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Whether it’s the little plush animals they can’t leave home without or the nature documentary outside your window (aka the bird feeder) there’s no denying that kids love animals. If you’ve got a budding zoologist or entomologist in your household, these books will keep them entertained and informed about everything from poisonous frogs to matriarchal elephants. Read on for your latest favorites.
If there's one things all animals have in common, it's babies! Martin Jenkins' new book explores everything from big babies to small babies, with all the fun facts in between. Future zoologists will love learning about the different ways animals raise their young in this beautifully illustrated book by Jane McGuinness. Ages: 3-7
Seven Van Gogh Geckos, 3 Lichtenstein Llamas...learn to count with animals reimagined in iconic artist's style with this adorable board book from Grace Helmer. From Warhol's warthogs to Kandinsky's kangaroos and more, you'll love reading this one to bébé! Ages: 0-4
If you don't follow award-winning National Geographic Explorer and photographer Joel Sartore on Instagram, you definitely need to change that. His images of animals are astounding and we are thrilled that he's bringing them to the youngest readers in this collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Debbie Levy. Photo Ark ABC combines amazing photographs of animals with playful text that will keep you reading and reading.
Written by legendary thriller author James Patterson and his wife Susan, this follow-up to their best-selling first book (Big Words for Little Geniuses) takes kids on an animal journey that leaves the cows, chickens, and sheep in the barnyard. From swimmers to flyers and beyond, kids will discover the sloth, the wombat, the tarsier, and much more. Charming illustrations from Hsingping Pan complete the equation, making this board book a must-have bookshelf addition. Ages: 0-3
Beautifully simplistic collages by Motomitsu Maehara come together in these multilingual board books. Each one comes with over a dozen animals, each one translated into seven languages that include English, Chinese, Hindi, Spanish, French, Arabic and Esperanto. Ages: 0-3
In this gorgeously illustrated book by author-illustrator Lara Hawthorne, we meet Alba, a fish who loves to collect objects that fall down to the ocean floor. The beauty and diversity of color and life in the ocean are showcased and then contrasted with the ever-increasing presence of trash. Ocean plastics are taking over: but what can Alba (and you) do to help? Read an enchanting story followed by actionable ways to save the ocean’s vital ecosystems. Ages: 3-7
Author June Smalls has managed to bring together facts about elephants with a message of female empowerment this beautiful children’s book. The soft, watercolor-like illustrations by artist Yumi Shimokawara are also accompanied by smaller text full of facts, making this an educational and visually delightful experience to cherish. Ages: 3-8
Of course, kids love animals, but what do kids love talking about more than anything? Butts! So how about a book all about animal butts? Win-win, right? Not just a humor book, but full of funny things, your kids will learn about manatees using farts to swim, beetles that use their that shoot boiling chemicals from their butts, and so much more! This hilarious book by Jocelyn Rish is full of awesome facts that kids are sure to retain, accompanied by artist David Creighton-Pester’s colorful and expressive illustrations. Available Nov. 2. Ages: 4-8 (but we think 10-year-old’s will love it, too!).
Get ready to learn all about one of the hardest-working creatures out there: the honeybee. Kids will learn how bees talk to one another, the life of a queen bee, and what a worker bee actually does. Discover how much bees matter, why they're declining, and what everyone can do to help the bee population. Ages: 5-8
In this exquisite book by Sam Hutchinson, children are taken on a journey through seven different habitats to learn about the animal kingdom’s struggles in that habitat. Children explore more than seventy different animal species that are endangered or threatened due to climate change and pollution as well as species that are thriving thanks to conservation efforts. The format is unique—illustrator Sarah Dennis uses her collage style to create seek-and-find and monochrome images, inviting children to explore further. The book also contains lots of tips about how we can help the species. Ages: 6-9
For a laugh-out-loud book that reads almost like a crime novel, this book is rich with facts about the world’s most dangerous animals, from alligators to poison dart frogs and scorpions. Told by author Lola M.Schaefer with just enough humor to soften the deadly blow, you’ll be tasked with finding these deadly creatures in the delightful illustrations by Tymn Armstrong. Ages: 5-8
Inspired by the true story of a brave monkey who saved the day at Kilkea Castle in Ireland, this book is the first in a series written by Christy Cashman, with sweet illustrations by Regina Walsh. Meet Petri, a happy little monkey who lives in Kilkea Castle and who decides that he should be king of the castle...much to the chagrin of his loyal subjects aka his friends. A lesson in kindness, this book reminds kids that being “the king” or the boss doesn’t make people like you more and that you don’t need a title to be the person you want to be. Ages: 1-8
Intricately and elaborately illustrated by Claire McElfatrick, this highly informative, well-researched book by nature-lover and author Jess French is the perfect addition to any little bug's list. From worms to arachnids to dancing bees, kids will learn new facts about bugs they love and discover new species to marvel over. The author also reminds children of the importance of bugs to the Earth's ecosystem. Ages: 6-8
Crossings: Extraordinary Structures for Extraordinary Animals
Katie S. Duffield’s forthcoming collaboration with Illustrator Mike Orodán celebrates nature through the wildlife crossings that exist around the world. From a bridge over a Canadian interstate to monkeys on rope bridges to bears under an overpass, Crossings teaches kids what happens when the non-natural world and the creatures of nature collide, celebrating both the ingenuity of animals and encouraging conservation and awareness. Ages 3-8.
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. Ages: 7-10
This gorgeous nonfiction picture book focuses on animal habitats and how animals build their homes in the wild. You’ll never look at a bird’s nest, spider web, or coral reef the same again. Beautifully written in a clear, informative style by Amy Cherrix, made even more impressive Chris Sasaki’s illustrations. Ages: 3-8
The Brilliant Deep: Rebuilding the World’s Global Reefs
If you like the kind of book that makes you want to literally dive into its pages, this is the book for you. With dreamy illustrations by Matthew Forsythe, the powerful story of Ken Nedimyer’s quest to rescue the world’s coral reefs. This book written by Kate Messner reminds kids everywhere that “it starts with one.” Not only will you be enchanted by the layout of the book, but you’ll also be inspired by Ken. Includes a coral-reef glossary and ways kids can help. Ages: 6-9
This picture book by Emmanuelle Figueras, illustrated by Claire de Gastold, narrow the animal kingdom down by a very distinctive shared characteristic: how animals smell! Lift up flaps throughout ot learn how rabbits, snails, clown fish, lions, dogs, bees, and more animals use their noses to leave messages, warn away enemies, and find food. Age: 7-11
Unforgotten: The Wild Life of Dian Fossey and Her Relentless Quest to Save Mountain Gorillas
Without any formal training, young Dian Fossey embarks on a journey to Africa to study and protect the few mountain gorillas left on Earth. This book creatively tells Dian's story, inspiring young readers to follow their dreams. Ages: 8-12.
If you just can’t wait for spring break, these off-the-beaten-path destinations close to Atlanta will satisfy your craving to get off your beaten path and explore—without too much of a time or money commitment. Buckle up for an adventure at a local Stonehenge, a little White House, or a general hospital for Cabbage Patch Dolls, and more. Who knew Georgia was so weird, or wonderful?
Expedition Bigfoot in Blue Ridge is dedicated to providing evidence for the existence of Bigfoot (aka Sasquatch). Either from personal experience and encounters to witness testimony and evidence, this mountain museum leaves the question of Bigfoot's existence up to you. Whether you’re a skeptic, believer or “knower,” all are welcome.
Charlemagne’s Kingdom, an Alpine Model Railroad Museum in the Georgia Mountains, features HO Scale German Model Railroads in a 50-foot exhitbit that depicts the various terrain and architecture of Germany. While you're in Helen, don't miss out on other fun Bavarian-inspired activities to round out your visit.
Giant slabs of stone with different languages written on them standing upright in the middle of the countryside? Stonehenge, right? Nope! Elberton. A mysterious person under the name of R.C. Christian hired Elberton Granite Finishing Company to build the structure, which has 10 guidelines or rules in 8 different languages. You'll find these guidelines in English, Spanish, Swahili, Hindi, Hebrew, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian. To the left of the stone there is a tablet that states the astronomical features of the tablet and an apparent time capsule buried 6 feet below the monument. Also, on the tablet, it says “Let these be guidelines to the age of reason” and around it has 4 different ancient writing languages including Babylonian, Greek, Sanskrit, and Egyptian. So go. Check it out. You'll leave scratching your head but it's certainly a fun mystery to experience.
1031 Guidestones Rd. Elberton, GA 30635 706-283-2551 Online:exploregeorgia.org
Old Car City is “the largest open-air classic car museum in the world” which started as a car dealership in 1931 and is now a post-apocalyptic forest of rusting vehicles. While it doesn't sound classically beautiful, the mixture of rust, reforestation, and occasional surprises of vibrant vinyl or car paint combines to make an altogether unusually pretty (and cool) environment to explore. You can also find funky signs and a large styrofoam cup art gallery. Definitely head here if you're in the mood for a little bit of quirk, but expect to pay a bundle. Guests can be charged up to $30 to enter, depending on your age and whether you want to take a photo while there.
3098 Hwy. 411 NE White, GA 30184 770-382-6141 Online:oldcarcityusa.com
In Atlanta, there is a house that is exactly identical to the White House in Washington D.C. Built buy Fred Milani, this 3/4-scale model of the White House was his tribute to democracy and the United States, his adopted home after fleeing from Iran in 1979. With a replica of the Oval Office, a movie theater, a replica of Lincoln's bedroom, and a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation, this real-estate novelty was foreclosed upon in 2011 but still stands in Druid Hills.
Head to North Georgia to see the hospital where all Cabbage Patch Dolls get their starts. Babyland General Hospital was created when doll creator Xavier Roberts converted a former clinic into the original hospital space. Now, you can meet the hospital staff, watch a cabbage patch doll be born in the patch, and adopt your own doll during your visit.
This volunteer-build roadside attraction offers 50 structures made out of tiny stones, shells, and fragments of pottery for visitors to marvel at behind the Calhoun Seventh Day Adventist Church. You'll find Cinderella's castle, the Coliseum, Notre Dame cathedral, houses, and more. It's a lot like seeing a sandcastle, but off the interstate, and made out of rocks.
Everyone has spent more time reading the last year than ever before, so why not update your bookshelf with a few fresh finds? This year brought us plenty of gorgeous picture books, historical tales and feel-good reads for audiences of all ages. Keep reading to see our picks for the best kids’ book of 2021.
Mommy Goes to Work Jossy Lee creates the perfect book for families with working parents. While kids go to school, Mommy goes to work! With adorable illustrations by Nila Aye, kids of all ages will find this story reassuring and a positive take on career-minded parents. Ages: Baby+
Courage Is Courage looks like a superhero or a firefighter, but it also looks like a lot of every day things. Jason and True Kander's new board book explores how everyone can have courage everyday––and be scared, too! Ages: Baby to 3
DC Super Heroes: Diversity Is A Superpower & The Power of Kindness Julie Merberg is back with two new titles in the DC Super Heroes series and they're all about diversity and kindness. The DC Universe is packed with people from all over, with unique traits and qualities that lend a hand to others in need. With bright illustrations and simple narrative, these board books for baby are just as fun to look at for adults. Ages: Baby-3
Little Observers On the Farm & In the Park Claire Beaton's two board books introduce baby to the big world around them. Simple narratives take readers through the farm and park, pointing out the beauty along the way. Each story ends with two pages dedicated to search and find, where everyone can make sure they caught all the details. Ages: Baby+
B is for Bison Greg Paprocki's introduces young readers to 26 National Parks. Each letter of the alphabet shares something that can be found in each park, with beyond adorable illustrations. Ages: Baby+
Trees- A Count & Find Primer Count to 10 and learn all about trees along the way with Greg Paprocki's new primer. This book ends with plenty of fun facts about each tree and a search and find component. Ages: Baby+
Words of the World: Ocean Animals & Birds Beautifully simplistic collages by Motomitsu Maehara come together in these multilingual board books. Each one comes with over a dozen animals, each one translated into seven languages that include English, Chinese, Hindi, Spanish, French, Arabic and Esperanto. Ages: Baby+
Glow The duo from Curls is here with a new board book for baby. Ruth Forman and Geneva Bowers bring Glow, which highlights the beauty of Black Joy and tells the story of a little boy who uses the moon to celebrate his lovely skin. Ages: Baby+
Rise and Shine From legendary children's musician, Raffi comes a new board book with the lyrics of his song, "Rise and Shine." Accompanied by adorable illustrations, your youngest reader will love this addition to the Songs to Read collection that encourages kids to wake up and start the day with a smile. Ages: Baby+
Return of the Underwear Dragon The Underwear Dragon is back! This time, Sir Cole wants to help learn how to read, so he can't wreak havoc ever again. Ages: 3-7
Lila Lou's Little Library Lila Lou has too many books––or is her house just too small? Maybe she can make a library where she can share with her friends! Written by Nikki Berggstresser, this book comes with helpful tips on learning while reading. Ages: 5-7
Home Britta Teckentrap is back with another peek through picture book. Told with stunning illustrations, this story demonstrates how everyone needs a place to call home. Ages: 3-7
What's That? Jax and Meena don't have typical school lunches, thanks to their unique cultures. Karen Chan's poetic story follows the two on a journey told through food and imparts that mealtime is so much more than just eating. Ages: 3+
The Capybaras Alfredo Soderguit's capybara creative story is a tale of acceptance. When the hairy creatures encounter the local hens when they're looking for a place to stay, can they open their hearts to the foreign creatures? Ages: 3-8
Little Narwhal, Not Alone Based on a true story of an unlikely friendship between a narwhal and a beluga whale, this sweet tale from Tiffany Stone is fun for readers of all ages. Adorable illustrations from Ashlyn Anstee accompany the whimsical story. Ages: 4-8
Goodbye, Old House Moving house can be sad and scary, but exciting too! Margaret Wild and Ann James share a sweet story of saying goodbye, but hello at the same time. Ages: 3-7
Cat & Dog: A Tale of Opposites Is there anything more opposite than a cat and a dog? This sweet book of differences from Tullio Corda shares that opposites don't mean enemies. Ages: 3-6
Mister Fairy Fairies are usually smiling and happy, but Mister Fairy just isn't a morning person and has a hard time enjoying his job. When he decides to leave the forest, his adventure takes him on a journey where he learns his role and how amazing it is to bring joy to others. Ages: 4-8
Teatime Around the World Many people enjoy teatime, but did you know it's celebrated differently around the world? Follow along on a trip across the globe and have po cha in Tibet, afternoon tea in England and matcha in Japan in this gorgeous book by Denyse Waissbluth. Ages: 3-7
See the Dog That's not a dog, that's a cat! This silly tale from David LaRochelle follows Baby Cakes, a cat on dog duty. How will this furry pal handle all the duties of a dog? Ages: 4-8
Right Now!: Real Kids Speaking Up for Change Do you want to be a change maker? Miranda Paul's book shares real kids making a difference, no matter their age. With illustrations by Bea Jackson, learn all about Jazz Jennings, Greta Thunberg and more. Ages: 4-7
ABC of Feelings From Anxious to Zany, feelings are a curious thing! Written and illustrated by Bonnie Lui, this simple book helps kiddos identify their emotions and learn what to do with them. Ages: 3-7
Maybe... Three little monkeys are getting into some mischief! Christ Haughton's bright tale about maaaaaybe pushing boundaries proves a fun and delightful message to young readers. Ages: 3-7
Cat Problems Cat lovers will fully appreciate this hilarious tale from Jory John. With perfectly textured illustrations from Lane Smith, this fun book follows the completely difficult life of a house cat as he navigates his day. Ages: 3-7
Trick or Treat, Crankenstein Crankenstein is back! Samantha Berger and Dan Santant follow the lovable character as he navigates his fave holiday. But will a toothache, pumpkin carving issue and terrible costume nightmare take out all the fun? Ages: 4-8
Archer Otters: Megalodon Outbreak The Archer Otters are out to save the day. When seaweed starts to run low, threatening their food supply, the trio heads to the ocean to find more. Can they battle the evil submarine and scary megalodon and find the seaweed they seek? Ages: 4-8
Sonny Says Mine! The first book in a new series by Caryl Hart and illustrator Zachariah Ohora introduces little readers to Sonny and his friends. When the little fox finds a new toy bunny at the playground, he's thrilled! It's the best toy ever––until his friend Boo tells Sonny it's HER toy. It's up to Sonny to say he's sorry, but can he do it? Ages: 3-6
Stick and Stone Best Friends Forever! Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld are back with the second installment of Stick and Stone. The two have set out to find Stick's family tree, but encounter some scary things along the journey. This sweet tale helps readers see the importance of family, whether its blood or found in friendship. Ages: 3-7
The Perfect Plan Maya is headed to the forest to build her dream fort! Leah Gilbert's beautifully illustrated and written tale shares the adventures of her protagonist as she relies on her forest friends to work together, share creativity and exhibit perseverance. Ages: 3-6
Dozens of Doughnuts LouAnn is prepping for winter by whipping up dozens of doughnuts. But, uh oh! Tons of friends are stopping by and she gives out all her food! In this sweet story by Carrie Finison, kids will learn the basics of counting, sharing and being a good friend. Ages: 3-7
Dakota Crumb: Tiny Treasure Hunter Tiny mouse Dakota is on a mission. Late at night, she scurries through the museum with her treasure map on the hunt for artifacts she can share at later at the Mousehole Museum. Young readers will love the followup activity that has them flipping back through the pages to find their own treasures in Jamie Michalak's book. Ages: 3-7
Paletero Man Latin Grammy winner Lucky Diaz brings a bright and colorful story that follows our young narrator on the hunt for his friend Paletero José. Only the sweet treat will cool everyone off on such a hot day. With Spanish throughout, the story is a celebration of kindness and the Latin culture in Los Angeles. Ages: 4-8
Dozens of Dachshunds Is there a cuter pup than a Dachshund? How about when there's a dozen of them? Stephanie Calmenson explores the whimsical and adorable nature of the famed "wiener dog," with sweet illustrations by Zoe Persico. Count along in this fun poetic tale that will have you woofing and wagging. Ages: 3-6
Wolfboy Andy Harkness’ artistic skills come alive in his second book, Wolfboy. When Wolfboy gets hungry, he gets growly and drooly and just wants rabbits! With unique images that were made by clay and then photographed, this taunting tale is delightful for the whole family. Ages: 2-5
How to Apologize Do you know how to apologize? David LaRochelle takes a rather humorous approach in explaining not only the importance of apologizing, but how to do it sincerely. With whimsical illustrations by Mike Wohnoutka, even adults will learn a thing or two about the art of the apology. Ages: 3-7
That’s Cool, Tallulah! Stella Bella has a special doll and they have a magical friendship. Tallulah causes her share of mischief and one day Stella Bella hears a voice in her head that tells her to do the right thing. Written by the voice of Rugrats Angelica Pickles, Cheryl Chase and illustrated by Giulia Iacopini, this sweet story demonstrates the importance of listening to rules. Ages: 2-5
Wishes Inspired by actual events in the life of author, Muon Thi Van, Wishes is the story of one Vietnamese family’s search for a new home. Victo Ngai’s beautiful illustrations further the gentle approach taken to make a story of fear and the unknown approachable and relatable to the youngest of readers. Ages: 4-8
Send a Girl! Jessica M. Rinker and Meg Hunt join forces in this true story about how women joined the Fire Department of New York. Brenda wanted to become a firefighter more than anything, but the FDNY made it near impossible. When she refused to give up, Brenda ended up changing the course of female firefighters forever. Ages: 3-6
Fluffy McWhiskers Cuteness Explosion Fluffy McWhiskers can't get any cuter. When her cuteness causes people to explode, she escapes to an island, where she meets an equally cute pup. Ages 4-8.
My Daddy Can Fly! Principal ballet dancer for the American Ballet Theater Thomas Forster shares a sweet story of a little boy talking about his father. With traits that include strength, gentleness and speed, this story shows the wide range of talents that accompany a professional dancer and daddy. Ages 4-8.
Hope at Sea Hope doesn't want her father to leave on his clipper ship. Unless...she can stow away and go too? Told with simple prose and stunning illustrations by Daniel Miyares, this book will inspire young seafarers. Ages 4-8.
a kids book about your microbiome This last year, kids want to know about germs more than ever. But what about all those healthy microbiomes? Follow along in Ara Katz's word-focused book on the goodness living within your body. Ages 6+.
It Fell from the Sky A mysterious object fell from the sky and everyone wants a peek. Told with stunning illustrations from The Fan Brothers, this tale shares the woes of keeping beauty for yourself, when it could be shared with everyone. Ages 4-8.
Make Your Bed with Skipper the Seal Written by former Navy SEAL Howard McWilliam, this sweet story about Skipper the Seal shares his journey in the Navy. Perseverance and courage, along with the ability to overcome obstacles are just a few things Skipper learns as he becomes a SEAL. Ages 4-8.
Goodnight Ganesha Told with stunning illustrations by Pooam Mistry, Nadia Saloman's bedtime story explores the rich beauty of an Indian night. Children will follow along with the rhyming prose as grandparents and grandchildren get ready for bed. Ages 3-7.
Beautifully Me Author Nabela Noor tackles issues of body positivity as readers follow main character Zubi. She's never thought of her size as a bad thing, but when she hears others complaining about their bodies, she begins to question: "is there something wrong with me?" Ages 4-8.
Walter Does His Best: A Frenchie Adventure in Kindness and Muddy Paws Sing Who's a good boy? Walter! Well, kind of. Walter tries to be good but sometimes, he makes a mess of things. Eva Pilgrim's fun tale of a dog's adventure in NYC demonstrates that you don't have to be perfect, so long as you're kind. Ages 4-8.
Make Meatballs Sing, the Life & Art of Corita Kent Matthew Burgess' picture-book biography of Corita Kent shares the story of the famed artist in alluring color and detail. With gorgeous illustrations by Kara Kramer, young and old readers alike will be challenged to notice to the details in everyday life. Ages 6-12.
I Hear You, Forest Head into the forest in Kalle George's newest book. Follow a child into a magical place as she listens to the sounds of the forest. Accompanied by Carmen Mok's illustrations, readers will feel transported into another world as they read along. Ages 3-7.
My Dog Banana Roxane Brouillard's hilarious tale of a boy taking his "dog" for a walk will have you chuckling. When Banana is out and about, no one takes him seriously. With sweet illustrations from Giulia Sagramola, this book will have you questioning whether or not a banana really can bark. Ages 4-8.
Animal Architects The world is a construction zone, and we're just living in it! Amy Cherrix dives deep into the wonderful world of architecture and how our fellow animals and insects are constantly building around us. With beautiful illustrations by Chris Sasaki, you just might be inspiring an architect of the future! Ages 3-8.
The Longest Storm Hitting close to home in the wake of the pandemic, Dan Yaccarino's gorgeous and heartfelt tale of navigating a seemingly never-ending storm provides the perfect narrative for discussing difficulties with children. With simple illustrations and story-telling, parents will find this book perfect for talking loss, family conflict and more. Ages 4-8.
Prehistoric Pets Perhaps the greatest pop-up book on the topic of prehistoric animals, Paleontologist Dr. Sean Lomax takes kids on an adventure exploring seven of the world's favorite pets. Using vibrant pop-ups with the help of illustrator Mike Love, kids will follow fossil clues to unveil ancient animals and fun facts. Ages 5-9.
Indelible Ann Late governor of Texas Ann Richards inspired women everywhere and she's back in Meghan P. Browne's book to encourage young readers. The Carlynn Whitt-illustrated book follows Richards early life and rise to political prowess where she went on to inspire the likes of Hilary Clinton and take on the "boys club" of politics. Ages: 4-8
Except Antarctica Todd Sturgell's debut children's book is hilarious and educational for young and old alike. What would happen if animals didn't like what the narrator had to say? That's where this sweet book kicks off, as Turtle decides he wants a visit to the coldest spot on the planet! Ages: 4-8
Lala's Words Little Lala doesn't like to stay inside––she loves to escape to her garden where her kind words help plants grow! Though her mother doesn't understand her, Lala knows that the power of kindness can cause everything around her to flourish. Ages: 4-8
A Most Clever Girl The ultimate tale of girl power, Jasmine A. Stirling’s A Most Clever Girl is a must for every children’s bookshelf. Beautiful illustrations by Vesper Stemper accompany this inspiring story about how Jane Austen used her love of words to define her life, becoming one of the most celebrated authors of all time. Ages: 5-9
Kindness is a Kite String It’s easy to spread kindness, you just have to try! With illustrations by Claire Laforte, Michelle Schaub pens a lyrical approach to starting the day off with kindness and demonstrates how it ripples throughout the day to everyone around you. Ages: 5-7
Faraway Things They were called faraway things, the things that Lucien would find washed up on the shore below his home with the lighthouse. Written by award-winning novelist Dave Eggers and accompanied by Kelly Murphy's detailed illustrations, this lovely picture book tells the story of a young boy who finds a cutlass after a storm. He takes it home, and for a short time, calls it his own. When he meets the cutlass's owner, he must make a trade for another treasure, and when he does, what he gets in return is even more important. Ages: 5-8
Words to Make a Friend You don't have to speak the same language to be friends! This sweet tale by Donna Jo Napoli and Naoko Stoop shares the story of two little girls, one American and one Japanese who don't let language stop them from friendship. Ages: 9-12
War What is war? This stunning story uses creative illustrations and little verbiage to share the origins and stealthiness of war and how to share the difficult concept with kids. Ages: 9-12
Where Snow Angels Go Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night for no reason? Sylvie awakens one evening to find her very own angel––could it be the same one she made in the snow last winter? Maggie O'Farrell's tale follows the relationship between Sylvie and her protector when she needs him the most. Ages: 7-10
The Great Whipplethorp Bug Collection This adorable book by author Ben Brashares is a story about a boy named Chuck, who, while insisting he's bored and his stay-at-home-dad is "boring," comes to learn about his ancestors and their great contributions to the world. Determined to make his own mark, Chuck looks for a mountain to climb, an ocean to explore, bugs to collect. When things don't turn out as he'd hoped, Chuck ends up doing something completely new and cool. A wonderful addition to your kids' book collection. Ages: 4-8
Jenny Mei Is Sad This sweet story by Tracy Subisak just might hit you deep down with its profound yet simplistic exploration of friendship when one friend is sad. It's not our place to always cheer up our friends. Being there is what is important. Ages 4-8.
Dad, the Man, the Myth, the Legend He can wrestle pythons to the ground, he can fly to the hardware store, he's a certified genius: he's dad! Written by Mifflin Lowe with stunning illustrations by Dani Torrent, this all about dad tale praises the amazingness of fathers and even has a special place in the back to brag about your own padre. Ages 4-8.
Sharky McShark Sharky is a bully. All the fish in the sea swim furiously away when she approaches. But when a tiny crab enters her world, all things change. You'll love this story from Alison Murray that delves into themes of bullying, vulnerability and the importance of friendship. Ages 4-8.
Dragonboy Follow along on a day of adventure with Dragonboy in this colorful story by Fabio Napoleoni. You'll love how Dragonboy treasures the differences of his friends and has empathy for their struggles. Ages 4-8.
Jonah's Adventures in the Enchanted Garden You'll love diving into this delicately illustrated story of a boy who spends the summer with his grandparents and discovers a land beyond the confines of their garden. Author Rodica Niculescu penned this lovely story for her grandsons and you'll be immersed in the story from page one. Ages 1-11.
Sharp Eye the Eagle Series If you are looking to impart some lessons into your reading time, this series is perfect for you. Each of the seven stories in the series has Sharp Eye the eagle imparting wisdom like why too much screen time is not a good idea, or why sharing benefits us all.
Make Your Bed with Skipper the Seal This clever story by Admiral William H. McRaven shares the story of how Skipper goes from being a seal to becoming a Navy SEAL (and why making the bed is always important!). Ages 4-8.
Little Messy Marcy Su Author Cherie Fu brings us this lovely tale of a tired mom and her exuberant child who come together to get their house ready for the grandparents' visit. Lovely rhyming with Chinese words interspersed gives us a glimpse into this family's everyday life. Ages 4-8.
I Am an American, the Wong Kim Ark Story This story by Marth Brockenbrough is an important picture book that introduces young readers to the young man who challenged the Supreme Court for his right to be an American citizen and won, confirming birthright citizenship for all Americans. Ages 4-8.
Bravo Anjali Young readers will enjoy the story of Anjali as she struggles with friendship and owning her exceptional talent in the tabla world where she is the only girl. A follow-up story to Always Anjali, this story inspires young readers to never dim their light and to never let anyone make her feel bad for being good at something.
A New Harvest You'll love this sweet tale by Cristina Expósito Escalona (that's available in both English and Spanish). It tells the story of a farmer, devastated by tornados, who bring his field back to life and receives support from homeless people in his community, who are then able to be supported by the land and the work. Bonus: this book is sustainably made using stone paper. Ages 4-8.
The Secret of the Magic Pearl Elisa Sabatinelli and Iacopo Bruno's story will take readers on an adventure. Told in long-form and with stunning illustrations, follow young Hector along as he searches for the illusive magic pearl. Ages 6-10.
Lotería Karla Arenas Valenti's debut middle grade novel is packed with action. Combining Día de los Muertos imagery, Mexican folklore and the game of Lotería, readers will follow Clara on an adventure of fate. Ages 8-12.
The Other Side of Luck Perfect for young fantasy readers, Ginger Johnson's tale explores the relationship between Princess Una and Julien, a pauper in the kingdom. When both enter a contest to find the illusive Silva Flower, can the two find a sense of belonging in their otherwise lonely worlds? Ages 8-11.
The Gumazing Gum Girl! Stick Together! Gum Girl, aka Gabby Gomez, returns in this fifth book of the series. Fresh off a trip meeting her uncle, Gabby must now take on an overgrown hamster alongside friends new and old. Ages 6-10.
Stolen Science Ella Schwartz and illustrator Gaby D'Allessandro are setting the record straight when it comes to inventions, science and who should receive credit. The two explore underrepresented communities, immigrants, women and more who made strides in science but went unnoticed over the last few centuries. Ages 9-11.
The Kids of Cattywampus Street Meet the kids of Cattywampus Street! This delightful 11-chapter book dedicates a story to each of the unique and whimsical children on the block. Perfect for lovers of Sideways Stories from Wayside School, this book also has carefully placed black and white drawings throughout to keep young readers entertained the entire way. Ages 7-10.
Mightier Than the Sword Rochelle Melander's collection is a must for budding writers. With illustrations by Melina Ontiveros, Mightier Than the Sword shares the stories of writers from diverse cultural backgrounds who changed the world with the pen. Not only does this new book details stories like Frederick Douglas and Helen Keller, but it includes robust writing tips and activities, too. Ages 8-13.
Starfish Lisa Fipps debut novel faces off against the world of fat-shaming with her lead character Ellie. Follow along as the young protagonist finds new friendship that will take her from wanting to blend in, to becoming comfortable with who she is––no matter her size. Ages 10-13.
A Total Waste of Space-Time! Book two of the Space-Time series is here! Get back on the potato with Jide and Petra as they travel to the planets of their friends. Jeffrey Brown's graphic novel is the perfect, can't-put-down read for middle graders. Ages 8-12.
How to Win a Slime War Author Mae Respicio is back again with a darling story that middle-grade readers will love. Twelve-year-old Alex Manalo and his dad have recently moved back to Sacramento to help with the family's Filipino market. In his free time, Alex loves to make slime and a friend at his new school encourages him to sell his concoction, sparking a battle with a girl who previously enjoyed a slime-opoly on campus. To make matters worse, Alex's dad thinks Alex should be focused on more traditional "boy" pastimes, like sports, which Alex hates. How to Win a Slime War is filled with heart and hope as it explores the fun and hard work of being an entrepreneur, navigating family and boyhood expectations, and discovering what it means to win. Ages 8-12.
Kitty Quest What happens when two kitties who need cash team up to become monster slayers? They head out on a Kitty Quest! This debut graphic novel by Phil Corbett follows Woolfrick and Perigold as they awaken ghosts and battle monsters––without any experience! Ages: 8-12.
Mellybean & the Giant Monster, Mellybean & the Wicked Wizard Meet Melly, a lovable pup who just wants to play with her feline friends. When a prank goes awry, Melly finds herself falling down a magical hole in the backyard! Join her as she takes on monsters and witches in the first two graphic novels by Mike White which are equally fun for kids and adults. Ages: 8-12.
The Islanders Themes of environmentalism and conservation permeate this debut middle grade novel for author Mary Alice Monroe. When Jake is forced to spend a screen-free summer with his grandmother on an island nature sanctuary, he befriends two other kids and they bond together to save loggerhead turtles from predation. Ages: 9-12.
Unforgotten: The Wild Life of Dian Fossey and Her Relentless Quest to Save Mountain Gorillas Without any formal training, young Dian Fossey embarks on a journey to Africa to study and protect the few mountain gorillas left on Earth. This book creatively tells Dian's story, inspiring young readers to follow their dreams. Ages: 8-12.
Ways to Grow Love Ryan Hart is back in Renée Watson’s second installment of her series. The young heroine is headed off to sleepaway camp, where she’ll meet a new camper that requires her to share her best friend. Follow along as our leading lady navigates tons of changes, including the birth of her baby sister. Ages: 7-10
EINSTEIN – The Fantastic Journey of a Mouse Through Space and Time You'll love Torben Kuhlmann’s brilliant new picture book that bends time and imagination through the adventures of a clever mouse. When this mouse misses the world's largest cheese festival by only one day, he is determined to travel back in time to experience all the Emmental and Gruyere he desires. He enlists the help of a mouse clockmaker and together they delve into Albert Einstein's notes as they set about on their adventure. Ages: 8-12
The Cardboard Kingdom #2: Roar of the Beast This sequel to the Eisner Award-nominated The Cardboard Kingdom follows the kids as they solve the mystery of a new neighborhood monster. Through a unique collaboration of 10 authors, each character is given an individual and authentic voice that makes this vibrant, profound, and utterly moving children’s graphic novel series truly shine. Ages 9-12
Gamora and Nebula: Sisters in Arms Author Mackenzi Lee is back with the second installment of this highly-popular series that's full of the Marvel Universe characters you love. Find out what happens when Gamora arrives on Torndune―a once-lush planet that has been strip-mined for the power source beneath its surface―with a mission to collect the heart of the planet. Ages: 12+
She Persisted: Sally Ride Award-winning author Atia Abawi brings young readers the story of Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. As she broke barriers in space, this amazing woman went on to change the face of NASA and developed engineering programs that would enable women of the future to follow their dreams. Ages: 6-9
The Firebird Song Fans of Shannon Hale will thoroughly enjoy this new novel by Arnée Flores. Travel to the Kingdom of Lyrica, where the Firebird has vanished. Once the protector by its song and feather, its absence is felt strongly as the evil Spectress reigns. Can Young Prewitt and Princess Calliope solve the mysterious message found on the castle wall and bring back the Firebird for good? Ages: 8-11
Dead Wednesday It was anything but a typical school day when Worm Tarnauer hopped out of bed on "Dead Wednesday." It was the day he'd been looking forward to his whole school career, when eighth graders were assigned a teen who had died over the past year, donned their black shirts and became invisible. Worm didn't anticipate that his journey with Becca Finch (age 17, car crash) would take him where it did. This book by Jerry Spinelli will have you thinking about what it means to truly live.
The Wild Ones This one's all about feminist power when a group of teenage girls must band together and use their special powers to save the life of the magical boy who saved them all. This is the second novel from author Nafiza Azad and the deep character development will have you reading well past bedtime. Age 14+.
Daughter of the Deep Fans of Rick Riordan will love this new release that pays homage to Jules Verne in this exciting modern take on 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Young readers will be enthralled with the characters as they dive deep into the action and humor that are Riordan signatures.
Paradise on Fire Author Jewell Parker Rhodes is back with her follow-up novel to critically acclaimed book Black Brother, Black Brother. Paradise on Fire is inspired by the devastating Camp Fire that devastated the town of Paradise, CA in 2018. Addy is haunted by the fire that killer her parents and spends the summer at a wilderness camp learning new outdoor skills. But mostly they learn how to rely on each other. This poignant story has themes of environmentalism, racism and activism and is a must-read for teens and parents alike.
Dust & Grim Bestselling author Chuck Wendig comes through again with this charming tale of two rival siblings who must bond together to save their family business, a mortuary for monsters. Ages 8-12.
The Hawthorne Legacy In Book 2 of the Inheritance Games series, you'll find heiress Avery Grambs sorting out the pieces that come after Tobias Hawthorne left his entire fortune to her, a complete stranger. With nonstop action, aspirational jet-setting, Knives Out-like family intrigue, swoonworthy romance, and billions of dollars hanging in the balance, The Hawthorne Legacy will thrill Jennifer Lynn Barnes fans and new readers alike. Ages 12+.
The Land of the Pines In her debut novel, author Summer Pines teaches readers about the gift of empathy and how friendship can help us through trials. Lush illustrations capture the magic found in the Piney Woods of Nilsson’s East Texas hometown and bring the cast of creatures vividly to life.
Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood From seventeen acclaimed Black male and non-binary authors comes a vibrant collection of stories, comics, and poems about the power of joy and the wonders of Black boyhood.
Mermaid Tears Susan L. Read’s debut novel helps young readers understand struggles with their mental health and provide essential resources to help them. Sarah is a hard-working student, a good friend, a kind daughter, and a creative soul. Lately however, maintaining her grades and friendships has become harder than usual, and nothing brings her much joy anymore. With the help of her family, friends, trusted teacher and mental health professionals, Sarah learns that there is a name for what she is dealing with. She develops tools, not only for coping, but for thriving. In learning about her condition and gaining the support she needs for managing it, she begins the long journey back to her life. Ages 8-12.
Rea and the Blood of the Nectar This story by Payal Doshi chronicles the journey of Rea as she goes on a quest with her friend Leela to find her missing twin brother Rohan after a fight on their 12th birthday. Rea must solve clues that lead to Rohan while experiencing many hurdles, challenges and unexpected encounters along the way. Ages 8-12.
Little Jagadish and the Great Experiment This book by Ajali Joshi chronicles the journey of a young boy named Jagadish who sets out to find solutions to unanswered questions using the scientific method. Inspired by the life and work of Indian physicist, botanist, and author Jagadish Chandra Bose, this story encourages young readers to embrace their curiosity and unleash their inner scientist.
The Girl from the Attic When a mysterious black cat leads Maddy Rose into an unknown attic, she meets Clare and his very sick sister Eva. Together Maddy and Clare jump into a money-making scheme in his uncle’s dangerous soap factory to buy a cure for Eva. But an unexpected tragedy befalls them before Maddy is pulled back into her own time to confront the premature birth of her own sister. Will the skills she learned in the past help her solve the problems of the present? Can the strange shape of the house make a difference? Age 11+.
Tristan Strong Keeps Punching Young readers have been eagerly awaiting the third and final book of the Tristan Strong trilogy by author Kwame Mbalia and the time has come! Will Tristan be able to make his way north to his home in Chicago, or will the ghosts and evil spirits of the south, known as the haints, stop him along the way? You'll need to read to find out!
National Geographic Kids World Atlas Where should your family vaycay next? Let this comprehensive atlas help! Packed with maps, facts and tons of photos, inspire the wanderlust in your fam, stat.
Skygazing Two books in one, this exploration of both the night and day sky covers everything from ancient beliefs and spiders, to creatures of the forest.
It Takes Guts What exactly is the science behind barfs and burps? And what about poop? Dr. Jennifer Gardy gives up all the juicy details on the magnificent human body.
Palm Trees at the North Pole Perfect for young environmentalists who want to learn about climate change, Marc ter Horst's book is all about inventors, scientists, activities, volcanoes and more. Alongside Wendy Panders' illustrations, adults will learn just a much as kids in this detailed work of art.
The Ultimate Art Museum Ferren Gipson is ready to take you on adventure. Travel through time and all over the world finding the most famous art of all time in this perfect coffee table book. With over 40,000 years of art, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Wild Child: Adventure Cooking with Kids Sarah Glover, the James Beard Award-nominated author of Wild: Adventure Cooking, brings us this lovely book that will definitely motivate you and your kids to get cooking outdoors. From campfire bananas to food cooked in coconut, this book will definitely up your camping food game.
Guide to the National Parks of the United States, 9th Edition If your family is planning a National Parks visit this year, you need to pick up a copy of this great reference book. It gives you road trip routes, hiking suggestions and lots more.
Birds: Explore Their Extraordinary World Stunning illustrations by Angela Harding abound in this nonfiction compendium by Miranda Krestovnikoff. Young learners will explore the vast world of birds, from the coldest regions and beyond. Perfect for a coffee table or a keepsake, this gorgeous book has something to teach everyone.
Hoping to find an in-person after-school program for fall 2021 that’s outdoors? We found NYC after-school programs and classes that are outside as well as some private small group or pod classes. Music, sports, yoga, drama, tinkering, language — you’ve got options! (P.S. hoping to do an outdoor birthday party? Click here for help planning!)
Multi-Borough
Parkour Adventure Afterschool The Movement Creative
The Movement Creative
Parkour Adventure Afterschool is guaranteed to wear your kids out! Available for kids ages seven and up, this high-energy option will have your child learning climbing, swinging, safe-landing techniques, balancing, all while building up confidence and strength. Classes in Manhattan are one day a week in several neighborhoods, and Queens classes are two days a week in Jackson Heights.
Rate is $1,140/one day a week, Sept. 7- Jan. 25; $2,400/two days a week, Sept. 8-Feb. 2, with a sliding scale available.
Create your own private outdoor yoga class for your pod with Yogi Beans. Pod classes are for five kids or more and can be held in Manhattan, Brooklyn or Queens. Rate is $40 per kid, per class, with classes booked in blocks of four or six weeks.
Tinkergarten offers outdoor classes for kids 18 months to 8 years old. Its play-based, outdoor curriculum is dedicated to a new theme and life skill each season. This fall is Treasure Hunt season, with a curriculum designed to engage kids in the kind of wondering, exploring, imagining, and problem-solving that helps them develop focus. (To kids, it's joyful, autumn outdoor play.)
Find Tinkergarten in Bay Ridge, Staten Island's Sunnyside, Upper West Side, Astoria and Jackson Heights.
Rate is $199/12 classes, with sessions starting September 27.
Not your ordinary puppet show, Puppetsburg brings a new theme and story each week, with special guests like Greta Thunberg and Drake! The interactive shows for kids five and under include music, movement, bubble time and more. Adult participation required.
Rate is $30/class, with sessions held in Downtown Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Bed-Stuy and the West Village.
Fiddle Foxes offers music fun for the tiniest of babes to kids seven and up in Astoria Park and Central Park. For kids 3 to 5, there's Songs for Superheroes, kids K to First grade can take Continuing Music for basics of music theory, songwriting and making a music video, and kids 7 and up can take Beginner Guitar.
Drop-in rates are $25-30, and semester rates range from $180-$240 a term, which runs September 14- November 2.
Create a dramatic play class held in a park or private outdoor space. Classes can be tailored for children ages 3 to 16 and support social-emotional growth and creativity, with peer interaction front and center. Sessions are built around a theme or content such as Improvaganza, Animal Adventures, Hogwarts School, Songwriting, Musical Mythology—or a topic you (or the kids) come up with.
From the people who bring you the wildly popular Soap Box building camp (and derby!) comes all kinds of kids-make-it-themselves after-school options. Classes are offered for kids K-5 and tackle projects like toy-making, house-building, boat-building, inventor's lab and filmmaking. Options are held in locations throughout Brooklyn including Prospect Park, Mccarren Park and Koko NYC's workshop on 17th Street in the South Slope.
Rates are $415 and up for eight weeks, with tiered pricing available.
The New York Society of Play offers this one-of-a-kind Live Action Role Playing (LARP) game in Fort Greene and Williamsburg. Fantasy Frontier combines the storytelling aspect of role-playing games with the physical engagement of sports. The result?: A game that turns your child’s local park into a fantasy world filled with adventures, peril, and treasure. Player choices are highly influential—allies and enemies they make directly influence the progression of the plot! Sessions meet once a week from 3-6 p.m.
Kids ages 7-13 can build or perfect their skateboarding skills with Skate Yogi. Small group after-school classes are held at Skate Yogi in Prospect Lefferts Gardens (with the majority of sessions outside) or at Downtown Brooklyn's Golcanda Skate Park. Fall classes run from Sept. 11 - Nov. 5 and start at $330 per semester.
The Brooklyn Game Lab offers outdoor, indoor and online after-school programs. Outdoor fun—developed over the past year—keeps kids active and busy outside, and includes the Battle Lab, in which kids "clash" using foam swords.
Rate is $1250/for one day a week from Sept. 14-Jan. 25, 2022
Power Tots offers gymnastics and ninja after-school classes for kids ages 4 to 8 in Prospect Park and 4 to 10 in McGolrick Park. Sessions run from mid-September to late December.
Get off the screen and into the woods! (Of Central Park.) Mohr's Explorers takes kids on educational adventures ("EDventures) in the park that include elements of fort building, back-country survival and wilderness hide-and-seek – plus original outdoor games and activities. This outdoor program for kids ages five to 12 builds confidence, while encouraging teamwork and creativity. Programs operate five days a week, and cost is $45 per child, per session, with classes running from September 13 to December 17. Drop-offs, subject to change, are at E. 79th Street, W. 81st Street, West 93rd Street and West 108th Street and the park. Click here to register.
Don't let the name fool you: Kids of Summer offers after-school classes in the fall, too. Choose from basketball for ages 7 to 9 and 10 to 12, soccer for ages 4 to 7 and flag football for ages 8 to 13. Classes combine a mix of drills and gameplay and run from September 14 to November 11 on the Upper West Side.
Tribeca language offers beginner and bilingual classes outdoors for kids ages 3 to 6, and 5 to 8. Classes meet in Washington Market Park with rates ranging from $245-$315. Sessions run from September 14 to October 26.
Sure Skateboards offers lessons after school on Wednesday in the West Village and Fridays at 20th Street and Second Avenue. Classes begin at 3:30 and are 1 hour long. Rate is $30 per session and classes run September 15-November 19.
The After-school Garden Adventures program is a blend of structured and free-form exploration in the setting of the QBG. It is designed to provide children in grades 1 to 5 the support they need to express their natural curiosity. It meets twice a week from September 21 - November 18. Rate is $405 for members and $450 for non-members.
Maybe it’s the glorious sunshine, or the gorgeous beaches nearby, but there’s something special about being a kid in San Diego. And we’ve got the baby names that prove it! These San Diego baby names pay homage to the people and places that make this one of the best cities to raise a family. Read on to see just how “San Diego” your baby name is.
Audrey
Audrey Giesel was a philanthropist and the wife of Theodor Giesel (a.k.a. Dr. Seuss) and the upholder of his legacy after his death. The couple lived in La Jolla and you'll see signs of Audrey's good deeds all over San Diego from the Geisel Library which she donated $20 million to and which houses over 4,000 precious and original items from Dr. Seuss, to the San Diego Safari Park where she and the Dr. Seuss Foundation donated the recently added, magnificent Marsupial Walkway where you can frolic freely with kangaroos and wallabies.
Balboa
Voted California's Best Attraction, Balboa Park is the cultural heartbeat of San Diego. The magnificent 1,200-acre urban park is home to 17 museums and it's a gorgeous place to stroll or to climb the iconic California Tower.
Cabrillo
In 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo was the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States. San Diego's Cabrillo National Monument pays homage to this fearless conquistador.
Cal
Give a nod to our home state of California with this simple name that’ll be easy to write once your kiddo hits preschool.
Cove
Beautiful La Jolla Cove is a serene and heavenly haven for beachgoers, snorkelers and scuba divers. This small, exclusive beach is surrounded by cliffs and bustling with marine life. It's one of the most photographed spots in San Diego and an unbeatable place to watch the sunset.
Why not give your babe the city's namesake? San Diego was named by Sebastian Vizcaíno who arrived in San Diego in November 1602. He named our fine city in honor of both his ship which was named San Diego as well as for the feast of Spanish Franciscan San Diego de Alcala.
Ellen
Philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps moved to San Diego in 1891 and did a world of good for the city. Among her priceless contributions to society: Ellen founded the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Scripps College, Scripps Hospital and Scripps Clinic. She also built the La Jolla Women's Club, the La Jolla Library and the Children's Pool and she purchased Torrey Pines and other lands and donated them to the public as parks.
Kate Sessions was nicknamed the "Mother of Balboa Park." She was a horticulturist who owned floral shops and nurseries throughout San Diego and in 1892 she leased land in Balboa Park, which was then called "City Park" for a nursery in which she was required to plant 100 trees a year. By 1902 she played a vital role in the formation of what was to become the lush and bountiful Balboa Park we know and love today.
Linda
Whether you’ve got your sights set on Mission Valley or the Pacific Ocean, Linda Vista offers some of the best views in town. It also means “pretty” in Spanish, and makes a great name for a baby girl.
Logan
Barrio Logan is an industrial, artistic neighborhood that is rich in Mexican heritage and cultural roots. Colorful murals depicting activists and icons including Frida Kahlo bring this district to life with artist collectives, galleries, shops and restaurants.
Mabel
Bring back this vintage name when you name your kiddo after Mabel Bell. She and her husband were the first African Americans to own property in LaJolla, and she dedicated her life’s work to affordable housing efforts.
Marie
In 1947, Marie Hitchcock and her sister gave the first public performance, a marionette show, at what is known today as the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater, where countless kids and families go to enjoy and be entertained by puppetry at this Balboa Park 'mecca.'
Maverick
Top Gun was filmed in various locations around San Diego including a house in Oceanside, Kansas City Barbeque and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Name your little one after Tom Cruise's bold character in this classic film.
Myrtle
Myrtle Creek Botanical Gardens & Nursery is a secret garden and hidden gem. Filled with happy goats, wild birds, butterflies and fairy gardens, this slice of paradise evokes happiness, joy and respite from life's fast pace.
San Diego Zoo /Christina Simmons
Niki
Local French artist Niki de Saint Phalle's amazingly unique and awe-inspiring sculptures may be found in various San Diego locales. Queen Califia’s Magical Circle in Escondido is the only American sculpture garden and the last major international project she created.
Rex
Rex the lion inspired the creation of the San Diego Zoo in 1916 by Zoo founder Dr. Harry Wegeforth's dream of uniting people with wildlife. Last year, to mark over a century of the Zoo, the largest cantilever bronze animal statue in the world was erected at the Zoo's entrance in Rex's honor.
Ru
Short and sweet this gender-neutral name is almost too cute. Plus, it gives a tip of the hat to the multi-talented, San Diego-born Drag Queen, RuPaul. Psst… Paul is another great kid’s name to consider.
Shaun
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White was born and raised in San Diego and the snowboarder and skateboarder is as cool as he is talented.
Solana
Solana Beach is a pristine, idyllic beach in North County San Diego and Solana is derived from Spanish origin and means "sunshine."
Chris Nelson Photography
Taj
Taj means "crown" or "jewel" in Hindi, and Taj is a young male rhino who resides at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. His birth was vital for conservation efforts, as he joins only 3,500 greater one-horned rhinos that remain the wild.
Theodor
Theodor Giesel, better known as Dr. Seuss, called San Diego home and tributes to his talent and his quirkiness abound all over the city.
Tony
Naming your baby Tony will pack a double punch: Legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk and professional baseball player or 'Mr. Padre' Tony Gwynn of the San Diego Padres both bear the name. Hawk was born and raised in San Diego and learned and perfected his skateboarding tricks at Del Mar Skate Ranch. He still lives in San Diego and his son Riley Hawk just opened a coffee shop in Oceanside. Tony Gwynn is ranked one of the best hitters in baseball history, he played 20 seasons for the San Diego Padres and he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007.
Torrey
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is the most beautiful place to stroll or hike with ocean views in San Diego. The rare Torrey Pine tree is an endangered species that only grows in the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. It was named after botanist John Torrey and is protected and revered for its uniqueness and scarcity.
This holiday season will look dramatically different for many children and families. Sesame Workshop and Viatris Inc. are launching new resources to support the social and emotional needs of families across generations around the world during the pandemic. This new global resource will reach families on six continents.
Today’s release of materials on SesameStreet.org/caring in English, Spanish, Hindi, and Portuguese is designed to help young children talk through and name big feelings like stress and fear, encourage positive caregiving strategies and routines, and help families find ways to celebrate together when far apart.
“We know children and families everywhere are struggling as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Together with Viatris, we are offering families strategies to cope with today’s challenges and foster emotional wellbeing long into the future,” said Sherrie Westin, President of Social Impact and Philanthropy, Sesame Workshop. “As we head into the holidays with so many routines upended, we want to help children and their caregivers manage big feelings and spend quality time with each other, even when apart.”
“Our work with Sesame Workshop stems from our mission to empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life,” said Lara Ramsburg, Head of Corporate Affairs for Viatris. “From young children to parents, grandparents, and other caregivers, we hope these new resources will be of value to anyone who has experienced the emotional impact of the pandemic on their families. As we begin our journey as Viatris, we’re committed to supporting social impact initiatives and partnerships that have the potential to have a lasting, positive impact on patients, families and communities worldwide. We’re pleased to collaborate with Sesame Workshop, who has a long history of making a difference in the lives of children around the world.”
Viatris, a new kind of global healthcare company, is committed to doing its part in support of public health needs amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the generous support to make these new resources possible, Viatris will share the resources with its global workforce of approximately 45,000.
The resources launched today as part of Sesame Workshop’s Caring for Each Other initiative, which was created in response to the uncertainty facing families during the COVID-19 pandemic and has reached families in more than 100 countries and 41 languages. http://SesameStreet.org/caring is regularly updated to meet the needs of families as the situation evolves, with resources designed to help parents provide comfort and manage anxiety, as well as help with creating routines, fostering playful learning at home and staying physically and mentally healthy. Resources will also be distributed through a wide range of national and community providers as part of Sesame Street in Communities, Sesame Workshop’s program to support children and families.
—Jennifer Swartvagher
Featured photo: Sesame Street In Communities via YouTube
When choosing a name, parents hope to find one that conveys something positive. In order to discover the trendiest lucky baby names of 2020, Compare.bet examined Nameberry’s Top Baby Names of 2020. The list was narrowed down to reveal which ones are bringing parents-to-be hope, luck and good fortune.
According to the research, the most popular lucky girls name is Iris which means “rainbow” in Greek. Asher which means “happy” in Hebrew tops the charts for lucky boy names. Of those surveyed, 94% of those using lucky names think that this will help their child later in life. Of the parents who don’t favor lucky names, 38% would avoid them because they are too mainstream.
The Top 20 Most Popular Lucky Girls Names and Their Meanings:
Iris – Derived from the Greek word Iris, meaning rainbow
Evangeline – Has Greek origin, meaning ‘bearer of good news’
Beatrice – ‘She who brings happiness; blessed’ in Latin
Jade – A precious green stone transmitting wisdom, clarity, justice and courage
Kiara – ‘Bright’ or ‘light’ in Italian and ‘God’s precious gift’ in Hindi
Felicity – Derived from Latin word Felicitas, meaning ‘luck, good fortune’
Winfred – ‘Friend of Peace’
Clover – A traditional symbol of good luck and prosperity, particularly when found with four leaves
Octavia – Derives from Latin Octavus, meaning 8 – which is a lucky number in many cultures and represents infinity
Amber – derived from the Arabic, Ambar, which means jewel
The Top 20 Most Popular Lucky Boys Names and Their Meanings:
Asher – Strong religious connotations such as happiness and joy, or blessings in abundance
Felix – Derives from Latin, meaning happy or lucky
Quinn – Irish Gaelic origin, meaning sense and intelligence
Chance – Often found in Middle English to mean good fortune
Bennett – Stems from Latin and means blessed
Edmund – Meaning prosperity and riches
Benedict – Derives from the Late Latin name Benedictus, meaning blessed
Fisher – Meaning ‘fisherman’, linked with superstitions
Seven – Has English origin meaning inner wisdom
Arley – Rooted in American and Hebrew meaning promise
Moms have been around since the beginning of time, so it’s no surprise that there’s a lot more to the Mother’s Day holiday than just breakfast in bed and floral bouquets (although, we love those things, too!). Show mom how much you care by impressing her with these Mother’s Day fun facts … and flowers.
In 1872... The first Mother's Day in the United States was suggested in 1872 by Julia Ward Howe, who is a pacifist, suffragette, and writer of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic". Her goal was to have a day where mothers could come together in the name of peace.
Petal Pusher Mother’s Day sees around one-quarter of all flowers purchased throughout the year.
Caller I.D. According to the Pew Research Center, more phone calls are made on Mother’s Day than any other day of the year. In the United States alone, more than 122 million calls are made to moms on Mother's Day.
Give Me an 'M' In most of the world’s languages, the word for “mother” begins with the letter M—German is "mutter," Hindi is "maji," and Lithuanian is "motina" to name a few.
The Grandmother of Mother's Day Anna Jarvis, a social activist and community organizer, founded the modern American concept of Mother’s Day in 1908. Ironically, Jarvis never married or had children.
Too Much of a Good Thing? Soon after President Woodrow Wilson declared Mother’s Day a national holiday, it became so commercialized (like it is today) that Anna Jarvis, the holiday's creator, actually campaigned to have it rescinded.
Get Carded Roughly 65% of all greeting card sales happen during the last five days before Mother's Day. Us? Procrastinators? Noooooo.
Won't You Be My Neighbor? You know all of those sweaters and cardigans that Mr. Rogers wore on his television show? Most of them were knitted by his real mother. Awwww!
Medal Ceremony After France lost more than 4% of its population in World War I, the government celebrated Mother's Day in 1920 by giving moms medals—women with five kids got a bronze medal, women with eight got silver, and those with ten or more got gold!
In Good Company There are approximately two billion (yes, BILLION) mothers in the world.
Big Spender Last year, the National Retail Federation estimated that shoppers would spend $23.1 billion (yes, BILLION again). That's about $180 per mama.
Gabby Cullen
Nom Nom Mother’s Day is the most popular day of the year for people to eat out. Yep, it's even bigger than Valentine’s Day.
Grammar Police Mother's Day is written with an apostrophe before the "s" because it was intended to honor moms individually, not collectively.
Flower Power The Carnations, which are the go-to Mother's Day flower, do not drop their petals. Instead, they hug them to the center, just like a mom does with her kids. Swoon!
If you’re a child of the ’80s or ’90s, we bet you can remember the sea of Jennifers, Jessicas, Michaels and Christophers you grew up with. Thankfully, the decades since have seen the rise of unique baby names from which to choose.
Whether you’re looking for trendy baby names, hot new takes on popular picks or something completely different, scroll on for our roundup of the biggest baby name trends to be on the lookout for this year.
According to BabyCenter, two of these royally-inspired names increased in popularity in 2018: Louis (up 17 percent) and Meghan (up 49 percent). We bet whatever Meghan and Harry name the newest royal baby will definitely top the baby name charts by year's end. Keep an eye out for Eugenie and Jack as popular choices, too.
Nonbinary & Gender-Neutral Baby Names
Courtesy of Skip Hop
Gender conformity is so last year. The new hotness? Nonbinary names that aren't typically aligned with one gender or another, says Nameberry. Parents are raising gender-neutral kids more than ever before, whether it from shopping for gender-neutral clothing or shattering gendered playtime stereotypes.
Look for gender-neutral baby names to rise in popularity this year, with names like Briar, Campbell, Drew, Finley, Journey, Justice, Laken, Max, Revel, Robin, Royal, Stevie, Story and Tyler.
Nameberry predicts that 2019 will be the year of globally-inspired baby names. With the rise of inclusivity and representation of cultures and ethnicities in kids books, movies and TV shows, it only makes sense that we'd see a rise in names that hail from all four corners of the Earth. Nameberry has its sights on names like Acacius, Aroha, Cyrene, Jedda, Kiran, Lautaro, Lior, Niabi, Sena and Walken.
We have our eyes on names from popular kids' media that have made great leaps in representation over the last couple of years, such as Disney's Moana, Marvel's Into the Spiderverse new Spider-Man MilesMorales, Shuri from Black Panther or Araminta from Crazy Rich Asians.
While you can work your way around the world in 80 names, Nameberry also predicts that names from Eastern religious traditions steeped with mysticism will also cast a spell on parents-to-be in 2019. Spiritual names with origins in Hindi, Sanskrit, Buddhism and even ancient Egypt are expected to trend this year, including Asherah, Bodhi, Kali, Lakshmi, Manu, Osiris, Raiden, Rama, Tanith and Zen.
Southern-inspired baby names are definitely in vogue for 2019, BabyCenter notes. So, what's the allure? Maybe it's the kindness of Southern hospitality—or maybe it's the hope that a name inspired by Southern slow living will make for a calmer baby! Look for names full of Southern charm, such as Antonio (as in San Antonio), Austin, Carolina, Charlotte, Dallas, Georgia, Macon, Nash (think Nashville), Raleigh, Savannah and Tennessee.
(PS...Reese Witherspoon, if you're reading this—2019 is def your year to drop a Draper James baby collection.)
Pastels are anything but boring and according to Nameberry, some of the hottest names of 2019 will be inspired by muted color palettes. Look for muted color names like Ash, Fawn, Grey (or Gray), Ivory, Lavender, Lilac, Mauve, Moss, Olive and Sage to grace their way into Mommy & Me classes this year.
While muted pastels will be popular, so too will more vibrant complementary color names in gemstone and jewel tone colors rise in popularity in 2019, Nameberry predicts. Break out the color wheel and dial up the saturation for names like Amethyst, Emerald, Garnet, Jasper, Jet, Onyx, Opal, Peridot, Sapphire and Topaz.
Celebrity baby names are always popular every year, but the last few years have afforded us Hollywood stargazers a bounty of particularly unique celebrity baby names. Whether it's the Kardashians and the Jenners (Stormi, Chicago, True), Hollywood power couples like ChrissyTeigen and JohnLegend (with kiddos Luna and Miles) or George and Amal Clooney (and twins Ella and Alexander) new celeb moms like Hilary Duff (baby girl Banks) or Kate Hudson (baby Rani Rose), celeb baby names are seriously on fire right now.
While celeb kids are certainly great baby name inspo, so too are their parents' names...more specifically, their last names, according to Nameberry. Try these celebrity surnames on for size in 2019: (Victoria and David) Beckham, (David) Bowie, (Duke) Ellington, (Jimmy) Hendrix, (Angelina) Jolie, (Heath) Ledger, (John) Lennon, (Annie) Lennox, (Marilyn) Monroe and (Gene) Wilder.
2019's most popular baby names are sure to be fancy, fantastic and fabulous—especially with names that start with the letter F! Nameberry predicts F-names like Faye, Felix, Fern, Finnian, Flora, Florian, Frances, Frankie, Frederick and Frost will festoon plenty of baby name shortlists this year.
There's nothing more unique than the letter U, especially when it comes to vowels. As Nameberry notes, there are very few baby names that start with the letter U, but that doesn't mean you can't achieve that most luxurious vowel sound with other names like Eugenie, Hugo, Jude, Juniper, Keanu, Louise, Luca, Luna, Reuben, Tallulah or True.
Look no further than you local zoo if you're stumped for a middle name. Nameberry's menagerie of middle names includes everything from the cuddly to the fierce, like Bear, Falcon, Fox, Hawk, Koala, Lion, Lynx, Otter, Tiger and Wolf.
Trendiest Nicknames: Old School Boys' Names
Courtesy of Universal Pictures
Any new parent can tell you: it's not just about picking the perfect baby name—you have to think about nicknames, too. But even nicknames can be their own baby name inspo, and according to Nameberry, old-school boys' nicknames are making a comeback as first names.
Get ready for a new generation of Little Rascals with names for boys like Ace, Billy, Buddy, Buster, Hank, Ike, Jimmy, Johnny, Scout, Sonny and Spike.
Kit, Ida and Van: each of these names are short and sweet. Unlike some of the other baby name trends for this year, monosyllabic names with just three letters are easy to spell and pronounce, which makes names like Hal, Jem, Koa, Liv, Lux, Rex and Rio such popular choices, according to Nameberry.
Weirdest Baby Name Trend for 2019: Sneakers
Courtesy of Amazon
If you're a famous athlete like Michael Jordan, you get a pair of shoes named after you. But in 2019, BabyCenter predicts the reverse will be true, as sneaker-heads could tip the scales on names like Chuck and Taylor (of Converse fame), as well as Nike styles like Cortez, Max, Monarch and of course, the ever-iconic Jordan. Adidas shoes like the Stan, Smith and Falcon are also possibilities.
We're pretty sure baby Manolo won't exactly top the lists, but BabyCenter seems to think Fila and Puma stand a chance in 2019.
The U.S. Social Security Administration keeps a fantastic database of baby names in America and breaks down the data in interesting ways, including baby names that are rising in popularity.
From 2016 to 2017, the following boys' baby names have shot up the charts, in order of rising popularity: Wells, Kairo, Caspian, Nova, Colson, Kace, Kashton, Koa, Gatlin and Bjorn.
According to the SSA, the following girls' baby names have skyrocketed in popularity between 2016 and 2017: Ensley, Oaklynn, Dream, Oaklyn, Melania, Emberly, Octavia, Paisleigh, Yara and Kehlani.
Trends come and go every year when it comes to baby names, but these names have withstood the tests of time. According to the SSA, these are the most popular baby names over the last 100 years, in order of popularity.
For boys: James, John, Robert, Michael, William, David, Richard, Joseph, Thomas and Charles. For girls: Mary, Patricia, Jennifer, Linda, Elizabeth, Barbara, Susan, Jessica, Sarah and Margaret.
According to Nameberry, it's the end—or is it the emd?—of an era. Names beginning with "Em" have sharply fallen in popularity in recent years. It's time to retire names like Emerson, Emery, Emily, Emma, Emmett and Emmy to make way for all the new names that will reign supreme in 2019.
You go to the library to check out books. But you can spend just as much time checking out the scene. At certain extra-special libraries in Chicago and the suburbs there are educational toys, engaging activities and interactive atmospheres that entice kids to hang out for hours. Whether you need a rainy day getaway or want to make the case that reading is cool, these spots are great places to start.
photo: Chicago Public Library
Sulzer Regional Branch – Chicago Public Libraries
This Chicago Library branch has a kids’ section that really bustles first thing in the morning. Half of the ground floor is dedicated to little readers and offers not only books, but blocks, LEGOs and puzzles. Special programs include everything from toddler crafts to family game nights. More than 20 kids’ computers await hours of happy tapping in this warm environment where everyone is encouraged to take their time.
4455 N. Lincoln Ave.
Lincoln Square
312-744-7616
Online: www.chipublib.org
Budlong Woods Branch – Chicago Public Libraries
The library named after pickle farm founder Lyman Budlong has become a stable of west Rogers Park, and its original kids’ programming makes it a standout. In addition to hosting story and craft hours, it offers field trips to Chicago landmarks like the Goodman Theatre (parents or caregivers must accompany children). Plus, on top of having computers and a great selection of picture books, Budlong Woods also has a picturesque outdoor reading garden.
5630 N. Lincoln Ave.
Rogers Park
312-742-9590
Online: www.chipublib.org
Bezazian Branch – Chicago Public Libraries
Multicultural resources abound at this lively branch. There is a particularly large Vietnamese, Chinese and Spanish language section perfect for families that enjoy expanding horizons. Occasional programs take place in the onsite auditorium, while the everyday hangout for little bookworms is the cozy kids’ corner. Packed story times are known to focus on multi-culti literature.
Evanston Public Library
The kids’ room of this North Shore gem has the chill vibe and originality of your favorite coffeehouse. Kick back on an oversized cushion, play with puppets and toys, and chat with friendly employees. The nearly 5,000-square-foot space devoted to littles is set aside from the main library on first floor and makes all ages feel welcome. Its events calendar bubbles over with activities like programs geared toward STEM learning, scavenger hunts, The Young and the Restless sing-a-longs and more.
La Grange Public Library
When three-year-old Tyler Duelm lost his battle with brain cancer, his family created the Tyler Duelm Activity Room to facilitate fun and unique library programming in his memory. Thanks to the family, hundreds of kids have enjoyed story times, after-school programs and summer reading programs in a cozy, welcoming space. Besides the Tyler’s Time programming, the library has colorful wall murals depicting animals and a fish tank if you prefer gazing at the real deal.
Hanover Park Branch – Schaumburg Township District Libraries
As part of the Schaumburg library system, the Hanover Park branch gives you the benefit of shared materials yet it has its own engaging children section. Along with books and computers, there are fun surprises like a faux T-Rex protruding from the wall and a replica of a mummy coffin. You can also nose around the mini castle complete with a train set and king’s chair. Despite all the eye candy, this is a fairly quiet place to pass the hours.
Oak Park Public Library
With techie amenities like a wide-screen TV with video games, this family oasis is an easy win. Its vaulted ceiling and natural light help grownups relax, while kids love their own level that’s complete with a wooden toy boat climbing structure, art alcove, toddler tree house and three gerbil mascots named Henry, Ralph and Mudge. Right next to the library is Scoville Park, grassy plain perfect for post-reading romps.
834 Lake St.
Oak Park
708-383-8200
Online: www.oppl.org
Edgewater Branch – Chicago Public Libraries
After two years of constructions, Edgewater’s gem went up with the help of a $13.7 million budget in 2013. You’ll appreciate that they invested in the kids section: The entire first floor is devoted to young ones and is full of new materials. There are about 30 computers just for juvenile use, plus an impressive picture book area. Look for lots of games, with craft activities coming this fall.
6000 N. Broadway St.
Edgewater
312-742-1945
Online: www.chipublib.org
Bucktown-Wicker Park Branch – Chicago Public Libraries
The kids’ section, encompassing part of the first floor, has activities for all ages, including regular story times, LEGO story times where kids are read a book and asked to build a solution, and unstructured play days. Toddlers have their own area with LEGOs and board books, while older kids get their brainy fix with educational computer games. This is a calmer library that lends itself to a quiet afternoon in an active part of the city.
1701 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Wicker Park
312-744-6022
Online: www.chipublib.org
photo: Downers Grove Public Library
Downers Grove Public Library
Go here for the Early Literacy play area, where kids in second grade or below can learn about a special topic, which changes every two months. The library’s Mouse House is an inviting cottage nook with pint-sized furniture, providing a peaceful place for kids to kick back with a book. There are also two train tables and a story time room. There programming is robust, with activities liked guided STEM time, paleontology digs, Pokemon play days and more.
Skokie Public Library
This destination feels like a play space meets theater meets book nook — all with the cool vibe of an Apple store. Imaginations fly when kids set their sights on the puppet stage, craft room, computer lab and digital media lab furnished with Mac products. For littler ones, there is preschool play area surrounded by picture windows and outfitted with LEGO tables, a play kitchen, puzzles and educational games. A large world languages section offers books in everything from Hebrew to Hindi. On Thursdays, they host POP! Parents of Preschoolers. While the kids get their story time fix, the library shares parenting resources and tips over coffee and cookies.
Harold Washington Library Center – Chicago Public Libraries
The crown jewel of Chicago libraries is known for both for its outstanding Postmodern architecture and breadth of programs. Its enormous second-floor Thomas Hughes Children’s Library is currently under construction, but keep your eyes peeled for the new and improved space expected to reopen in early summer.
Palatine Public Library
This treasure lures with a first-floor Early Literacy Area that’s interactive and welcoming. Go there for games, activities, puzzles, puppets and computers — all designed to encourage and develop learning skills. Be sure to check out the Museum Pass program, story times, drop-in craft projects, LEGO building sessions and kids’ chess matches.
Lake Forest Public Library
This gorgeous domed building was dedicated in 1931 and has been continually renovated. The basement is where you’ll find the kid fun, including a beautiful tree-like structure to gather around, as well as a stage equipped with hand puppets. In addition to books, you can get lost in puzzles, educational computer games, craft projects and scheduled calendar events, like pajama story times.
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
This is one of only five Illinois libraries to receive five stars, the highest of Library Journal’s national public library ratings. The first thing you might notice about it is its size — it’s huge, taking up almost an entire city block. A large portion of the first floor is for kids. Kids delight in the open puppet theater with audience seating for parents. There’s also a toy area for younger kids and computers for all age groups.
500 N. Dunton Ave.
Arlington Heights
847-392-0100
Online: www.ahml.info
Did your favorite public library make our list? If not, let us know what your favorite library is in the Comments section below.