Waddle up to this year’s Halloween party in a bump-worthy getup that’s sure to entertain

If you’re rocking a baby bump this Halloween, there’s nothing wrong with throwing on a shirt that says “Exhausted Pregnant Lady Is My Costume” or buying yourself one of those timeless Preggo sweatshirts. But if you want to get a little more DIY about it, we’ve found lots of bump-worthy options—whether you want your belly on full display or prefer a more subtle look. Keep scrolling for some great (and often hilarious) maternity Halloween costumes that are sure to be a hit this year.

E.T.

The red hoodie looks super comfy, but if you don’t have a bestie who’s a makeup artist you’re probably not attempting this DIY. We’ll still admire it though! The bike handlebars and basket are the icing on this costume.

Kool-Aid Man

This one never gets old, and we’d bet neighborhood parents love the nostalgia hit. The best part? All you need is a Kool-Aid colored t-shirt (red and purple are popular), some face cutouts, and a cardboard brick wall. Oh yeah!

Winnie the Pooh

Head back to the Hundred Acre Wood with this sweet and simple costume. All you need is a cropped red t-shirt over a form-fitting yellow dress. We especially love these beehive buns!

Wilson

You can literally wear any cozy clothes to become Tom Hanks’s beloved soccer ball from Cast Away—you just need someone to draw Wilson on your bump. Finish the look with a straw headpiece. Hope you and baby find a dessert-ed island to hang around on Halloween, yum.

Bun In the Oven

This one requires a little more work but the payoff is laughter all around. Just wear all black and make a simple black oven from your most recent Amazon box. Don’t forget the bun in your oven!

Monsters Inc

Whoever said baby bumps don’t make the perfect monster eyeball was just plain wrong. This family Monsters, Inc. getup is delightful if you’ve got the energy to craft a giant green Mike Wazowski. Beyond that, just throw on your coziest black leggings and long-sleeve shirt. Le blue hard hat optional.

Thing 1 and Thing 2

Make Dr. Seuss proud with this easy-peasy getup for Halloween. Simple black leggings are paired with a red shirt, blue wig, and DIY “Thing 1” and “Thing 2” cutouts.

Disco Ball

Missed your chance to hit the dance floor at Studio 54? No problem! This DIY disco ball pairs a grey gown with a stretchy sequinned silver belly band and a grey wig. Extra points for the silver hanging loop—it’s all about the details!

Basketball

This costume is definitely a slam dunk! Grab your coach and put your best bump forward with some athleisure wear, a few sweatbands, and a basketball drawn on your belly.

Ali Wong

Comedian Ali Wong is known for her sassy standup, especially while preggo. All you need to channel your inner funny girl is a leopard print dress, cat-eye glasses, a microphone, and a top knot.

Prego Tomato Sauce

This is a classic, comfy maternity costume idea. Bonus: If you’ve got a big sibling to join in the fun, let them shine as the little meatball that they are.

Marge Gunderson

Fargo fans, this one’s for you. To get into the spirit of Frances McDormand’s iconic expecting police chief, grab yourself a beige or yellow button-up, a Minnesota-worthy parka, and some kind of trapper hat with a fake police badge. Don’t forget some hot cocoa in a coffee cup!

Gumball Machine

Go big with color this year! This easy-to-make gumball costume simply involves gluing copious amounts of pompoms on a white shirt and pairing it with red bottoms. Giant quarter, anyone?

Snowman

Ready for winter? If you can’t wait for chilly days, then embrace some snowman vibes by attaching oversized pom poms to a white shirt and tying off the look with a festive scarf. You’ll get betting tons of warm hugs with this costume.

Mama Rivera (Coco)

Kids still obsessed with Coco? Mama Rivera is a great way to transition from comfy day wear to a night of trick or treating! A flowy skirt, easy sandals and a pretty embroidered top are all you need to embrace with Dios de los Muertos (or Halloween).

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If you’re tired of sporting your PJs the entire day, but aren’t quite ready to squeeze back into jeans for that afternoon conference call, it’s time to update your work-from-home wardrobe! From comfy dresses and dress pant yoga pants to linen looks, there are tons of outfit options that take you from the computer to the couch in style. We’ve rounded up the best loungewear brands that will make you feel like you’re ready to take on the day––in total comfort.

Senna Case

These cozy but stylish sweatshirts will look good on a Zoom call while still keeping you comfy during the day. We love the baggy arms of the Coutler oversized sweatshirt, and they even have a size for kids! 

Buy it here,

Cozy Earth

Cozy Earth

The loungewear collection from Cozy Earth is small but mighty. The line features joggers, shorts, tops and PJs, all in a luxurious bamboo fabric and stylish classic cuts. Pieces come in black, ivory, gray and navy, so they look chic and are easy to mix and match. There are also cozy tops and bottoms for men, because dads also deserve to lounge and WFH in style. If you need a dressier top for video calls, keep it casual on the bottom with the brands joggers, shorts and PJ bottoms.

Get This Look:

Women's Ultra-Soft Bamboo Pullover Crew

Women's Ultra-Soft Bamboo Jogger Pant

More WFH Looks:

Women's Stretch-Knit Bamboo Lounge Tee

Women's Ultra-Soft Bamboo Jogger Shorts

Bobeau

Bobeau

Women's contemporary clothing brand, Bobeau is perfect for work from home mamas. The uber comfy lineup of dresses, jumpsuits, sweaters, tops and bottoms come in regular and curvy sizes so everyone can enjoy stylish comfort. Most styles easily make the transition from stay at home style to out an about and come in at a great price point.

Domi

Domi

Domi delivers some of our favorite pajamas (sooooo soft!) and we love their work-from-home clothing options too. Simple styles with comfort in mind is the name of the game. 

Get this look:

Long-sleeved T-shirt

More WFH looks: 

V-neck T-shirt

Midi Slip (pair with leggings and a cardigan)

böhme

böhme

Böhme is here for your work-from-home wardrobe. Founded in 2006, the retailer offers a huge array of online styles, in addition to physical locations in Utah, Montana, Idaho, Iowa and South Dakota and employs over 250 women. Choose from boho-inspired pieces, comfy and structured bottoms and oversized tops that will keep you looking professional, without feeling restrictive.

Get This Look:

Cozy Joggers

Graphic Tee

Carly Jean Los Angeles

Carly Jean Los Angeles

Everything in the Carly Jean Los Angeles brand has to pass a "is this cozy enough to sleep in" test, so you know it's perf for a work-from-home wardrobe! Comfy T-shirts, flowy dresses and cozy pants not only make a great casual wardrobe, but one you can wear outside the house, too.

Uniqlo

Uniqlo

Uniqlo is a Japanese lifestyle brand that covers the entire family. Based off of the concept that "lifewear is clothing designed to make everyone's life better," the affordable brand brings simple designs for everyday wear to market. You'll find everything you need on Uniqlo's site, including loungewear, everyday tees, undergarments and outwear for your fam.

Two Blind Brothers

Two Blind Brothers

When you shop Two Blind Brothers, you not only get clothing that is made from natural fibers and is ultra-soft, you are also supporting blindness research. Brothers Bradford and Bryan were diagnosed at a young age with a disease that causes blindness over time, and they have set out to fund blindness research with the company's proceeds. Two Blind Brothers offers men's, women's and kids styles that are comfy and totally WFM-worthy.

Shop This Look:

Team 2BB Graphic Baseball Tee

More WFH Looks:

French Terry Jogger

Long Sleeve Henley

Skyline Graphic Dolman

Zip-Up Hoodie

Betabrand

Beta Brand

Oh, hello dress pant yoga pants. No need to sacrifice putting on your dressy duds just because you're at home when you shop Betabrand. The comfiest dress pant in the world comes in tons of style, including classic, boot cut, straight leg and––drumroll, please––even pockets! You can also shop super cozy dresses, wraps and tops to keep you looking classy on those Zoom calls.

Shop This Look:

Skinny-Leg Cigarette Dress Pant

More WFH Looks:

Straight Leg Classic Dress Pant

Leonisa

Leonisa

Leggings that offer a comfortable fit and slimming qualities? Yes, please! Known for their slimming shapewear, these everyday leggings are designed with Leonisa's signature SkinFuse®, super comfy compression fabric. They also offer activewear in bright patterns and colors. 

Shop This Look:

Super Comfy Slimming Legging

A Pea in the Pod

A Pea in the Pod

Getting up and dressed for the day can be as simple as putting on a fresh pair of leggings and a fitted T-shirt (one that you didn't sleep in!). When it comes to stylish options, A Pea in the Pod is here for you and your bump. From butter-soft tops to supportive leggings, your maternity work-from-home wardrobe is here for the long haul.

Shop This Look:

Super Soft Maternity Tops

Maternity Leggings

More WFH Looks:

Maternity Shorts

Pocket T Maternity Shirt Dress

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Karolina Grabowska via Kaboompics

 

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It’s a scientific fact—kids love color! Primary colors are bright and cheerful; they help young children distinguish shapes, and they have a positive effect on the moods of kids of all ages. Since we can’t think of anything more colorful than tie-dye, we wanted to gather the best projects for kids. From cool tie-dye patterns to the must-know tips, we’ve got you covered. So, scroll down to see our favorite fun and unique tie-dye projects kids can do this summer.

Tie-Dye Kit

Amazon

The first thing you need for any tie-dye clothing like hoodies, shirts, and dresses is a tie-dye kit that has all the colors and supplies you'll need. This one has enough supplies for six people, includes 18 colors and an instructional guide with tie-dye patterns. The dyes are safe to machine wash and won't fade with time. 

Buy it here, $19.86.

Watermelon Tie-Dye Dress

Paging Fun Mums

Nothing says summer like watermelon! From the bright, fruity colors to the cute little seeds, we simply can’t get enough of this adorable dress. It’s a good thing Paging Fun Mums put together this super helpful tutorial complete with step-by-step video!

Tie-Dye Socks

Bombas

While we’re on a roll tie-dying every piece of white clothing we can get our hands on, let’s not forget the mountain of white socks just begging for a splash of color! The Tip Toe Fairy used a one-step tie-dye kit to make these rainbow-inspired pairs, and we think they turned out fabulous!

Tie-Dye Easter Eggs

A Little Pinch of Perfect

Yes, we know Easter is months away, but we can’t help but get a little excited about this edible craft. After all, it pays off twofold. Awesome crafts to keep the kiddos busy, check. Snacks, check! Head over to A Little Pinch of Perfect to find out how to make these easy tie-dye eggs today!

Colorful DIY Paper Crowns

The Kitchen Table Classroom

Do you have a little one who adores watercolor painting and loves crowns? Then this is the cleverest mashup you’ll find! We think The Kitchen Table Classroom’s idea to take paper doilies, paint them, and fold them along a band of paper is pure genius. Click here to see how to make these colorful crowns that are giving us all the tie-dye feels.

Crumpled Paper Art

Buggy and Buddy

This crumpled paper art craft by Buggy and Buddy is perfect for the little ones. Toddlers are sure to have a blast squishing up paper into balls and having messy fun decorating them with paint. Since this is a squish, paint, repeat type of craft, it’s sure to keep your kids busy for quite a while. The result makes for cute refrigerator art!

Tie-Dye Party Favor Bags

Ginger Snap Crafts

Celebrating your child’s birthday this summer? Even if you're throwing a virtual party, these tie-dye party favor bags by Ginger Snap Crafts are sure to be a hit with all of their friends! They’re so easy and fun to make, and once dried, just fill them up with some treats and you have the perfect party favors.

Tie-Dye Beach Towels

Emmy Lou Styles

Summer wouldn’t be complete without outdoor water play and of course, you'll need beach towels to dry up afterward. Since shopping at our favorite stores this summer is a bit of a challenge, why not round up a few white towels and let the kids have fun turning them into colorful tie-dye patterns? We love how Emmy Lou Styles’ tie-dye beach towels turned out. She also made tie-dye shirts, and we think they turned out great! 

 

Coffee Filter Flowers

The Kitchen Table Classroom

These are the perfect way to teach your little ones about nature and art at the same time. Simply take a stroll, and let your kids point out flowers that catch their eye. Then head home, and with just a few simple supplies, help them recreate nature by making these beautiful Coffee Filter Flowers with all the colors of the rainbow!

Tissue Paper Tie-Dye

The Kitchen Table Classroom

If your little ones aren’t quite ready for some of the more advanced tie-dye projects, you can start them out with this colorful Tissue Paper Tie-Dye craft that requires only tissue paper, food coloring, rubber bands, cups, and imagination!

Ice Tie-Dye Technique

Bre Pea

There are no rubber bands needed for this technique! Bre Pea’s How To Tie Dye with Ice tutorial is super cool. Pun intended! We think you’re going to love how she turned standard white t-shirts into throw pillow covers.

Permanent Marker Color Bursts on Fabric

The Kitchen Table Classroom

This is another great way to get that traditional tie-dye look without kits or rubber bands. The Kitchen Table Classroom’s Permanent Marker technique is so fun, and it will give your kids more control over the finished design since they'll be drawing out their desired patterns.

 

 

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Between baby’s first giggles, the first time they roll over and hearing the start of their first words, your little one’s first year is filled with tons of memory-making moments. It’s also an exciting time for Mom, including her first Mother’s Day! To celebrate a few mom’s first Mother’s Day this year, we sent new mamas a few of our favorite gifts to make their day extra special. Here’s what we included:

ChiccoDuo™

Another big part of baby's first year: Feedings. So many feedings. The ChiccoDuo™ is a hybrid bottle that offers the wellness benefits of glass and the convenience of plastic—making Mom's life much easier. The ChiccoDuo™ has an Invinci-Glass inner layer, which means baby's milk only comes in contact with glass. On top of the micro-thin layers of glass is a crystal-clear, premium plastic exterior that keeps the bottle safe from breaking. Paired with the Intui-Latch™ Nipple (a game-changing anti-colic nipple with a textured skin-like feel that positions baby’s tongue and lips for a natural, intuitive latch), ChiccoDuo™ makes feedings a way better time for Mom and baby!

Milk Bar Cookies

These so-yummy Milk Bar cookies have something for everyone. Whether you're the ultimate sweets lover (hello, Chocolate Confetti Cookie) or into something a bit more savory (don't knock a Corn Cookie until you've tried it) or just indecisive (a Compost Cookie covers all the bases), the assorted cookie tin is sure to hit the spot. 

Pickwick & Co. Chamomile & Lavender Candle

We all know that a little "me time" is what moms really want for Mother's Day. For when first-time mamas are looking to relax, this soothing Pickwick & Co. Chamomile & Lavender Candle rises to the occasion. At-home spa day, anyone? 

Par Avion Unicorn Tears Tea

When Mom finally gets a chance to kick back and put her feet up, this fun tea from Par Avion is the perfect soothing sipper. The green tea with rosehip, blue pea flowers, blue cornflower petals and hawthorn fruit not only tastes delicious, but it also changes colors!

Tinybeans Family Premium

We know new moms want to capture all of their baby's special moments, which is why we gifted each mom a year of Tinybeans Family Premium, from the Tinybeans app that lets parents share as many photos as they'd like with the family and friends they choose. 

Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time to introduce my favorite toddler gardening activities! Gardening is great for kids ages 2-5 because it builds skills, gets them away from screens, and connects them with the big, wide world. Especially now, when there are fewer opportunities to get out and involved in the community, gardening can be another link in their social chain.

While it might sound exhausting to some moms, gardening with toddlers can be a lot of fun if you manage your expectations. Let’s be clear: there will be no Better Homes & Gardens cover images from your backyard. Your toddler will need to learn what they can and can’t do in the garden, and will probably make some mistakes along the way. But you’ll have something better than a pristine backyard: an occupied toddler!

Here are 7 concrete ways to get your toddler gardening that will keep them busy for at least fifteen minutes.

1. Planting
If you’re sowing plants with big seeds, call up the toddler troops. Pea, bean, squash, and sunflower seeds are the perfect sizes for little hands with limited coordination.

Start by grabbing a muffin tin and pressing it into the ground. This makes perfectly spaced indentations as a guide for your child. Have them poke one hole in each indentation (or one hole per pot if you’re gardening with containers). This will be about half the length of their pointer finger. Then they can practice putting one seed in each hole and covering it. In a few days, they’ll be rewarded with adorable green sprouts.

2. Watering
You know your kids best, so you can judge what exactly they can handle. Some toddlers might be able to use a partially filled adult-sized watering can. Others might be better suited to a toy watering can, or holding the hose with you. You can also make homemade watering cans using a milk jug with holes poked in the side. Finally, you might have a very young toddler whose best bet is a measuring cup filled and emptied over and over on some very sturdy plants.

3. Bug checks
One of the best ways to keep your garden pest-free is regularly picking bugs off your plants by hand. This is the perfect job for toddlers in the garden, especially those who love creepy-crawlies. I know my toddler just loves this job. (Well actually, she might just enjoy eating beetles.)

Teach your little one to identify good bugs like spiders, ladybugs, praying mantises. Then, learn what common bad bugs look like, including tomato hornworms, Japanese beetles, squash bugs. When you go out, bring a bucket of warm, soapy water around your garden. Every time they find one, have them drop it in the bucket.

4. Weeding
Of all the toddler gardening activities, this is the most dubious. After all, you don’t want your prized, heirloom tomato seedlings yanked up by an eager three-year-old!

I suggest only letting toddlers join your weeding team in July or later. Your veggies should be quite large by then, and the weeds are (hopefully) much smaller. Most older toddlers can follow a simple rule of “only pull the little ones.”

The other challenge with letting toddlers help weed is that they’re unlikely to have great technique. Instead of digging in and pulling weeds out by the roots, they’re likely to only yank aboveground leaves. If you’re making weeding a regular part of your daily schedule (or even just once or twice a week) this will be fine. Pulling weeds often is what prevents them from taking over.

5. Loading wheelbarrows 
Sometimes, you just want to do all the weeding yourself. That’s okay, because kids can still get involved by loading up wheelbarrows. Have them follow behind you, gleefully chucking little handfuls of weeds into the wheelbarrow.

Warning: some handfuls will probably end up on you, the toddler, or other passing siblings.

6. Harvesting
Is there anything more rewarding than picking your fruits and vegetables after weeks of hard work? Get your little guys used to that joy and excitement by letting them help with the fun stuff, not just the work.

Obviously, some plants are less-suited to toddler harvesting than others. Plants that could be damaged by rough pulling are probably not a good bet for independent gathering. Toddlers should also be supervised to make sure they only pick ripe fruits.

7. Fall clean up
When the summer has passed and all that’s left of your garden is dried vines and stalks, it’s time to put your beds to bed. Toddlers are easily amused by the idea that gardens go “nighty night” for the winter and need to be tucked in, so let them help.

Have them wear those cute little gardening gloves (or snow mittens, if that’s easier) and yank up all non-perennial plants. I recommend using gloves because some common plants like squashes, cucumbers, and pumpkins, have very prickly vines.

Once everything’s out of the ground, have them help put compost on the beds. Fall is a great time to add nutrients to your garden because weeds won’t immediately grow and deplete them. Plus, the cold weather gives your compost time to fully break down and mix into the soil.

Have your little tike help you shovel 2-3 inches of fresh compost onto your beds. This job is ideal for toddlers because it requires no accuracy, serious muscles, or dexterity. If your kid can chuck their dinner off the table, they’ll do just fine with compost.

As a bonus, they get messy! (Ok, maybe that’s not a selling point…)

This post originally appeared on Homegrown Hillary.

Hillary is a former high school teacher who went rogue and became a freelance writer. She's also a certified doula and yes, she'd love to hear your birth story. When not offering support and advice to families, she tends to her garden, two tiny humans, husband, and cat.

   

Maternity-wear brand A Pea in the Pod is about to launch an exclusive capsule collection in collaboration with NYC-based Something Navy. The new line, The Luxe Collection, features six key pieces that are just as stylish as they are comfortable!

The six-piece knit collection features everything you’ll need for the spring season—bike shorts, joggers, leggings, a midi dress, a jumpsuit and a tank. Each of the pieces is made from a comfy premium rayon/spandex knit. This allows you to keep wearing the stretchable fabrics as you move through your trimesters.

Marla Ryan, Brand Executive Vice President, A Pea in the Pod, said of the collab, in a press release, “We have long admired and followed the classic, feminine style aesthetic from Something Navy and we are thrilled to launch our first curated collection together. The Luxe Collection – a capsule of six maternity pieces in a soft, premium knit fabric featuring the perfect touch of spandex to stretch and grow in all the right places.”

You can already shop The Luxe Collection at A Pea in the Pod or Something Navy. It’s available in sized XS through XL and ranges from $38 to $68 per piece.

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of A Pea in the Pod x Something Navy

 

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BFFs. Besties. Frenemies. Why do kids have so many names for friends? Maybe it’s because after family, your kiddos’ pals are the greatest force in their lives. It starts with toddler play dates set up by mom, and before you know it they’re inviting kids over for an all-night movie marathon. Read on to discover eight of our favorite books about the power of friendship.

This post is sponsored by HarperCollins publishing’s new HarperAlley graphic novels for early readers, ages 6-10. The novels harness the power of visual learning to engage kids and help emerging readers build their literary skills to become confident, independent readers. Learn more about the graphic novels Pea Bee & Jay, Arlo & Pips and Beak & Ally!

Yo! Yes?

Scholastic

Sometimes the language of friendship is as simple as a “yo!” In this vibrantly illustrated story, two boys from different backgrounds become friends from the start of a tentative greeting. 

Ages: 2-4

Get it here, $7.99

You Are Friendly

Maren Green Publishing

This award-winning book teaches kids there are numerous to connect with others. Inviting someone to play, sharing and being kind are all ways to make and keep friends.

 Ages: 2-4 

Get it here, $7.99

Partner

Beak & Ally, by Norm Feuti

HarperCollins

A brand-new early reader graphic novel series about finding friendship in unexpected places! Ally the alligator is perfectly happy being alone... until one day a noisy bird named Beak lands on her snout. Much to Ally’s annoyance, this chatty bird likes to sing constantly and has chosen a nearby tree to build his new nest. Even worse, he insists that he and Ally should be best friends. In fact, he has all kinds of friendship goals in mind, and it seems nothing Ally says will convince him that she’d rather just be alone. Nothing beats peace and quiet... except for maybe a new best friend?

$12.99

Get it here

The Invisible Boy

Knopf Books for Young Readers

No one ever notices Brian, and he’s not included. Everything changes when a new kid comes to class. Brian makes him feel welcome right away, and they form a special bond that helps each of them shine.

Ages: 6-9

Get it here, $10.59

How to Be a Friend

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

This fun dinosaur character-themed book is a friendship how-to guide. Kids learn how to show someone they want to be friends, how to handle bullies, how to be a good friend, and even conflict resolution.

Ages: 4-8 years

Get it here, $8.99

All Are Welcome

Knopf Books for Young Readers

Teaching kids the importance of inclusion is the building block of friendship. This book follows a group of kids of all backgrounds as they are wholeheartedly welcomed at school by their teachers and peers.

Ages: 4-8 years

Get it here, $14.19

Enemy Pie

Chronicle Books

Jeremy Ross is the new kid on the block and enemy number one. His dad has a special recipe to turn enemies into friends: Enemy Pie. Part of the recipe is spending a whole day playing with the enemy so it may not be easy, but it's bound to work!

Ages: 5-9

Get it here, $13.99

The One and Only Ivan

HarperCollins

This Newberry Award-winning book tells the story of Ivan, a gorilla who lives in a shopping mall with humans watching his mundane life through the glass. A baby elephant named Ruby who was taken from her family meets Ivan, and changes his life forever, as only true friendship can.

Ages: 8-12 

Get it here, $7.99

This post is sponsored by HarperCollins publishing’s new HarperAlley graphic novels for early readers, ages 6-10. The novels harness the power of visual learning to engage kids and help emerging readers build their literary skills to become confident, independent readers. Learn more about the graphic novels Pea Bee & Jay, Arlo & Pips and Beak & Ally!

—Emma Bland Smith & Jamie Aderski

We love a good book: snuggling up in your coziest PJs with a hot cup of tea and a page turner is one of the greatest joys in life. So how do you make reading more joyful and less of a “chore” for kiddos? Answer: Find books they can relate to and actually enjoy, building confidence and a lifelong love of reading. 

Think there isn’t much innovation in the book world for kids? Think again. We are super excited that our friends at HarperCollins publishing has created HarperAlley—graphic novels for early readers, ages 6-10. Graphic novels harness the power of visual learning to engage kids and help emerging readers build their literary skills to become confident, independent readers. And, reluctant readers who might be intimidated by a book with a higher page count can dive right in. Read on to learn about three new graphic novel book series that your child needs on their bookshelf now!

Pea Bee & Jay, by Brian "Smitty" Smith

Like all peas, Pea loves to roll. So when a no-good strawberry dares him to roll all the way off the farm, he swears he can do it—eazy me-zee! But along the way, a powerful thunderstorm strikes and bounces Pea off course...and right into two unlikely new buds: a bee named Bee who thinks she knows it all, and a bird named Jay who can’t figure out how to fly. On their own they may not look like much, but if this trio can stick together, they just might help Pea find his way back home!

$7.99

Get it here.

Arlo & Pips, by Elise Gravel

This is the first book in a new early graphic chapter book series about the friendship between Arlo, an arrogant crow, and a sarcastic little bird named Pips. Like most crows, Arlo has a big brain. But Arlo has something else: a little pal who’s not afraid to tell him when he’s being insufferable! In the first of three stories, a battle of the brains and bird-to-bird banter soon turns into an unexpected friendship. Arlo and Pips' adventures include a visit the big city and a trip to the beach on their hunt for shiny things and French fries. Plus, cool crow facts are included throughout the book.

$7.99

Get it here.

Beak & Ally, by Norm Feuti

A brand-new early reader graphic novel series about finding friendship in unexpected places! Ally the alligator is perfectly happy being alone... until one day a noisy bird named Beak lands on her snout. Much to Ally’s annoyance, this chatty bird likes to sing constantly and has chosen a nearby tree to build his new nest. Even worse, he insists that he and Ally should be best friends. In fact, he has all kinds of friendship goals in mind, and it seems nothing Ally says will convince him that she’d rather just be alone. Nothing beats peace and quiet... except for maybe a new best friend?

$12.99

Get it here

 

Get your hands on these hot reads by HarperAlley today!

 

—Jamie Aderski 

 

Pregnancy brings with it so many exciting changes including an entire wardrobe overhaul. Motherhood Maternity and A Pea in the Pod just announced the launch of Motherhood Rental, a new maternity clothing subscription service that makes it easy to dress for every stage of pregnancy. Subscribers can swap out styles as often as they want, choosing from A Pea in the Pod and Motherhood’s “most loved” best-sellers, customer faves, and new and seasonal deliveries, to build your dream closet through all three trimesters.

Motherhood Rental

Shoppers can build out their closet by choosing a minimum of eight of their favorite styles, prioritizing their must-haves like the perfect dress for your baby shower. You can also place items on hold that you’ll want later on down the line. You will find everything you’ll need from comfy work-from-home outfits to special occasion outfits to graphic tees and leggings. Some members have 50+ items at a time on their rack!

Motherhood Rental

With every order, you’ll receive three items to mix into your wardrobe, and you have the option to purchase them using exclusive member deals or return them via the included pre-paid bag to swap out for newer styles. You can swap out your items as many times as you’d like to keep your wardrobe fresh and accommodate your growing baby bump. Update your rack anytime with new deliveries and seasonal items. 

Motherhood Rental

Every item goes through a thorough cleaning process that includes both wet and dry cleaning. Additionally, all garments also go through a high-heat steam tunnel that is at least 240º F. No dyes or perfumes are added during the cleaning process. After each garment is cleaned it is inspected three times in a state-of-the-art laundry facility before being shipped out. 

The program costs $69 per month, and there’s no long term commitment. You can cancel at any time or once you are out of maternity clothing.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Motherhood Rental

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It’s not just any day a new healthy chocolate cereal hits the shelves, at least according to Three Wishes co-founder, Ian Wishingrad. To celebrate the launch of the brand new cocoa flavor, he sought out to make the announcement in style.

Wishingrad reached out to all the living cast members of the 1971 Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory film to try the new cereal––and they got back to him! Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket), Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt) and Paris Themmen (Mike Teevee) each did their own taste test, and the video is a must-see for all chocolate fans.

Playing off the concept that the new chocolate cereal is the golden ticket for breakfast, the cast did quite an amazing job flashing back to their chocolate-loving characters! The only missing cast mate was Augustus Gloop, who politely declined.

Three Wishes is calling the newest release “breakfast chocolate,” and as you can guess it turns your milk all chocolatey! The cereal is made from chickpeas, pea protein, tapioca, real cocoa and is wheat, corn, rice, dairy, oats, peanuts, soy and animal product-free. Each serving comes with just three grams of sugar and eight grams of protein.

––Karly Wood

 

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