Jack, a fourth-generation Christmas tree farmer in Avon. A mysterious illness has befallen their firs, causing them to die out and threatening his family’s 100-year business. As Olivia tries to get to the root of the problem and extends her stay in town, she and Jack spend more time together and feelings begin to develop.
October 23
Boyfriends of Christmas Past starring Catherine Haena Kim, Raymond Ablack and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee. Leading up to Christmas, marketing executive, Lauren, is visited by the ghosts of four ex boyfriends. She must learn to open her heart or risk losing her best friend, Nate.
October 29
Christmas in Harmony starring Ashleigh Murray, Luke James, Loretta Devine, Michelle Williams and Basil Wallace. Harmony is tricked into auditioning for the Holiday Chorus —directed by an ex-boyfriend. By Christmas Eve, they could be harmonizing in the key of love.
November 7
A Christmas Treasure starring Jordin Sparks and Michael Xavier. After opening a 100-year-old time capsule and meeting a charming chef, Lou questions whether or not she should move to New York after Christmas and further her writing career.

If keeping track of all of these instant holiday classics sounds overwhelming, you can download Hallmark’s Movie Checklist App to track when each movie premieres. Grab your Hallmark wine, dim the lights and get ready for hours of improbable, festive love connections!

—Sarah Shebek

Feature image courtesy of the Hallmark Channel

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Seattle’s Newest Indoor Playspace Brings the World to Kids

by Allison SutcliffeJuly 20, 2021

A new indoor playground for Seattle kids is always worth celebrating (hello, rainy day play spot!). When it doubles as an immersive experience where kids can explore real-world diversity, it’s even better. That’s why we’re excited to welcome Child Wonder the World to the Seattle playscape. Read on to learn about this mom-owned business that’s opening soon.

The Play Side

At Child Wonder the World, kids can explore cultures from around the globe in one place. From the moment they walk through the welcoming gate into the play area, they’ll be transported—no plane needed! As owner Giselle Fuerte explains, it's a place for kids to “explore the different ways people live their lives and experience the world.” It’s her hope that when kids play here they begin to “see and value the world as a diverse chorus of voices, perspectives and needs necessitating equal consideration.” Parents and caregivers will notice this ethos in every nook and cranny of the indoor playground.

The large windows and wall decals that frame the play area create an inviting environment for tots and big kids alike. Upon first glance, the space looks like others—with a playhouse, climbing structure, farm stand and more. But it’s the details that prove things aren’t necessarily what they seem. The painted playhouse is actually a West African Rammed Earth Home, and the oven just outside is similar to earthen (or clay) ovens used by cultures all over the globe. Even the play food is representative of staples from other cultures, like sardines, sushi and lentils. Look for the helpful sheets nearby that explain each purposeful element. Read them, then share the fascinating connections and facts you learn with your kids.

Cross over the bridge to get to a quieter place to play in the back. Tiny tables line the walls where kids can sit down with a good book, set in a far-off place. Or put on headphones to listen to music that’s anything but local. Little artists will happily sit and color at another table before heading over to play with the beautifully designed natural wood people set across the way. These stations are a chance for kids to experience different languages, rhythms and ideas from diverse cultures.

Fuerte also has plans to install a display case that will feature artifacts and everyday treasures from various countries. Like a small museum, what’s in the case will rotate, and everything you see will be respectfully curated thanks to the knowledge and guidance of people who are native to the country on display.

The Shop Side

In addition to the educational playspace, look for toys, games and clothes produced by makers from around the world (and some local too) on the store side. In fact, some of the books and playsets your kids will love in the play area may be available for purchase so you can continue your exploration at home. Whether your kiddo has a friend’s birthday party on the horizon or you’re looking for some new play clothes, items with a focus on the world beyond Seattle are sold here. Who knows, you may even find owner Fuerte’s book, The Lying Liar Called Racism on the shelves too.

Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase if you need to push pause on play. Café tables dot the play area perimeter and make this a great spot to catch up with friends (it’s been a long time, hasn’t it?) while the kids play.

Make It a Day

If it’s been a while since you’ve been to Burien, take time to explore the area before heading home. Lollipops is just a few storefronts away, and families can always count on fun in the sun at Seahurst Park, whether they’re exploring tide pools or the nature-themed playground. The Highline Heritage Museum (open Fridays through Sundays, from 1-5 p.m.) is another easy stop for families to make. And before you head home, you’ve got to grab a cookie (or two!) from Treat Cookies. The store opened in April of this year and has fans all over the city.

Opening Day: Aug. 3
Dates & Times: Tues.-Sat., 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cost: TBD

Child Wonder the World
2202 S.W. 152nd St.
Burien, WA
Online: childwondertheworld.com

—story and images by Allison Sutcliffe

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5 Children’s Books That Illustrate the Importance of Friendship

By Jon Hoefer

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

June 15, 2021

Photo: Max Goncharov on Unsplash

I reflect fondly on the nights reading bedtime stories with my two boys. I loved watching them scurry and giggle in their pajamas as I asked them to go pick out two or three of their favorite books from their bookshelf. Looking back, the stories that I loved reading the most were the ones which initiated a conversation that ultimately lasted longer than reading the book itself.

With that in mind, here are five children’s books (some old, some new), that touch on the importance of friendship and love and can easily spark an interesting discussion between a parent and child:

1. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein:
This Shel Silverstein classic focuses on the relationship that develops between a tall tree and a young boy. With simple words and black-line illustrations, Silverstein quickly draws the reader in as a believer of this unconventional friendship. It’s a warm and wonderful story, yet it is quite sad on some levels. The tree is so giving and loves the boy unconditionally. The boy takes what he is able to from this generous tree throughout his entire life. But who is happiest at the end: the individual who gives or the one that takes? It’s truly open to interpretation, which makes for a nice conversation. Parents and kids can talk about the importance of giving, equally weighted friendships, and the benefits of showing appreciation.

2. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch:
Our copy of Love You Forever is probably the most tattered of all our children’s books. Maybe it’s the colorful illustrations or the repetitive rhyming chorus, but it is a story that can be read over and over again. It is a confirmation of the heart-felt relationship parents have with their children and vice-versa. Life can be funny and each stage has a way of being awkward or self-serving, especially when we are kids. The text taps into how parents both “love” and “like” their kids, which in itself is a good conversation topic. The lump-in-the-throat moment is at the end of the book, when he rocks his mother, and then introduces the song to his infant daughter. After reading the book—plan on singing the song together, be prepared to talk about family dynamics, the concept of growing older, and how love (and like) endures the circle of life.

3. Avery’s Gift by Jonathan Hoefer:
Waking up in a dream-like setting, and discovering that she has lost all of her colors, Avery goes on a quest to find them with a new friend, Dalton. Though the story of Avery’s Gift is inspired by a heavier topic, this modern fable can be used to discuss the importance of love and friendship. After reading the story, parents can discuss the feeling of being lost or “colorless.” The journey within the story not only shows the importance of being open to making new friends, it also demonstrates how being generous and kind can bring “colors” into another person’s life. This book contains many metaphors of love and loss, with the opportunity for dialog to run deeper if the parent so chooses.

4. The Sandwich Swap by Kelly DiPucchio:
Friendships are built on strong foundations, especially in grade school. Forming true friendships is a wonderful process, though sometimes challenging. Through our formative years, we are introduced to many people with different families, backgrounds, and cultures. As simple as showing the oddities of a hummus sandwich and a PB&J, The Sandwich Swap embraces the beauty of friendship by appreciating the differences we all possess, not just recognizing what we have in common. In today’s climate, it is nice to point out what makes us unique and how these individual qualities can be the building blocks for a solid and true friendship. Let this book spark a conversation with your children about what makes them unique and what interesting aspects of their culture or heritage would they want to share with a new friend? What food do you serve as a family that could be viewed as odd to another person?

5. The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams:
The Velveteen Rabbit is a classic tale of friendship, love, and becoming Real. The version illustrated by Don Daily is especially intricate and mesmerizing. There are so many life lessons that can be found inside this iconic story, but an interesting thing to point out is that the letter “R” is capitalized whenever the author uses the word ‘Real.’ The reason? According to the author, being Real is a very big deal, and worthy of its capitalization! The rabbit searched for friendship and love, and he found all of this with the boy who cherished him. This love created an abundance of self-worth in the rabbit, ultimately allowing him to become Real. Ask your young reader how the book made them feel? Does your child have a favorite stuffed animal? What would it be like if they loved it so much – it became Real? Do they ever feel like the velveteen rabbit? Use this book as an opportunity to tell your young reader how much you love them – it can make a real difference.

Children’s books are full of beautiful imagery and wonderful words. But, I find, some of the most intriguing words come from the minds of young readers sharing their thoughts about what was just read. Feel free to create your own prompts after reading your child’s favorite book and wait for their response. It might just be the best story you’ve heard all day.

Jon Hoefer

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Jonathan Hoefer is an author, illustrator, and art director that has been involved in the printing and publishing industry for over 20 years. His new book, Avery's Gift, is available now.

Here’s Your First Peek at the New “West Side Story”

by Karly WoodApril 27, 2021

The Academy Awards are always a thrill, but this year it was even more exciting. During the show, musical nerds finally got what we’ve all been waiting for: the first teaser trailer of the revamped West Side Story.

Directed by Steven Spielberg, the rebooted film appears to stay true to the classic in imagery, music and story set in 1957 amidst rival gangs. Keep scrolling to see for yourself!

So who makes up the Jets and the Sharks? The new film includes plenty of up and comers like Ansel Elgort (Tony), Rachel Zegler (María), Ariana DeBose (Anita), David Alvarez (Bernardo), Mike Faist (Riff), Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino), Ana Isabelle (Rosalía), Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank), Brian d’Arcy James (Officer Krupke) and Rita Moreno––who appeared in the OG West Side Story.

While the trailer likely got you amped up to belt out the chorus of “I Feel Pretty” and “America” alongside the cast, you’ll have to wait a little longer. West Side Story will release on Dec. 10, 2021.

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Walt Disney Company

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Paw Patrol’s New Hand Washing Song Will Get Your Kids to the Sink

by Jennifer SwartvagherApril 2, 2020

Are you constantly reminding your kids to wash their hands? This new animated video from Paw Patrol is here to help you out. Using catchy lyrics, Ryder and the pups encourage your kids to wash their hands correctly and tell an adult when they are feeling sick.

The next time your kids are at the sink scrubbing up, they can sing along to the chorus, “We gotta wash wash wash wash wash our hands….”

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: PAW Patrol Official & Friends via YouTube

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For the Dads: Watch John Legend & Adam Levine’s Hilarious Super Bowl Ad

by Erica LoopFebruary 4, 2019

John Legend’s baby-filled Pampers’ Super Bowl commercial is ALL about the dads. With a little help from a chorus of fab fathers—and one notably famous face (and voice!)—this game day ad is pure parenting perfection.

Legend may have achieved rare EGOT status—but there’s no escaping the less-than-glamorous job of having to change your kid’s diaper, celeb dad or otherwise. If you missed Pamper’s “stinky booty” commercial during its Super Bowl debut, the commercial kicks off with something we’ve pretty much all had to deal with: one very stinky baby booty.

With a little backup from a chorus of crooning dads, Legend changes that diaper. But the commercial doesn’t end there. The diapering duty switches to another singing celeb and his beautiful baby. Yep. That’s Super Bowl halftime performer, Maroon 5 front-man (and new dad) Adam Levine.

Legend and Levine’s Super Bowl ad is part of Pamper’s “Love the Change” campaign, which celebrates the roles that dads have in their babies’ lives. In a recent press statement, Vice President and General Manager Baby Care North America for Proctor & Gamble, Andre Schulten, said, “We couldn’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate hands-on dads like John than by welcoming another fantastic dad, Adam Levine, into the Pampers family and taking the Stinky Booty Duty song to a whole new level on Super Bowl Sunday.”

Schulten went on to add, “Celebrating dads is just the beginning of a meaningful future for our brand, as we commit to helping parents to ‘love the change’ that comes with life with babies. While every transition might not be always be easy, Pampers wants to help parents and babies ‘love the change’ together.”

—Erica Loop

Featured Photo: Pampers via YouTube

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10 Tips for Rocking Family Road Trips—from a Mom of 4

By Kristin Van de Water

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

March 21, 2018

Some parents of twins cope with newborn chaos by camping out at home. We survived by staying on the move and buckling up for the wild ride ahead. We warmed up by strolling our twins home from the hospital, ramped it up with daily walks in Central Park, and by two weeks old launched into our first mini road trip: 75 miles from New York City to New Hope, Pennsylvania.

We discovered rest stops and scenic turn-offs we never knew existed as we tried to calm a chorus of newborn tears with side-of-the-road breastfeeding, messily mixed formula, diaper changes in the trunk and (finally) me sitting between the car seats where the babies could cling to my index fingers.

We navigated our double stroller over the bridge from New Jersey to Pennsylvania and into a restaurant with outdoor seating that we had frequented as a married couple. All I remember is trying to juggle babies, bottles, breasts and what I’m sure was a delicious meal that mainly ended up in a to-go box. (Note to multitasking diners, order something you can eat without a knife. Bonus if you can inhale your meal with just one hand.)

It seemed like the only way the babies would stop crying was to feed them, so that’s what we did. In hindsight, our little ones were probably just exhausted. Blessing upon blessings, they slept the entire way home.

Wearing the twins in our carriers probably would have simplified our journey. We actually tried our carriers on for the first time before leaving our apartment—but we were too intimidated by all the straps and buckles and figured we had enough variables on this outing without the added hurdle of figuring out new baby gear. Now whenever a new mom friend hesitates to try her carrier, I come alongside to help her position the baby and get comfortable with the setup. Parenting is not for the proud—we need all the help (and gear) we can get!

Our New Hope adventure was a test run for a five-hour drive to Vermont a few weeks later. Since then, we’ve set out on road trips once or twice a month, playing the maddening game of trial and error to address the inevitable tantrums, whining, hunger, accidents, throw up, boredom, spills and nap-disturbing laughing fits we face on the road.

Five years later and hundreds of hours of family drive time under our seatbelts, I’ve gathered a few tips to share with fellow parents before they pack the trunk for their own adventures.

Pack a backpack for each kid with their essential items: lovey, activity book (Usborne wipe-clean books and Melissa and Doug Water Wow books are great), change of clothes, water bottle, and snack. Store it within the kid’s reach to encourage independence and so you don’t have to repeatedly contort your body from the front seat.

Store a clean-up bag in your car for spills and accidents. It could include wipes, paper towels, upholstery cleaner, empty plastic bags, Band-Aids, spare burp cloths, and a portable potty.

Plan to make way more stops than road-tripping adults need. To minimize stops, limit liquids in the car. This also means thinking strategically about snacks. Eating salty chips and crackers will make everyone thirsty and need more bathroom breaks. We try to avoid mindless snacking and use it, instead, to extend drive time an extra half hour. A loaf of bread works wonders.

If kids are legitimately hungry, they will eat a slice and it will tide them over until mealtime. If they were just requesting a snack out of boredom, they will probably skip the bread. When you do stop, make sure everyone uses the bathroom—the only exception being sleeping children.

Have kids’ music on hand for when you need to change the mood of the whole car. Music Together CDs have been a lifesaver since my twins were little. At 10 months old they would immediately stop fussing when the “Hello Song” played. Other favorites include music from Vacation Bible School and The Wiggles.

Time driving with naps and bedtime. The drive will go so much faster if at least one kid is asleep! To avoid disturbing a sleeping child during quick stops, use the trunk as an additional exit option and leave the car running and music playing.

Keep the kids’ minds engaged with a game of I Spy or a road sign letter scavenger hunt. My son loves it when we ask him math questions (for instance, “What is 22 + 24?” or “What if Zachary had four cookies and gave one to each sister. How many would he have left?”) My daughter loves animal questions (“I’m thinking of an animal that flies and is nocturnal. What could it be?”) My one-year-old loves when my husband uses her stuffed animals play peek-a-boo from behind the front seat.

Clip a pacifier to baby’s car seat strap or seat belt so when it pops out you know where to start looking.

Use GPS to estimate your arrival time. Answering the “How many minutes until we get to the restaurant?” question with a specific, updating number is far less annoying than a repeated chorus of, “Are we there yet?” Better yet, establish an ETA and let your older kids do the math to figure out how many minutes until you will arrive.

Run a mini bedtime routine at your dinner stop. Change the kids into pajamas and brush/floss teeth so that when you arrive at your destination, the kids can just do a quick potty check before jumping into bed. Make sure you have the right footwear to work with whatever PJs you pack. For example, bring boots to fit over footed PJs or an extra set of socks if your daughter changed out of tights.

Pack all this bedtime prep gear in a big bag along with your diaper bag, milk, or other items you’ll need inside. Then you can quickly exit the car (and make a mad dash for the bathroom) instead of shuffling through luggage to find your supplies.

If your child gets carsick, teach them to hold and aim for a plastic bag. Younger kids can wear a bib or even a trash bag with holes cut out for their head and arms, like a poncho. As soon as it’s safe to do so, switch to a front-facing car seat. Time and choose your food wisely because whatever goes in will be the aroma of the day if it comes back out.

Happy trails!

Featured Photo Courtesy: Kristin Van de Water

Kristin Van de Water

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Kristin Van de Water is a former journalist and teacher who relies on humor, faith, and her mom crew to get her through the day. Raising four kids in a two-bedroom NYC apartment, Kristin is always on the lookout for life hacks to save time, space, money, and her sanity.

ML Interest Tag: chorus

From Sound to Shore: Where to Watch the Christmas Ship Festival

The holidays may be months away, but the Seattle Christmas Ship Festival will be here before you know it. Get tickets while you can

Experience the Seattle Christmas Ship Festival

Ride the Christmas Ship Lead Boat

Follow the Christmas Ship Boat

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Christmas Ship Sailing Schedule

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