If you’re about ready to click your way to a completed shopping list online—stop! Consider shopping small at these independent toy stores in Dallas that have passionate employees ready to share their personal recommendations and tons of perks (think: local delivery or curbside pickup, free gift wrapping, and the opportunity to test-drive the merchandise). You can pick out the perfect gift for all the little ones on your list while supporting local businesses. It’s a win-win.
You’ll find loads of toy options and tons of helpful salespeople at The Toy Maven. They have three locations to choose from, or you can shop via their new website. Not sure what to get? You can narrow your options by age or interest to get some suggestions.
6025 Royal Lane
Dallas, TX
5600 W Lovers Lane
Dallas, TX
1275 East Southlake Blvd.
Southlake, TX Online: thetoymaven.com
2. Toys Unique!
You’ll love this toy store in Dallas as it is a local, family-owned business in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex that has been bringing continuous joy into children’s lives for 40 years. They offer complimentary gift wrapping, which definitely comes in handy when you remember you need a gift on the day of a party.
This chic boutique has a mix of everything from books, toys, and art supplies to apparel—with options, including gender-neutral, for babies through tweens. The store was created from a love of fashion and seeing happy kids dressed in clothes that make them feel confident and excited to begin each day. The store’s owners pride themselves on sourcing the best quality, natural fabrics, and conscientious production from the brands they select.
You’ll be totally impressed by the quality of toys offered at We Are the Missfits. That’s intentional— the products are cultivated to stimulate the brain and encourage self-expression through fashion, art, science, and literature (Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty, anyone?). Sure, they also carry stuff that is just for fun, but prepare to feel inspired when in the store. If you can’t pop inside, that’s OK. They offer curbside pickup and free delivery within five miles of the store.
CAMP is a toy store and more—known for its totally unique shop-play hybrid experience in its locations across the country. Inside this CAMP store, visitors can take part in rotating themed experiences, kids are encouraged to try out loads of toys they have available, and there’s even a cafe for parents. Every surface is a seamless blend of play and product.
9830 N. Central Expressway
Dallas, TX Online: camp.com
6. The Toy Store
The very reasonably named Toy Store in Snider Plaza offers eco-friendly, STEM-certified, and sustainable play toys for people of all ages. From baby toys to adult puzzles, they have you covered. And if you are super busy (like we know you are), they even offer free delivery within 10 miles.
Save some adorable snaps of your baby playing with their new toys—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
Jumpstart your holiday season when you take the kids to see the best Christmas lights Atlanta has to offer
You can always tell the holidays are on the way when Christmas light displays start popping up around the city. A magical experience for kids of all ages, taking them to enjoy holiday lights is a cherished family tradition for many (just like cutting your own Christmas tree or riding a nearby Santa train). That’s why we’ve scoured the city in search of the best Christmas lights Atlanta can muster, so you can find high-voltage holiday cheer. Flip the switch on family fun when you head out in search of Atlanta holiday lights this year.
Here’s where to find stunning Christmas lights in Atlanta
The million-light display at the Botanical Garden can't be beat. Family favorites include the orchestral orbs (glowing balls that blink in time with holiday classics), the tricked-out train display, and the fire pits for roasting s’mores (while mom and dad drink a cocktail from the cash adult bar). Be sure to bring a stroller for little legs, and don't miss the incredible laser light display in the orchid house. Guests can expect new twists, including a display in the Anne Cox Chambers Garden by French artist, Cédric LeBorgne and oversized sculptures from the summer sensation, Origami in the Garden.
Insider Tip: Families will need to purchase timed tickets in advance (they sell out quickly). If you want to save on admission, attend on one of the 14 Value Nights.
Families can find this popular drive-thru display a new location this year. And even though it's not at Atlantic Station this year, you can expect to see the same kinds of LED-powered displays that left your whole family "ooh-ing" and "ahh-ing" as you made your way along the path in the past. Timed tickets ensure everyone has enough time to drive slowly through, taking it all in. Plan to grab yours in advance (you save $10 per carload if you do). Value nights are your best bang for your buck here.
Dates: Nov. 25, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023
Lakewood Amphitheatre 2002 Lakewood Way S.W. Atlanta Event details
3. Atlantic Station Christmas Lights - Celebration at the Station
Snow in Atlanta? You bet—when you head to Atlantic Station for the free nightly celebration that's all about spreading holiday cheer. The whole thing kicked off on November 19 with a tree lighting and holiday disco. But if you missed it, you can still bring the kids to see these towering Christmas lights, Atlanta families. They'll be on nightly as part of a light and snow show (we told you) that go along with a video. Pair it with a night of ice skating around the ribbon and you've got yourself a real holiday tradition in the making.
World of Illumination is back with a breathtaking drive-through Christmas light experience kids and families will love. Consider it the ultimate holiday activity for all ages—from tots to grandparents, and everyone, in between. Although families could enjoy this display last year at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, this year you can only find this dazzling show at Six Flags White Water in Marietta. Reindeer Road will feature millions of colorful lights and animated displays synchronized to holiday music. Plan to slowly make your way along the one-mile-long display in about 25-30 minutes—the perfect amount of time for families with small kids. They'll stay riveted so you can enjoy the show too.
Dates: Nov. 12, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023
Six Flags Whitewater 250 Cobb Pkwy. N. Marietta, GA Event details
5. IllumiNights: A Chinese Lantern Festival - Zoo Atlanta Christmas Lights
When it comes to Atlanta Christmas lights that never disappoint, add Zoo Atlanta's noteworthy lantern display to the list. Returning as an area favorite, IllumiNights is a nighttime lantern wonderland celebrating the beauty of the natural world. Stroll the Zoo after dark to be inspired by glowing, oversized animal lanterns—some up to 20 feet tall—depicting many of the planet's most charismatic creatures. Each lantern is made and hand-painted by Chinese artisans and will totally fascinate your family.
Synchronized lights set to your favorite holiday songs. It's the stuff Christmas dreams are made of, and it's what you'll find at this brand new drive through Atlanta Christmas light experience that opens on November 18. After you've gotten tickets, it's as simple as loading the kids in the car (holiday jammies are a must), with a mug of hot cocoa and a smile. then heading over to Coolray Field to take in this full sensory experience. You'll see one million LED lights in every direction—towering overhead, off in the distance—creating a memorable experience for your little angels. All that's left is the ride home, where they'll surely have visions of sugar plum faires dancing through their heads.
Dates: Nov. 18, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023
Coolray Field 2500 Buford Dr. Lawrenceville, GA Event details
7. Lakeside Lights at Margaritaville Lanier Islands
Go on a magical walk through an amazing light show set to festive seasonal music. Unlike your typical holiday light show, this one is a dazzling lighting extravaganza, and you can take a break along the way for cocktails, hot chocolate, and s'mores. But we think the kids will love it if you pair your light viewing with a trip to Snow Island, where the whole fam can go tubing, ice skating, and hop on some seriously fun carnival rides.
Dates: Nov. 19-27, 2022, plus Dec. 2, 2022-Jan. 16, 2023
There's a reason this display in Pine Mountain is considered one of the best in the world. With 10 million lights spread out over 2,500 acres this year—Fantasy in Lights' 30th—promises to be the best one yet. Families can walk or drive through the display, taking in all that holiday cheer along the way. If you ask us, this Christmas light experience is worth the 90 minute trek from Atlanta. Even if it's just to see this year's newest addition—Celebration Lake. It features 30 dancing trees, one for each year the display has been open. Don’t forget to hit the Christmas Village before you head back home. Filled with ornaments, treats, and the Big Guy himself (photos available), the kids will love the chance to stretch their legs and marinate in the merriment.
Holiday Lights are back at Brook Run Park, and this year's theme is Candy Land—talk about kid appeal! Starting December 1, families can walk through this display that features 85,000 twinkling lights shaped as ice cream cones, gumball machines, chocolate volcano cake, milkshakes, and more. There's even an ice cream truck you'll be able to walk through (anyone else thinking photo op?)
Insider Tip: This display goes live December 1st, when the mayor flips the switch at 6 p.m. Come early to enjoy hot cocoa, candy, and character appearances starting at 4 p.m.
Another walk-thru light display option for families with Littles who can't go too far, Stone Mountain decks the halls with millions of lights, and offers plenty of options for keeping the kids entertained—from taking a ride on the train (decorated for the holidays and rockin’ some jolly tunes) to taking in a visit with Santa, Rudolph, or the Bumble. Get there early and take a ride on Atlanta's only snow-covered slope. We're looking forward to the Christmas light show and fireworks finale at the end of the day. And the new Christmas Drone Show sounds simply amazing. Santa arrives each night by sleigh at the tree lighting.
Dates: Nov. 12, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023
1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd. Stone Mountain, GA Event details
11. Lights of Life at Life University
Talk about some holiday spirit. This incredible light exhibit is a zero-profit event for Life University in Marietta that boasts the tallest Santa and his sleigh display in the Southeast. New displays are added yearly, and the entire arrangement is unique each year. Be sure to hit the petting zoo, train rides, pony rides, and visit with Santa before you leave, but you might want to wait until after driving-through the light exhibit to tell the littles. You won’t be able to keep them in the car, otherwise.
Experience all the warmth and charm of a Southern Family Christmas at Pettit Creek Farms! Take a lovely drive or hayride through more than a mile of beautiful Christmas lights. You only need to pay for one option, either the hayride or the drive thru. Experience a nativity (animals on Saturday) and meet the animals at the petting zoo. Getting chilly? Warm up by the fire and enjoy s’mores, funnel cakes, hot chocolate, and more from a convenient concession stands.
Tune your radio to 107.7 FM and prepare to rock around the Christmas tree. The display runs 6–10 pm nightly. This generous family hosts fundraisers year-round for their favorite charity, and the holiday season is no different. Donations of money, pet food, and supplies are accepted on behalf of Angels Among Us Animal Rescue.
With 1 million lights, this is the biggest residential Christmas lights display in Georgia. Nightly shows run from Sunday, November 27, through Sunday, January 1, 2023, from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. The family encourages visitors to park across the street at the Influencers Church and walk to see the lights. Also, please leave pets at home.
Location: 1510 Ben King Rd., Kennesaw, GA
15. Springfield Drive
What do Star Wars and Hanukkah have in common? Only one of the best inflatable and lights displays in Atlanta. And it isn't just one house. Head to Springfield Drive in Dunwoody to get a boost of Hanukkah spirit.
After Thanksgiving, you can cruise past this elaborate, annual display to see festive holiday lights, animations, and synchronization (turn your car radio to 101.9 FM to hear the music).
With more than 100,000 lights and a 35-foot Frosty the Snowman, this family decorates in super-size. Free to drive by or walk past, the Portwood family is collecting packs of new socks for ages 6-13 for the Paulding County Sheriff's Office. You'll find them with the lights on November 25-December 10, from Sunday through Thursday, 6–10 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, from 6–11 p.m.
This Cumming neighborhood lights up its streets and homes in a spectacular way one night in December, raising money for local causes. This year's event date has yet to be released, but you can check Facebook or Instagram for updates. Hit it on the magical night of lights for a chance to see Santa, a live nativity scene, falling snow, and hot cocoa.
Location: Ashebrooke Subdivision in Cumming, GA. The nearest major intersection is at Kelly Mill Rd. and Bethleview.
"HOLIDAY MAGIC" is a free nightly Atlanta holiday light show, put on annually by the Woodruff family, featuring dancing Christmas lights, inflatables, and special effects synchronized to holiday music. With a history of doing a musical tribute to Prince, this may be the funkiest family light show around. The show will open at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving and run nightly from 6 p.m. to midnight through January.
This Stone Mountain family has been decorating their home for over 25 years with only the help of family, friends, and neighbors, and they’re proud to provide a “whole LOT of Christmas” each year. With a Christmas tree forest, snowflake lane, gingerbread land, North Pole Cafe, Disney section, nativity, and Santa, this family endeavor is big enough to inspire even the worst Grinch to string a light or two. Check hours of operation and details on their Facebook page when planning your trip. Admission is free, but donations are accepted for a charity of the family’s choice each year.
Location: 1833 Smokerise Summit, Stone Mountain, GA
For over 20 years, this family in Fayetteville has put on a Christmas light extravaganza, complete with an operating Ferris wheel and thousands of lights. There is no admission, visitors must remain in their vehicles for safety, and donations for March of Dimes and Toys for Tots are welcome. The Gaddy family keeps the lights on from Thanksgiving through January 1 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
This crowd-favorite private home has thousands of lights; you’ll want to put a trip to see it on your winter bucket list. The display will be nightly from Friday, November 20 through December 31, from 6 p.m.-10 pm. Please keep in mind that in the event of severe weather (wind, heavy rain, or snow), they may not have the display. Check their Facebook page by 4 p.m. daily for any weather-related changes.
In addition to the lights, the family holds an annual holiday food drive for the community food pantry at First Baptist Duluth. Drop your non-perishable items in the bin at the driveway's end.
This home display features over 70,000 commercial LED Christmas lights and will kick off on Thanksgiving at 6 p.m. Check their Facebook page for hours of operation and up-to-the-minute information. All donations from this show go to The Lupus Foundation of America, Georgia Chapter.
Location: 3699 Autumn Dr., Acworth, GA
Good to Know: Before heading out to see these neighborhood Christmas light displays, please check their Facebook pages and websites to make sure the show is running. We’ve linked them up to make it easy for you, since there’s nothing worse than disappointing kids who are eager to see a synchronized light show.
It’s National Bike Month, and there’s still the long holiday weekend to get out and explore some bike trails! The metroplex has hundreds of miles of paths perfect for families, from the popular White Lake Park Trail to Trinity Trails in Fort Worth. Keep reading to see some of our favorites, and then hit the road!
Trinity Skyline Trail & the Trinity Strand Trail - Dallas
The Skyline Trail is a 4.6-mile trail that meanders along the Trinity River in the Dallas Floodway. Soon, the Trinity Strand Trail, which is a 2.5-mile trail through the Design District, will connect to the Skyline Trail and over 70 miles of other trails in Dallas.
With over 100 miles of trails, where do we begin? Maybe Trinity Park or perhaps Airhead Falls Trailhead? There are so many places to explore, you might want to take the whole weekend to bike this trail. There are even restaurants along Trinity Trails to stop at when the crew gets hungry!
This is one of Dallas’ most popular trails and for good reason. Circling the beauty of White Lake Rock, this 9.3-mile trail is great for families; there are several playgrounds along the way, as well as Mockingbird Point Dog Park.
This incredible nature preserve boasts 15+ miles of dirt trails, but don’t be scared! Much of it is very flat, so take your budding mountain bike rider out for a day of exploring. There are also picnic tables, so pack a lunch!
This paved trail is 14 miles long and wanders through Rowlett Creek and Cottonwood Creek. Part of a greater trail system, this is a fun bike path to ride with the kids.
Birding, or birdwatching, is the type of thing that you don’t really notice if you’re not aware of it; if you are, you see it everywhere—either in the form of birds roosting and passing through, or people pointing cameras with really big lenses skyward. Believe it or not, NYC is a fantastic place for birding, and birdwatching is a great activity to do with kids. And now, on the cusp of the annual spring migration, is a superb time to start. Read on for our guide to birding with kids in NYC—where to do it, when to do it, and who can help!
The NYC Family Guide to Birding: Where to Start
Joshua Bright
Birding is an excellent way to pass the time since it can really be done from anywhere. The activity gained a lot of new fans over the past year, as people slowed down and looked outside for things to do. (It's also relatively affordable.)
NYC is home to over 200 species of birds that visit regularly, while more than 200 more species of varying levels of rarity have been spotted by birders over the years. With so many types of birds to discover, where do you even start?
We reached out to Lily Lasovick of the NYC Audubon Society for some words of wisdom for budding birders. Her first bit of advice? "Go birding as often as you can! The best way to improve your bird identification skills is through practice."
Take that first step by just heading outside and observing. You might be surprised at how many more birds you spot than the omnipresent sparrow and pigeon. In this author's Brooklyn neighborhood, for instance, it's not uncommon to see vibrant red (and a duller brown female) cardinals, hear the plaintive meowing call of the bluejay, or watch a mockingbird bomb-dive an unlucky cat who wandered too far into the bird's domain.
Another aspect of bird watching that can help you get started is to become a part of the community. According to Lasovick, "if you see another birder or a group of people birding, do not be afraid to go up to them and ask what they are looking at or what they have seen. Birders are friendly people and like to share their knowledge of birds. Learning from others is another great way to improve your birding skills."
Supplies List: What You'll Need for an Enhanced Birding Experience
Diane Helentjaris via Unsplash
To go bird watching, all you really need are your eyes and ears! You don't need any special equipment at all to enjoy birding. However, if you want to support your birding with some add-ons, consider these options:
Binoculars: To bring the tree-tops a little closer to you, a good pair of binoculars at a magnification of x8 or x10 can definitely be helpful. However, if you're birding with kids, binoculars may be more distracting than useful, says Audubon's Lasovick. "Binoculars are great, but definitely not necessary for birding, especially with young children. Young children tend to have difficulty using them and instead of looking or listening for birds, they get preoccupied or frustrated with the binoculars. Instead, I would focus on looking and listening to their surroundings using just their eyes and ears."
A field guide to Eastern North American or NYC Birds: To help you and your kids identify the birds you spot, you might want to pick up a field guide for the birds of your area. A good guide has colorful illustrations or photos of the birds and descriptions (or recordings!) of bird calls. Your field guide can take the form of a book like "The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America." Or, you can install an app like eBird or Merlin for a more portable and even social option. Lasovic notes that having a bird field guide "allows you to show [kids] close-up pictures of the birds they are seeing and provides an opportunity to discuss field marks."
Migration charts: Migration charts note when you're likely to find a certain type of bird. The NYC Audubon Society has an NYC bird migration chart that doubles as a checklist (more on this in a moment) and includes information from the time of year to how common or uncommon sightings are.
A checklist or "life list": Most birders keep a list of the birds they've seen, noting the type of bird they saw, as well as where and when they saw it. Checklists can help teach kids how to take good notes and look for patterns. Keeping a list is a great way to gamify the experience for kids — after all, who doesn't want to "catch 'em all"?
Birding 101: When, How, and Where to Birdwatch in NYC
Once you've familiarized yourself with your local birds, you can become more involved in your birding adventure and learn how to optimize the experience or even find specific birds. Become familiar with when, where, and how to bird-watch:
When to Birdwatch?
Consider these factors when choosing when to go out birding:
Time of day: Birds are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, so those are the best times of day to head out for a stroll.
Weather: No one likes being outside in terrible weather, not even birds. During very hot, very cold, and stormy days, birds tend to stick close to shelter. If it's a nice day for a leisurely walk, it's probably a nice day to bird-watch, too!
Time of year: While some birds live in NYC all year round, we do see many migrating birds arrive in the spring. Spring is also a good time to see young birds and nesting behaviors. Other birds, on the other hand, pass by during their fall migration and can be only briefly spotted in early or late fall. Having a migration chart will help you know what kinds of birds to look for in different seasons.
How to Birdwatch?
There are a few safety and etiquette rules you should be aware of when you begin bird watching, especially if you're birding with children. The NYC Parks birding guide recommends following their guide to safe birding:
Watch birds from a distance
Don't stress out the birds, even if it means you won't get the best photo op
Don't stray from park trails and paths, to avoid damaging the birds' habitat
It's illegal to take nests, eggs, and even feathers
Don't "adopt" birds, even if you think you're helping - often, baby birds found outside their nests are fledglings who aren't in any danger and their mother is nearby
Where to bird-watch?
While anywhere is a good place to find birds, there are a few noteworthy spots around NYC with some excellent birding opportunities. We'll go into them in more depth below!
Where to Birdwatch with Kids in NYC
Central Park Conservancy
Go local
"Do not underestimate what birds you can find in your local park," says Lasovic, especially during fall and spring migration!" Your local park or even just your neighborhood can be a treasure trove of fowl friends. Find links to birding resources at these parks below.
Visit NYC parks
Once you've gotten to know your local birds, you can expand your birding territory to the bigger NYC parks, all of which provide excellent opportunities to spot new birds. "Venturing to larger parks like Central Park, Van Cortlandt Park, and Prospect Park provide the opportunity to see a greater variety of birds," notes Lasovic. "I recommend doing this after becoming familiar with the more common birds such as House Sparrows, European Starlings, and American Robins."
If you just want to grow your checklist, you might want to head out to parks that are known to house many different types of birds. For example:
Central Park (Manhattan): NYC's iconic Central Park sees over 210 different birds every year, from wading birds like Blue Herons and Great Egrets in the park's ponds, to songbirds like warblers and different types of sparrows and finches in the ramble. The Central Park website has a guide to birding within the park, including a list of the most popular bird-watching spots.
Pelham Bay Park (Bronx): Pelham Bay Park is a popular destination for birds in mid-migration. It's also an excellent place to spot birds not as common in other parts of NYC, like Baltimore and Orchard Orioles. In the spring, the park is an excellent time to spot nesting Yellow Warblers and hear other types of warblers. You can even find a few types of owls in this park!
Great Kills Park (Staten Island): The mudflats, beaches, marshes, and woodlands of Great Kills Park make it a great place to find a variety of birds, from songbirds to raptors like Ospreys
Prospect Park (Brooklyn): Within the wooded areas of Prospect Park, you can spot smaller birds like warblers, vireos, and songbirds. Check out the many types of waterfowl, as well, from the common Mallard Duck and Mute Swan to the lesser-known Wood Duck, American Coot, and many more. Nearby Green-wood Cemetery is also a very popular spot for birders, with more than 185 species of migratory birds stopping over each year. Go on your own, or check out Green-wood's Birding in Peace walks.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Center (Queens): This bird and wildlife sanctuary boasts over 12,600 acres of varied terrain, from beaches and marshes to freshwater and brackish water ponds. It's one of the largest bird habitats in the northeastern US! Stop by for a hike and to watch and listen to the many different types of birds that make their homes in the different biomes of the sanctuary. Be on the lookout for osprey nests and young ospreys in the spring!
You can find even more information about birding in NYC's biggest parks by consulting the NYC parks guide to birding, which lists some of the city's most popular parks and their birding attractions.
Are you looking for a specific bird to add to your life list? Tweet @NYCParks with your question to get some guidance! The Audubon Society's checklists and resources can also be a big help here.
Bring the Birds To You!
Mimi O'Connor
Want to continue your birding adventure at home? You can bring the birds to you by setting up a standing or hanging bird feeder in your backyard, or setting up a clear feeder at your window. It might take the birds some time to find the new feeder, but once they do you'll be able to enjoy watching birds from your own home!
How to Make Bird Watching Educational and Fun for Kids
Birding can be very fun on its own, but you can make it even more fun — and educational! — for kids with the following tips:
Make each bird-watching trip into a quest! For example, you can play bird bingo or challenge your kids to find three different kinds of birds on your walk. The Cornell Ornithology website has these and many other ideas to check out.
Encourage your kids to keep an explorer's notebook where they can write about or draw the birds and nature you come across. For a more guided experience, Cornell has an explorer's guidebook you can purchase and follow along with.
Turn each walk into a learning experience with Cornell's K-12 resources, which includes downloadables and free lesson plans, along with additional teaching material for purchase.
For a more guided experience, NYC Parks hosts birding walks with the Urban Rangers throughout the year, guiding families to the best birding spots and teaching about the different types of birds you see along the way. You can also go birding in the Bronx at Wave Hill, where birdwatching outings are held in all seasons.
• Prospect Park is home to the Prospect Park Audubon Center, which in non-pandemic times hosts bird-related programming; the center has also loaned out Discovery packs with binoculars, a magnifying glass and journal for visitors to use.
Finally, you can keep up to date with what the local birdies are up to by following some active Twitter accounts for your borough, like @BirdsBrooklyn and @BirdBrklyn for Brooklyn dwellers.
Now that you are supervising your child’s homeschool experience, you may be looking for more educational resources to share. IMDb has created a watch list called IMDb Home School which provides parents with educational picks for children stuck at home. This list is inclusive of multiple subjects, age groups, and streaming platforms. The list includes movies like Hidden Figures to educate about Math/History, Making it which highlights Art , Won’t You Be My Neighbor? that touches on Social Studies.
As kids, we all had a favorite book that was requested at bedtime, read repeatedly until the spine broke and the pages were torn. For some it was friendly Richard Scarry; for others, silly Dr. Seuss. But for those of us who grew up in the Pacific Northwest, there was always one book on our bedside tables: the sweet story about a grumpy ball of orange fluff named the Wheedle, whose nose blinked red as he snoozed on top of the Space Needle. Lucky for us, that book is still in print, and still causes many kiddos to stare at the top of the Needle and wonder…but are there any iconic Northwest kids’ books for the 21st century? Flip through our gallery and decide for yourself.
S is for Salmon: A Pacific Northwest Alphabet
Just released, this quintessential alphabet book for Northwest kids brings together gorgeous paper-cut artwork with pages dedicated to all that is living in the Northwest—L is for lichen, M is for morel, O is for octopus—in a way that celebrates the beauty of our home and everything that makes it unique. Author, artist and Seattle mom Hannah Viano based the book on plants and animals that she and her son found while roaming through the forests and beaches of their home, and gives the reader a little bit of history or a fun fact about each plant and animal she reveals. This book is perfect for the little (or big) explorer in your family.
