He’s sharper than the average bear and he’s making a comeback after 30 years! Yogi Bear, along with Boo Boo, Cindy and a familiar crew of Hanna-Barbera characters, are returning to a screen near you. HBO Max is releasing Jellystone! a new animated comedy that reimagines the cartoons from your childhood—with a modern touch.

Season one premieres today and will follow an ensemble cast of characters as they work, play and participate in hijinks around the town. Each plays a specific role in the community, including Huckleberry Hound as the town’s mayor and the bears as the town’s medical staff. You’ll be delighted to see the gang get back together and your kids will definitely be laughing at the show’s hilarious plotlines. Watch the trailer now!

 

Keep an eye out for Mr. Jinks, Wally Gator, Lippy the Lion, Auggie Doggie, Jabberjaw, Snagglepuss and many more! The show is run and produced by Hollywood mainstay C.H. Greenblatt, who also voices some of the characters, plus Warner Bros. Animation. Make a nice little pic-a-nic and settle in to enjoy Jellystone! on HBO Max!

––Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Warner Bros. Animation and HBO Max

 

RELATED STORIES

HBO Max Just Dropped the New “Space Jam” Trailer & It’s a Slam Dunk

Could We BE More Excited? HBO Max Announces Date for “Friends” Reunion

Jeepers! Mindy Kaling to Star in New “VELMA” Series

Reading is fundamental—unless, of course, those fundamentals are biased or racist. And so it goes with some of the most classic kids’ books. They were once apropos—sort of—but now they are a bit problematic and may require further explanation for your kid’s. From Little House on the Prairie to Peter Pan, these tomes prove that they aren’t necessarily timeless. What was once meant to comfort and entertain kids may now do major harm by spotlighting some of the racist ideology that many parents today try to shield from their children. Read on to learn more about six books intended for kids that you might want to shelve.

books, book store, book fair
Kimberly Farmer via Unsplash

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 

In its most basic form, the plot of Roald Dahl’s well-known children’s book takes readers on a journey through a zany candy factory. Sounds sweet, right? Maybe not. In Dahl’s original 1964 plot—two movie adaptations have since followed suit—the Oompa Loompas were not orange with green hair. Instead, they were described as black pygmies “from the very deepest and darkest part of the African jungle where no white man had been before.” It wasn’t until after readers decried the quite obvious slavery undertones of the Oompa Loompas, that later versions of the text remixed their skin color from black to white (which then turned to orange and green in the 1971 film).

The Secret Garden 

There’s no denying the fact that Frances Hodgson Burnett’s early 20th century novel about an English girl (Mary) who is forced to move back to her green and picturesque hometown after her parents die in India, is full of some good moral lessons (think: caring for others as they have cared for you). Some of the dialogue, however, may furrow your feathers. Example: Mary meets a servant girl named Martha, who thought Mary would be black (coming from India and all). Stereotypical, yes. But, wait—it gets worse. Mary replies to Martha by saying, “blacks are not people.” Double yikes!

Doctor Dolittle 

Before it was an Eddie Murphy or Robert Downey Jr. film adaptation, Dr. DoLittle was a popular kid’s book from the 1950s. The plot? A doctor realizes he can chat with animals. One part of the book, though, that you won't see in the modern flicks are when the doctor meets an African prince who wants to marry a white princess. Instead of his blessings, the doctor bleaches the prince’s skin so that he can ac

iStock

Huckleberry Finn

Mark Twain's famous story about two runaways—one trying to get away from his dad; the other trying to get away from slavery—may not have read as ghastly when it was first published in 1885; remember, slavery wasn't completely abolished until 1865, with plenty of holdouts in the early years. But in today's readings the snippets of racism found in this classic tale—the 'N' word is used over 200 times (yes, 200!) can make for a rather uncomfortable group reading. So much so, that in 2019  New Jersey lawyers requested that Huck Finn be banned in school districts across the state.  

The Little House on the Prairie Books 

Laura Ingalls Wilder's world-famous series that follows the 19th-century pioneer family has been around for ages. In a bit of irony, many American schools have blocked the books due to the racist language. Native Americans are consistently demonized, minstrel shows are performed, and Black people are referred to as “darkies.”

Sherlock Holmes 

We know what you’re thinking. Sherlock Holmes? And Watson?! Where’s the racism? If you’re thinking of the recent BBC adaptation of Sherlock, you won’t get too far—pretty much everyone (white, Black, yellow, blue) irritates him. It’s when you go back to Arthur Conan Doyle’s original texts when questionable phrases and pages start to pop up. In “The Adventure of the Three Gables,” for example, Holmes pursues a former slave and then tells him he stinks once he catches up to him. Also, Tonga (a character from “The Sign of the Four”) describes his people from the Andaman Islands as “having large, misshapen heads, small fierce eyes and distorted features…”

Peter Pan 

J.M. Barrie’s story of Peter, the Darling children and the Lost Boys is one part magical and one part outdated. Namely, the treatment of Tiger Lily and the other native Americans is majorly stereotypical—"they carry tomahawks and knives, and their naked bodies gleam with paint and oil. Strung around them are scalps, of boys as well as pirates.”

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady

 

RELATED STORIES: 

Warning: These Classic Movies Include Racist Stereotypes

17 Family Movies That Celebrate Diversity

29 Books for Kids About Racism, Inequality & Injustice in America

 

All book images courtesy Amazon

Featured image: Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash

While Halloween 2020 might be a little (or a lot) different from past years, we can still get into the Halloween spirit by planning some awesome Halloween costumes for the kids. Scroll down for some great Boston-inspired Halloween costumes for kids and families that will put your DIY skills to good use. Which one can win your neighborhood costume contest?

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Maine C.R.A.P. (@mainecrap) on

Red Sox Fan

Deck your Rookie of the Year out in all their Red Sox gear and you've got the perfect (reusable) costume for Halloween. Pair it up with the costume below for the perfect sibling set. 

Fenway's Green Monster

Eric Kilby via flickr

Dig out all those green clothes and deck the kids out from head to toe. This costume plays homage to the 37-foot-2-inch-high green wall in Fenway Park's left field. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Huckleberry (@im__your__huckleberry_) on

Boston Baked Beans

How cute would this be as a costume made out of one of the many, many Amazon boxes you have lying around? 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by catrina whitehead (@divacat1213) on

New England Patriots Fan

You know you have drawers full of Pats gear so why not bust them out this Halloween for an easy, comfortable and reusable costume. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by South of Urban Shop (@southofurbanshop) on

Dunkin Donuts

Life is better with Dunkin and this too-cute costume is perfect for little ones who love those donuts. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sarah Ann Masse (@sarahannmasse) on

Abigail Adams

There are plenty of famous Bostonians that make for great Halloween costumes and we especially love Abigail Adams as an option. A powerful woman in American history, Abigail Adams was one of the founders of the United States, bearing the designations of second First Lady and first Second Lady. She is well known for her numerous letters to her husband John Adams that are filled with complex, political discussions. 

The Citgo Sign

Louis Oliveira via flickr

This is another Boston-inspired costume idea that you could totally make out an Amazon box. It pays homage to the iconic sign that has been displayed near Kenmore Square since 1940. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Arvelle🇵🇭 (@arvelle_16) on

Boston Celtics Fan

Go green and bust out all your Boston Celtics gear for this easy costume. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Haley Peterson (@haleyannaa) on

Benjamin Franklin

One of the founding fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston in 1706. A scientist and inventor, Franklin is most known for his discoveries relating to electricity. 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Merrilee Liddiard (@mer_mag) on

Romeo & Juliet, the Boston Swans

These swans that make their home in the Boston Public Garden every summer are the perfect inspiration for a Halloween costume. If your little one is totally obsessed with visiting Romeo and Juliet, this is the DIY costume for you. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Un cuaderno en mi mochila (@uncuadernoenmimochila) on

Make Way for Ducklings

Get all the neighborhood ducklings in on this one, it's too adorable to pass up. Get a mama duck for the front and little ducklings to follow along and everyone will know you are the famous bronze ducks created by Nancy Schön located in the Public Garden near the corner of Beacon Street and Charles Street.

The T

We love the creativity that went into this costume of everyone's favorite public transportation system, the T. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Eddric Lee (@eddric) on

MBTA Tandem Bus

How totally cute is this idea for a Boston-inspired #boxtume? We especially love the tandem style as it will force your kids to work together while trick-or-treating. Win-win!

MBTA Transit Police

The MBTA transit police are the inspiration for this awesome costume for a kid who loves everything about the MBTA. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nessa Marie (@little_miss_nessa_) on

Boston Bruins Fan

Hockey fans, we haven't forgotten about you. This totally cute costume is perfect for a last-minute option when you get invited to a neighborhood costume party. 

—Kate Loweth

RELATED STORIES

Oh My Gourd! The Best Boston Pumpkin Patches for Kids

The Most Popular Halloween Costumes for Kids

The Best Orchards for Apple Picking Near Boston

The Coolest Spots in the U.S. for Trick-or-Treating

Incredible Corn Mazes Worth Traveling For

 

Avoid grocery store crowds and support local businesses by getting fruits, veggies, pantry staples and more from these neighborhood restaurants-turned-markets. We will continue to update this story with additional information as it becomes available.

Burbank

Olive & Thyme

Order butter, baguettes, eggs, fruits, veggies and more for curbside pickup or delivery. Fresh farmer's market vegetable bags start at $25 for a small bag, or $40 for a fruit basket. Call for more information and to order. 

3821 Riverside Dr.
Burbank
(818)557-1560

Online: oliveandthyme.com

Culver City

Röckenwagner

The westside bakery has partnered with two California businesses, County Line Harvest and Lady and the Larder, and now offers "farmers market-fresh produce and artisan cheeses, as well as our handmade breads, pastries and reheat-able meals." Order online for pickup or delivery.

12835 Washington Blvd.
Culver City
(310)577-0747

Online: rockenwagnermarket.com

Los Feliz & Hollywood

Kismet

The popular Mediterranean spot now offers curbside pickup for grocery items including rice, dried beans, spices, nuts, veggies and fruits. They're open daily from 12p.m.-7p.m. Call to place an order, which should be ready within an hour. 

4648 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Feliz
(323)409-0404

Online: kismetla.com

Gwen

Curtis Stone's butcher shop and restaurant is delivering all over LA. Call or email to place an order for meats, dairy, fresh produce, beer and wine, and more. See a sample menu here.

6600 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles
(323)946-7513

Online: gwenla.com

San Fernando Valley

The Sherman

Shop The Sherman's online store for produce, dairy, grains and meat. They also have paper towels! And wine. Lots of wine.

14633 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks
(818)485-2200

Online: theshermanla.com

Petit Trois

Starting Wed., Apr. 8, Petit Trois launches Petit Trois Goods at its valley location. While the dairy and dry goods prices are steep, check out the produce selection for a range of offerings and shop to support local farms.  

13705 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks

Online: petittrois.com/goods/

Santa Monica

Birdie G's

The Santa Monica restaurant, known for its cocktails and comfort food, has opened its kitchen cupboards and deli cases to locals, offering sliced meats, pickled items and so many dry goods—from artisan matzo to rye flour. Call to place a pickup order daily from 12p.m.-7p.m.

2421 Michigan Ave.
Santa Monica
(310)310-3616

Online: birdiegsla.com

Huckleberry Cafe

Farmers Market Boxes are $30 this week and available on a first-come first-serve basis! Guarantee your box by calling us at 310-451-2311 from 9am-3pm at least 2 days in advance. Follow Huckleberry on Instagram for the cafe's latest offerings.

Multiple Locations

Tender Greens

Get free local delivery on order over $70 from various Tender Greens locations all around town. Added bonus? Many of the pre-packaged produce and grocery boxes come with a roll of toilet paper while supplies last. Options include a pantry box (with bread, pasta, salami, tomato sauce and more), fruit and veggie boxes and even an indoor picnic box (with three bottles of wine—just in case your stock is running low). 

Online: tendergreens.com

Dog Haus

In addition to offering the regular menu of dogs and burgers, several Dog Haus outposts also offer market items like eggs, dinner rolls and even toilet paper. Participating locations include Pasadena, Canoga Park and Northridge. Click here for the full list.

–Shannan Rouss

RELATED STORIES: 

The Biggest Virtual Event Calendar & Online Activities for Kids & Families

How to Support Local LA Businesses Right Now

Easiest & Most Entertaining At-Home Activities—According to Real LA Moms

Whether you’re looking for a bedtime story or a weekend read, these books that are hot off the presses in November are our top choices for the best in children’s book publishing this month.

All Ages

Cakes for Kids: 40 Easy Recipes That Will Wow!

Gibbs Smith

Paris-based baker, food artist and cookbook author Juliette Lalbaltry's latest book starts with teaching kids (and their grown-ups) four basic cake recipes (lemon, yogurt, chocolate and rolled sponge).  From these four bases she offers dozens of ideas for clever, totally doable decorations that will guarantee you'll never need to order another party cake. 

Ages: All Ages 

Find it here. $16.99

Board Books

Bathtime Mathtime Shapes

Random House Children's Books

You can count on New York Times bestselling author Danica McKellar to make bathtime a sneaky mathtime, but even if your toddler's hip to the shape and number storyline, the simple rhymes and familiar setting make learning shapes a breeze. 

Ages: 3 & under

Buy it here for $8.99.

I Love You, Elephant!

Part of the Changing Faces series, this new book by Carles Ballesteros helps toddlers learn cause and effect. As they turn each page, each animal's face changes thanks to the magical Venetian blind element built into the book. Not only will the interactive experience tickle your tot, but we love the special message at the end.

Ages: up to three years old

Available on amazon.com for $7.99

Mr. Boddington's Studio: San Francisco ABCs

Penguin Random House

This new series from Mr. Boddington's Studio—a vibrant stationary store in Brooklyn—now includes San Francisco (the first one was NYC ABCs, released in May of this year). We love this clever way to teach kids the alphabet and explore a city in an off-the-beaten path way. 

Ages: 3-5

Find yours here. $9.99

Bear Is Awake

This charming ABC book follows a bear who wakes up in the middle of winter. Meeting friends, getting into jams, trying to figure out exactly what a bear should be doing if not hibernating, this alphabet book will not only help young readers learn their letters but also illustrates a lovely story of friendship between the bear and a young girl. 

Ages: 3-5

Order it here, $17.99 (Available Nov, 26th) 

Cinderella Rex

Andrews McMeel

The classic fairy tale Cinderella with a cast of dino characters, including the Fairy Triceratops and a not-so-nice stompmother. Written by Christy Webster with bright, cheerful illustrations by Holly Hatam. 

Ages: 2-4

Find your copy here. $8.99

 

Preschool & Early Elementary

What Color Is Night?

Chronicle Books

In this debut picture book by author Grant Snider, readers explore the shapes and colors of nighttime from an entirely new—and delightful—perspective. A comforting bedtime story, the narrator takes children on a friendly exploration of the colors of the night, from a glowing moon to the bright lights of a big city. 

Ages: 6 & under

Buy it here, $15.99.

Lily Huckleberry in Japan

The world-traveling Lily Huckleberry is back and this time she's heading to Japan for the Cherry Blossom season. These exquisitely crafted, beautifully illustrated books make an excellent gift for the adventurer in your life. Hardcover and comes with Japan patch. By Audrey Smit and Jackie Knapp, combines beautiful illustrations with the magic of travel.

Ages: 5-8

Find it here. $22.50

Wild Honey from the Moon

Candlewick

How far will one mother shrew go just to help her sick son? She'll go to the moon, and back. This beautifully illustrated book by amazingly self-taught author/illustrator Kenneth Kraegel is as touching and moving as it is visually pleasing. 

Ages: 4-8

Find it now, $17.99 

August the Tiger

Interlink Publishing Group, Inc.

Meet August. He's wild, just like his mother says he is. So when he turns into an actual tiger one day, he gets to do everything he pleases, with no one trying to tame him. Things come up roses, until he realizes that wild tigers might not make the best friends with the playground set. A sweet book that explores the wildness in all children, your own little tiger will love it for the thrill of imagining "what if?" 

Ages: 4-8

Find it now, $17.95

Incredible Lego Creations From Space

Page Street Publishing

If your favorite brick enthusiast loves all things astronomy related, this book by Sarah Dees is a must have. You don't need to buy more Legos to use this book; these creative configurations make use of bricks you already own. Simply follow the concise,  step-by-step instructions to create a galactic new world. 

Ages: 6-12

Purchase on amazon.com for  $16.99

Greta and the Giants

Quarto

Written in allegory form by Zoë Tucker with gorgeous illustrations by Zoe Persico, this picture book retells the story of Nobel Peace Prize nominee Greta Thunberg and her global movement to raise awareness about the climate crisis. Greta lives in a beautiful forest, threatened by Giants who chop down trees to make their homes. Then they chop down more trees, to make bigger houses, leaving little forest left. But Greta has an idea...

Includes a back section that helps kids learn how they can help Greta in her fight. Printed sustainably on 100% recycled paper. 

Ages: 4-7 

Get it here $17.99 (Available Nov. 19)

The ABCs of Metallica

Amazon

Kids will learn the history of one of America's most celebrated band from A to Z in this gorgeously illustrated book. Young fans and adults will enjoy this fantastic journey of Metallica and with each purcase a portion of the proceeds will benefit Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation, "which is dedicated to creating sustainable communities by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services."

Find it here, $13.29. (Available Nov. 26)

Sisters First

Little Brown Books

Sisters Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush release this celebrated book on the power of sisters. Beautifully illustrated, readers will follow the story of two girls who learn that through sisterhood, they are braver and more kind than they are alone.

Find it here, $12.28.

Ralph's Christmas Quest

Yaupon Holly Tea LLC

Written by award-winning author SJ Murray and illustrated with original watercolors by artist Emma Schmidt, Ralph's Christmas Quest is a sweet holiday tale. Follow Ralph as he goes on a search for his long-lost favorite button and how he finds that friends are much more meaningful than material possessions. 

Find it here, $23.95

Chapter Books

Becoming RBG: Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Journey to Justice

Becoming RBG is a women's history book for kids
Simon & Schuster

This graphic novel will enlighten tween, teen and grown-up alike with the story of how RBG grew from a shy little girl to the Supreme Court. Written by NY Times bestselling author Debbie Levy, and illustrated by Whitney Gardner (Fake Blood).

Ages: 10 and up

Find your copy here, $12.99

Greta's Story: The Schoolgirl Who Went on Strike to Save the Planet

Simon & Schuster

This chapter-book chronicles the incredibly timely and motivating true story of young Greta Thunberg and the global movement she has inspired. This young-readers' (unofficial) biography educates adults too on the eco-activist and what we can all do to help save the planet. Written by Italian writer Valentina Camerini and translated and illustrated by Morena Givannoni.

Ages: 8-12

Order here, $17.99

Kassy O'Roarke, Cub Reporter

The adventures never end with 12-year-old Kassy O'Roarke, a wonderful character who is smart, thoughtful, clever and has real feelings that kids can relate to. Kassy is the class reporter and an investigator, and in this story she's trying to solve the case of a missing cougar cub. Written by bestselling author Kelly Oliver. 

Ages: 8-12

Order yours today, $11.95

 

 

RELATED STORIES 

Award Winning Books Every Kid Should Read 

The Best Christmas & Holiday Books for Kids 

The Best Kids Books of 2019 

Trader Joe’s is upping the candy ante with its new Super Sour Scandinavian Swimmers.

Fans of the original Swimmers know this TJ’s fave as a yummy, gummy alternative to the iconic little red fish that you’ve pretty much adored since birth—or at least the preschool years. Now the TJ’s treat is getting an upgrade with tart and tangy flavors.

The new Super Sour Swimmers are similar to Sour Patch Kids, but with a different look. Instead of the teeny tiny little people shapes, these are sea creatures.

Made with cane sugar, tapioca, spirulina, annatto and other natural fruit and veggie sources, the Super Sour version of the Swimmers come in red berry (starfish), huckleberry (dolphin), orange (tang fish), and strawberry (clam shell) flavors.

You can find 14-ounce bags of these tangy goodies in TJ’s stores now for $2.99.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Trader Joe’s via Instagram 

 

RELATED STORIES

All the Pumpkin Products You Can Get at Trader Joe’s Right Now

Hurry to Trader Joe’s for One of These Halloween Yoga Skeletons

Trader Joe’s New Cinnamon Bun Spread Is the Perfect Condiment for Fall

 

More and more people are choosing to homeschool their kids every year. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about three percent of school-age children are homeschooled and that number continues to grow. For our family, we find the combination of public school and homeschooling to be a perfect balance of socialization, education and community. Especially since we have the added benefit of traveling around the country to a new destination every three months and are using the world as our classroom. As a trained constructivist elementary school teacher, I could not imagine a better combination of hands-on, meaningful learning and fun for my eight year old child.

A classroom with one curious, interested and eager child awaits me every morning. Learning comes to life as we explore the different states we live in. The diverse settings provide for a wide array of topics to be learned based on where we are geographically. Living in Massachusetts and New Hampshire for the majority of his life, Jack has visited Boston many times to learn about the history of the city and our country. There are many outdoor gems in New England as well, such as Walden Pond and the White Mountains. When we lived in Wisconsin we learned about farms. In Texas, we explored the Alamo and the flora and fauna native to the desert. In Florida, we focused on the ocean and outdoors, while in Washington state we hiked in the rainforest, visited Mt. Rainier, and explored Mt. St. Helens where we learned about volcanoes.

Here in Memphis, we have begun our education on the many musicians who have shaped this city. Jack has now listened to live blues, jazz, country music and more. We visited Graceland, home of Elvis, and toured the grounds and museums, while at Sun Studios Jack sang into the same microphone as this iconic singer. Listening to live music on Beale Street feels like taking a step back in time, especially in the famous B.B.King’s Blues Club as the trumpet, keyboard, and guitar all mix together to create a smooth, yet intense sound.

Living less than ten miles from the second largest river in America, The Mississippi, is an exciting place to be. The stories of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn come to life as we walk the river and witness a beautiful sunset over the city. It’s an inspirational spot to draw, write or read. The importance of water to the Native Americans, early settlers, and the establishment of cities is right here for Jack to see and experience firsthand.

During Black History Month, we stood on the grounds of The Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, hearing the audio of the day he was shot from the listening stations out front while looking right at room 306. As he listened, Jack became visibly upset and leaned into my arms, feeling the history come to life by standing in the spot where the event actually happened. In April, Tim’s parents will be visiting and we will tour the Civil Rights Museum that is now located at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, possibly on the very same day Dr. King was assassinated there fifty-one years ago. This is powerful stuff.

I could go on and on with what we have already done and learned, some big moments and places, others just small specks that came to life simply because we were living in a certain place at a certain time. This is a dream come true for me as a parent and educator. Our classroom may change every few months but Jack is being shaped as a person and learner in incredible, uniquely wonderful ways and I couldn’t be happier giving my son this gift.

 

This post originally appeared on The Travel Nurse Family, thetravelnursefamily.com.

Heather has a Master's Degree in Education and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. with over 15 years of experience as a tutor for children from Pre-k through college. She is currently homeschooling her son as they travel the country with her husband, a Travel Nurse.

There’s nothing like having a fun family day out, except for when those special memory-making moments can also help those less fortunate at the same time. Now you can enjoy a Day Out With Thomas while you give back.

Based on the popular series and toys, Thomas & Friends, a Day Out With Thomas is a family event that gives kids of all ages the opportunity to climb aboard and take a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine. The event, which takes place all summer at locations across the country, has now partnered with United Way of Genesee County to roll out an initiative called the All Aboard for School Supplies Drive.

photo: Courtesy of Day Out With Thomas

Visitors to select Day Out With Thomas event are invited to donate school supplies that will be given to pre-K students affected by the water crisis in Flint, Michigan this August. Those who donate will earn a “Thomas & Friends Global Citizen Badge” for their support. Thomas the Tank himself will be present to donate the school supplies collected to the students in Flint.

The Day Out With Thomas events participating in the All Aboard for School Supplies Drive are:

  • Green Bay, WI:  National Railroad Museum: June 12-16
  • Strasburg, PA: Strasburg Rail Road:  June 22-30
  • Union, IL: Illinois Railway Museum: July 13-14 & 20-21
  • Felton, CA: Roaring Camp Railroads: July 26-28 & July 31-Aug 4
  • Flint, MI:  Crossroads Village & Huckleberry RR: August 16-18 & 23-25

Even if you can’t attend an event, you can still make a donation by mailing a package to:

United Way of Genesee County
111 E Court Street #3A
Flint, MI 48502
ATT: Thomas & Friends: All Aboard for School Supplies Drive

Tickets to the Day Out With Thomas event are available here.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

RELATED STORIES

19 Gifts That Give Back to Others

This 6-Year-Old’s Nonprofit Helps Kids of All Ages Give Back

12 Ways Kids Can Give Back without Leaving the House

While kids can experience just about every type of entertainment on the TV or computer, there is nothing like seeing a show live and in person. The DMV is chock full of local theaters offering a variety of shows to warm your heart and entertain kids of all ages. From shows with plenty of dancing, to shows inspired by Disney, to shows filled with great messaging, there is a production for everyone.

Photo: Amy Boyle Photography

American Girl Live!
American Girl super fans will love the first-ever musical inspired by the historical dolls and their stories! The nationwide tour, will make stops around the country through mid-May, and heads our way on March 3rd. The 90-minute show takes kids on a journey to Camp American Girl—there, they’ll meet five spunky campers and their camp counselor. At the overnight summer camp, the campers bring along their beloved dolls Rebecca, Maryellen, Julie, Nanea, Luciana and Melody, who come to life and break out in musical numbers that reflect their historical eras. Through their dolls and their dolls’ stories, the campers learn lessons of friendship, the importance of following their dreams and empowering one another.

Strathmore
5301 Tuckerman Ln. (Bethesda, MD)
When: Mar. 3
Online: strathmore.org

The Travels of Babar
For children (and children at heart!) this concert mixes the magic of stories, images, and music, including Return to the Land of the Elephants by composer Raphael Mostel—the U.S. premiere of the orchestral version of one of his two multimedia musical voyages based on The Travels of Babar by Jean de Brunhoff. The 2 p.m. show is a sensory-friendly performances that is welcoming to all families. Following the 4 p.m. concert, young audience members can ask questions and hear stories in an up-close-and-personal talk with some of the artists.

Kennedy Center
2700 F St., NW
When: Apr. 7
Online: kennedy-center.org

Alice In Wonderland
Curiouser and curiouser” down the Rabbit Hole you go!  Join Alice on her fantastical journey through Wonderland.  Join all your fave characters like The White Rabbit, The Cheshire Cat, The Caterpillar, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts, in this musical adaptation of the classic Lewis Carroll tale. Alice gives the entire family a chance to spend an utterly “mad, mad day” at the Creative Cauldron enjoying one of the most famous and enduring children’s classics of all time.

Creative Cauldron
410 South Maple Ave. (Falls Church, VA)
When: Mar. 22-Apr. 14
Online: creativecauldron.org

Huckleberry Finn’s Big River
This revision of Broadway’s Tony-Winning Musical will lift your spirit.  This version of Mark Twain’s polarizing novel removes offensive language and expands the role of Jim, now the same age as Huck.  Twain’s classic sweeps you down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, an enslaved teen, escape to freedom from enslavement. This tale of friendship against all odds is recreated for young audiences as two best friends demonstrate the power children have to change the world.

Adventure Theater
7300 MacArthur Blvd. (Glen Echo, MD)
When: Through Mar. 10
Online: adventuretheatre-mtc.org

Finding Neverland
Directed by Diane Paulus and based on the critically-acclaimed film, FINDING NEVERLAND tells the incredible story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters: Peter Pan. Who doesn’t love Peter Pan?! Playwright J.M. Barrie sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers. With a little pixie dust and a lot of faith, Barrie takes an epic leap, leaving his old world behind for Neverland, where nothing is impossible and the wonder of childhood lasts forever. The magic of Barrie’s classic tale springs to life in this heartwarming theatrical event. Recommended for older children as the play runs over 2 hours.

National Theatre
1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW (DC)
When: Feb. 26 – Mar. 3
Online: thenationaldc.org

—Guiomar Ochoa

Whether you’re popping a batch in the oven or bringing home a haul from the holiday office exchange, there are few sweet treats more craveable than cookies. Between the chocolate chips, the roasted nuts and every last buttery crumb, these bite-size confections can turn even the toughest school days into distant, fuzzy memories. So the next time you’re in need of a holiday platter, a tasty reward or a scrumptious afternoon pick-me-up, visit one of these local bakeries to sample some of the best cookies in Portland.

photo: Steven Yeh via flickr

Coquine
With a name that doubles as “a light-hearted chide for a mischievous little girl,” it’s little wonder that Coquine’s cookies bring out the chocolate-loving child in us all. This darling bistro has earned raves for its seasonal menu and succulent whole roasted chickens, but we suspect that people really keep coming back for the Coquine Cookie—a chocolate chip confection with smoked almonds and salted caramel. Best of all? These addictive little treats are available to pre-order or ship—so you’ll never have to risk arriving to find empty shelves.

6839 SE Belmont St.
503-384-2483
Online: coquinepdx.com

Farina Bakery
Discover a welcome taste of Paris at Farina Bakery, a charming and whimsical bakeshop on the edge of Ladd’s Addition. The décor is cheerful and unique and the staff always friendly—but it’s the Parisian macarons that truly steal the show. Choose from 12 daily flavors that range from raspberry and marionberry to seasonal tiramisu, or make a special bulk order one week in advance. Either way, you’ll enjoy delicate macarons that are soft, crisp, airy and rich—miraculously, all at the same time.

1852 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
971-279-5939
Online: farinabakery.com

photo: Szymon Kochański via flickr

Ken’s Artisan Bakery
Whether you’re searching for the perfect loaf of crusty country bread or craving pizza on a drizzly Monday night, you’ll find a warm and aromatic welcome at Ken’s Artisan Bakery in Nob Hill. Since opening in 2001, this friendly neighborhood spot has turned out countless sweet Oregon croissants and some of the best chocolate chip cookies in all of Portland. The chocolate is rich, dark Valrhona and the cookie is crisp, perfectly browned and oh-so-buttery. The generous size makes them perfect for sharing—but really, why would you want to?

338 NW 21st Ave.
503-248-2202
Online: kensartisan.com/bakery

Nuvrei
The refined French techniques of owner-patissier Marius Pop are on full display at Nuvrei, the beloved Pearl District bakery known for its sleek display of flakey croissants and pastries. But the cookies at this minimalist bakeshop are equally special, from the flourless chocolate with walnuts to the sweet-and-salty French almond. In 2014, Pop also opened the Mac Bar in the basement, an inventive subterranean showcase of Nuvrei’s wonderful macarons, which are also available for bulk and custom orders.

404 NW 10th Ave.
503-972-1700
Online: nuvrei.com

photo: Tammy Strobel via Flickr

Pearl Bakery
Pearl Bakery has grown up alongside its neighborhood since opening in 1997, and its bread is now found in restaurants (and homes) across the city. But do yourself a favor and try the cookies the next time you’re in—you’ll find a rotating assortment that includes Valhrona white chocolate sandwiches, classic snickerdoodles, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter and a variety of shortbreads. The Parisian macarons are also tasty and creative, from the pistachio apricot to the huckleberry orange.

102 NW 9th Ave.
503-827-0910
Online: pearlbakery.com

What are your favorite cookies in Portland? Let us know in the comments below!

— Maura O’Brien