You can even find classic musicals on this list of Netflix movie codes

Between original content and new seasons of kids’ shows and movies that seem to debut daily, it can be hard to wade through it all to find what you really want to watch—especially when the platform doesn’t make it especially easy to search by specific categories. If you need a little help finding the good stuff, these secret Netflix movie codes are about to make your life a whole lot easier. Read on for more!

So, how do you use these Netflix movie codes? To get started, simply copy and paste this URL into your browser bar: www.netflix.com/browse/genre/CODE Just replace “CODE” with one of the numerical codes from the list below to view all the titles in the category you want.

Here are some of the helpful Netflix sub-genre codes just for kids and family content:

Kid & Family Movies

  • Children & Family Movies (783)
  • Children & Family Movies based on real-life (4927)
  • Children & Family Movies from the 1980s (1951)
  • Exciting Children & Family Movies (2381)
  • Family Features (51056)
  • Feel-good Children & Family Movies (4505)
  • Feel-good Children & Family Movies from the 1980s (4355)
  • Goofy Children & Family Movies (355)
  • Biographical Children & Family Movies (2478)
  • Sentimental Children & Family Movies (4942)
  • Sports Children & Family Movies (453)
  • Visually-Striking Imaginative Children & Family Movies (2480)
  • British Children & Family Movies (2473)

Movies Based on Literature

  • Comic Book and Superhero Movies (10118)
  • Imaginative movies based on children’s books (2253)
  • Movies based on children’s books (10056)
  • Dramas based on children’s books (1129)
  • Sentimental Movies based on children’s books (3869)

Anime

  • Comedy Anime (9302)
  • Drama Anime (452)
  • Anime Series (6721)

Movies by Genre

  • Dinosaurs (67687)
  • Dramas for ages 8 to 10 (1267)
  • Princesses (67624)
  • Goofy Animal Tales (904)
  • Animal Tales (5507)
  • Classic Musicals (32392)
  • Classic Comedies (31694)
  • Nature & Science Documentaries (2595)

Teen Viewing

  • Feel-good Teen Movies (2548)
  • Teen Action & Adventure (3754)
  • Teen Comedies (3519)
  • Teen Coming-of-age Dramas (4295)
  • Teen Coming-of-age Movies (2916)
  • Teen Dramas (9299)
  • Teen Independent Comedies (4441)
  • Teen Movies (2340)
  • Teen Sports Comedies (945)
  • Teen Sports Movies (3410)
  • Inspiring Teen Movies (1349)

TV & Kids’ Fitness

  • Kids’ Music (52843)
  • Education for Kids (10659)
  • Kids’ TV (27346)
  • TV Cartoons (11177)
  • TV Comedies for ages 5 to 7 (4887)
  • TV Shows for ages 11 to 12 (4293)

Check out the complete, utterly massive list of sub-genres and Netflix secret codes here.

Related: The Best New Family Shows & Movies on Netflix in April

 

 

Hoping to raise a bookworm? Or want to honor your favorite books, characters or authors with your child’s name? You’ll find everything from classic to unique baby names for your little one on this list. There are gender-neutral baby names, girl names and boy names, all listed below in alphabetical order. Go and find your favorite literary baby names or at least some ideas for new books to read!

literary baby names
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Agatha
The queen of detective novels, Agatha Christie was even made a Dame of the British Empire for her literary works. Call her Aggie as a nickname.

Aladdin
Based on a Middle Eastern folk tale, the story of Aladdin and his magic lamp has been beloved for generations.

Alice
Whether you're a fan of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll or Alice Walker, the first African American woman to win a Pulitzer Prize for fiction, the name Alice is a popular, classic name.

Alonso
Meaning both noble and battle-ready, Alonso is the original name of Don Quixote in Miguel de Cervantes' novel. Alonso is also the name of the King of Naples in Shakespeare's The Tempest.

Amber
The heroine of the historical romance novel Forever Amber, by Kathleen Winsor, is both beautiful and ambitious. The book caused a scandal but became a best seller and is credited with popularizing the name Amber in the United States.

Amelia
Word nerds love Amelia Bedelia, from the classic children's books by Peggy Parish, but the name has other literary ties. Amelia is the heroine in William Thackeray's Vanity Fair, and Amelia is the given name of Princess Mia in Meg Cabot's The Princess Diaries.

Anaïs
Famed author Anaïs Nin is known for her journals, novels, essays and short stories as well as her beautiful name. She led a Bohemian lifestyle that she wrote about in journals, many of which have been published.

Anne
That's Anne with an "e." The 1908 novel Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery tells the tale of an 11-year-old girl sent to live with two middle-aged siblings and work on their farm.

Antoine
The author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is known for his children's novella The Little Prince. The much-loved story is about a young prince who visits various planets and makes observations about life, love and human nature.

Arabella
Arabella appears as the name of female characters in several books, including Charles Dickens' The Pickwick Papers, Thomas Hardy's Jude the Obscure and Susanna Clarke's Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell.

Aramis
Aramis is the alias of Rene d'Herblay, a fictional character in The Three Musketeers and other books by Alexandre Dumas.

Arya
Game of Thrones fans already know and love the character Arya Stark, a brave and loyal hero in the book series it's based on, A Song of Ice and Fire.

Aslan
The talking lion in C. S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia is called Aslan; the name also means lion in Turkish.

Atticus
Harper Lee's book To Kill a Mockingbird popularized the name Atticus, thanks to the character Atticus Finch, a lawyer many fans consider a moral hero.

Beatrice (or Beatrix)
The name Beatrice appears in Dante's Divine Comedy, Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, Veronica Roth's Divergent series and Beverly Cleary's Ramona series, among other books. Spell it Beatrix to make it more unique and to honor Beatrix Potter, who wrote The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

Beckett
Samuel Beckett was an Irish writer best known for his play Waiting for Godot. The nickname Beck is where it's at.

Byron
Lord Byron, the English romantic poet, was born George Gordon Byron and is best known for the lengthy narrative poems Don Juan and Childe Harold's Pilgrimage.

Charlotte
Charlotte is the spider from E. B. White's children's book Charlotte's Web. She befriends a pig named Wilbur and saves his life by writing messages about him in her web.

Coraline
British author Neil Gaiman wrote the fantasy children's novella Coraline in 2002. The main character is a curious, intelligent, courageous explorer, and Cora and Lina would make great nicknames.

Daisy
One of the popular flower names, Daisy appears in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novella The Great Gatsby and in Henry James's Daisy Miller.

literary baby names
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Darcy
Mr. Darcy is the male love interest from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, but this unisex name works equally well as a girl name.

Dashiell
American author Dashiell Hammett was a mystery writer who created well-known characters Sam Spade and Nick and Nora Charles. Dash is a cool nickname.

Dean
The character Dean Moriarty appears in Jack Kerouac's On the Road as a carefree adventurer up for adventure.

Dorian
Dorian is the name of the main character in Oscar Wilde's only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray.

Dorothy
The brave and kind Dorothy Gale travels around Oz with a scarecrow, tin man, cowardly lion and her dog, Toto. The movie we know and love was based on Frank Baum's book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Edgar
Author Edgar Allen Poe is known for poems such as "The Raven" and "Annabel Lee" as well as the horror story "The Fall of the House of Usher." The name Edgar also appears in Shakespeare's King Lear and Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights.

Ellison
Name your girl or boy after Ralph Waldo Ellison, the author of the National Book Award-winning novel Invisible Man. Fun fact: The author was named after Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Eloise
Fans of Eloise, the spunky star of Kay Thompson's children's book series, know she lives on the top floor of the Plaza Hotel in New York City with her nanny, dog and turtle.

Emma
Emma is the name of the main character in Jane Austen's book of the same name. She is smart, beautiful and compassionate, all traits you may want for your child.

Finn
The name Finn was popularized by Mark Twain in books such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. You could also name your child Huckleberry or Huck. Twain would make a more unexpected homage.

Gabriel
Gabriel is a protagonist in Thomas Hardy's novel Far from the Madding Crowd, and Gabriel García Márquez is a Colombian author admired for literary works including One Hundred Years of Solitude and Love in the Time of Cholera.

Harriet
Harriet the Spy is a classic children's novel by Louise Fitzhugh, based around the adventures of an 11-year-old girl who documents her observations in a notebook she carries with her.

Heathcliff
The name of the romantic hero from Emily Brontë's novel Wuthering Heights comes with two excellent nicknames: Heath and Cliff.

Henrik
Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen is known for works including Peer Gynt, A Doll's House and Hedda Gabler. As a name, Henrik is a more unique form of Henry, which could be used as a nickname along with Rik.

Holden
The main character in J. D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield has long been regarded as a teen icon for his angsty rebelliousness.

Holly
Holiday "Holly" Golightly is the beloved star of Truman Capote's novella Breakfast at Tiffany's. Audrey Hepburn famously played Holly in the much-loved movie version.

Homer
If you're a fan of Greek literature and classic names, go with Homer, the presumed author of both the Odyssey and the Iliad.

Josephine (Jo)
Jo is a favorite character in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, thanks to her bravery and principles. She's also a book lover and writer herself, so naming your child Josephine gives her a literary character to look up to.

Jules
Looking to raise a child who loves travel? Consider the unisex Jules, either as a given name or as a nickname for Julian or Julia. Your child will share it with Jules Verne, the French author who wrote Around the World in Eighty Days, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Langston
Inspired by the leader of the Harlem Renaissance, Langston Hughes, the name is of Old English origin and could have Lang as a nickname.

literary baby names
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Madeline
The star of a series of classic children's books written and illustrated by Ludwig Bemelmans, Madeline is the smallest of her friends and also the bravest.

Maxine
Writer Maxine Hong Kingston has received several awards for her contributions to Chinese American literature.

Maya
Poet, memoirist and civil rights activist Maya Angelou is best known for her autobiographical books, including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

Oscar
Whether you want to honor Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde or the protagonist of Junot Diaz's Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, this classic name can be spelled both Oscar and Oskar.

Roald
British writer Roald Dahl is best known for children's books such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach.

Rosalind
Rosalind is the heroine of Shakespeare's play As You Like It, as well as the title of a poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson and a play by J. M. Barrie.

Wilder
Fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prairie can give their child this unisex name.

Willa
American writer Willa Cather is known for her novels about the frontier and pioneer experience, and for her gorgeous first name. It can be a nickname for Wilhelmina or used to honor a relative named William.

Zadie
This less-common variation of Sadie is the diminutive of Sarah and makes a cool name on its own. Your child would share the name with English novelist Zadie Smith, whose debut novel White Teeth became an award-winning best seller.

Zora
Author, anthropologist and filmmaker Zora Neale Hurston is best known for her novel Their Eyes Were Watching God.

—Taylor Clifton & Eva Ingvarson Cerise

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Explaining tough topics to young children can be difficult and nerve-wracking for parents. But laying a foundation by asking the right types of questions and exhibiting the right forms of behavior will help them start to understand real-world issues at a developmentally appropriate level.

One tough topic near and dear to our hearts at Kiddie Academy is family homelessness. In the United States today, one child out of six lives in poverty, and families with children make up 35% of the people who experience homelessness. That’s why we’ve partnered with Family Promise, a national nonprofit organization that helps families experiencing homelessness and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response.

Homelessness is a big topic for little minds, but it’s an important one to teach children about. Here are some tips for talking to your children about family homelessness (and other tough topics):

  • Remember that young children will take things literally, so use their developmental age to guide the conversation.
  • Ask open-ended questions based on what they already know, so you can reaffirm or correct wrong messaging.
  • Use literature to help with starting the conversation (see book list below).
  • Limit exposure to inappropriate subject matter.
  • Keep in mind that young children will react based on parents’ reactions—reassure them.
  • Be honest. 
  • Parents know their children best, use your best judgment on how far and deep to go.

Another way to make the topic of family homelessness more understandable is to demonstrate to your child your family can help other families and participate in events that spread awareness like Night Without a Bed:

Supporting Night Without a Bed is easy. Your family can participate by sleeping anywhere but in your beds: in a tent, car or even on your own living room floor. You can post photos with the hashtags #NightWithoutABed and #KiddieAcademyFamilyPromise and promote them on your social media feeds to drive awareness.

This relatable experience allows the powerful topic of homelessness to be more easily understood by young children. 

Reading Recommendations:

Still a Family: A Story about Homelessness by Brenda Reeves Sturgis illustrated by Jo-Shin Lee recommended ages 4-9 

A Place to Stay: A Shelter Story by Erin Gunti illustrated by Estelí Meza, recommended ages 3-7

Sam and the Lucky Money by Karen Chinn illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright & Ying Hwa Hu, recommended ages 5-9

A Chair for My Mother by Vera B Williams, recommended ages 4-8

Joy has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education. As Vice President of Education at Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care, she oversees all things curriculum, assessment, training and more. Joy earned a B.S. in Education from Salisbury University.

LeVar Burton has been busy! Not only has the Reading Rainbow host been selected to host Jeopardy, he has a special new gig: his own book club.

Fable, a social reading app that brings members together to discuss books and build community, is launching the LeVar Burton Book Club. Burton will add three books every month to his Folio, one of which the Book Club will read together.

photo: Courtesy of Fable

Starting out, Burton’s selections are exclusively written by Black authors, many of which he has a strong personal collection. The first three include James Baldwin’s Go Tell It On The Mountain, Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower and The Fire This Time, edited by Jesmyn Ward.

Burton shares, “For my first Fable Folio I selected books that have had a tremendous impact on my life. At a time when Black people had very little representation in the publishing industry, Baldwin delivered a debut novel that introduced to the world an essential voice in American Literature. I invite everyone to join me on FABLE as I am both inspired and energized by the opportunity to not only re-read this story but also share my point of view and hear everyone else’s as we read together.”

Access to Burton’s folio is completely free! If you’d like to access his Book Club, where Burton and the community discuss books together, all you need is a Fable premium subscription ($9.99 a month).

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

 

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Pay homage to every kid’s favorite poet by celebrating his birthday and Read Across America Day on March 2! From The Lorax to Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, Dr. Seuss’ stories have a special place in our hearts (and our heads—we could probably recite The Cat in the Hat by heart by now!). Get the fun rolling and whip up one of these tasty Seuss-inspired treats your little bookworm is sure to love.

Cat in the Hat Tomato Stack
The Cat in the Hat might just be one of Dr. Seuss’ most iconic characters, and this snack from Anders Ruff is the perfect way to bring him to your plate. The mozzarella and tomato makes for a tasty twist on the classic caprese salad. Click here to get the recipe.

tomato-and-cheese-stack
photo: Anders Ruff

I Can Lick 30 Tigers Today! Tiger Pops
Your kiddos might not be too enthusiastic about licking zoo animals, but they’ll definitely love noshing on these adorable pops from Play Eat Grow. They’re super easy to throw together using colorful candy wafers. Click here to find out how it’s done.

tiger-pops
photo: Play Eat Grow

The Grinch Who Hash
Warm up with a big bowl of Who Hash (that’s corned beef hash to the citizens of Whoville) from Food in Literature and cross your fingers that the Grinch doesn’t come and try to swipe the whole stash. To get the recipe, along with a printable label to decorate your cans, click here.

who-hash
photo: Food in Literature

A Pile of Cupcakes
Like one of Seuss’ topsy turvy stories, this stack of cupcakes from Easybaked will make the tots smile. Luckily, you won’t have to dig out your mini muffin tin—the mini cupcakes are just peanut butter cups with frosting on top. To snag the recipe, click here.

pile-of-cupcakes
photo: Easybaked

The Lorax Lunch Plate
How cute is this creation by The Fantastic Five? With a Lorax face sandwich, broccoli grass, and cotton candy Truffula Trees, there’s no way a kid could resist this meal. Click here to get all the info on how to recreate it.

lorax-plate
photo: The Fantastic Five

Dye-Free Green Eggs and Ham
Make the classic green eggs without using artificial food coloring. This genius recipe from The Food Charlatan makes use of spinach and a blender for a crazy quick and delicious (not to mention festive!) breakfast. Click here to get the full recipe.

dye-free green eggs and ham
photo: The Food Charlatan

The Lorax Fruit & Veggie Plate
Get inspired by Little Food Junction to create a whimsical Seussian plate using whatever fruits and vegetables you have on hand. An orange becomes a face, grapes are eyes, and leftover lettuce is facial hair—the sky’s the limit. Click here for more details.

Lorax
photo: Little Food Junction

— Susie Foresman

 

There’s nothing quite like cozying up with a great book that gets both kids and parents to relax after a busy day. These independent bookstores in Boston have shelves full of all our favorite books for kids, story times to keep them interested and even cafes for tired parents. These independent bookstores are institutions in our community and need to be supported!

Children's Book Shop, Brookline

This shop wins awards as the top kids' bookstore in the area and it's no surprise why. This shop is Boston's oldest independent children’s bookstore and it has been committed to providing customers with the best in children’s literature since 1977. They offer online and in-person shopping and their helpful staff is always ready to help you find what you need. 

237 Washington Street
Brookline, MA
Online: thechildrensbookshop.indielite.org

COOP for Kids at The Harvard COOP, Cambridge

istock

Inside this mecca of academia, parents will find a hidden gem just for kids: The COOP for Kids features an entire department of children's books, collections and activities. You can enjoy story times and parents will be happy to know that not only are there public restrooms (ask for the key) but both the men's and women's restrooms have diaper changing tables. 

1400 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge
Online: store.thecoop.com

Andover Bookstore

This gem is America's oldest bookstore and has been in business since 1809. Families enjoy author events and story times at this popular gathering spot (during non-COVID times) and events like Where's Waldo hunts through town are a local favorite.

74 Main St.
Andover
Online: andoverbookstore.com

Buttonwood Books & Toys, Cohasset

In these days of uncertainty, books can be a wondrous source of knowledge and solace. Buttonwood Books & Toys offers reading material for the whole family plus a whole lot more. Their story times have gone virtual so head to their Facebook page on Fridays to join in the fun. 

747 Chief Justice Cushing Hwy
Cohasset, MA
Online: buttonwoodbooksandtoys.com

The Blue Bunny Bookstore, Dedham

Located in the renovated historic Dedham Square in Dedham, this bookstore was founded in 2003 by children’s book author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds. The shop offers books, toys and art supplies, as well as signed copies of Peter’s books, prints, posters and cards. 

577 High St.
Dedham
Online: bluebunnybooks.com

Henry Bear's Park, Multiple Locations

Serving communities in the greater Boston area for over 40 years, Henry Bear’s Park specializes in products that encourage kids of all ages to “unplug and play” and in doing so learn more about themselves and the world around them. You'll find a large selection of children's books along with toys for all ages. 

Locations in Brookline, Cambridge, Arlington, Newton and Deham
Online: henrybear.com

An Unlikely Story Bookstore and Café, Plainville

Beloved children's book author Jeff Kinney and his wife Julie own this expansive indie bookstore and cafe in Plainville and we love taking our kids there. Jeff is often around to sign the newest Wimpy Kid book or make recommendations. An Unlikely Story Bookstore and Café is a beautiful new community gathering place where you can meet amazing authors, enjoy breakfast or lunch, or relax with your new book and a beer (or glass of wine).  

111 South Street
Plainville, MA
Online: anunlikelystory.com

—Kate Loweth

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In partnership with AppleTV+

There are those mysteries like “who used all the toilet paper and didn’t put a new roll out?” And then some conundrums pull you in and grasp your imagination, leading to mysterious and fantastical adventures! Happy to report, the Emmy-Award winning kids show Ghostwriter is the latter. Ghostwriter is a series for kids ages 6-11, exclusively on Apple TV+, that opens a whole new world of whimsy and inspires kids to get in touch with their creative side.

Ghostwriter is back on AppleTV+ for a second season!

The Ghostwriter series follows four everyday friends who discover an anything-but-ordinary character: Ghostwriter, a mysterious ghost who makes great literature jump off of the page—literally. Ghostwriter brings the actual characters from well-known books into the real world, where they’re only visible to the group of friends! 

Once released, the pages where the characters lived appear blank, and it’s up to our four heroes to figure out how to put them back where they belong. While the literary characters are only visible to our four heroes, the damage they cause (like the Mad Hatter from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland setting up a tea party at school) can be seen by everyone. 

As the kids try to solve the mystery of Ghostwriter, they learn more about themselves, and about other people, worlds and emotions through the books they read. Ghostwriter combines elements of mystery, fantasy, humor and heart to take kids on a quest unlike any they’ve experienced before—and creates a love for reading and storytelling!

When your kiddo is a super fan, they can even read along with the books from the series!

Spoiler Alert: Your kids are going to love this show, and parents, you just may become a big fan yourself—it’s that good. 

Watch Ghostwriter on the Apple TV app. Find the Apple TV app everywhere, from Apple devices to smart TVs, or watch online at tv.apple.com.*

*Subscription required for Apple TV+ 

 

—Jamie Aderski

Schools back in session and it’s time to hit the books! Do it right at one of our favorite kid-friendly independent bookstores in NYC where the littles ones (and their parents!) can stock up, hang out, or spend a cozy rainy afternoon. Whether it’s for the awesome selection in the stacks or the popping children’s events, these NYC bookstores are the place to be for budding bibliophiles! Find the NYC kids bookstore for your family below!

Bank Street Bookstore

Bank Street Bookstore via Yelp

Are you looking for that one children's book from your own childhood that you sort of know the color of the cover for but not much else? This bookstore can help you find it. The staff here are touted by visitors as being extremely knowledgeable and helpful for finding any children's book you need. 

Bank Street Bookstore is specifically intended for kids. On the shelves, you'll find many classics and popular books of today, but you may also snag a locally written or indie gem you might not find elsewhere. On most Saturdays, you can come in and listen to a children's author read their own books for storytime, and lead the young audience in a themed activity. 

2780 Broadway
Manhattan Valley
212-678-1654
Online: bankstreetbooks.com

Books Are Magic

Danielle S. via Yelp

This quaint independent bookshop in Cobble Hill is a sanctuary for book lovers young and old. Along with a vast selection of children's books, the shop has a little nook for relaxing with a book as well as many chances to hear your favorite authors reading their books at storytime. Books are carefully selected and displayed in a way that encourages kids to pick up a tome they might not otherwise even see (like a cookbook). Its calm and quiet vibes make this a, well, magical place to stop by and find your new favorite book. Plus, the store is open every day! 

225 Smith St.
Cobble Hill
718-246-0200
Online: booksaremagic.net

Book Culture

Liz K. via Yelp

Book Culture has four stores in New York City—three on the Upper West Side, and one in Long Island city, Queens. (The Queens location's entire bottom floor is dedicated to kids books, games and toys.) The bookstore offers a robust schedule of programming at its shops; examples include musical storytimes, Mozart for Munchkins, TocToc Spanish Class, music with Hopalong Andrew, and storytimes in English, German and Spanish. The store is also a great place to pick up fun and funky gift items. Book Culture is raising money to get them over a financial hump and keep its doors open, with the goal of profitability in 2020. They deserve your support! 

26-09 Jackson Ave. 
718-440-3120
Long Island City
Online: bookculture.com

536 W. 112th St. 
Upper West Side 
212-865-1588

2915 Broadway
Upper West Side
646-403-3000

450 Columbus Ave. 
212-595-1962

 

 

Books of Wonder

Books of Wonder via Yelp

Books of Wonder proudly declares itself to be NYC's largest independent bookstore and the city's "leading specialist in children's literature," and the stacks are, well, stacked with tons of children's literature. Besides having a large and well-kept children's books section, this bookstore is a hotspot for family-friendly events, author readings, launch parties, and more. Especially worth noting are the regularly held panels, for various ages and covering many different topics, which feature groups of authors talking about their work and taking questions from the audience — a potentially excellent inspiration for kids who are showing an interest in writing or illustrating their own works of art.

217 West 84th St.
Upper West Side
212-989-1804

18 West 18th St.
Flatiron District
212-989-3270

Online: booksofwonder.com 

La Librairie des Enfants

La Librairie des Enfants

This little Upper East Side French bookstore for kids just oozes charm. (Customers report feeling transported to Paris when they step inside.) Head here for classics and new titles for kids in French, as well as games. The store hosts Petites Histoires, a thematic reading program in which kids learn French through stories, songs, crafts and play. Additionally French marionette shows will be coming to the store soon. (Adults can learn French here, too!) You can read our full feature from when they opened, here

163 E. 92nd St. 
646-590-2797
Upper East Side 
Online: lalibrairiedesenfants.nyc

Greenlight Bookstore

Caitlin C. via Yelp

The Greenlight Bookstore has everything you'd expect from a great bookstore: Excellent selection (though listed at jacket prices — no savings to be found here), regularly scheduled staff and author storytimes, and friendly, knowledgeable staff. In addition to all that, though, Greenlight has a few special offerings to make it stand out among the rest. 

Children ages 9-12 are welcome to join the Greenlight Young Readers Book Group with or without their parents, which meets once a month to discuss the book of the month (which is always on sale at 15% off), eat pizza, and make literary friends. Additionally, Greenlight is a partner of BAM, which means that in addition to 15% off for BAM members, you can also snag some BAM merch through Greenlight's kiosks on-site at the Academy. It also means that the bookstore often hosts events in collaboration with BAM, like author talks and music-infused book readings, on stage. Keep an eye on the events page for kid-friendly BAM performances!

686 Fulton St.
Ft. Greene
718-246-0200
Online: greenlightbookstore.com

and

632 Flatbush Ave.
Prospect Lefferts Gardens

Powerhouse on 8th

Powerhouse on 8th

From the same minds behind the home to book happenings in DUMBO, The Powerhouse Arena, Powerhouse on 8th is a cozy store that curates not only an excellent collection on titles for kids and young readers, but an event calendar as well. Storytimes and author appearances are common; you can check out what's coming up here. 

1118 8th Ave.
South Slope
718-801-8375
Online: powerhouseon8th.com

Strand Bookstore

Strand Bookstore

You might already love this bookstore — now you can give your children a reason to love it, too. The large bookstore stocks an eclectic selection of books, many of which can be purchased at a discounted price. Visit the space for Family Hour, which includes storytime and readings for kids on Saturdays and some Sundays. You can also find plenty of old and new children's books here, as well as perfect gifts for book lovers like plushies and quirky toys themed around reading and learning. 

828 Broadway at 12th St.
Greenwich Village
212-473-1452
Online: strandbooks.com

Astoria Bookshop

Bradley H. via Yelp

This charming bookstore in the heart of Astoria is a welcoming place for families to browse and relax together. It hosts Thursday storytimes (you can even volunteer to read for storytime, if you want!), as well as unique events like chess lessons for 3-year-olds and a young adult reading book club (which offers 10% off on the month's book). 

Many of its other events not specifically created for children are still welcoming to the whole family. Get the whole family in on the 2019 reading BINGO challenge!

31-29 31st St.
Astoria
718-278-2665
Online: astoriabookshop.com

Every Thing Goes Book Cafe and Neighborhood Stage

Claire W. via Yelp

Used books, events, and whimsy abound in this Staten Island location. This bookstore also sells coffee, chocolate, as well as records and DVDs, and hosts art and performances in its indoor and outdoor patio space. The space is small and selection is limited but the whole family can enjoy a trip to sip a hot beverage and browse the used books as live music plays. 

208 Bay St.
Staten Island
718-447-8256
Online: etgstores.com

—Yuliya Geikhman

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Parents are searching for the perfect holiday gifts for the little ones on their list. Today, Amazon released the Best Books of the Year as chosen by Amazon’s Books Editors. After reading thousands of titles collectively over the last 12 months, Amazon’s Books Editors chose Brittany K. Barnett’s A Knock at Midnight: A Story of Hope, Justice, and Freedom as 2020’s top title.

Child reading

They also selected the following top picks for children’s and young adult titles.

Children’s

  1. All Because You Matter by Tami Charles
  2. Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay Mejia
  3. Cat Kid Comic Club by Dav Pilkey
  4. What Will You Dream of Tonight? By Frances Stickley
  5. AntiRacist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi
  6. The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate
  7. I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes
  8. The Silver Arrow by Lev Grossman
  9. The Suitcase by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros
  10. Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake

 

Young Adult

  1. Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer
  2. Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi
  3. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
  4. The Cousins by Karen McManus
  5. Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko
  6. Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds
  7. Crave by Tracy Wolff
  8. We Are Not Free by Traci Chee
  9. The Enigma Game by Elizabeth Wein
  10. The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune

The Best Books of the Year is an annual list featuring the Top 100 books of the year, published between January and December 2020, as well as top picks across categories like literature & fiction, mystery and thrillers, science fiction & fantasy, biography, children’s, young adult, and more.

For more information on the books featured on the Best Books of the Year list, as well as insightful reviews on new books, author interviews, and hand-curated roundups in popular categories, visit the Amazon Book Review and subscribe to the Amazon Book Review Podcast on Amazon Music, Apple or TuneIn. You can also follow the Books Editors recommendations and conversations @amazonbooks on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

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Inclusivity can mean a number of different things. Usually, it refers to including and considering those who are often excluded or marginalized—this can involve sexuality, gender, race, religion, ethnicity, and varying levels of ability. Ensuring inclusive environments makes the world a better place for everyone on a personal, intellectual and even professional level by ensuring that everyone feels welcome. Often, inclusivity is discussed in workplaces, schools, organizations and other public spaces, but it’s also important to teach inclusivity within your family and your household.

Being a good citizen in the world begins with the lessons you learn at home, and while your home is a more comfortable and relaxed place—perhaps with a more homogeneous mix of people than the world at large—it’s still important to teach inclusivity in your family so you can fully embrace the differences within your own household and in your community at large.

You never know where your inclusivity could really make a difference—from your child who could be exploring their identity knowing that they’ll come out to an accepting and loving support system, to guests in your home, to the people you encounter every day in the world. People come from all different backgrounds and experiences, and while you don’t have to know all the answers, making an effort to inform and educate yourself and your family can go a long way. If you’re looking to encourage more inclusivity in your household, here are a few ways to do it.

1. Surround Your Family with Diverse People

While the idea of being “colorblind” or “not noticing disability” might be nice at first, it can actually do more harm than good. People are different, and that’s beautiful. Making an effort to engage in activities and participate in inclusive spaces can expose your family to all different experiences. Looking for schools, activities, and social circles with people of different backgrounds and experiences can normalize variation and diversity for your kids, and even for you.

2. Encourage Empathy

One of the key points of inclusivity is thinking and acting with empathy. While diversity is about the presence of people of different backgrounds and experiences, inclusivity involves making the effort to understand their experiences, and empathy is an integral part of that action. While it’s impossible to understand the exact feelings associated with someone else’s experiences, even encouraging your kids or family to think from the perspective of others can be a great exercise in empathizing with someone of different backgrounds from your own.

3. Allow for Questions

Inclusivity isn’t just about normalization and diversity, either. It’s also about understanding and treating people like human beings who deserve respect. As long as questions are posed in a respectful manner and you’re prepared to listen, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with them. Asking someone what their experience is like adjusting to life in a wheelchair, celebrating different holidays or growing up in another country isn’t rude.

While there is a boundary between asking questions to understand someone’s experience and expecting someone to take on the emotional labor of educating you, the key is often honesty and respect. If your kids have questions you know the answer to, you can always educate them, too.

4. Model Good Behavior

You can’t expect your family to walk the walk if all you do is talk the talk. One of the best ways to teach inclusivity and encourage it in your household is to live a more inclusive lifest‌yle yourself. Support organizations, policies, and even politics that encourage inclusivity throughout the world. Spend time with people of various backgrounds and experiences and let your kids and family see. Sometimes, the best way to encourage inclusivity is simply by living it.

5. Prioritize Representation in Media & Books

Another avenue in which diversity and inclusivity is highly important is the media your family consumes. The kinds of people we see represented in films, shows, and books often shape our opinions and experiences within the world, and it’s important to use them as tools towards being more informed people. Try to read more inclusive literature and consume media that features all kinds of people. You may learn a lot from it.

6. Go the Extra Mile to Make Accommodations

Inclusivity is often about making the accommodations people need in order to make them feel welcome and comfortable. Many systems are set up specifically to cater to those in more privileged positions without regard to the needs of others, and advocating for more inclusivity often involves advocating for the accommodations necessary for people of different experiences and ability levels.

If your child has a friend or classmate who has a different diet because of religious reasons, needs physical accommodations, or has any other requirements, advocating on their behalf in public spaces and making sure they’re comfortable in your home can be really meaningful. It can make their experience better and model that behavior for your family, too.

In order to create a more inclusive world, change needs to start at home. By encouraging inclusivity in your household, you’re encouraging inclusivity on a wider scale, too. Raising respectful, knowledgeable, and empathetic members of society begins with you, and by encouraging inclusivity at home, you’re doing your part in creating a better world for everyone.

Jennifer Landis is a mom, wife, freelance writer, and blogger. She enjoys long naps on the couch, sneaking spoonfuls of peanut butter when her kid's not looking, and binge watching Doctor Who while her kid's asleep.  She really does like her kid, though, she promises. Find her on Twitter @JenniferELandis.