White noise, lullabies and nature sounds all minimize outside noise and help lull your child to sleep. Some sound machines include nightlights or soothing light shows, while others add audio monitors and cry sensors to help your baby have the best rest ever. Here are the latest and greatest tools that promise to help your baby doze off and stay asleep.

Kulala Baby Sleep Lamp

Kulala

Designed by sleep scientist Dr. Sofia Axelrod, this beautiful lamp emits a red light that supports melatonin and works with your baby's circadian rhythm to create the perfect sleep environment. It's handcrafted from maple wood and baby-safe materials and makes a gorgeous addition to your nursery. Buy it on its own or get the Kulala Sleep System, which comes with the lamp, Axelrod's book How Babies Sleep and a 6-month subscription to the Kulala sleep-tracking app.

Available at kulalaland.com, $249 for the Baby Sleep Lamp and $289 for the Sleep System.

Great for Outings

Sound of Sleep

Throw this small sound machine, the LectroFan Alpha, in your diaper bag or attach it to a stroller or car seat and you're ready to go. Choose from seven sounds (including a heart beat, fan, pink noise, brown noise and ocean waves), and recharge it with the included USB cable. One charge lasts for up to 40 hours.

Available at soundofsleep.com, $24.95.

All-in-One Sleep Solution

Baby Dream Machine

This cute bear not only makes an adorable addition to your nursery, it could also be the key to getting your child to fall asleep and stay asleep. Its red light therapy helps the body produce melatonin, which encourages sleep, and the pink noise sound machine mixes high and low frequencies to improve sleep quality. The cool-mist humidifier, night light and aromatherapy also help create an optimal soothing environment. With your purchase, you also receive 30 days of free support from the company's sleep support team.

Available at thebabydreammachine.com, $99.

Circles of Soothing Light

GUND

The Sleepy Seas Sound & Lights Whale from GUND is a cute, cuddly creature with special powers: Press the music symbol for 20 minutes of soothing sounds, followed by an automatic shutoff. Pressing the spiral symbol lets you choose one of these soothing sounds: whale sounds, ocean, bubbles, white noise with waves, and Brahms' "Lullaby." Change the volume with a press of the tail. While the calming sounds soothe your baby for rest, circles of light will glow from this smily whale's cheeks.

Available at gund.com, $30.

Your Virtual Bedtime Assistant

Hatch

Familiar with the Hatch Rest+? This is the next generation. Rest+ has five key features to help your family get better sleep. It includes a two-way audio monitor; sound machine with white noise and lullabies; a nightlight with soft and bright light, as well as a rainbow of colors; time-to-rise features (when the clock changes color to let a toddler know it's okay to get out of bed); and a clock, so parents and older kids know what time it is. It works in tandem with an app on your mobile phone or tablet and is compatible with Alexa. It's also cord-free and portable, thanks to a rechargeable battery. 

Available at hatch.co, $89.99.

Activated by Baby's Cries

bbluv

The Kübe nightlight boasts 10 lullabies, five soothing sounds (birds, heartbeat, stream, forest and ocean), and three projection themes on the wall or ceiling: soothing sea, starry night and peaceful forest. Best of all, it's voice-activated, so if baby wakes up crying, the music and/or projection (your choice) will start automatically to lull them back to sleep. It comes with a timer feature and auto shutoff after 30 minutes and works with batteries or USB.

Available at bbluvgroup.com, $34.99.

Stars and Sweet Sounds

White noise, lullabies or a relaxing bird song will soothe your child to sleep at one of five volume settings. You can also turn on a light projection of colorful stars on the wall or ceiling to give baby something magical to focus on while drifting off to sleep. The Bubzi Co Soothing Sleep Owl can sit on a bookshelf or dresser or attaches to a stroller or the outside of the crib. Pop out the music box when it's time to clean the owl.

Available at bubzico.com, $30.95.

Lullabies and a Light Show

This sweet fox nightlight, the Infantino Go Gaga Musical Soother & Night Light Projector, plays soothing melodies or nature sounds for 20 minutes to help baby fall asleep and tune out other noises. You can also add a light show that displays slowly drifting colorful stars and clouds on the wall. Choose one or both, depending on what your child enjoys. For added comfort, the baby fox nightlight can be removed and placed in bed.

Available at target.com, $29.99.

A Soother and Much More

This sleek soother not only looks modern, it changes the baby sleep game. In addition to providing lights and comforting sounds designed to help babies fall asleep, Suzy Snooze doubles as an audio baby monitor when hooked up to its app. When babies wake up, its cry sensor will help put them back to sleep. It also grows with your child: When they're older, it'll function as a nightlight and provide a clear signal for when it's time for your toddler to get out of bed.

Available at bleepbleeps.com, $133.

The Classic

What the Dohm lacks in bells, whistles and cuddly touches, it makes up for in effectiveness. This white-noise sound machine has been helping babies (and adults!) rest since 1962. It offers two speeds and a dial to adjust tones and volume. And the white noise is natural, meaning the whooshing noise comes from a fan, not an audio loop, so some folks find it more soothing. 

Available at marpac.com, $44.95.

Great for On-the-Go

First of all, it's adorable. Secondly, we love that it's rechargeable and easy to stash in a diaper bag or suitcase to help baby sleep anywhere, anytime. But what makes WavHello's SoundBub a winner is that thanks to an app and Bluetooth, you can play your (or your baby's) favorite tunes, not just the typical Brahm's lullaby. This is key for those babies who best snooze to Taylor Swift or the Star Wars theme song. This sweet owl also has six white noise options, including shushing and pure white noise, and has a battery that lasts through the night if needed.

Available at amazon.com, $34.99.

More Sleep Soothers to Consider

Lulla Doll by Roro

A social media sensation when it launched, the Lulla Doll by Roro (above) can work miracles on baby sleep issues. The soft, huggable doll plays a real-life recording of a mom's heartbeat and breathing for up to 8 hours. Place it on the outside or inside of your baby's crib, depending on their age, and you may be wowed by its ability to calm and soothe. Keep the doll close to your body before giving it to your child so it picks up your motherly scent, which can offer baby added comfort. 

Available at lulladoll.com, $59.

Music & Lights Elephant by Fisher-Price

Some sleep soothers eat up batteries like nobody's business. If you're not looking to buy stock in AA's, consider the Fisher-Price Music & Lights Elephant, which plugs into your wall. It comes loaded with a whopping 20 songs and lullabies to choose from, along with white noise and ocean, rain and other nature sounds. Since you don't have to worry about draining the battery, you can leave this one running all night long, or choose an auto-shutoff after 20 or 120 minutes. 

Available at bedbathandbeyond.com, $19.99.

Twilight Turtle by Cloud b

This has been a sleep-soothing favorite for years. The plush turtle features a hard shell with eight constellations that project on the ceiling in three colors. Now, there's an app for this classic that allows you to program a customized mix of melodies to play from the turtle. It all works thanks to Bluetooth and can provide soothing sounds to your baby for up to 24 hours.

Available at amazon.com, $29.99.

Soft Heartbeat Toy by Zazu Kids

Attach this soft pup to your baby's crib and let it works its magic. The Zazu Kids Soft Heartbeat Toy plays six different soothing noises, including music, heartbeat and white noise, and it shuts off after 10 minutes. The cool thing is that it automatically starts again when it senses movement or the sound of your baby waking up.

Available at amazon.com, $34.99.

Shhh... Portable Sound Machine by Munchkin

If your baby is a big fan of shushing noises (and what baby isn't?), then this portable noisemaker is for you. Munchkin's Shhh... Portable Sound Machine only plays three sounds (the ever-popular shushing, white noise and a heartbeat), but it may be all you need. It also provides a soft nightlight glow that can pulse with the sound if you choose. At just over 4 inches tall, it's easy to take on the go.

Available at munchkin.com, $18.

Nighty Night Owl on the Go by Cloud b

If your baby will be snoozing in the stroller or car seat often, try Cloud b's Nighty Night Owl on the Go. It's small enough to stow in your diaper bag and clips onto gear with Velcro. It has four soothing natural sounds (gentle stream, ocean waves, spring showers and whale songs) and can be set for 23 or 45 minutes.

Available at cloudbusa.com, $35.99.

Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar by SCS Direct Store

This Very Hungry Caterpillar-themed gadget fits in the palm of your hand and is handy for taking on vacation or even a nap at Grandpa's house. Not only does it play two lullabies and a rain sound, it'll project a starry light show on the ceiling in blue, green and orange. The sound and lights keep going for 40 minutes.

Available at amazon.com, $16.99.

Julie Seguss & Eva Ingvarson Cerise

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Whether you love it or despise it, cooking can be seen as a form of self-expression and creativity–no matter if you whipped up dinner in 30 minutes or over an hour or spent hours in the kitchen preparing a feast. For some, cooking can even create feel-good emotions about one’s self, like pride for making something new or fulfillment for doing the best that one can.

That’s what Gillian McDunn, the critically acclaimed author of Caterpillar Summer, The Queen Bee & Me, and These Unlucky Stars, sets out to reveal in her latest heartwarming middle-grade novel: Honestly Elliott.

A contemporary fiction book, Honestly Elliott follows a sixth-grader named Elliott who is trying hard to be his best self, from finding methods to better cope with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to handling all the changes that are occurring in his life. Children eight to 12 will be able to sympathize with, and relate to, all the life transitions and daily challenges Elliott faces at home and at school.

Add this special ingredient to your child’s growing pantry of books!

The Story

Middle school has been tough for Elliott. He can’t keep his grades up, he keeps forgetting things and he feels out of place–at least with his dad who has completely opposite interests from him. On top of that, he is also struggling to accept everything that has changed in his life: his parents’ divorce, his father recently remarrying, his stepmother’s pregnancy, his best friend moving away and dividing his time between two different households.

Fortunately for Elliott, he can find comfort in cooking. He can control the outcome of the dishes he makes, can experiment with new recipes and escape the real world with his favorite cooking shows. So when he’s paired with his intelligent and popular classmate Maribel for a class business project, Elliott turns to cooking once again. Only this time around, his passion must be replaced with baking, which requires testing out gluten-free pie recipes for Maribel, who suffers from celiac disease. See what Elliott bakes up in this charming book!

See what Elliott bakes up in this charming book!

What Makes Honestly Elliott So Special

Through humor, heart, relatable characters and real-life experiences, Honestly Elliott touches on many transitions that come from adolescence–both in school and at home. The captivating plot keeps children engaged in the outcome of Elliott’s large school project but also brings to life the stereotypes of toxic masculinity, the effects of having ADHD and the journey of making mistakes and trying again.

Children may be able to see a little bit of themselves in Elliott and his new friend Maribel who are doing their best to become a better version of themselves.

The Reviews Say it All

“Starring a sweet and messy kid tackling problems that will bring laughter and tears, Honestly Elliott has all the ingredients for a memorable story.” ―Lynne Kelly, author of Song for a Whale

“McDunn is a master at creating characters that are fun, flawed, and above all, real. Full of humor and heart, Honestly Elliott is honestly and truly middle-grade at its best.” ―Jess Redman, author of The Miraculous and The Adventure is Now

“McDunn (These Unlucky Stars) offers an affirming and nuanced depiction of empathetic and creative Elliott's experience of ADHD. . .Elliott's relationship with his father, from whom he craves acceptance despite his dad's failure to acknowledge Elliott's specific challenges, is particularly inspiring as the two work toward openness and understanding.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

Get a copy of Honestly Elliott today to discover what Elliott bakes up!

Have you noticed the abundance of roses at your grocery store or Teddy Bears offering stuffed hearts in shop windows? That’s because love is in the air. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and with it comes the opportunity to express your affection for your family by spending quality time together at a local event (there’s one for the animal lovers)  or by participating in a fun activity (get artsy)! Read on for our top picks for things to do this Valentine’s Day.

Valentine's Day at the Oregon Zoo

Oregon Zoo via Yelp

Were the holidays too busy to catch ZooLights? Has it been a while since you and the family have explored the jungle of animals that is the Oregon Zoo? Well, you're in luck! This Valentine's Day, the Oregon Zoo will be discounting admission pricing by $4, making this outing both fun and affordable! Spend your day letting the kids fall in love with the zoo's family of elephants, or take a seat and ride the historic zoo train! Zookeepers will be putting on a special Valentine's Day show with the leopards, lions, elephants and orangutans this Valentine's Day, so head online to plan your zoo visit! 

Be sure to check out the Oregon Zoo's facemask policy on their website and make sure to leave the cash at home! The zoo is currently operating as a cashless entity during COVID-19.

Where: Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd., Portland
When: Feb. 14
Cost: $20/Adult ; $19/Children ages 2-11
Online: here

Lovejoy Tea Room's Royal WEE Tea Service

Why not celebrate Valentine's Day the posh way? There's nothing better than getting on your Valentine's Day best for an afternoon full of finger-food and a spot of tea! Lovejoy's Tea Room has a Royal WEE Tea Service as a kid-friendly option that offers more youthful snack options like Nutella laden treats or hot chocolate in lieu of tea. This option is for kids 12 and under, and runs $35 per tyke. Not to worry, parents. You can have the RoyalTEA Service for more sophisticated hors d'oeuvres and a bottomless tea! Head online to see their menu and to reserve your love-filled lunch or midafternoon outing today!

Where: Lovejoy's Tea Room of Portland, 3286 NE Killingsworth St., Portland
When:
Wed/Thur: 2-6 p.m.
Fri/Sat: 11a.m.-7 p.m.
Sun: 11a.m.-6 p.m.
Cost: Varies
Online: here

PaperSource: Valentine's Day!

PaperSource

We all remember handing out valentines in elementary school. The rush of excitement of exchanging candies and handwritten notes with classmates is a fond childhood memory, so why not put a little crafty-effort into this year's valentine's card creation? PaperSource has tons of options for helping you and your family get into the cupid crafts this February. Whether it's classroom valentines, valentines crafts, cards, or wraps, or maybe even the works for a Valentine's Day party, PaperSource has you and your family covered! They've got discounts and sales galore when it comes to peppering your Valentine's Day celebrations with heart-shaped glitter and wordy cuteness. You can call ahead to arrange your order via phone, place an order online for delivery by Valentine's Day, or take the family for in person shopping! Whichever method you choose, you're sure to encounter the best kind of decision paralysis. Make sure to have PaperSource part of you and your family's Valentine's Day festivities this year!

Where: PaperSource, 638 NW 23rd Ave., Portland 
Hours:
Mon - Sat: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday: 11a.m.-6 p.m.
Cost: Varied
Online: here

Winter Light Portland Festival 2022

Pull out the winter jackets, don your knitted caps, and step out into Portland this February for a tour of the Winter Light Festival! This year will be the seventh annual light show produced by the Willamette Light Brigade (PDXWLF), and is surely not one to miss! PDXWLF urges the community to explore their neighborhoods by checking out the pop-art that they've sprinkled across the city! Art installations with illuminated components, live performances, and touch-free events will be the name-of-the-game this year, as PDXWLF works around COVID-19. Whether you and your family set out by foot or hop on your bikes for a cycling tour of this year's displays, you can be sure to be awed! Get out, get connected, and celebrate a bit of community love this Valentine's Day with the Portland Winter Light Festival!

When: February 4 - 12
Cost: Free
Online: here

Valentine's Day Dinner Nostrana

Kenny C. via Yelp

You can't deny that that pizza looks amazing. Similarly, you can't go wrong with getting your Valentine's Day meal from Nostrana. Whether you leave the kids at home for a cute night out with your partner, or order in for the whole family to enjoy, Nostrana has an option for you. Should you choose to dine in, this exquisite Italian restaurant is serving up a special 3 course menu for this February's evening of romance. Your mouth will surely water just by reading it. Make sure to reserve your spot before hand as seats are going fast! And if you'd like to wine and dine yourself with the family in the comfort of your own home, you can easily place a takeout order with them over the phone beginning at 5 p.m. Head online to check out Nostrana's Valentine's Day menu, make a reservation, and let the staff know about any dietary restrictions you may have! 

Where: Nostrana, 1401 SE Morrison St., Portland OR 97214
When: Feb. 14, 5 p.m.
Cost: For dine-in, $119/person ; takeout, varied
Online here

 

Take a Snow Day

Snow Tubing, Skiing, winter fun, snow, outdoor activities
Laura Green

If you are looking for a Valentine's Day activity in or near Portland that will turn cheeks pink and keep the kids smiling and squealing all day long? Grab the sleds and snow tubes, pack some hot chocolate and snacks and head for the hills for a day of fun in the snow. Everyone know PNW folks love their cold-weather recreation and tubing and sledding allow everyone to enjoy the late-winter fun. Head to Mt. Hood for an afternoon of snow play, or try White River or Little John snow park. Most places on the slopes require a Sno-Park Permit, available in daily, 3-day, and annual increments. Pick one up at your local DMV or at many Bi-Rite and outdoor stores. For a full list of options, with driving directions, hours and more, check out our top picks here.

Plan a Winter Wonderland Vacation

Black Butte Ranch via Yelp

Why not celebrate Valentine's Day weekend with a winter wonderland road trip? There are a plethora of of great locations perfect for mini family vacation only a short drive away. Think Central Oregon with it's Bend, Sisters, and Sun River destinations all perfect base camps for wintery outdoor recreation. Depot Bay offers its own seaside charm, and an opportunity to catch a glimpse of whale tales. Whether it's the mountains or ocean that calls to your crew, we've found several winter road trips that are perfect for celebrating your love. Check out our whole list here.

Hunt Down Sweets for Your Sweetie

pexels

What would Valentine's Day be without sweets for your Sweeties? Take your kids out for an amazing cup of hot chocolate (or purchase some to enjoy at home) at one of Portland's great shops. Creo Chocolate offers both hot chocolately drinks as well as candies you'll enjoy as a family. If you feel more like celebrating with cake, Fat Cupcake is the place to go for beautiful confections that declare your affections. For a full list of our top picks of places to check out, read about where we think you can find the best sweets for your sweetie here. You can also find a full list of our most beloved candy shops here.

—Hannah Judge

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Between the overcast skies and Omicron, things are pretty hygge around Seattle. So grab your coziest blanket, stoke the logs in the fireplace and settle in to read with your little bookworms. With everything from hot-off-the-presses titles by local authors to classic books you must read, our lit picks should get your family through these hunkered-down times without a hitch.

Books for Sports Fans

The Heart of the Storm

Little Bigfoot

We can’t wait for this picture book bio about everyone’s favorite Storm player—Sue Bird—to drop on March 1. It tells the origin story of this basketball superstar, from her early days in New York to the present, where she dominates in the WNBA. We always cheer for more Sue!

Pre-order it on amazon, $19

A Ticket to the Pennant: A Tale of Baseball in Seattle

Before the Mariners played in T-Moblie Park… or Safeco Field… or the Kingdome, they were the Seattle Rainiers and they played at Sicks Stadium. In this story, young Huey retraces his steps around Sicks Stadium in search of his lost ticket to the Rainier’s pennant game. And oldie but a goodie, it’s a captivating walk through Seattle’s past.

Find it on amazon, $18

I Can Play Too

books for seattle kids, seattle books
cammigranato21.com

She's an Olympic gold medalist, has a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame and scouts players for the Kraken. Now Cammi Granato can add "children's book author" to her impressive resume. Any time is a great time to read this story about young Mimi who wants to play ice hockey. But that's not something girls from her town do. Based on Granato's own inspiring life, this one's a winner. 

Find it online, $18

Books for Nature Lovers

The Birders

LIttle Bigfoot

Even city kids will appreciate this hot-off-the-presses whimsical story of an elderly man and his young neighbor who join forces to find an elusive snowy owl that lives in their neighborhood. Their friendship spans the generations, and the story is told with the keen eye (and goofy humor) that only dads seem to possess (the author is a father of two). Psst… this book pairs well with another of our favorites, Look at That Bird! 

Find it on amazon, $17

1-2-3 Salish Sea: A Pacific Northwest Counting Book

courtesy Sasquatch Books

This book by Olympia-based paper artist, Nikki McClure, hit bookshelves around this time last year. Perfect for tots, it counts sea creatures as friends every PNW kid will recognize. From one stubby squid exploring below to twenty clams that make a great octopus feast, kids won't just learn how to count with this book, they'll also learn about the local marine life that bring magic to our area.

Find it on amazon, $10

Bea’s Bees

seattle kids books

Maybe you’ve read this story at a local PopUp StoryWalk or heard author Katherine Pryor at a reading. It’s the story of a young girl, Bea, and her inspiring quest to save her neighborhood bees who have disappeared. Filled with fun bee facts and actionable ways kids can help bolster the bee population, this is a great read any time of year.

Find it on amazon, $17

Books for History Buffs

Galloping Gertie: The True Story of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse

If you’ve ever skipped the ferry and driven to the Olympic Peninsula instead, there’s a good chance you’ve crossed over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Before your next road trip, sit down with the kids to read this new book that’s packed with scientific and historical facts about Gertie’s infamous collapse in 1940 (the same year she was built). Psst... you can see video of Gertie's collapse at the Harbor History Museum in Gig Harbor

Find it on amazon, $16

The Spirit of Springer: The Real-Life Rescue of an Orphaned Orca

This book by author Amanda Abler and illustrator Levi Hastings details the real-life rescue of Springer, a northern resident orca found swimming alone in Puget Sound in 2002. The book immerses kids in the thrilling details of the heroic rescue and even follows up with Springer in the present. The extras about Springer’s orca family tree and the state of our resident orcas found in the bonus pages are… well, a true bonus.

Find it on amazon, $11

New Kids’ Books by Seattle Authors

Sumo Counting & Sumo Opposites

seattle kids books

Whether you buy them as a pair or choose one over the other, we love these new board books by Seattle mom, Sinae Ishida. Kids learn about sumo culture alongside primer basics like counting and opposites. And the illustrations are beyond cute.

Find Sumo Counting on amazon, $9
Find Sumo Opposites on amazon, $10

You Might Be Special

seattle kids books

If you’ve got a special kid—and we know you do—they’ll love taking this quiz that doubles as a book. Written by local mom, Kerri Kokias, it includes mostly silly and a few serious questions that help kids answer the essential question. Hint: In doing so, they’ll figure out that while we’re all different, each of us is special in our own way.

Find it on amazon, $17

The Whale Child

This middle grade book by local brother/sister writing duo, Keith and Chenoa Egawa, is a must-read for any kiddo who is concerned about the health of our planet. It's the story of Shiny, a whale child who agrees to be turned into a human boy so he can warn people about the way carelessness and waste are endangering the Earth's oceans. Along the way, he meets Alex, a Coast Salish girl, who joins him and helps spread his message of hope and the importance of environmental stewardship.

Find it on amazon, $19

Forever Favorites

The Wheedle Books

seattle kids books

Every Seattle kid knows the red light atop the Space Needle is the Wheedle’s blinking nose. If they don’t they, it’s time to sit down with this original Seattle children’s book. Whether you read the book that started it all or the sequel that features a friend for the Wheedle, these books will build your kid’s city smarts.

Find The Wheedle on the Needle on amazon, $10

The Larry Gets Lost Books

seattle kids books

Written by local singer/songwriter, Eric Ode, we’re big fans on the Larry books. If Larry’s adventures around Seattle or his undersea escapades aren’t on your bookshelf, they should be. Both are written with Seattle kids in mind, as they’re full of city favorites discussing everything from the monorail and Pike Street Market to the ferries and Puget Sound creatures kids spy during low tide.

Find Larry Gets Lost in Seattle on amazon, $13

Goodnight Seattle

seattle kids books

This is an oldie but a goodie, and for toddlers who love exploring the Emerald City, it doesn’t get more “real” than this book. It features all the family-friendly spots kids love, like the Woodland Park Zoo, the Museum of Flight and the Seattle Aquarium. Is your copy as worn out as ours?

Find it on amazon, $10

—Allison Sutcliffe

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Impress and awe your little ones (and your Instagram followers) with larger-than-life art murals around San Diego. From the most southwesterly point in the Continental United States to an art gallery visible only by bicycle, you are sure to take epic photos and make lasting memories. Now before the summer ends, scroll down to find your next art appreciation adventure.

IB Pier Mural

Go on your very own treasure hunt. It's a simple a walk on the pier in Imperial Beach and at the end of the pier behind the restaurant, you will find this mind-blowing mural. It marks the most southwesterly point in the continental United States, down to its coordinates. After snapping some insta-worthy photos, enjoy ocean views with the highly-rated fish-n-chips from the Tin Fish.

910 Seacoast Dr.
Imperial Beach, Ca
Online: tinfishonline.com

Children's Discovery Museum Mural

As part of the 2020 #JoyOfBeingOutside Billboard Competition, this mural can be found at the Children's Discovery Museum in Escondido. After checking out the mural, let your kids discover, experiment, imagine and explore inside. It is now open to all visitors, no reservations are necessary. 

320 North Broadway
Escondido, Ca
Online: sdcdm.org

Sleeping Tigers Mural

Awaken the tiger in you and pose with the sleepy rainbow tigers on the corner of Carlsbad Blvd. and Lincoln St as you walk the Village in Carlsbad. Then, stop in for a coffee treat at Sleeping Tiger Coffees and a strawberry treat for your littles at the Strawberry Shack next door. The Strawberry Shack has every strawberry dessert imaginable and possibly the best strawberry ice cream ever!

2906 Carlsbad Blvd.
Carlsbad, Ca
Online: Sleepingtigercoffees.com

Better Buzz Mural

Danny P. via Yelp

Nothing's better than a coffee break that fuels you and entertains your littles. With this cute play on words, you can find these buzzing bees behind Better Buzz coffee shop in Encinitas. Afterward make sure to visit the playground at Moonlight State Beach, only half a mile away from the mural!

578 S Coast Highway 101
Encinitas, Ca
Online: betterbuzzcoffee.com

Padres Mural

If your little one is a big athlete, then this mural of baseball star Fernando Tatis Jr. is sure to make him cheer. Make sure and get your selfie with one of three Padres murals painted this year around San Diego. This one can be found on the wall of Appletree market in Ocean Beach. Snap photos, grab snacks and make it a beach day!

4976 Newport Ave.
San Diego, Ca

Artlexia Mural

Just like the shop, this mural is colorful and inspiring. After stopping to strike a pose, you and your little artist will have a great time browsing at the charming Artlexia that's filled with Mexican gifts and art. Don't be surprised if your budding creative wants to find a blank canvas to paint on the way home. 

North Park
3803 Ray St.
San Diego, Ca
Online: artelexia.com

Birch Aquarium Whale Mural

Nikki Walsh

Catch a cute pic of your kiddo admiring the under the sea whale mural at the Birch Aquarium. Then head inside for a fun-filled afternoon. Plus, you'll find plenty of additional Instagram worthy shots at this sea side treasure trove. Read our guide to Birch Aquarium here to make the most of your visit!

2300 Expedition Way
La Jolla, Ca
858-534-3474
Online: aquarium.ucsd.edu

Bicycle Path Art Gallery

Joseph Y. via Yelp

Looking for an activity-filled day with an extra dose of art? Grab your bikes and head to Bayshore Bikeway near Bay Blvd. in Chula Vista for an outdoor art gallery featuring 11 Artists. The total route consists of 24 miles so make sure to park near the gallery in case little legs tire out. Chula Vista Bayfront Park is a good starting point with restrooms and a playground about one mile north of the gallery.

Bayshore Bikeway
Chula Vista, Ca

Kindness Matters Mural

Take a walk at The Headquarters at Seaport Village and discover this beautiful mural to take your next family photo at! Then enjoy all that this shopping, dining  and entertainment hub has to offer.

789 West Harbor Drive
San Diego, Ca
Online: theheadquarters.com

––Ivanna Elias & Nikki Walsh

Featured Image: Denise C. via Yelp

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Beluga cam is back! If you’ve ever wanted to watch a live stream of migrating beluga whales, we’ve got the scoop for you. Explore.org and Polar Bears International will launch the Beluga Whale Live Cam on July 15, which broadcasts from Churchill River where it meets the Hudson Bay.

It’s quite the show, with approximately 57,000 whales migrating into Canada. Your family can participate in “Beluga Bits,” examining underwater photos of the whales to ID age, size and regular migrators.

As the ice breaks up during the summer months, about two-thirds of the world’s beluga population spend time in more southern Canadian waters. The whales rely on sea ice and shallow waters for protection from predators, like Orcas. However, global warming is causing a decline in sea ice, so belugas have to dive deeper and longer to find food.

July 15 is Arctic Ice Sea Day, a day hosted by Polar Bears International to draw attention to the rapidly melting Arctic ecosystem. You can join live scientists Q&As, donate to the cause and learn more about why sea ice is so important. Kids can learn how to draw a polar bear or a narwhal, too!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of explore.org

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No one can deny the enduring appeal of books that feature animals, whether tales of animals in the wild, animal heroics (think Togo the sled dog or Scarlett the cat), animal antics that make us laugh, and fictional animals that take on human characteristics—both good and bad.

Why is animal fiction so plentiful and popular? Neuroscientists suggest that our brains treat reading about an experience almost as if living the experience in real life. In children’s books, animal characters can portray a broader range of traits, both good and evil, than we would tolerate in stories about humans (think the “big bad wolf”). These portrayals allow the reader to process powerful emotions and to imagine how others process feelings and experiences. The stories can be scary, but ultimately, the characters aren’t human and the story isn’t real. The power of the well-written allegory, whether featuring gods or humans or animals, is to deliver difficult messages and complicated themes in easy-to-read stories.

Books about real animals, particularly animals in the wild, serve to educate readers about nature and, sometimes, our impact on it. Misty of Chincoteague was my very favorite book series as a girl. I read it over and over and credit my lifetime appreciation for the natural world to lessons learned in reading those stories. Just last month, I traveled for the first time (and with my college-age son) to the Virginia island where the real-life Misty lived. Misty’s story has helped keep Chincoteague Island a beautiful refuge for feral herds of ponies.

Here’s a list of our favorites—a little something for animal lovers, inquiring minds, or any child looking for a great story to read on a  warm summer day.

Grades Kindergarten to Second

What’s Your Favorite Animal edited by Eric Carle, various authors
Thirteen beloved authors and illustrators, including Jon Klassen, Lane Smith, Mo Willems, and Rosemary Wells, collaborated with Eric Carle to draw their favorite animals and explain why they love them. This collection is sure to keep youngsters engaged, and may inspire them to write about and draw their favorite animals. At the end, the reader will find a childhood photo of each contributor with their pet, as well as information about their books. All profits go to benefit the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.

Yaks Yak: Animal Word Pairs by Linda Sue Park, Illustrated by Jennifer Black Reinhardt
This clever introduction to animal-themed homographs also works as a vocabulary lesson and a catchy read-aloud. Our children are introduced to an array of animals paired with verbs that share their names: “Cranes crane” their elongated necks in one spread, while “Slugs slug slugs” with boxing gloves. “Ack! I’m upside down! I’m upside down!” yells a floundering flounder, and one badger badgers another about the apple it’s carrying, his long-winded pleas too big to fit in the speech bubbles above his head.

Grades 3-4

Misty of Chincoteague (series) written by Marguerite Henry, Illustrated by Dennis Wesley
Marguerite Henry wrote nearly sixty children’s books and stories based on real animals, but this Newbery Honor book is by far her most well-known. In the 1940s, she went to a Virginia island, where she learned all about the herd of wild ponies originating from a sunken Spanish galleon off the coast. Spending time on the island, getting to know the families, and even bringing a Chincoteague pony back to her home in Illinois to spend time with while writing, were all part of the creation of this historical fiction series. This is a charming and memorable tale of a young boy and girl living in a much simpler time, whose hard work and patience paid off. Misty’s descendants still roam the beaches of Chincoteague, partly in thanks to this compelling novel.

I am Jane Goodal – Ordinary People Change the World (series) written by Brad Meltzer
This series was written for the author’s own children so that they could understand that the power to change the world is within them. The heroes are depicted as children throughout, telling their life stories in first-person present tense, which keeps the books playful and understandable to young children. This book starts with her love of animals as a very young child and has a beautiful message to children about accomplishing your dreams by being patient, working hard, and knowing that each of us has an impact on the world.

Grades 5-8

Song for a Whale written by Lynne Kelly
Twelve-year-old Iris, the only deaf student in her sixth-grade class, struggles to communicate with kids at school. She feels a strong connection with Blue 55, a lone whale who can’t communicate with others because its voice is on a different frequency. Iris becomes determined to compose a song for Blue 55 at his frequency and to play it for him in person. This story is great for anyone who loves animals or has struggled to fit in.

The One and Only Ivan written by Katherine Applegate
Ivan is an easygoing gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all. Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he’s seen and about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. But mostly Ivan thinks about art and how to capture the taste of a mango or the sound of leaves with color and a well-placed line. Then he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family, and she makes Ivan see their home—and his own art—through new eyes. When Ruby arrives, change comes with her, and it’s up to Ivan to make it a change for the better. If you like this Newbery Award-winning book, try the sequel, The One and Only Bob.

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Keira Pride is the Head Librarian at Stratford School, the leading independent private school founded with a vision of creating a unique, multi-dimensional, educational foundation for children. As Stratford's Head Librarian, she manages the library services department across campuses throughout Northern and Southern California. 

Celebrate Earth Day with National Geographic’s new four-episode series, Secrets of the Whales. The documentary from the ocean’s depths makes its way to Disney+ Thursday, Apr. 22!

Are your kiddos into enviro- or animal everything? Your little naturalist can dig deep into the world of the whale in this brand-new series. Not only will your child enjoy Secrets of the Whales, the entire family can get in on the science-packed action of this streaming documentary.

Secrets of the Whales was filled over the course of three years in 24 different locations. The Nat Geo series explores the lives, communication skills, and social structures of orcas, humpbacks, sperm whales, belugas, and narwhals.

Narrated by actress Sigourney Weaver, the series was directed by Brian Armstrong and Andy Mitchell. The Nat Geo documentary’s executive producers are James Cameron, Maria Wilhelm, Brian Armstrong, and Shannon Malone-deBenedictis.

All four parts of National Geographic’s Secrets of the Whales will stream exclusively on Disney+.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: 272447 via pixabay

 

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Oh, baby! There are few things in life more joyful than designing a space for your baby to grow and thrive in. Whether you’re designing a classic room filled with traditional decor or a nursery in a more modern style, or you want the perfect mix of both—we’ve got you covered. Check out our picks for new and innovative nursery furniture and decor that will make the baby’s nursery your favorite room in the house.

Animal Framed Prints from Lovevery

Lovevery

We're huge fans of these realistic animal illustrations that are hand-painted, Montessori-approved and a perfect addition to any swoon-worthy nursery. Fill an entire wall with animals (there are nine to choose from) or pick just one. Either way, you are blending art with education and your baby will be a whiz at identifying animals before you know it. These sweet prints come in a wood frame with shatter-resistant plastic cover insert and have hanging hardware. 

Available at lovevery.com, $35.

Nursery Works Compass Rocker from Pottery Barn Kids

Pottery Barn Kids

There will be nights, during the early months, that you'll want to fall into the coziest glider imaginable, so why not plan ahead? This stylish Compass Rocker, available in  four soft colors, from Pottery Barn Kids features plush cushions for ample support and ensures a free-flowing, rocking cadence that will sway your baby (and you) into a slumber.  

Available at potterybarnkids.com, $999.

Wooden Mobile Expression from Burke Decor

Burke Decor

Expressions are everything! This modern wooden mobile from Burke Decor adds an artful and playful look to your baby's room. 

Available at burkedecor.com, $17.99.

Motherly Timeless Dresser with Changing Topper from Storkcraft

Storkcraft

Storkcraft has been delivering dream nurseries and kid rooms for more than 75 years, which means they've gotten really good at innovating new, functional pieces that last. This Timeless 6 drawer dresser pulls double-duty as a changing table. Featuring three deeper drawers for maximum organizing and storage potential plus three streamlined drawers to store items requiring quicker access, the Timeless Dresser blends nursery style and function. Comes in white and gray.

Available at shop.motherly.com, $399.

Levo Baby Bouncer by Charlie Crane from Smallable

Charlie Crane

Add a Parisian flair to your baby's nursery with this sought-after design-forward rocker by Charlie Crane. Its natural rocking softly follows the movement of babies while its aesthetic design adapts to any interior. Fabric is detachable and machine-washable. Best for newborns to 7 months. 

Available at en.smallable.com, $252.

Macramé Toy Hanging Basket from Finn & Emma

Finn Emma

A new twist on organizational tools. This beautiful macramé hanging basket adds the perfect boho flair to your baby's room. Now you can show off your little one's favorite toys and keep the space clutter-free. Bonus: It grows along with your child. Wouldn't this make a beautiful plant holder for a teen's room? 

Available at finnandemma.com, $49.

Bubbly Washable Rug by Lorena Canals from Maisonette

Maisonette

A rug that can be thrown into a washing machine? Yes, please. Lorena Canals offers a huge range of machine-washable rugs that are chic and cozy, but most importantly functional. The most precious part of your nursery is your baby! Everything else needs to make life with that precious baby a little easier and a lot more fun. These fluffy, safe and practical floor coverings fit the bill. 

Available at maisonette.com $119.

Sparrow Crib from Oeuf NYC

Ouef Website

With a range of finish options, this stylish and versatile crib will coordinate with any nursery decor. Slim side rails and spindles give this crib a light, airy feel and make it a favorite of interior designers. Its high-quality and sturdy construction mean it will last for generations.

Available at oeufnyc.com, $860.

Whale Storage Basket from Crate & Kids

Crate & Kids

Everything whale be alright! This animal-shaped woven basket from Crate & Kids has playful details like a smiling face and a handle shaped like a stream of water. Keep this guy on land rather than sea and he'll be a catch-all for blankets, diapers, or whatever suits your needs. If whales aren't your thing, try the swan or fox.

Available at crateandbarrel.com, $79.

Collapsible Play Tent from West Elm

West Elm

Put the glam in glamping with this collapsible play tent from West Elm. Your baby will love the change of scenery, and the fact that it's collapsible means you can move it around to different rooms as needed. 

Available at westelm.com, $99.

Modern Open Changing Table from West Elm

West Elm

The Modern Nursery Collection from West Elm sure is easy on the eyes. Clean lines and durable craftmanship never go out of style. The open shelving makes it easy to store and grab diapers, wipes and other essentials.

Available at westelm.com, $449.

—Aimee Della Bitta

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Photo: Stratford School

Did you know that February was “National Kindness Month?” With a little research (we are librarians!), we discovered that February 17th is designated “Random Acts of Kindness Day” in several countries, including ours. We are librarians and also teachers, so naturally we embrace any opportunity to promote kindness—whether random or well-planned—and are delighted to promote a month of kindness!

It is in that spirit that we curated this month’s selection of books. All six of our selections promote kindness—and related qualities like thoughtfulness, generosity, and empathy but do so in a way that is subtle, not dogmatic. The character education lessons are wrapped in memorable stories about interesting characters, unusual partnerships (a snail and a whale!), and challenging situations—often overcome with help from friends and their acts of kindness. The heroes of our February stories—a Syrian ambulance driver, a track coach, an oak tree—are ordinary in most ways except in their capacity to promote kindness.

Our recommended stories also highlight the fact that qualities like empathy, courage, and self-knowledge are not fixed or finite in any of us—but rather learned (and renewable) resources. In life, as in these stories, even good people, challenged by circumstance or past action, are sometimes unkind and cowardly, are sometimes bystanders when they could have been upstanders. But with self-knowledge that comes from experience—and some productive struggle—we all have a nearly infinite capacity to build our empathy muscle and renew our reservoirs of courage.

The richly crafted stories we are recommending will provide your children with hours of reading enjoyment and positive role models. Among the many books that celebrate kindness, here are our favorites:

Grades Kindergarten to Second

Love, Z written & illustrated by Jessie Sima
While out looking for adventure, a young robot named Z finds a message in a bottle signed “Love, Beatrice”. What is love? And who is Beatrice? Those two words are enough to pique Z’s curiosity. Unable to get an answer from the other robots, Z leaves to embark on an adventure to find Beatrice and learn about love. It is on this journey that he learns the powerful meaning of those four simple letters and discovers that what he has been seeking was closer than he realized.

The Snail and the Whale written by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
This is the tale of a tiny snail who dreams to see the world, so she hitches a ride on a humpback whale. Children will love the vibrant art of their journey together past icebergs, jungles, and caves. The story provides the suggestion that brilliant friendships do not necessarily have to be between two similar individuals. The two characters are brought together, and help each other with their differences, not similarities.

Grades 3-4

The Cat Man of Aleppo written by Irene Latham & Karim Shamsi-Basha, illustrated by Yuko Shimizu
This is the story about a kindhearted ambulance driver from Syria named Alaa. Alaa lives in the city of Aleppo and he loves everything about his city from the vibrant bazaars to the kind, gentle people. One day, a terrible thing happened and many people had to flee Aleppo. Alaa decided to stay and look after the injured people, abandoned cats, and other animals. His love and kindness soon spread and today he is known worldwide as the Cat Man of Aleppo.

Smile written & illustrated by Raina Telgemeier
The first in a series of insightful graphic novels about the trials and tribulations of childhood relationships. When Raina trips and smashes her two front teeth, she embarks on a long, embarrassing journey of dental treatments. Fitting in at school is hard enough, but this sweet, funny book will encourage kids to believe they can get through troubled times with the help of their true friends and a little bit of kindness.

Grades 5-8

Wishtree written by Katherine Applegate
This is a beautiful and touching story about nature and friendship. Red, an old oak tree, watches over the neighborhood and the many animals that live in its branches. For decades, the tree has been known as the “wish tree,” where each year people tie their wishes written on strips of cloth, giving Red a special place in the community. One day a new family moves in and they aren’t exactly welcomed with open arms. Red does what any wise, kind old tree would do, and decides to intervene.

Ghost written by Jason Reynolds
Castle “Ghost” Crenshaw is on his way to becoming a track star, but can he run fast enough to put his past behind? This book is full of complicated characters, difficult decisions, and opportunities to ask, “What is the right thing to do when you’re being bullied?”  Ghost perfectly depicts the challenges kids face on and off the field. Ghost shows them how to face those challenges in an approachable way, and features diverse characters with whom kids can directly relate

Keira Pride is the Head Librarian at Stratford School, the leading independent private school founded with a vision of creating a unique, multi-dimensional, educational foundation for children. As Stratford's Head Librarian, she manages the library services department across campuses throughout Northern and Southern California.