Did you hear the one about the fish who moved to Hollywood?
We’re not laughing at L.A.; we’re laughing with it. From jokes about earthquakes to jokes about LA traffic, these kid-friendly jokes will have your little one laughing out loud.
We’re not laughing at L.A.; we’re laughing with it. From jokes about earthquakes to jokes about LA traffic, these kid-friendly jokes will have your little one laughing out loud.
If you are looking for a new (and free!) adventure, take your kids to explore our local tide pools—it’s a fantastic way to get outdoors and learn about sea life at low tide. Grab your ground-gripping shoes and head out to nimbly navigate our rocky shores to get close looks at crabs, sea stars and other ocean dwellers. Parenting Pro Tip: Check the tide charts before you visit so you can time your adventure (nothing worse than a tide pool day ruined by high tide). PS: The next California King Tides (the highest and lowest tides of the year) will be December 23-24, 2022 and January 21-22, 2023. Mark your calendars to explore the coastline during the lowest tide of the year—exposing sea life that is normally hidden.
There are lots of great new children’s books out there and sometimes it can be overwhelming to decide what to read next. Fortunately Amazon just released the annual Best Books of the Year So Far list, featuring books published between January and June. The result? 20 diverse selections that will make bedtime story time and summer downtime that much better.
Top selection Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho has more than 1,000 five stars reviews on Amazon. It features the story of a young Asian girl who learns to love and accept her eyes in a celebration of diversity. Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston is described as “Artemis Fowl meets Men in Black” and it’s a middle school fantasy series featuring a black heroine, Amari Peters. And Dog Man: Mothering Heights is the latest in a series from Captain Underpants creator Dav Pilkey, a laugh-out-loud read following the adventures of Dog Man and Petey.
The full list of the Best Children’s Books of the Year, So Far:
1. Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho
2. Amari and the Night Brothers (Supernatural Investigations) by B.B. Alston
3. Dog Man: Mothering Heights by Dav Pilkey
4. What the Road Said by Cleo Wade
5. Starfish by Lisa Fipps
6. Fiona, It’s Bedtime by Zondervan
7. City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda
8. I‘ll Meet You in Your Dreams by Jessica Young
9. A Pizza with Everything on It by Kyle Scheele
10. The Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody
11. Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Pena
12. Lion of Mars by Jennifer L. Holm
13. The Tale of the Mandarin Duck: A Modern Fable by Bette Midler
14. Ophie’s Ghosts by Justina Ireland
15. Once Upon a Dragons Fire by Beatrice Blue
16. I Am Smart, I Am Blessed, I Can Do Anything! by Alissa Holder
17. Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories by Jeff Kinney
18. A New Day by Brad Meltzer
19. Ground Zero by Alan Gratz
20. Are You a Cheeseburger? by Monica Arnaldo
Amazon Book Editors determine the “best of” lists, reading thousands of pages to unite readers of all ages and tastes, as well as highlight diverse authors. You’ll recognize some of the picks as bestsellers, but many might be new to you. You can find the rest of the lists, including the best books for young adults and teens, online. Don’t forget to check out our own list of best books in 2021!
—Sarah Shebek
Featured image: Josh Applegate, Unsplash
RELATED STORIES:
Happy World Autism Awareness Day! In honor of this special day, Sesame Workshop is expanding its Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children initiative by adding brand new videos and activities.
Julia, a 4-year-old Sesame Street Muppet with autism, is taking center stage in the new videos that will also include a new episode on HBO Max and PBS KIDS. Available for free in English and Spanish on SesameStreet.org/autism, the resources help children and families to cope with changes in routines and other uncertain scenarios.
photo: Sesame Street
The new Julia-centric episode, Match It!, will premier on Apr.8, on HBO Max and PBS KIDS. In addition, parents can find tons of other resources that include:
Sesame Workshop is working to expand the initiative in other ways this month as well. SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa, Sesame Place Philadelphia and Beaches Resorts will feature physically distanced meet and greets with a Julia walkaround character! Additionally, Glo Pals is introducing light up versions of Julia and Elmo that instantly light up in bright colors when they’re dropped in liquid.
You can visit SesameStreet.org/autism for even more info and resources.
––Karly Wood
RELATED STORIES
Sesame Street Wants to Teach Your Kids About Self-Care
Sesame Workshop Launches Caring for Each Other Initiative
Sesame Street Addresses Racism in New Family-Friendly Special
There’s a reason the California Science Center made our list of the all-time best science museums for kids—and it’s not just because general admission is free. It also happens to be the only LA museum where you can touch a starfish, see a chick hatch, catch a 3-D IMAX movie and board a space shuttle—all in one location. And starting Feb. 28, the museum will open its newest exhibit: The Art of the Brick. Read on for the details on the soon-to-arrive Lego extravaganza, plus find out about everything else the California Science Center has to offer.
–Shannan Rouss & Jennifer O’Brien
RELATED STORIES:
Explore the Cosmos at the Griffith Observatory
The Best Museums for Kids in Los Angeles
Insider’s Guide to the Aquarium of the Pacific
Trader Joe’s is upping the candy ante with its new Super Sour Scandinavian Swimmers.
Fans of the original Swimmers know this TJ’s fave as a yummy, gummy alternative to the iconic little red fish that you’ve pretty much adored since birth—or at least the preschool years. Now the TJ’s treat is getting an upgrade with tart and tangy flavors.
The new Super Sour Swimmers are similar to Sour Patch Kids, but with a different look. Instead of the teeny tiny little people shapes, these are sea creatures.
Made with cane sugar, tapioca, spirulina, annatto and other natural fruit and veggie sources, the Super Sour version of the Swimmers come in red berry (starfish), huckleberry (dolphin), orange (tang fish), and strawberry (clam shell) flavors.
You can find 14-ounce bags of these tangy goodies in TJ’s stores now for $2.99.
—Erica Loop
Featured photo: Trader Joe’s via Instagram
RELATED STORIES
All the Pumpkin Products You Can Get at Trader Joe’s Right Now
Hurry to Trader Joe’s for One of These Halloween Yoga Skeletons
Trader Joe’s New Cinnamon Bun Spread Is the Perfect Condiment for Fall
In honor of Autism Awareness Month, Sesame Street’s first Muppet with autism, Julia, will be featured in new storylines, including the introduction of her family! Four-year-old Julia, a Sesame Street muppet with autism, will star in new episodes and original videos featuring her entire family.
On Apr. 8, HBO and PBS will premiere a brand-new Sesame Street episode that centers around Elmo and Abby Caddaby helping Julia prepare for a haircut, which Julia feels nervous about. The episode was created based on feedback by parents who expressed a need for content that tackled the challenges families like Julia’s face.
The new videos include The “I Love My Family” song, in which Julia’s mother, Elena, father, Daniel, and big brother, Samuel, join Julia and their dog, Rose, to sing a song celebrating family. There’s also “Julia’s Family Gets Ready,” in which Julia’s family gets ready to attend open mic night at Hooper’s Store where Julia steps in to save the day and “Starfish Hug,” in which Julia and Samuel teach Abby Cadabby a new kind of hug to help her through a tough day.
This is all part of the Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children initiative, which also includes a new digital interactive activity titled Playground Pals, in which Julia and her brother Samuel head to the playground and stop to help other kids along the way. The campaign is also launching a new ebook titled Circle of Friends, which is focused around Julia standing up for a child with autism against a bully at summer camp.
On Sat., Apr. 6, Barnes & Noble will hold storytime events in over 630 locations nationwide, featuring the recently released Family Forever hardcover storybook. Families can also check out sesamestreet.org/autism for more resources and activities.
—Shahrzad Warkentin
Featured photo: Courtesy Sesame Street Workshop
RELATED STORIES
You’re Stuck on a Deserted Island with a Sesame Street Muppet: Who Do You Choose?
“Sesame Street” Turns 50 This Year & Has Big Plans for Its Littlest Fans
“Sesame Street” Introduces a New Character to Teach Kids About Autism
Does “Sesame Street” Make Kids Smarter? New Research Weighs In
Marriage is one of the biggest, not-to-be-taken-lightly decisions of your life. Which is why the silly parts of being married—as illustrated by these 22 memes—are so sweet. After all, you and your partner can’t get by on electricity bills (45 years of ’em) alone. Bring on the laugh track!
What’s your favorite? Tell us in the comments.
—Ayren Jackson-Cannady
RELATED STORIES:
Hilarious Memes that Moms Will Love
These Hilarious Memes Sum Up Parenting So Well
Hilarious Memes That Sum Up Pregnancy
Hair swirling in the ebbing currents, graceful weightlessness, aqua-tinted vision, and of course Ariel of The Little Mermaid are what make little girls daydream about being mermaids. We think a mermaid birthday party is a perfect time to make her (or his!) fanciful dreams come true. Read on to learn how to dazzle your mermaid loving kiddo and her friends with whimsical decor, delicious “seafood” and unforgettable activities.
For the big day (or even just a regular Sunday) if you want the birthday gal or guy to look the part, follow our easy mermaid tutorial. There’s only 5 easy steps! Click here for the scoop.
photo: Erin Feher
These message in a bottle invitations are a clever and fun way to let your guests know it’s going to be a fun one. The detailed do it yourself directions at Crafting A Green World lets you add your own personal touch and includes everything you need to know, from cleaning used bottles, to paper staining, and even a colorful wax seal.
If you’re not the craftiest crayon in the box, you can buy a message in a bottle kit at Invitation in a Bottle. For three bucks a pop, they will personalize your invitations, and send you a complete kit including, bottles, sand, shells, and ribbons all in the color and style of your choosing.
Your guests will be giggling with excitement when they see these funny and adorable cards. Send off your little one’s pic to Happy Cat Printables and they will turn her into a virtual mermaid! The invitation is then sent as a jpg or pdf file so you can print out as many as you’d like.
Did you know Mermaid schools are popping up across the country? From a mermaid camp in Florida to a mermaid swimming school in Minnesota, click here for where to take your own little mermaid’s love of everything under-the-sea to the next level.
photo: Sheroes Entertainment
Capture the ethereal essence of an underwater kingdom with these delightful decorations. Craftier parents can create some effects themselves, while those more craft-challenged may find some of the store bought items more appealing.
Adorn your party room with these whimsical jellyfish—beautifully displayed here at I Scrap, U Scrap—will make you and your guests will feel as though you are swimming in an underwater wonderland. Color an upside down paper bowl and glue matching ribbons to their bellies; then add googly eyes make them come alive.
AngliesDesignz, available on Etsy, offers the whole Mermaid kit-and-caboodle with their Mermaid Girly Under the Sea Kit. They’ve got the bases covered from cake-toppers to birthday banners, and will deck out your party with these adorable ornaments.
Every little mermaid should be adorned with shells and pearls and no one understands this more than Dominica of Proudest Monkey Photography. She displays a truly whimsical way of capturing a gorgeous party setting with her table top decorations and handmade chair flair shown here via Chickabug.
A mermaid-themed party is a perfect opportunity to get fun and creative with your kiddo’s finger food. Here are some delicious ways to dine on the abundance of the ocean without wrinkling your guests’ noses.
Put an ocean-inspired twist on your classic Chex Mix recipe by adding goldfish crackers, like in this recipe from Brownie Bites. Want more great snack ideas? Click here for more seaside-inspired treats.
photo: Brownie Bites
Get that cool-breeze-in-your-face feeling with this refreshing beverage shown here by High Heeled Hostess.
It’s no stretch of the imagination to think maybe your little mermaid isn’t too keen on eating raw fish. Fret not! You can fake it ’til you make it with this easy, sushi knock-off brought to you by MommyGoggles.
Your guests will be lickin’ their lip when they see this revamped lunchtime classic—starfish pizza and seashell salad. Easy directions courtesy of BubblyNatureCreations.
Sarah at CottonKiwi delivers all things under the sea with these great mermaid munchies. From Octopus weenies to Oyster and Pearl Madeleine cookies, she’s got you covered.
Everyone knows a mermaid’s only job is to play! Here are some fun aways to celebrate the plight of the mermaid.
Every mermaid princess needs a royal, jewel-encrusted, glittering crown sitting atop her wind-swept hair. Genevieve Gail provides you with a printable template for your little mermaids to decorate to their hearts desire.
Whether your little mermaid is in grade school, or preschool, Easy Party Ideas and Games has a plethora of dancing, throwing, tagging and treasure hunting games—including this one, shown here by Creative Party Place.
Guests will be having a ball when they step inside a mermaid stand-in cut-out. Let them visualize themselves as real mermaids with this cute photo op, shown here by the Party Animal. If your artsy, make one on your own, if not, there are many gorgeous options for purchase.
Get crafty with these underwater-themed sticker snow globes. Directions at the Outlaw Mom are easy and the end result is your mermaid’s own little piece of the ocean.
If you’re looking to purchase an over-the-top cake for your little mermaid, here are some gorgeous examples of the endless possibilities.
Carina of The Jet Set is a jack-of-all-trades and one of her many talents is baking. Here she showcases a completely edible, completely gorgeous seaside confection.
Aussie mom Steph Bondville had to share this amazing cake her friend had made for her daughter’s 6th birthday. There’s a surprise inside– the cake is layered aqua ombre.
This buttermilk work of art is just a little slice of what Sweet and Saucy can create. Edible sand? No problem!
Not a professional baker? No problem! Cake-toppers add that special touch to your homemade cake that will take your confection to the next level.
Modern Lux Events will have any assortment of cake topper, from cuddly cute, to downright breathtaking.
Artisan Cake Company offers truly artistic cake toppers, you won’t want to eat them. The best part? They are prepared to ship all over the globe, no matter which ocean your little mermaid swims in.
The cake-toppers at Patricia Minish Designs (via Etsy), add some bling and pizzaz to your cake giving your little mermaid a cake dripping in fantasy.
When the time comes to say good-bye to your little aquatic guests, you’ll want to give them something to remember this amazing experience. Here are some pretty little keepsakes to send them home with.
Guests can rock the mermaid look long after the party ends with these adorable starfish headbands by SunAndSurfCreations.
This mermaid-shaped novelty soap has elegance and utility. Your kids will be partyin’ like a mermaid the next time they hop in the tub with this handmade soap by BlondInABathtub.
Your guests can bring home part of the ocean with them when they wear these cute bottle cap and shell necklaces made by Zanymanilyla Bottle Capz and Jewelz.
Do you have any other ideas to add to make your kiddo’s mermaid birthday party an awesome one? Let us know your tips in the comment section below.
— Lisana de la Torre
You know it’s hard out there for a kid. Parent’s plugging them into five point restraints like they’re phones on a charger. Being told what to eat. Where to sleep. What to say. But you know what? They have no problem telling you they’re not going to take it anymore. Read on for 10 of the weirdest and strangest reasons kids have thrown a tantrum.
photo: Adam Tuttle via flickr
1. Her name. So you’re telling me that I, your mom—who conceived, bore, and birthed you—not to mentioned named you, have been calling you by the wrong name all these years? You’re really Starfish Sunshine? Well I beg your pardon, double-S.
2. The color of his food. Everyone knows a kid in the “I only eat white food” phase. But have you ever met a kid that only eats green? No. Because that kid doesn’t exist. And we dare you to try and find one.
3. The wrong band-aid character. Forget the fact that she doesn’t really need a band-aid in the first place, but woe be the dad who suggests a Darth Vader when what she’s looking for is a Cubby.
4. A hurt ant. Why isn’t anyone helping him save. the. hurt. ant?!? (The one that he accidentally clubbed while trying to save it. That one.)
5. The name of her soccer team. We do kind of have to give it to her on this one. I mean, would you get fired up playing for the Rainbow Donuts? Maybe, but that’s besides the point. She isn’t. And she’s not going to be.
6. Not tickling him long enough. Every parent knows that The Tickle Monster can take on a life of its own. Let it off its leash long enough and the inevitable tickle-me-more meltdown is bound to happen.
7. The dog didn’t walk on the leash the right way. Never mind that the dog is an 80 pound lab that’s been in the family a decade longer than your bio kid. That fur ball should know better than to stop and sniff a hydrant.
8. Someone ate all his muffins. It was him. How dare he?
9. The oven. No, he doesn’t just want to eat cookie dough. He actually wants warm, fluffy cookies. The oven’s just being a problem. Again.
10. She got wet… taking a bath. Colorful boats? Check. Washable wall markers? You bet. Water? What?! Who said anything about water? It was all fun an games until the water part.
How do you know the tantrum revolution has begun? Tell us in the comments section below!
—Shelley Massey