Little ones can be tricky to buy for. Well, unless you have our guide to gifts for toddlers
They’re not babies, and they’re not quite little kids. Our 18-24 month littles are at a special age where they’re exploring everything, eager to learn, and ready for anything. So, if you’re having trouble coming up with presents for them, you’re not alone. We’ve rounded up some of the best gifts for toddlers this season to make your job as Santa much easier.
There are puzzles, sweet stuffies, and even enchanted silk scarves. Of course, there are also the classics like a play barn, a soft baby doll, their first tea set, and Mickey even makes an appearance. Combining well-known characters and some new friends, we made sure there’s something for every kiddo on our list. We’re pretty sure you won’t have to look further than this list to create a magical holiday. Read on for our picks for gifts for toddlers.
LeapFrog Build-a-Waffle Learning Set
LeapFrog
Their favorite breakfast will easily become their new favorite toy that teaches them colors, numbers, and following directions.
Their favorite friends are all cozying up to their bedtime stories on these absolutely darling pajamas. They're created with Little Sleepies' famous Lunaluxe Bamboo.
It's a stroller and a trolley. Made of handwoven rattan, little ones just need to flip the lid and they can go from strolling their stuffed animals around to doing the shopping.
Stapelstein Stepping Stones are the original play 'stones'. They're soft, stackable, sturdy, and can be used in a ton of imaginary ways to get your little one's creativity flowing (plus, they're really convenient to use as seats, stools, or steps). Available in Original Rainbow or Pastel.
This starter DUPLO set pulls off a holiday gifting hat trick: It's a building toy, a vehicle (and we all know how much toddlers love pushing around anything on wheels), and it helps introduce them to numbers.
Sarah's Silks is all about open-ended play. Tactile toddlers will love the lightweight, floaty fabrication that lets them create and play for hours. These Mini Playsilks grow with them, long after they're done playing.
The best thing about silicone toys? They're dishwasher-safe and quiet! We love a great kitchen set for open-ended imaginative play, especially when you're trying to get stuff done in the kitchen and your mini-me wants to join in.
The Play-Doh Ride-On Activity School Bus includes 3 cans of Play-Doh, 10 numbers stamps, 6 shape cutters, and 1 roller. Just lift up the ride-on seat to reveal the play set.
This baby koala is so precious. Made from natural Peruvian cotton yarn, not only is it soft and collectible; it's heirloom-quality, so they'll have something to treasure for years.
Your little one will love this cute vintage-style music player, complete with rainbow light show, music, and color call-outs (not to mention headphones).
Remember those old-school bright cardboard bricks? They got an update with Bricklettes. They fit into your home's decor and the starter set of 10 is great for kiddos who have just started stacking.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
It’s time to ask yourself the dreaded question “What will I do with my kids this summer?” Luckily, with a little research, we’ve found tons of cool summer programs for kids that keep costs very low or even free (and some are online). From the Ranger Rick photo contest to Camp Creatology, these affordable summer programs for kids are some of the best ways to stay busy when they’re not in school.
Planet Fitness Teen Summer Program
Shutterstock
This summer program for kids is perfect for your older children who claim to be too old for camps or need a reason to get out of the house. Starting on May 15th, kids ages 14-19 can work out for free all summer long at Planet Fitness. Pre-register here, download the Planet Fitness app and get a digital pass. As a bonus, the company is giving away $10,000 in scholarships to 10 kids. All they have to do is submit a video via TikTok to enter. Get more info here.
The Planet Possible Family Challenge is a great way to make sure there's minimal summer brain drain. This series of projects and crafts from National Geographic hopes to inspire families to get outside, explore the habitats that surround us, and empower kids to understand why it's so important to protect them. Each challenge has three steps:
MAKE IT! A step-by-step DIY for a tool or craft that will help kids explore the microhabitat
TRY IT! Prompts or activities to encourage kids to explore and learn about biodiversity, using the Make It! craft
SAVE IT! Kid-friendly tips on protecting the microhabitat
Cost: National Geographic Premium With Disney+ is $10.99 a month. You get access to Disney+ in addition to a digital subscription to National Geographic.
If you need an incentive to get the kids to go screen-free every once in a while, check out the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program. Print out the Summer Reading Journal and have your kids write down which books they've read and why they liked them. Once they’ve read eight books, bring the completed journal to your local Barnes & Noble between July 1 and August 31 to get a free book.
Outschool offers dozens of classes and courses for ages ranging from toddler to tween. Do they want to learn another language? There's a class for that. How about beginning hip-hop or even wilderness skills? You can find that too. Check out our favorite classes for kids here.
Get your whole crew involved with Family Maker Camp—it’s a great way to flex your imagination and create something new. Join in on one of their live streams or pick something that sounds interesting out of their project library. Before you know it, you’ll have built a hovercraft or a musical instrument.
If you’re worried about getting your middle or high school kids up to speed in the new school year, Numerade has a fabulous (and free) solution. They’re offering free STEM summer camps covering SAT test prep, pre-calculus, physics, and more.
Research shows that kids connect when they're participating in an activity with you whether it's cooking, playing outside or being creative. The non-profit organization Marathon Kids, which works to ignite the joy of physical activity in kids, is launching a free summer program in hopes of making this easier for parents. Simply walk a mile and talk while doing it. Each day you'll receive a new prompt, there's a special mileage tracker, and by the end, you'll have walked the length of a marathon (26 miles) while getting to know your child better.
Microsoft normally offers free kids' camps at their stores during the summer, but they've moved online for now. Kids can sign up for free online workshops to tour the Smithsonian, plan a virtual road trip, put their Minecraft skills to the test, and more. Ages range from 6 to 14, and while the camps are free, advance registration is required.
Give your kids an exciting and engaging adventure this summer with one of Brain Chase's 2023 treasure hunt programs. How does it work? Kids choose between eight programs that include fun themes like The Pirate's Gold, The Lost World, The Globe of Magellan, and more. Once your kiddo has picked which one, they'll choose three electives out of 15 (depending on which package you select), including math, engineering, cooking, typing, and even yoga, to solve each weekly challenge. Once solved, an original webisode containing the next hidden clue will be unlocked. The first treasure hunter to solve the mystery will jet off to unearth the real buried treasure. The fun starts on Jun. 12. New this year is a series of weekly camps if you don't want to do the six-week treasure hunt.
Your avid reader can help underprivileged kids gain access to books by keeping track of their total minutes read this summer. Sign up on Scholastic's Home Base to get started. From May 4 - Sept. 7, 2023, as kids track their reading streaks, they’ll unlock fun videos, book excerpts, and other exclusive summer content. For every two days in a row kids track their reading streaks, Scholastic, with the help of other sponsors, will donate a book (totaling up to 100,000 books) to underserved kids across the country. You can register here, and check out the info for parents here.
If you’ve got a budding Ansel Adams at home, the Ranger Rick photo contest is a great way to keep her busy over the summer. First, head for the great outdoors (or your own backyard) and have her take nature photos. Then, select her favorite one and send it in with proper sizing (2 MB or smaller, JPG format, at least 600 pixels wide or 600 pixels tall). If your kid doesn’t have a digital camera, no worries! Phone images are also accepted. Recent winners (this is an ongoing contest) are entered into the running for Ranger Rick’s "Your Best Shots" Magazine Award and are selected three times a year. Each winner receives a certificate of achievement and copies of the magazine featuring the winning image!
It's never too early to instill the habit of giving to others. Have your little philanthropists sign up with Kids That Do Good this summer in order to spend time giving back to their local community. The online (kid-founded!) resource allows kids to get involved with a cause or charity of their choosing—or, if you’ve got real go-getters at home—create their own! Once you’ve created an account and found an organization, kids can track their service hours via social profiles and certificates.
Designed to help spark the imaginations of kiddos ages 8-12, this three-day workshop allows kids to explore and expand on their digital creativity. They’ll choose one of three tracks and spend 90 minutes of each day working on their project. Be sure to sign up here to get an email announcing open registration for the summer program for kids (it usually starts in June)—spots fill up quickly!
The Home Depot offers workshops that are perfect for mini-makers. Simply pre-register online, and then show up on the selected Saturday to build fun projects like a picket fence planter. At the end of the two-hour workshop, kids receive a certificate of achievement, a workshop apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last.
Does your artist dream of paint, paper, glitter, and glue? If so, Michael’s Camp Creatolgy is the perfect way to beat the summer brain drain. Information for Summer 2023 will drop on May 15th, but camps usually run from mid-June to mid-July and are for ages 6 & up. If you don't want to sign up for the in-store classes, online programs are also available.
Cost: The classes are free, but the required materials cost $40 for the entire summer.
Budding bowlers can perfect their technique all summer long thanks to Kids Bowl Free, which allows them to play up to two games a day free of charge. All that's missing is a pair of those sweet bowling shoes. To find a participating bowling alley near you, click here.
Sometimes a dark and cool movie theater is the only way to beat the heat. Your kids can sign up for a punch card or show up at participating Megaplex, Cinemark, and Regal theaters to catch a fun, kid-friendly flick for just $1-$2. Even better, most movies show before noon, making it easy to catch a flick and head home for nap time.
Xanadu your heart out and head for the local roller rink this summer. Whether your kids like to skate or rollerblade, a few laps will get their blood pumping, and the cool, A/C-induced temps are a total bonus. The Kids Skate Free program allows families to take advantage of this offer once a week (during the summer months). Click here to find out if it’s happening at your local rink.
If you’ve got a National Park nearby, be sure to sign up your mini explorers for the NPS Junior Ranger Program. Each kiddo will be outfitted with a handy Junior Ranger guidebook that's filled with historical facts and cool tips about all the National Parks. Every adventurer also gets the chance to complete a series of activities, share answers with a park ranger, and receive an official Junior Ranger patch and certificate. Click here to learn more.
Insider Tip: Kids can earn badges at home by downloading activity books and information packets. Click here for more info.
If you are a Bank of America or a Merrill Lynch cardholder, you can snag free admission at more than 150 museums, science centers, and botanical gardens across the country on two days every month just by showing your card. Find out if your favorite museum is participating, and on what days, by clicking here.
From the popular hands-on outdoor learning program for kids comes a nine-lesson summer course you can do at home. Filled with all sorts of fun like a printable "trail map," reading summer list, songs and rituals for camp, plus articles and resources for parents, each week focuses on a different core Tinkergarten skill: persistence, empathy, creativity, focus, and more.
Keep the summer boredom away with this fun digital learning platform. Kids ages three to seven can learn STEAM concepts while watching videos and participating in interactive online activities. You can try it out with a seven-day free trial; after that, it’s $7.99 a month.
From the creative minds behind Angry Birds, Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Ice Age comes a free, interactive camp-style YouTube summer experience for kids. Every day is new, and activities include making food, doing science experiments, singing songs, and more. Counselors will be on hand to lead extra content and be on the lookout for special guest stars including Sparkles and Beaver and Scribbles the Cat.
There’s no denying Boston is home to more than its fair share of innovative local businesses. So during Women’s History Month, we thought we’d give a shout out to a few of our favorite women-owned businesses that call Boston home. From bakeries and art studios to skincare businesses and a new(ish) plant store, these women entrepreneurs are here to share their talents and passions with the community. Get ready to shop!
Green thumb or not, a trip to Wesleaf Designs & Decor’s Plant Studio is inspiring, especially with spring just around the corner. They’ve got everything your home needs to connect to nature, from hanging house plants to succulents and framed mosses. Plant consultation, design parties and plant sitting are also part of shop owner, Weslie Etienne Pierre’s expertise.
What Tzurit Or started as an at-home bakery in 2007 has grown into something of a local phenomenon over the past 15 years. Across the greater Boston area, you’ll find 19 different Tatte Bakery & Café locations, each with its own special feel. But each carries the delectable pastries and baked goods people crave, alongside tartines, sandwiches, salads and shakshuka to fill you up throughout the day. We’re loving the bake-at-home kits that make fresh-baked that much easier (and better) for busy families.
Parents love this charming “old-school neighborhood creative space” for kids in Brookline. Amy brings kids of all ages through the process of creating, be it painting, jewelry making or weaving. After school classes, camps and art project boxes means access for all, so kids can create at their own pace and in their own space.
Families can trust Tina Ramos, owner and founder of CrossFit Boston Iron & Grit, to get them in shape, no matter what their fitness goals. This Harvard-educated teacher brings her experience working with at-risk youth and her passion for fitness to work each day, with creative classes that cover everything from nutrition to Olympic lifting to classes just for teens.
Collette Divitto was born in 1990 with Down Syndrome. She grew up in Ridgefield, Connecticut, where she developed a passion for baking after taking classes in high school. After attending Clemson University and finishing a three-year LIFE program in just two years, Colette moved to Boston where she struggled to find employment. That's where Collettey’s Cookies was born. Knowing firsthand the struggles that people with Down Syndrome endure while looking for employment, Collette decided that her company would be not just a means of earning a living, but it would have a greater mission—to create jobs for other people with disabilities.
Parents in the know are familiar with Not Just Co.'s lineup of Not Just Caramel (sea salt-tahini), Not Just Pesto (tomato pesto), Not Just Salad Dressing (miso-lemon vinaigrette) and the kid-favorite Not Just Pasta Sauce. Find their products at a store near you and follow their blog for family-friendly recipes.
You'll love the vegan treats you can get from this woman-owned spot that offers weekly pickups in Dorchester. You can also find their treats in many spots around the Boston area. Get the vegan bourbon pecan pie, you won't regret it.
TRILLFIT hip hop-based classes foster community—a community that supports safe space to thrive and make long lasting positive health decisions. They are actively changing the face of the boutique fitness industry by modeling radical inclusion, acceptance, self love and shared support to transform attendees’ confidence, advance well being and ultimately promote “front row freedom.”
Founded in 2008, Lark Fine Foods is a women-owned and operated specialty foods company located north of Boston in historic Essex, Massachusetts. They offer a distinctive line of baked goods and specialty items inspired by “grown-up” consumers with sophisticated tastes, where every bite excites the senses with flavor combinations that are sometimes unexpected, but always delicious. Lark’s award-winning COOKIES FOR GROWN-UPS® and SAVORY BISCUITS can be purchased individually or as part of their thoughtfully curated gift boxes on their website, or individually at select retail outlets nationwide.
Brown and Coconut skin care is crafted with distinct blends of powerful plants, botanical extracts and clays that work in harmony to support our skin’s delicate balance. Founded by two Boston-based sisters who have suffered from acne and eczema, Brown and Coconut skin care is gentle on your skin, effective in tackling your skin concerns and simply delightful to use.
Petsi Pies (pronounced “peet-see”) an indie bakery and coffee bar serving up handmade pies and pastries in Somerville, MA since 2003. Founder Renee “Petsi” McLeod grew up baking pies in her grandmother’s kitchen and hasn’t stopped since. Everything is baked fresh daily using only all-natural ingredients and no fillers or mixes of any kind.
This Somerville business owned by Jo-Ann Keith offers cat and dog grooming by appointment as well as dog sitting. They also sell many different products for your animals to use at home.
These families really know what it means to get out into nature and we know you’ll be inspired by them to plan your next adventure
Want to try kayaking, hiking, or mountain biking as a family? Or are you up for bigger thrills in faraway places? It’s time to get your outdoor adventure on and get out into nature. Whether it’s in your own backyard or Bali, follow in the footsteps of these families and their kids’ adventures in the wilderness, and get ready to be inspired! We hope that the diversity of these families helps all kids to really see themselves getting out and making outdoor spaces their own.
National Park Capable Amanda is a mom with Cerebral Palsy and an avid hiker. She explores National Parks and advocates for more accessibility. She also gives tips for those with mobility issues and moms of toddlers.
Local Passport Family Headed up by mom Preethi, this family of eight—yes 8!—has been to 43 countries and all but one of the national parks. Their Instagram is full of iconic mountaintop shots of their family adventures, tips on hiking and road trips, and advocacy for AAPI representation.
Colin and Meg Colin and Meg are a lesser-known, beautiful Instagram couple with two kids. This family does outdoor adventure in a more relaxed style with a focus on culture and people. They love beaches and all things water—out on the ocean, in a kayak, snorkeling, and swimming.
The Mom Trotter Taking the family on the road, mom Kay and dad (@thedadtrotter) homeschool their nine-year-old son nicknamed A while living in an RV. These parents take a gentle parenting approach that we absolutely love. This couple founded @blackkidsdotravel and their posts also dip into budget travel and financial literacy.
The Traveling Twin Mama Marquita has twin toddler boys and, yes, she has traveled solo with them before! Her account is about trying new things with her family from hikes to helicopter rides and long-haul flights.
Adventure Mamas This collaborative Instagram account showcases mamas who love adventure travel and supports their mental wellness on their trips. Aside from the usual travel content, this Instagram also showcases resources and workshops for mothers.
Down with Adventure Melody and her family hike the rugged UT wild and they are big national parks fans. They are also advocates for trisomy 21 because seven-year-old daughter Ruby has Down Syndrome. She comes along on the adventure alongside her two older brothers.
We Chose Adventures Jessica and her three “wilds” (as she calls her kids) love to hike and camp. Their outdoor family adventures have them roadtripping and “wildschooling” across the US.
Pato and Lola Pat and Lola are another van-life family with two toddlers, Marcus and Mila. They travel in a 4×4 sprinter van from Cancún to Alaska. What may be the best part is their content is in Spanish!
The Bucket List Family Maybe the most well-known adventure travel family, this family of five set out to be nomads after dad Garrett sold his iPhone app to Snapchat. Like their namesake, they have been checking things off their bucket list ever since.
Real World Mami Rocio describes herself as a mami to two boys, based in California. She focuses on her Peruvian culture, outdoor California travel tips, and their family’s adventures.
Day Trips LA Dad Ralph takes his two kids to on day trips out West, escaping their Los Angeles home. No matter the weather this family is out hiking, skiing, and exploring.
2 Travel Dads Calling themselves the original LGBT Family Blog, these two dads like to explore with their two kids on paddleboards, hikes, and road trips. Chris and Rob live in North Florida and they do a lot of outdoor excursions in the area as well.
No Back Home Mom Karilyn and son Cian make the most adorable travel duo and you’ll love following them on their national park adventures and all across the world. Looking for info on how to expand your travel adventures by homeschooling your kids? This account is for you!
Whether we are reading to them or with them, books that put kids with disabilities at the center of the storyline benefit all children. For kids who have a disability, seeing themselves represented is validating and empowering. And children who do not have a disability can gain insight and empathy into the world of someone who does.
When it comes to children’s books, inclusion matters, and no one knows that better than parents of a child with a disability who has spent hours combing shelves trying to find a book that relates to their child. Many of the books on this list were written by parents of children with disabilities who wanted to see their children, and children like them, as the hero of the story. Scroll on for 11 great reads.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.
When mother and author Adiba Nelson struggled to find a single children's book that showed a Black child with disabilities, she wrote one herself. Inspired by Nelson's desire for her child, who has cerebral palsy, to see herself joyfully in a book and the world around her, Adiba wrote Meet Clarabelle Blue to do just that. Follow Clarabelle through her day and learn how she is just like you—she loves to giggle, she has to brush her teeth, she loves to laugh—just like all kids. An important book for children of all abilities to read to gain insight, compassion, and the importance of representation. Also available in Spanish.
Written by the parent of a young child with autism, this book follows Landon, a boy who loves to play with his friends but struggles to communicate with others. Not only does it help show any kiddos on the spectrum that they're not alone, but it also educates all readers on some of the traits and behaviors linked to ASD. Above all, it serves as a reminder that each of us is unique and deserving of love and friendship.
Inspired by their son, husband and wife co-authors Jamiyl and Tracy-Ann Samuels wrote The Amazing Sensational Kids series to empower children with autism as well as create empathy for those who have children on the spectrum in their life. All their books are fantastic, but The Sensationally Super Sandy stands out. Sandy has a big brother who doesn’t always speak or play with her, but as her parents explain to her what having autism means, Sandy learns how important it is to be kind when someone is different. And Sandy takes that to heart on the school playground.
Both main characters are relatable and loveable. The book gives perspective on what it can feel like to be the sibling of someone with autism and provides a very clear explanation of what autism is for children of any age. By Jamiyl Samuels and Tracy-Ann Samuels, illustrated by Nidhom.
Children on the autism spectrum frequently have sensory issues, including disliking certain textures. Such is the case with our little hero, Holly, who loves science and doing experiments. But she is upset when she finds out the next experiment is going to be slime, something she strongly dislikes because it is too sticky! Together Holly, her teacher and her parents find a solution.
Ages: 4-8.
By Jen Malia, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff.
Beautifully written by a parent with a child who has ADHD and Proprioceptive Sensory Disorder, this book is designed to empower sensory seekers and educate both sensory seekers and those around them with strategies that will help with self-regulation. But don’t just take our word for it, take their son’s: “This book gives me strategies to calm down,” he says. Using straightforward strategies and relatable language, this book is based on years of first-hand experience and Occupational Therapy. For any age child with ADHD, an SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder), and their families. Written by Christia DeShields, illustrated by Marissa Nelson.
From Francesca Cavello, co-author of Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls, this beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Paralympian Tatanya McFadden. Born in Russia with spina bifida, Tatanya lived the first six years of her life in an orphanage, where she learned to walk on her hands. After being adopted by her moms and moving to the US, McFadden began wheelchair racing at the age of just eight years old. The images by Luis San Vicente invoke the astounding speed and movement of this Paralympic star.
With a little boy named Xander as the narrator, the book explains all about cerebral palsy, including causes, types, and how it affects both him and his friends with cerebral palsy. This book teaches children about cerebral palsy and provides a representation of a strong, positive character for children with cerebral palsy to relate to and be proud of. Best for children ages 4-8 but is suitable for all ages. Written by Lori Leigh Yarborough and illustrated by Roksana Oslizlo.
This graphic novel geared toward children 8-12 not only made the New York Times bestseller list, it also won a Newbery Honor award. Based on Cece Bell’s own life as the only deaf child in a school of hearing children, Bell wore a hearing aid which allowed her to hear a little more than just the lesson plans. This humorous story reminds children that being different is good and that those differences are actually what become your superpowers. El Deafo is also now an animated series. Written and illustrated by Cece Bell.
This inclusive book for elementary-aged kids (ages 7-9) features multiple heroes who are on the search for Marshmallow, the classroom bunny. When Marshmallow goes missing, two students find him; one with a visual impairment and the other who has autism. Once found, the bunny is comforted by a student with down syndrome. By Kathryn Lynn Seifert with illustrations by Ann Murray and Jean Weir.
Zulay and her three best friends love the first grade. Zulay is blind, but she loves to do what all the other kids do, and study what they study. When the school’s Field Day comes along, Zulay announces she wants to run a race. With the help of her friends and a teacher, Zulay accomplishes her goal. The book, for ages 4-8, includes the Braille alphabet. Written by Cari Best and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton.
Albert Whitman & Company
We Want to Go to School!: The Fight for Disability Rights
Before 1971, millions of children in the United States were not allowed in public schools. But in 1971, seven kids and their families stood up for equal education and equal rights and went to court to fight for it. Co-authored by Janine Leffler and her mother, children’s book author and illustrator Maryann Cocca-Leffler, this book tells the story of Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia, which changed the course of disability education. Maryann has written a series of books based on her daughter Janine, who was born with cerebral palsy, but this is the first time they have written a book together.
This book will teach children ages 5-9, and all children and their grown-ups, about a landmark case that is not well-known. It is especially impactful for children to read at school to understand the significance of the law, the activists who fought for it, and both the history and future of disability education in the United States.
When your little one comes home from school, excitedly gripping a flyer from the music department, you might express hesitation. Is it worth it to invest the time and money into letting your child play an instrument?
The answer is a decided yes for many reasons. Engaging your child’s musical talents has benefits for nearly every other aspect of their life. Here are nine reasons why you should let your child play an instrument.
1. It Improves Math Skills
Multiple studies suggest a link between musical and mathematical ability. However, skeptical scientists sought to disprove the link by examining other factors, such as socioeconomic conditions, that could influence this correlation.
One such individual was educator Martin J. Bergee. He sought to disprove the connection between musical and mathematical ability by accounting for outside factors among a group of 1,000 middle school students. To his surprise, the association between achievement in one discipline and the other remained, even when factoring in conditions like income level.
Bergee is not the only one to recognize the connection. According to the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation, music helps students with standardized tests like the SATs and their maths classes. If your little one struggles in algebra, let them play the tuba.
2. It Hones Language Skills
Recite the first seven letters of the alphabet. Chances are, you sang them, right?
Music has the power to make language acquisition easier. Singing makes it possible for children to memorize lists and concepts they would otherwise struggle to retain. It can even help those with Down Syndrome practice articulation and the flow of words in an engaging way.
3. It Encourages Creativity
It probably doesn’t surprise you that music fosters creativity. Letting your children make tunes is another way to engage their imagination.
You don’t necessarily need to sign your child up for formal lessons—although doing so may help preserve your delicate ears. Anyone who has ever had a piano in their home knows that kids will instinctively play with it. If money is tight, you can pick up inexpensive instruments like recorders and tambourines.
4. It Gets Kids Active
If you think playing an instrument isn’t active, please go talk to the nearest “band geek” who walked a mile while carrying a trombone. Playing music counts as physical activity.
Even video games like “Rock Band” get your little one up off the couch. If they go all out, imitating their favorite performing artists, they can scorch some serious calories while aiding in young muscle development.
5. It Inspires Discipline
There are no shortcuts in the music world. As with any creative endeavor, the only way for your child to get better is to practice.
However, music also brings with it an intrinsic reward. Your little one can hear their growth, and it inspires them to keep going. You can tell them a million times not to give up on an endeavor out of frustration, but it’s far better for them to figure out the lesson independently through their guitar explorations.
6. It Creates Agency
Agency refers to the feeling that you have control over your actions and the consequences. It’s vital to mental health—feeling helpless can plunge your little one into despair.
Mastering a musical instrument teaches your child that they can do something when they apply themselves to the task. They can carry this newfound confidence forward into future endeavors.
7. It Develops Cultural Appreciation
You want your child to appreciate works of music and art. Perhaps no method is better for instilling awe than having them try to replicate the masters—and seeing how challenging their craft can be.
You can further encourage your child’s musical exploration by taking them to concerts. Mix it up—one night, you can see the hottest band, and another, you can hit the orchestra.
8. It Provides Stress Relief
Please don’t make the mistake of thinking too much tension is the sole province of grownups. Research published in the National Institutes of Health indicates that 35% of primary school children experience stress-related health problems, and the issues often compound as they get older.
Music provides a natural outlet for stress. Your child can lose themselves in their favorite jams and reap the endorphin-producing benefits of getting more active when they play their troubles away.
9. It’s Integral to the Human Experience
Finally, you should let your child play an instrument because music is vital to the human experience. No other creature on earth uses foreign devices to create melodies, although you can certainly hear birds and whales sing.
Scientists may never know for certain what inspired the first human to pick up a hollowed bird bone and invent a flute. The urge probably stemmed from the same need everyone has to communicate. Some do so through words and others through musical notes—let your child explore this realm of self-expression.
Kara Reynolds is the Editor-in-Chief and founder of Momish Magazine. A mom of four and matriarch to her big blended family, Kara wants nothing more than to normalize differences in family structures. She enjoys peeing alone, pancakes, and pinot noir - but not at the same time.
We’ve been reading for months now through all kinds of wonderful new books and, thanks mostly to our kids, have narrowed down our top picks for the best children’s books of 2020. From picture books to bedtime stories to graphic novels and chapter books for young readers, all those hours of reading added up to this vetted, mom-and-child-tested list. Read on for our choices.
Board Books & Books for Early Readers
My Favorite Color: I Can Only Pick One?
Candlewick Press
Fans of Aaron Becker's previous stunning board book You Are the Light will love the newest exploration of colors from the Caldecott-Honor-winning author-illustrator.
New York Times-bestselling and NAACP-Award-winning illustrator AG Ford comes together with Tameka Fryer Brown in their new collaboration, Brown Baby Lullaby. Gorgeous illustrations are paired with the sweet lullabye of parents caring for their baby. Using both Spanish and English, this book makes for the perfect bedtime story.
Help your kiddos learn the colors of the rainbow in addition to fine art with the Andy Warhol What Colors Do You See? board book. Using Warhol's signature style and love of color, this simple book brings his masterpieces to your little's fingertips in a fun and easy way. Available Jan. 21.
From activist, professor and father Ibram X. Kendi, this lovely picture book will help you and your kids learn about cultivating a more equitable world by following nine simple steps. We love this new and powerful read; it is filled with thoughtful rhymes and beautiful, bold illustrations.
Out in time for Pride Month (June) this early reader board book is the perfect way to engage kids, especially if you can't attend a Pride Parade this year. "1 Parade in the month of June/2 DJ's spin fabulous tunes." Michael Joosten's rhyming prose is perfectly accompanied by Wednesday Holme's bright illustrations.
Llama Llama is back! In the newest book, your fave character can't find his funny. Where could he be? Kids will love lifting the flap to help Llama find his bedtime bestie. Available Jan. 14.
This adorable new book series comes in a set of four: Equality, Happiness, Imagination and Truth. Each one features a famous philosopher (think Socrates and Simone de Beauvoir) and has vivid, fun illustrations any baby will love. There are also thought-provoking questions that are appropriate for the toddler set, and each book will inspire your tiniest readers to consider their place in the world.
In the sixth book of the This Little series, This Little Dreamer: An Inspirational Primer brings some of the most historic figures to light for young readers. The sweet illustrations share the tales of Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King, Jr. and more with age-appropriate facts that are sure to inspire. Available Jan. 14.
The third book in the Tiny Travelers series takes readers on a journey from San Juan to Vieques. Created by a team of parents with multicultural backgrounds, the series promises a celebration of diversity with hidden treasures on every page. Great for kids of all ages, the interactive book is packed full of beautiful illustrations and rhyme-based storytelling.
From the beloved brand Highlights comes a new set of picture books for kids. One, in an A-Z format, this book will show kids all the different ways they can bring a little kindness into the world. Think helping with chores, delivering cookies to a neighbor, standing up for what’s right and more. The other does the same in counting form and featuring a diverse cast of kids and beautiful illustrations, these are both excellent books to read aloud in a classroom or at home before bedtime.
Though we’re not together we’re never truly apart, because you’re always on my mind and you’re always in my heart. This is what a mother tells her child as she leaves for work each day. This lovely board book perfectly captures the sentiment that many women feel about being a working mom. The lyrical text takes us through a mother’s day away, demonstrating that although she’s working hard, her child is always on her mind and always in her heart. Available Mar. 10.
Explore the adorable tiny houses of woodland critters in this interactive board book by Nicola Slater. In it, Alex—an orange tabby cat—visits one house after another, collecting new friends at every stop. At the end of the book, the rabbits, dogs, hedgehogs, squirrels, and bears join Alex outside to play catch with a touch-and-feel big, red ball.
Introduce your toddler to the legendary E.T., with this adorable interactive board book. Help E.T. find the right word to describe what going on in the picture by turning the wheel at the side. From what he likes to eat to what he wants to do with the phone, this sweet dose of nostalgia will be enjoyed by everyone.
Little mole is sad, so his mother takes him out of his dark, underground burrow to search for hope. They find it in flower bulbs that will become daffodils, trees that will grow green leaves in the spring, and a chrysalis where a butterfly will soon emerge. Close your eyes and imagine what's to come, Mama says, showing little mole that there's always hope when you're in a dark place. This sweet lesson shows kids how to endure their own challenges and find hope around them.
Just breathe.... This book provides a guided meditation that shows kids how to focus on their breathing and stay calm even when they have troubling thoughts in their head. Illustrations show how thoughts can feel—flitting like butterflies, stomping like monsters or popping like bubbles—while reassuring kids that even scary thoughts pass and that mindful breathing, just ten deep breaths, can put us at ease.
Jane Ormes' lift the flap board book all about the forest is a perfect addition to any baby or toddler library, and one that teaches more than just shapes or colors. A daddy deer is called a stag, a mommy bear is called a sow, a baby is called a kit. The flaps reveal the different names for baby animals, all accompanied by the woodlandy-cute illustrations that set it apart.
Hello, Elephant!; Hello, Bear! and Hello, Whale! Board Books
Candlewick Press
This large, sturdy board book format with lots of flaps will keep curious kiddos entertained while they learn all about the animals of the African savanna in Hello, Elephant; creatures of the ocean in Hello, Whale and forest friends in Hello, Bear! Author-illustrator sam Boughtons images are reminiscent of Eric Carle, in the best way possible.
Picture Books We Can’t Stop Staring At (& Reading)
Can Bears Ski?
Candlewick Press
This cheerful new book (released in November 2020) introduces readers to deafness and hearing aids in a totally kid-friendly way: Little Bear is having trouble hearing, but doesn't understand what is happening. He just keeps hearing funny phrases, like "Can bears ski?" The author, Raymond Antrobus was diagnosed with deafness at age seven and the illustrator, Polly Dunbar, became hard of hearing in her '20s. The result is a lesson in empathy that aims to destigmatize deafness and an excellent addition to any library, especially a classroom one.
Written by Smiriti Prasadam-Halls with luscious illustrations by David Litchfield, perhaps the author and the publisher both had a premonition about just how important this book would be in 2020. The message is clear, as Dolly Parton will tell you, "If you want rainbows, you gotta' put up with the rain." This beautiful book rhymes its way through a magical world that is full of thunder and clouds and kindness and clarity. This is a great bedtime book, too and though its written for ages 3-7, older kids will get some comfort from it at night as a girl and her fox companion move away from a sorrowful past, through challenges, and into a new tomorrow. Sounds about right, no?
Mexican-artist and author-illustrator Flavia Z. Drago's stunning debut picture book full of bright illustrations that bring to mind gorgeous papel picado paper-cuts as we adventure through Gustavo's world. Gustavo doesn't like to talk much and has trouble making friends, but soon he learns his other gifts are something the world (and his friends) need.
There are a lot of tough times for kids in life, and moving away or losing a friend to a move can be really hard at any age. This beautiful book by Newbery medalist Meg Medina, illustrated by Sonia Sanchez, helps children process more of those big feelings and remember that friendship is in our hearts. This is also a helpful book during these times when playdates are few and far between.
The second book from the author of Jamie Is Jamie: A Book About Being Yourself and Playing Your Way focuses on teaching kids gender-neutral pronouns. Jamie goes on a walk with Bubbie (grandma) and along the way has to correct Bubbie when she assumes genders about some of the people they meet. Includes a special section for parents and educators and makes an excellent gift for any classroom.
Claude is a celebrity alligator and the mascot for San Francisco's California Academy of Sciences. His story started almost 25 years ago in Louisiana, where he hatched out of his egg to discover he looked different from the other hatchlings. They were green and Claude was white. The other hatchings avoided him, and his color made him vulnerable to predators. So Claude went to a special zoo that cared for alligators where he lived in a pen by himself. Now he was safe—but alone. Find out what happens to Claude in this wonderful new book by Emma Bland Smith.
With a can-do attitude, Cor Cor shows that with enough determination anything is possible. Cor Cor's readers learn about places around the world, as he explores exciting destinations from his wheelchair. Whether admiring the northern lights in Iceland or meeting kangaroos in Australia, no adventure is off-limits.
As a wheelchair user that has visited all seven continents, co-author Cory Lee always wanted to read a book that he could relate to while growing up. Collaborating with his mom, co-author Sandy Gilbreath, they created this children’s picture book to show that the possibilities for all children are limitless, regardless of their abilities.
Part fairy-tale, part woodland adventure, author-illustrator Lucy Fleming will transport your kiddos to a forest family of creatures work together to make one little, tiny person's dream comes true. Celebrates the power of generosity and helping those who may have an issue they are dealing with (Ella can't go out in the day). It also makes an utterly beautiful bedtime read.
With bright watercolor illustrations, this book tells the story of how an imaginative lion named Guion shows his friends how to see magic in their everyday world. Inspired by the author's three kids, including her oldest with Down syndrome, the book shows readers how to change their perspective and find a little magic in their own lives too. The book ends with suggestions for fun activities for families to play together, building on the themes in the book.
The shoulders on the drag queen go shimmy, shimmy, shimmy...all through the town.
Fans of Drag Queen Story Hours around the country will love this book from Lil' Miss Hot Mess, one of the first Queens to host DQSH. Bright, playful illustrations by Olga de Dios add the perfect touch to this update on the classic "wheels on the bus" song that aims to teach little kids everywhere...there's nothing wrong with a little swish in your step.
Mom and author Sara Olsher wrote the book she wished she could have given her own daughter while they navigated her own divorce. Written with clear words and bright illustrations, this book shows kids that even though divorce is scary, it is something lots of families get through. Olsher's life mission is to help little people through tough times, including how to talk to kids about a parent's cancer diagnosis and the coronavirus.
Clarissa the cottage doesn't want to be adorable, she wants to be scary like her parents, a witch's hut and a creepy castle! Told in lyrical stanzas, Clarissa embarks on a journey to learning to be her very best self.
A beautiful, empowering picture book from Meena Harris about two sisters who work with their community to effect change, inspired by a true story from the childhood of the author’s aunt, Kamala Harris, and mother, lawyer and policy expert Maya Harris.
This story about a little girl who is very close with her grandma and the girl's experience as her grandma's dementia progresses. It is an excellent child's eye view of this often confusing and heartbreaking disease and a great tool for parents and caregivers to engage kids in the conversation of aging, dementia and alzheimers.
Geisel Honor Winner Kara LeReau teamed up with Caldecott Medal winning illustrator Matthew Cordell to introduce readers to "the newest star in the circus: Baby Clown!" Frieda and Boffo clown's little make-up ready clown is adorable, but he's also not very happy. Laugh out loud as Baby Clown cries his way through the circus acts, diaper changes, feedings and nap. As any parent can attest, though, the show must go on. Find out how on Apr. 14.
The true story of Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, a man who, in the midst of the on-going Syrian civil war, managed to find and offer safe haven to dozens and dozens of abandoned pet cats. A somber but important book that offers kids’ a glance at the effects of war, this inspiring tale is accompanied by wonderful illustrations.
"When work is done, it's time for FUN!" Explore the forest, the canyon, fields and more beyond the job site where these adorable dinosaur-equipment characters find out that fun can mean work (and work can be fun!). Written and illustrated by Michael Whaite.
Meet Cornelius J. Sparklesteed. He has a secret. He’s a unicorn!! He also lives in Hoofington, where lots of nasty rumors about unicorns get passed around. They’ve gone so far as to announce that unicorns aren’t welcome. So, Cornelius designs fabulous hats to conceal his secret, and along the way, garners the admiration of friends and even the mayor! This shiny, sparkly book is a delightful read, and more importantly, shows that sometimes, different isn’t just weird, it’s AWESOME.
Little Meg has a unique skill; she can build almost anything out of cardboard. She enjoys the maker spotlight until one day she meets Simone, who shares the same abilities. This book follows their antics as they try to out-construct each other. DIY directions for some of Meg's favorite creations are included at the back of the book.
When debut author Angela Joy set out to teach her children their first Black History lesson she was not expecting her preschooler to say, "But Mama, we're not black, we're brown." It was then that she realized that she wanted her children, and all children, to understand that being Black was about culture as much as color. And so Black Is a Rainbow Color was born. Vibrant, stained-glass like artwork by Coretta-Scott King Award-winning illustrator Ekua Holmes accompanies Joy's poetic text as we join a little girl on a journey to discover all the wonderful things that Black is.
"Black is the robe of Thurgood's back. Black are the trains on railroad tracks. Black are the eyes on salted peas. Black are the shadows of ooo-old magnolia trees."
Includes a suggested playlist as well as an expanded explanation of the historical references in the text to allow parents to explain Black history to their kids. It's an exceptionally designed, written and thoughtful new book appropriate for kids of all ages and ethnicities. We can't wait to see what Joy does next. Available Jan. 14.
Ages: Suggested age, 4-8, but we think even older kids can benefit from this book due to the important historical talking points in the back of the book
This incredibly compelling book written by Thomas Harding and illustrated by Britta Teckentrup tells "The True Story of a House, Its History, and the Four Families Who Made It Home" and follows the history of a house taken from a family by the Nazis. Though it could end there, the author continues to tell the story of the new families who came to live in the walls and make it a happy home over the years. A deeply moving reminder of the sorrow of loss and the hope of new beginnings.
Fred is bound to make school less boring. The creative boy decides that his teacher is a robot, and takes his friends on a fantastical journey that only the wildly imaginative mind of a child can do.
While this book is technically a Kickstarter campaign (ends April 19), we just had to share. A beautiful collection of 30 stories about kids from all over the world, it includes fun facts and activities that help bring each culture to life. Available now for pre-order, books will be shipped in November—which makes this a perfect holiday gift.
If you read Jessica Love's Julián Is a Mermaid, a beautiful book about gender identity and acceptance, you'll love Julián at the Wedding. Just as gorgeously illustrated, this time we find Julián and his abuela heading to a wedding where Julián is in the wedding party. He makes a new friend and together they enjoy the beauty and enchantment of a magical wedding. A wonderful view of how young children see love and another homerun for acceptance and individuality that every family should own.
Author-illustrator Deborah Marcero brings us a beautifully illustrated picture book about the beauty of ordinary things and the magic of young friendships. Little bunny Llewellyn is a collector of ordinary things, "like buttercups, feathers, and heart-shaped stones" along with cherry colored sunsets and the shadows of summer with his friend, Evelyn. But when Evelyn moves away, they stay connected in a most magical way. Each page delights with "jars" of illustrations your children will love discovering. Available Jan. 21.
The first picture book from renowned astrophysicist Ray Jayawardhana is a delight. Set as a poem, Child of the Universe is a sweet meditation on the fact that from the literal stardust that makes our bodies to the atoms that connect us, we are all connected to the universe and to one another. (Available March 17)
Your child's Spanish will be muy bien thanks to this picture book that introduces common Spanish words organized by categories including animals, body parts, food, colors, numbers, household objects and more. The words are introduced with kid-friendly images that make learning both informative and enjoyable.
This remarkable biographical picture book, written by Lisa Robinson and illustrated by Rebecca Green, introduces young readers to one of the trailblazing women of the circus arts! In revolutionary France, a young girl named Marguerite dreamed of becoming a tightrope dancer, and she dazzled from the young age of nine, going on to garner the admiration of crowds. She became known as Madame Saqui. This is her remarkable story!
If the adorable illustrations from award-winning artist Miguel Ordóñez (Jimmy Fallon’s Your Baby’s First Word Will Be Dada) don’t draw you in, then the funny, lively prose and the smattering of Spanish words thrown into this twist on a classic fairy tale by author Susan Middleton Elya will. There’s even a glossary of words at the front for kids to reference.
The dreamy watercolor wash of a magical undersea world comes to life in Anna Pignataro's The Heart of a Whale, the story of a whale whose beautiful song calms all the aquatic creatures and whose lonely sigh calls out to another whale across the sea. Enchanting, magical and incredibly sweet. Available Jan. 28.
This just-published book by Janet Sumner Johnson, illustrated by Courtney Dawson, is for every kid who has ever had a parent too busy to read a bedtime story. When it happens to Shailey, she takes matters into her own hands. She fires her dad, posts a help wanted sign and the offers start rolling in…from her favorite fairytale characters. Find out who winds up reading bedtime stories to Shailey when you sit down to read this cute book with your crew.
Fred's Big Feelings: The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers
Simon & Schuster
This picture-book biography by Laura Renauld, illustrated by Brigette Barrager, reminds us all of one of the purveying messages from Mister Rogers Neighborhood and Fred Rogers' life: it's okay to have feelings. The book takes us from his childhood finding his feelings through the piano, his grandfather McFeely's unconditional love, the feeling of gaining confidence in high school by being compassionate, through the feeling that children's television was conveying the wrong message: and Fred's feeling that he should change it. This book teaches kids not only about Fred Rogers life and legacy, but also to express and embrace their own feelings. Available Jan. 14.
Ages: 4-8 (but we grown-ups really enjoyed it, too!)
Helena Ku Rhee's wonderful new picture book tells the story of little Daniel, whose parents work as night janitors, usually while he sleeps. When the babysitter can't make it, Daniel has to go along with his parents to the big glass building they clean. Little does he know it is the land of the Paper King. Inspired by Rhee's own parents, this is the story of hardwork and imagination, and a reminder to be kind. Beautifully illustrated by Pascal Campion.
The democratic process comes to the jungle with this debut picture book by Brazilian authors Paula Desgualdo & Pedro Markun and illustrators André Rodrigues & Larissa Ribeiro. Yes, Lion is the King but when his selfish behavior causes his subjects to dissent, they decide it's time to hold an election. Each candidate campaigns with their unique attributes: Sloth, Snake, Monkey and more all bring something new to the table. A great way to teach kids about elections in a non-partisan way.
Penned by Sharon Langley, the famously photographed African-American who rode a carousel at Baltimore's Gwynn Oak Amusement Park in 1963, this beautifully illustrated book tells the story of peacefully fighting for equality.
Katarina's dreams are bigger than city life. The ten-year-old has it in her heart to become the best: a prima ballerina. Despite not having any training, Katarina sets out to win a coveted spot in an international dance camp that is sure to make her a start.
"When someone opens a door to you, go forward." Young Frances Perkins spent her life heeding the wise words her grandmother taught her as a little girl. Kathleen Krull's The Only Woman in the Photo tells the story of Frances Perkins, the first woman to ever sit on a presidential cabinet. Perkins became Franklin D. Roosevelt's trusted advisor, and it is Perkins you can thank for such things as child labor laws, unemployment insurance and social security. Illustrations by Alexandra Bye bring the life and times of this persistent, fearless trailblazer to life.
Olympia, Washington-based paper artist, Nikki McClure, released this beautiful book about the power of creativity and community at the end of February. It follows a family for a day in a small town, wondering with each turn of the page, what these hands will make. Will they make a fiddle? Fire from a stack of wood? How about a beautiful bouquet or a house for swallows? McClure’s recognizable art showcases the potential of each possible creation in the most compelling way.
A beautiful picture book based on the life and journey of who most consider the father of modern art. This lovely work follows the life of the painter Paul Cézanne, who never gave up, even when the Parisian critics rejected his work, never gave up his mission to be a great painter, and was always evolving in style and technique. And yes, he really did have a parrot!
Geraldine and the Most Spectacular Science Project
Geraldine is a spunky second-grade student who loves science but sometimes has a hard time paying attention in class. When her teacher announces the science contest, she’s determined to take the prize. With lots of hard work, a pile of everyday stuff, and tons of confidence (she doesn’t let her fellow students' whispers get her down), Geraldine creates something truly amazing. A great story for kids who like to dream. (Available Feb 28th)
Beautifully illustrated with charcoal, ink and watercolor, this sweet story about the friendship between a young girl and a bison evolves into a tender tale of loss and the passage of time. Ultimately, the girl learns that the bison will always be in her heart, so this may be a good story to help a young reader understand the loss of a loved one.
Learn the true, amazing story of young Peter Wetzel, whose family attempts to escape East Germany in 1979 in a homemade hot air balloon. The story explains, in kid-friendly terms, about the differences between East Germany and West Germany and how his family and close friends prepare to risk their lives for the promise of a better one.
Introduce your modern kid to the world of reporting and writing for an independent newspaper. Join Nellie, the new kid in Bear Creek, Maine (and the daughter of two newspaper veterans), as she strives to uncover who’s behind the recent attacks of vandalism. She’ll need a whole crew of journalists, who might, in the end, end up being new friends too.
The Spirit of Springer: The Real-Life Rescue of an Orphaned Orca
This newly released book, by author Amanda Abler and illustrator Levi Hastings, details the real-life rescue of Springer, a northern resident orca found swimming alone in Puget Sound in 2002. The book immerses kids in the thrilling details of the heroic rescue and even follows up with Springer in the present.
This alphabet book stars women artists including iconic painters like Georgia O’Keefe and Frida Kahlo but also puts the spotlight on lesser-known artists like Mirka Mora, Judith Leyster and more. Each page has a short explanation of the works that define each artist (for example, legendary photographer Dorthea Lange is X is for EXposure), and if older kids want to learn more, the back pages have extended biographies. Beautiful illustrations complete this lovely picture book that's bookshelf worthy.
Exploring the Elements: A Complete Guide to the Periodic Tables
Phaidon
We're not gonna' lie, with all of this at-home schooling parents can use all the help they can get and this smart, well-designed book will give any kid (and their parents) a little guidance when it comes to the basics of chemistry. Written by Isabel Thomas and illustrated by Sara Gillingham. It's like the textbook you wish you'd had as a student.
A ghostly, fantastical tale written and illustrated by Irish author P.J. Lynch, this picture book for older readers is full of ghosts, love and an underwater world that is both haunting and beautiful. It reads like an ancient story someone once whispered to you as you walked the shores, and yet is completely new.
The subtitle says it all in this brightly illustrated (William Luong) book by author Mifflin Lowe: Real Stories about Black Cowboys, Women Sharpshooters, Native American Rodeo Stars, Pioneering Vaqueros, and the Unsung Explorers, Builders, and Heroes Who Shaped the American West.
Engaging, full of awesome pictures and rich with historic info every kid (and their parents) should learn.
Not your average reference book, author Jules Howard presents a thorough investigation of the wonder of bones in this hardcover volume with insanely-amazing illustrations by Chervelle Fryer, who manages to be both scientifically accurate and aesthetically pleasing at the same time. Seriously, you'll wish you could frame this whole book. The added bonus? Kids will learn all about bones and skeletons, from horses to flying foxes to penguins. The book is arranged by "type" of animal: jumping, flying, running, swimming, etc. A must-buy for any kid's reference library.
A seek and find book with a beautifully simplistic and minimal approach, Jorrien Peterson's new work is a can't miss. Kids will learn about nine unique biomes (naturally occurring communities), what makes them special, be challenged to find specific flora and fauna and answer a question at the end of each "lesson."
Shannon Hale and Dean Hale's beloved character is back to try to solve the "big problem," a noisy stomping giant. The eighth book in this New York Times bestselling series, the illustrations by LeUyen Pham are just as important to telling the story as the Hale's well-crafted words. A perfect first-chapter book series.
This graphic novel written by Matthew Cody and illustrated by Yoshi Yoshitani features young Zatanna, daughter of a magician but don't be fooled. It's a very in-depth story about a young girl—mourning her mother and being bullied in school—who embarks on an utterly fantastical adventure through a house of secrets, full of riddles, enemies, unexpected friends and the afterlife.
Dav Pilkey's latest in the Dog Man series is full of laughs, as per usual. This time, Dog Man turns in his badge and resigns his post. Will he get back on the force? Read it to find out!
This fun graphic novel follows a tween Diana (aka Wonder Woman) on the island of Themyscira. As the only child on the island, she faces bouts of loneliness and ends up trying to make a friend, with unintended consequences. Featuring strong female protagonists and vivid illustrations, this is a great choice for early elementary-school kids.
Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World i
Rebel Girls
This wonderful collection by Elena Favilli, the third in the Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls series, covers famous immigrant women from Josephine Baker to Rhianna. In the signature style, it is beautifully illustrated by women artists from around the world and full of relatable stories and facts for rebel kids to learn about these fierce and awesome women.
Retired pirates! Secret Codes! Witches! Sea Monsters! If that isn't enough to entice you to read this heavily illustrated chapter book, the fact that Warren the 13th is full of puzzles and riddles just might. In this adventure, we find Warren managing his family's floating hotel and planning his 13th birthday party. In this final adventure for Warren, part of a three-book series, Author Tania Del Rio's and illustrator Will Staehle bring us one of the most entertaining and unique books of 2020.
Ages: 10-12
Buy it now. $12
Chapter Books We Love
Tristan Strong Destroys the World (Tristan Strong Book 2)
Penguin Random House
Part of Rick Riordan Presents, this book blows just about every other book of its kind out of the water with humor, history and some seriously amazing and heart-touching themes including children facing trauma, in a way that is perfectly relatable to young readers. Tristan, who has returned from his previous epic adventure to the land of African-American folk heroes (Alke) with PTSD, is forced to return to Alke—this time to rescue beloved grandma! Themes of resilience are interwoven artfully with loveable heroes (like Gum Baby, Tristan's other world sidekick) and larger-than-life characters. Our editor's son, who poured through every Rick Riordan and Rick Riordan Presents book written to date, said this is by far one of his favorite books of the year.
Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes (Pandava Series, Book 3)
Penguin Random House
If the Tristan Strong is our editor's son's favorite this year, Aru Shah is a close second. Another series in the Rick Riordan presents, now 14-year-old Aru Shah returns to the Otherworld from books 1 & 2, based on characters and the landscape from the epic Hindu poem, the Mahabharata, this time to help a captive clairvoyant. The richness of voice and humor is present throughout.
When a child goes through a divorce, many things change. When ten-year-old Bea's parents tell her they are getting a divorce, they present her with a list of the things that will not change, including their love for her. Follow Bea as she navigates her big feelings as her dad remarries, and things definitely change, yet always returning to that list of things that don't, which author Rebecca Stead navigates artfully and age-appropriately.
The eagerly awaited new book from Rick Riordan (and the final in the Trials of Apollo) series does not disappoint with all of your favorite characters and monsters together for an epic conclusion, masterfully and hilariously written by one of the best incredible-adventure telling, middle grade authors to grace our shelves since Tolkien. (Yeah, we read Tolkien in middle school! #booknerds).
The Quest for the Crystal Crown (The Story Pirates Present)
Random House
Based on an original idea by a real kid! The third book in The Story Pirates Presents series, it's like two books in one. The first part is the story about an enchanted city, and the second part of the book is all about how to create your own fantasy adventure, including creative writing tips and tricks.
This beautiful book kicks off a new series by Newbery Honor author Amy Timberlake, illustrated by beloved artist and Caldecott medalist Jon Klassen (I Want My Hat Back, The Dark, and others). In Skunk and Badger (Skunk and Badger Book 1) we are introduced to a classic new odd-couple that will quickly grab your kiddos' hearts.
This is the second middle grade novel from Bay Area author Mae Respicio and it is full of Filipino folklore, history and cuisine. Any Day with You is a warm, tender story about a creative girl who hopes that by winning a filmmaking contest, she’ll convince her great-grandfather not to move back home to the Philippines.
New in January of 2020, author Tiffany Jewell aims to dismantle racism by helping readers understand the origins of racism, current racism in our society and how to stand up against racial oppression. Each chapter builds on the previous one as you learn more about yourself and racial oppression and it includes 20 powerfully effective activities to get you thinking and help you learn and grow.
Recommended age: The publisher list ages 11+ but we think every family should own a copy of this and read it together.
Ramona Quimby gets a modern update with Ryan Hart and her middle-class family. Newberry Honor and Coretta Scott King Author Award winner Renée Watson starts a new chapter book series for budding readers with Ways to Make Sunshine. The intro novel follows Ryan as she navigates family that includes her dad finding a job after a long period of unemployment, school and self-image. No matter what she faces, Ryan knows how to make sunshine out of any situation.
Sandy Stark-McGinnis' second middle school novel offers a hopeful yet heart wrenching story of a young girl dealing with her mother's early onset Alzheimer's diagnosis. Cassie and her dad are handling all the new changes quite well until Mom forgets Cassie's name, and she struggles to stay connected to friends and her art. Tough topics abound in this middle grade story that follows Cassie as she decides to break one of her dad's rules to make her mom happy.
Imagine a world where girls loved their body just as it is. Love Your Body, a new book by Jessica Sanders strives to make this a reality. With “imperfect” illustrations, this book helps show girls that their bodies are powerful instruments, rather than just an object. It covers all shapes and sizes, what happens with puberty hits, and even has tips and tricks that may help girls feel better about themselves.
Dark Hedges, Wizard Island, and Other Magical Places That Really Exist
Readers will learn all about mysterious and mystical places that really exist, like The Skeleton Coast, The Fairy Tale Route and even the Lost City of Petra. Piquing the interest of budding and seasoned travelers alike, this is an ideal book to read with kids who are curious about all the unusual things out in the big wide world.
Billed as 5 bookzzz in 1, Tedd Arnold's popular Fly Guy Presents series including Sharks, Dinosaurs, Insects, Bats and Snakes, are compiled into one book. In each chapter, Fly Guy and Buzz introduce kids to these "scary" animals with facts, photos and Fly Guy commentary.
If your kid likes the Wimpy Kid series, this new set of stories might be right up his alley. Meet Iggy. He's a mischevious kid who will go through a series of doing bad things, from kinda bad to really bad. Then he'll deal with the consequences. Told with a dry wit and including plenty of fun illustrations, this easy chapter book is perfect for kids mastering their reading skills.
Part choose-your-own-adventure, part mystery, part activity book, the newest book in the Escape This Book series by author Bill Doyle and illustrator Sarah Sax will have your kids reading, laughing, drawing and puzzling out an "escape route" from an Egyptian tomb by choosing one of three paths. Educational and interactive, this might be the best book for travel we've seen in ages.
Diary of a 5th Grade Outlaw: The Friend Thief Book 2
Epic Originals
Head back to Nottingham Elementary for another adventure! Robin is happy to be "back together" with her BFF after "winning" her back from the schoolyard bully, Nadia. But Nadia starts to win over the other kids including Robin's bestie. The second book in this Robin Hood inspired series, find the first one here. Written by Gina Loveless, illustrated by Andrea Bell.
In the vein of books like Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls, this illustrated book aims to empower and inspire kids by telling incredible stories of courage, ingenuity and deep commitment of kids who have changed (and are changing) the world. Amy Blackwell's rich illustrations accompany author Amandi Li's account of true-life tales of 29 incredible, ordinary kids including activist Great Thunberg, shark-attack survivor and surfer Bethany Hamilton, football (soccer) star Pelé, and more.
Small & Mighty: An Activist's Guide for Finding Your Voice & Engaging with the World
Gibbs Smith
Filled with six activity-packed chapters, this interactive journal encourages young people to find and share their voice. Young activists will find checklists, stickers, worksheets, and introspective activities that will encourage them to think about their future and the world around them.
Ages: 9-14
Get it here, $16.99; Find Girl Almighty: An Interactive Journal for Being a Mighty Activist of the World & Other Utterly Respectable Pursuits here, $16.99
A Girl, A Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon
Chronicle Books
Karen Romano Young introduces readers to a group of kid (and raccoon) activists who are fighting to save their local library. If that fact alone isn't enough to get you reading (raccoon activists! library lovers!) her frequent references to Edna St. Vincent Millay, delightful footnotes, and magically-infused writing should do it. Classic illustrations by Jessixa Bagley's add even more enchantment to the pages.
From first-time author J.M.M Nuanez comes a story about a girl named Jack and her gender non-confirming little brother Birdie. A beautifully written tale about loss, sibling relationships, and how love and understanding can grow and thrive, even for the most unexpected families. Strong characters and flowing prose make this stunning debut a must-read book for 2020.
We Had to Be Brave: Escaping the Nazis on the Kindertransport
Harrowing real-life stories come to life in award-winning author Debrah Hopkinson’s non-fiction retelling of families torn apart by Nazi Germany. With interviews, photos and detailed research, Hopkinson approaches what might be, for middle-grade kids, their first non-fiction account of the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Holocaust, with incredible details and readable prose. An important contribution to YA literature.
Before Hermione and Katniss, there were brilliant queens, clever villagers and brave girls who were saving the world around them—even if you’ve never heard their stories. Now is their chance to shine in this lovely collection of folktales from China, Russia, Persia, India, France, Germany and more. These strong protagonists are ideal role models for young girls.
As an Indian American girl in a small town, Lekha hides her differences and avoids confrontation so she won't get teased. But when a new Indian girl moves in across the street, she teaches Lekha about prejudice, pride in her culture and the power of her own voice.
Lotta, Egg, Fenna, Sem, and Milou are orphans in 19th century Amsterdam. In all the years that Little Tullip Orphanage headmistress Elinora Gassbeek has been in charge, she's never seen more unusual arrivals than that of these five. Each with mysterious beginnings, all with unique character, they become known as "the unadoptables." When they unearth a villainous plan from their apparent adopted patron, they escape together into the frozen streets and canals of Amsterdam. What follows is the discovery of who they are and where they came from. With delightful prose and an excellent plot, readers will be captived until the last page of this fantastic debut by author Hana Tooke.
When her father gets sick, 12-year-old Piper is sent to live at her grandmother's house. The grand estate and its garden hold many secrets: Who are the mysterious children who live on the property? And is Piper's grandmother really a witch? Piper needs answers to help heal her father.
From Newbery Award-winning novelist Mildred D. Taylor comes the end of the Logan family saga that began with Song of the Trees and Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. In All the Days Past, Cassie Logan is all grown up and trying to find her place in the world. Her journey takes her to Toledo, California, law school in Boston and finally, back to Mississippi in the '60s to help with voter registration. She will be witness to the rise of the civil rights movement, which is preceded by racist American white society, and the often violent confrontations that bring about historical change.
America's Test Kitchen has just released their newest book, My First Cookbook and its one for every little up and coming chef. The photo-focused book introduces kitchen language, equipment, helpful kitchen prep and tons of step-by-step instructions that littles (and cooking-challenged adults) will adore. Enjoy simple and delicious recipes for appetizers and snacks, main meals, seasonal goodies and international recipes.
Perfect for budding bakers, The Llamacorn Cookbook's bright photos and easy recipes will inspire everyone. The 96-page book shares 45 recipes, many of which use store bought items to make cooking easy and fun––especially for parents. Kiddos can whip up Llamacorn's Meringue Cookies, Enchanged Unicorn Horns and Lah-Tee-Dah Pink Limeade and plenty more whimsical treats.
The Peanuts gang is here to spice up your kiddos lunch! Packed with over 50 recipes and 60+ comic strips, this fun cookbook puts a fun twist on kid-friendly recipes, sneaking in a fair amount of fruit and veggies in the process.
Over 60 royal recipes await in the new Disney Princess Baking cookbook. With categories that include morning treat, cakes, bars, cookies, pies and tarts, this comprehensive baker's book is great for budding chefs. While the recipes are a little more complex for a beginner, they make the perfect challenge for kiddos looking to up their skills.
It’s no secret that children learn best through play and learning about disabilities is no exception. Fortunately, toy companies from American Girl to LEGO have diversified their lines to be inclusive so that every child can have a playroom that includes toys that are diverse as the children they will meet at the playground. Read on to find out about everything from dolls with Down Syndrome to a play diabetes kit to superheroes you may not have realized were disabled.
Playmobil knows that all kids should have the chance to go to a school where they can get around easily. This schoolhouse has everything from a working bell to a biology lab. Best of all, this set comes with a student who uses a wheelchair. Thanks to the school's ramp, elevator and accessible bathroom all students at this school can get to all of the classes and have fun with their friends. Kids who use wheelchairs will delight in seeing a school like their own. Able-bodied kids will gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by their disabled peers just by playing school!
Daredevil lost his vision as a child but in exchange gained the ability to use his other senses with superhuman accuracy making him "The Man Without Fear." Even though Daredevil cannot see, he is an expert in martial arts and a talented lawyer. Thanks to his powers he can defeat the bad guys on the street and in the courtroom even without sight. Some of the best toys for kids are those that show them that disability does not have to limit anyone’s power. A Daredevil figure with his iconic red glasses makes a great addition to any toybox to remind kids that anyone can become a superhero.
Barbie can do anything from becoming a doctor to flying an airplane. Now Barbie is showing kids that she can do all that and more with a prosthetic leg or while using a wheelchair. These Barbies send a powerful message that a disability doesn’t have to stop a child from doing anything want. Because both dolls are part of the Fashionista line these Barbies also prove you can look cute while doing it! Read more about the line here.
Everyone in LEGO City may be yellow but Lego minifigures come decked out in different clothes and accessories. Some minifigures get around using their legs and some minifigures use wheelchairs. Some are just cute and some, like Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker also have disabilities.
The Loyal Companion Lottie Doll is based on a real child with autism. Just like many autistic kids, this doll likes to wear headphones when the sounds of the world become overwhelming. He also wears a t-shirt with the name of his autistic heroes and has a loyal dog who stays by his side to provide emotional support. Kids who don’t know much about autism can learn more by reading the included pamphlet about the boy who inspired this doll. Kids who are autistic will love playing with a doll who shares their diagnosis. Lottie Dolls also makes other dolls with disabilities, including one with a cochlear implant and the Sinead, a Lottie Doll based on a Little Person who is a writer for British Vogue. These dolls play an important roll in including children of all abilities in play at school and the playground too!
Sometimes the best way to normalize disability is to present it simply as one of many ways children can differ from one another. Some are boys and some are girls. Some are blonde and some are brunette. Some walk and some use wheelchairs. The Woodland Party Jigsaw puzzle shows happy children engaged in all kinds of activities regardless of ability. At the party depicted in this puzzle, one adventurous child dresses up like a pirate while another dances with a fox. Among the many children at the party is one who uses a wheelchair happily feeding a deer. It may appear that there is nothing special happening at this inclusive party but that is the beauty of some of the best toys for children—they learn acceptance and tolerance naturally through play.
American Girl is a leader when it comes to making sure every child can have a doll that looks like them from dolls without hair to offering wheelchairs and hearing aids as accessories. American Girl’s 2020 Girl of the Year, Joss, is American Girl’s first doll whose disability is part of her story. Joss is hard of hearing and wears a hearing aid. Her hobbies include surfing and cheer-leading alongside her hearing friends. Joss’s accompanying book explains that while she can do everything her friends can do her disability does pose some challenges, like having to ask her coach to use a microphone. On the other hand, her disability comes with some benefits, such as being able to tune out her annoying brother by removing her hearing aid anytime she wants some peace and quiet. Joss's accessories include items like a Nifty Cheer Backpack Set that anyone who loves cheer-leading would love, which underscores how every child can do with they love if inclusion is supported and valued.
Some of the characters your child already knows and loves may be disabled. Nemo from Finding Nemo has one fin smaller than the other. Luke Skywalker lost one of his hands in an epic light-saber battle and has used a prosthetic hand ever since. Darth Vader is a quadruple amputee who doesn’t wear a noisy black suit just to be intimidating—it’s actually a complex life support system that helps him breathe and keeps him alive. Make sure your child has some of these popular disabled figures in their toybox. A Darth Vader or Luke Skywalker hyper-real figure that shows all the details and even has removable hands is a great choice. Or, try a plush Nemo that clearly shows the difference in his fins.
Most kids have ten fingers and ten toes. But some kids don't have quite that many and that's okay too! Some kids are missing either because they were born without a limb or because needed one (or more) amputated. The Vermont Teddy Bear Company has been making bears for those with limb loss or limb differences for decades. These bears are just as soft and cuddly as all of the Vermont Teddy Bear Company's other bears. Choosing a bear from the Amputee Collection is a great way to promote the acceptance and inclusion of those with disabilities, even for very young children.
Dolls are such a popular toy because they always allow kids to have a friend along and gives them the chance to act out all kinds of situations. Annie, made by Selma’s Dolls, is a soft, cuddly doll who happens to have Down Syndrome. Annie comes with a storybook about getting to know kids who are different complete with conversation starters. Whether Annie looks like your child or not she can help make a more inclusive world a reality.
American Girl has been a leader in representing all kinds of girls for decades. Girls with disabilities are no exception. American Girl dolls can truly look like children with a range of disabilities. Their accessory line includes a wheelchair, a service dog, a diabetes care kit, glasses, hearing aids, arm braces, asthma and allergy set and more. American Girl also has a doll without hair for kids going through chemotherapy or who have alopecia. These accessories aren't just for dolls that belong to children with disabilities. Every child will benefit from having their dolls use the same equipment their peers with disabilities use every day to help them better understand their friends' experiences.
Shortly after an emergency C-section, I was informed that my newborn son had Down Syndrome.
His diagnosis affected me in many ways. I was shocked. I felt devastated. I was terrified. I felt betrayed by my body, dirty and damaged for not nurturing a healthy child. Feelings of inadequacy, of not being enough, surfaced. For eight months, I gave my body to my child. I did everything right and…it went so wrong. I was ashamed.
And Michael. My heart broke for my husband. He had always wanted a big family, but having one child with Down Syndrome significantly increases the likelihood of birthing another child with Down Syndrome. I felt like the dream of a large family was shattered, and it was completely my fault. Of course, he never thought this. I kept apologizing, saying over and over, “I’m so sorry.” Convinced I was a failure, I sank into my pain, retreating from family and friends.
A few days after he was born, we were given a list of the things Josh would never be able to do and things he would never become. The doctors explained how hard life would be for me and my family. As I listened to them talk about Josh’s limitations, I worried about my own. How would I care for a baby with a disability? What if he’s dependent on me forever? Will he have the capacity to understand or feel? Will he ever be able to speak? The doctors encouraged us to hope for the best but expect the worst. Hearing what my husband and I heard from the doctors in the days after Josh was born could have broken us down and torn us apart.
At that moment, we had a choice. We could have given into the fear of what raising a child with Down Syndrome would be like. We could have chosen to believe the doctors and, in turn, assigned those limitations to Josh. Instead, I chose to be attuned to the beauty and potential of what he could become and, subsequently, who I would become. I chose to not let others’ expectations of Josh’s limits inform the way I thought or parented. In that moment, I chose Josh. I chose me.
It was a process, and I still had fears. I feared the future. I was terrified of raising a child with a lifetime diagnosis that I knew nothing about. I was even afraid of the judgments of others. Despite my lingering fears, I became more vulnerable, open, and fiercely inquisitive about the future. I learned to be an advocate for Josh, and because of that, I learned to advocate for myself, powerfully. I chose to embrace the happy reality of Josh, to enjoy the beauty of his soul and all he could offer the world. He is a person with a path and filled with ability—just like all children.
Despite the dire prognostications of doctors, we decided not to accept other people’s limitations in the form of well-meaning advice, and I became pregnant again. Though fears still arose during my daughter Miriam’s pregnancy, we welcomed a healthy baby girl into the world twelve months later. The dream of a large family was still possible. Because I was so committed to raising Josh without limitations, I taught all three of my children (Abigail, my fourth hadn’t come along yet) to refrain from labeling anyone. When my oldest, David, and daughter Miriam started to notice differences in Josh, and his differing ability to do things, I explained that everyone is different.
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. For instance, Josh is great at basketball; he’s even better than some children older than he is. While he is an ace on the basketball court, he’s not quite as masterful in other areas that may even seem quite simple. It was years before any of my children learned the words Down Syndrome because I didn’t want it to change the way they interacted. I didn’t want that label limiting Josh’s potential. That choice allowed Josh to interact with his siblings and other children in a natural, organic manner. That inclusivity nurtured his potential and pushed him beyond the inherent physical challenges of Down Syndrome.
Because of Josh, I learned to love with a vulnerability I never knew existed in me. My marriage evolved into something stronger, more tender, more intimate. I grew less fearful, stronger, and learned to welcome change, even when it showed up in ways that made me uncomfortable. I learned to focus on ability instead of labeling anything a disability.
As for Josh? We could have chosen to believe what the doctors told us, and expected less from him. Instead, we chose to be attuned to the beauty and potential of who he could become. Today, Josh doesn’t look in the mirror and see limitations. He isn’t defined by a diagnosis. He is strong, self-motivated, healthy, and happy. Josh sees me and my oldest, David, working out all the time. Like us, he loves to exercise. Josh is remarkably fit, coordinated, and plans to become a personal trainer. Josh is a living example of never accepting anyone else’s opinion or beliefs about your inherent potential.
I may have learned about Josh’s potential limitations on the day he was born, but I have a lifetime to discover his gifts.
Monica Berg is an international speaker, spiritual thought leader, and the author of Rethink Love and Fear Is Not an Option. She also serves as Chief Communications Officer for Kabbalah Centre International. She lives in New York with her husband Michael and their children David, Joshua, Miriam, and Abigail.
Whether it’s a rainy Sunday or an almost-summer kind of day, books are always a win. This month there are a tremendous selection of books—from Drag Queens to yoga to camping and so much more! We’ve read every one of these with our own kids (or they read them for us) so we know these are kid-approved, too. Read on!
Pride 123
Simon & Schuster
Out in time for Pride Month (June) this early reader board book is the perfect way to engage kids, especially if you can't attend a Pride Parade this year. "1 Parade in the month of June/2 DJ's spin fabulous tunes." Michael Joosten's rhyming prose is perfectly accompanied by Wednesday Holme's bright illustrations.
Wishing you were camping right now? Whether your kids love camping or not, they’ll love this book by Jennifer K. Mann. Ernestine's been invited to go on her first camping trip with her aunt, Jackie. She needs a new sleeping bag and new flashlight, of course. But these are plenty of other new things she encounters as the book unfolds. At its heart Ernestine's is a story about how to approach new situations, especially ones that are challenging.
Seattle-based author, Kerri Kokias and illustrator Mike Lowery retells this German story that introduces kids to Hans, a horse who can tell time, count, solve equations, even spell. Hans’s amazing abilities draw as many crowds as they do questions, and eventually people start to wonder if this horse really is as clever as he seems. Find out how the mystery of Hans’s intelligence is solved (or is it?) when you read this playful book.
At home with the kids? We've got a plan for that! Read Laurie Ann Thompson’s upcoming book Elizabeth Warren’s Big, Bold Plans to your kids. This picture book bio chronicles the Senator’s life from childhood, to teacher, to lawyer, to presidential hopeful. Susanna Chapman’s beautiful illustrations make Warren’s impressive life story accessible to kids of all ages.
The shoulders on the drag queen go shimmy, shimmy, shimmy...all through the town.
Fans of Drag Queen Story Hours around the country will love this book from Lil' Miss Hot Mess, one of the first Queens to host DQSH. Bright, playful illustrations by Olga de Dios add the perfect touch to this update on the classic "wheels on the bus" song that aims to teach little kids everywhere...there's nothing wrong with a little swish in your step.
This story about a little girl who is very close with her grandma and the girl's experience as her grandma's dementia progresses. It is an excellent child's eye view of this often confusing and heartbreaking disease and a great tool for parents and caregivers to engage kids in the conversation of aging, dementia and alzheimers.
With bright watercolor illustrations, this book tells the story of how an imaginative lion named Guion shows his friends how to see magic in their everyday world. Inspired by the author's three kids, including her oldest with Down syndrome, the book shows readers how to change their perspective and find a little magic in their own lives too. The book ends with suggestions for fun activities for families to play together, building on the themes in the book.
Yoga Animals: A Wild Introduction to Kid-Friendly Poses
National Geographic Kids Books
Tara Stiles new book helps kids go with the flow––yoga flow, that is. This introduction to the practice of yoga helps kids learn basic poses by curling like a cat, stretching like a dog and bending like a gorilla! The perfect way to do yoga as a family, the picture-based work offers both the animal and actual names of poses, along with detailed instructions on how to do each pose so everyone stays safe.
Sometimes, you just need a good dog mystery in your life. Join Scout and her doggy detective friends as they em"bark" on a mission to find out what's amiss at the local dog park. Written by Brandi Dougherty with illustrations by Paige Pooler.
What's better: a slice of pizza or a crunchy taco? In this graphic novel, the first of a series, kids are introduced to besties Pizza and Taco who have a friendly-ish competition to find out who is really, truly the best. In the end, they find out being best friends is best. Written and illustrated by Stephen Shaskan.
.Another awesome Epic! Originals book, Out of Time: Lost on the the Titanic takes us along with siblings Allie and Vic, their buddy Max and their puppy, as they travel back in time to the deck of the RMS Titanic. Written by Jessica Rinker and illustrated by Bethany Stancliffe.
Adventures in Kindness: 52 Awesome Kid Adventures for Building a Better World
Mission Partners, Benefit LLC
Written by a mother-daughter duo, this interactive activity book is perfect for adventurous spirits. Packed with ideas on how to make the world better, families can get inspired by plenty of ways on how to help out their schools, communities and those around them, like learning how to tip generously, say hello in 35 languages and more.
Katarina's dreams are bigger than city life. The ten-year-old has it in her heart to become the best: a prima ballerina. Despite not having any training, Katarina sets out to win a coveted spot in an international dance camp that is sure to make her a start.
This is the second middle grade novel from Bay Area author Mae Respicio and it is full of Filipino folklore, history and cuisine. Any Day with You is a warm, tender story about a creative girl who hopes that by winning a filmmaking contest, she’ll convince her great-grandfather not to move back home to the Philippines.
James Patterson's novel Jacky Ha-Ha adapted by Adam Rau comes to life as the first-ever graphic novel from James Patterson! Based on the adventures of class clown Jacky Ha-Ha, who uses humor to keep kids from laughing at her and to keep herself distracted from not-very-funny, real life situations like her mom fighting in a far-away war and her semi-absent father.
This graphic novel about the realities of a blended family, from the point of view of young Jen, will entertain kids while bringing to light the definition of family and love. Jen doesn't want to leave the city, or her dad, to live with her mom and new step-dad on a farm. And she doesn't want to (but she does) compare herself to her new step-sister, who seems to get everything right when Jen does everything wrong. Brings the complexities of family life, divorce and blending families to the table in an easy-to-read and share format. Funny, too! Based on author illustrator Lucy Knisley's real life.
