Books

ALA announces 2021 children’s book award winners

The American Library Association each year recognizes the top books, digital media, video and audio books for children and young adults. ALA awards —...

So there’s a new local children’s book author…

When she was pregnant with her son Max, Sarah Land of Phoenix underwent a period of self-reflection and angst common to many in the...

8 books for kids on civil rights, democracy and voting

We'll likely be talking to our children about this year of civil unrest and reckoning, the election, and its eventual outcome for decades to...

Phoenix Mercury star featured in “She Persisted in Sports” book

Diana Taurasi, star of the WNBA Phoenix Mercury, is featured in the new children’s book “She Persisted in Sports: American Olympians Who Changed the...

2020 Maricopa County summer reading program extends through Aug. 15

The Maricopa County Reads summer reading program will continue through Aug. 15 to encourage young people to stay engaged and reading while they remain...

Arizona libraries

Avondale Public Library Buckeye Public Library Chandler Public Library Desert Foothills Library Fort McDowell Tribal Library Glendale Public Library Maricopa County Library District Mesa Public Library Morristown Volunteer Library Peoria Public Library Phoenix Public...

Changing Hands launches Kids’ Summer Reading Bingo

Changing Hands Bookstore has launched a Kids' Summer Reading Bingo program designed to celebrate diversity and inclusion in children's literature. The program encourages children to...

Six decades of excellent Earth Day books for kids

From "The Lorax" by Dr. Suess in the 1970s to the creative and insightful environment-themed books of today, Earth Day books continue the celebration of our planet all year round.

Celebrating National Library Week — at home, online and in our hearts

April 19-25 is National Library Week, when libraries across the Valley would usually be hosting all sorts on on-site celebrations. This year is different.

Black History Month: WORDS can change the WORLD

Well, this is awkward. I’m supposed to be recommending books for Black History Month, but I’m feeling pretty conflicted about the whole thing. It’s...

American Girl’s newest doll is Joss Kendrick — a fearless surfer born with hearing loss

American Girl's 2020 Girl of the Year doll is Joss Kendrick — a surfer and competitive cheerleader who was born with hearing loss. According...

3 free treasure hunts families can enjoy together — anywhere

Raising kids in Arizona affords many opportunities to spend time outdoors, especially during these beautiful winter months. But what outdoor activities help strengthen family...

Childsplay stages world premiere of “Chato’s Kitchen” at Herberger Theater Center

What would you do if you were the coolest low-riding cat in the barrio? If your name is Chato, you invite your new neighbors,...

The art of the squeal: Tweens are hungry for scary books

Do you remember the “‘satiable child” of Kipling’s “Just So Stories?” The little elephant whose curiosity was impossible to satisfy reminds me of tweens’...

Harry Potter’s birthday: 5 ways to celebrate The Boy Who Lived

Calling all muggles, wizards and fantasy fanatics! July 31st is the official birthday of The Boy Who Lived, and Harry Potter lovers statewide can...

Taking a road trip? Try listening to an audiobook as a family

When my family travels in airplanes, it’s every person for him or herself. My 8-year-old son can sit through any intercontinental flight with an...

PARTY ARTICLES

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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