Books

Words on paper deliver comprehension

Do you do most of your reading on a smartphone, tablet, computer or e-reader? Are you aware that the way you comprehend words and...

Sparks fly in new “Catching Fire” flick

Sparks of rebellion. Sparks of romance. Sparks of ambition. Sparks of hope. They're all part of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," the second film...

No cell phone, no problem

Cookbooks have recipes showing how to cook something delicious. No Cell phone Day (Kidstown Press, 2013) by Delfeayo Marsalis and illustrated by Reginald William...

A capital idea for young readers

Learning the names of the letters and the sounds they make is the first step in reading. There are innumerable ways to teach letter...

One mom’s journey with developmental disabilities

Like all parents, those whose children live with developmental disabilities walk unique paths. Each child, and every parent, is different. But we all share...

Bommersbach’s “A Squirrel’s Story” is both playful and profound

We all do what our moms ask us to do—eventually. For Phoenix writer Jana Bommersbach, that meant tackling an unfamiliar literary genre and reaching out...

Science with babies

Books we receive for review typically have titles publishers think will sell. Outlandish titles like 101 Ways Your Third Grader Can Get Accepted to...

Big block of a book teaches the alphabet

Children often learn to sing the ABC song before they really know what letters are and what they do. A bulky, colorful book, ALPHABLOCK (Abrams...

A thoughtful book about an ordinary chair

Traudi Allen’s book The Old Green Chair (Balboa Press, 2012) is a part of her house series of picture books. Illustrated by Rob Cowan,...

SLEEP: What every parent needs to know

One thing you discover after becoming a parent for the first time? You never take sleep for granted. Again. Ever. Pediatricians field questions from parents about...

Sibling authors create canine sleuths

When a couple of books arrived featuring dogs on the covers, I thought they might be part of a series. Both were aimed at...

Help for taming toddlers

Scottsdale author Blythe Lipman has published Help! My Toddler Came Without Instructions (Viva Editions, 2013), a companion to her previous book, Help! My Baby...

DVD shares Italian culture with kids

Local producer and actor Michael Tassoni of Scottsdale has produced a DVD to teach children a few words of Italian and a bit about...

Weekly schools and education roundup

Jimmy Arwood, 17, was chosen by the faculty at Valley Lutheran High School to represent the school at the American Legion Boys State  June...

Perfect gift book for Fathers Day or any day

Here’s a book for Fathers Day that will be useful all year, but especially in the summer. Let’s say the kids are draped over the...

Arizona PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest winners

Do you ever wonder who wins writing contests for kids and and what kind of stories they wrote? Read the 2013 PBS KIDS GO! Writers...

PARTY ARTICLES

Money Lessons from Birthday Parties

Teaching Kids the Value of Gifts & Gratitude Between the cake, balloons, and wrapping paper tornado, birthday parties are often all about fun, but they also provide the perfect opportunity to teach kids early lessons...

Time to Paw-ty

Celebrating your favorite furry friend Call me crazy, but when my husband and I adopted our first dog together, we threw her a birthday party complete with cake, streamers, guests, appetizers, games, and more. Was...

Unique Ways to Host a Joint Birthday Party

My brother and I have birthdays that are just one day apart—his on March 3rd, mine on March 4th, and our oldest brother just a few weeks later on March 21st. Fast forward 31 years...

Out-of-the-box Birthday Party Ideas in Phoenix & Tucson

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Birthday Traditions & Clever Theme Ideas

Childhood birthdays are unlike any others. I have fond memories of waking up on my birthday morning anticipating all the fun that was in store. With three kids who had birthdays all in the same...

Out-of-the Box Birthday Party Ideas

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Party Etiquette

Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, you may be wondering—do people really RSVP anymore? What about goodie bags, are those still a thing? Do I need to stay with my child at...

How to Throw a Birthday Party that Won’t Break the Bank

I remember the days when birthday parties consisted of colorful balloons, streamers, a simple cake, and the classics like musical chairs and tag with a few friends. Times have changed and suddenly it feels necessary...

How to do a drive-by birthday party

As we get deeper into quarantine, people have gotten creative with birthday celebrations. One result: the drive-by birthday party.

Home pool party? Hire a lifeguard!

Drowning happens silently and quickly. That’s why children are at risk even when — and sometimes especially when — adults are nearby. Even a "designated pool watcher" can avert his or her eyes for a...

Hiking birthday party

For a child who loves adventure and outdoors, turn a hike into a birthday party.
Tour de Liam, Biking birthday party theme, bike race, outdoor activites, arizona parties

Bike race birthday party

When there are lots of neighborhood friends who love to ride their bikes together, host a birthday party that feels like an official bike race.

Island birthday party

Pool parties are popular in Arizona. Make a stylish upgrade at your next birthday party by incorporating décor and details that will transport guests from the desert to a tropical island paradise.

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