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“Love You Hard” author Abby Maslin at Changing Hands Tempe on Friday, March 22

A young mom and teacher who spent much of her childhood in Phoenix will visit Changing Hands Tempe on Friday to discuss her new...

Scottsdale author and illustrator wins 2019 Caldecott Honor

Scottsdale artist Juana Martinez-Neal was recently awarded a 2019 Caldecott Honor for her author/illustrator debut book “Alma and How She Got Her Name.” In...

Valley Youth Theatre stages “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane”

When a beloved toy rabbit named Edward Tulane goes on an ocean voyage, he has no idea what’s in store for him. Initially, he’s...

Holiday Gift Guide: Toys and more from local stores

As moms, we understand the appeal of fast and free shipping. But part of the joy of the holidays is exploring local shops that...

Essential reading for the girl-power trip

“Are we there yet? Are we there yet?” Nope, it’s not a chorus of the universal kids-in-cars whine. It’s me wondering if the girl empowerment...

4 ways to celebrate Harry Potter — 20 years after the series launched in the U.S.

July 31 is always a big day for Harry Potter fans. The character and his creator, British author J.K. Rowling, share a July 31...

Renovated Burton Barr Central Library to reopen June 16

Just in time for summer, a cool space reopens that welcomes your kids with open arms --- and even better, it’s all free! Burton Barr...

The monkey’s uncle: Noteworthy kids books by Brian Selznick

Oh, that Brian Selznick! He’s gone and done it again. He has made a spectacle — not of himself, but an honest-to-goodness spectacle, nonetheless....

Temple Grandin appearing in Mesa to discuss “Calling All Minds” book for kids

Thomas Jefferson invented macaroni and cheese. That fact alone can interest kids in our Founding Fathers quicker than tickets to “Hamilton.” It turns out...

Pop-ups: A “movable” feast of deliciously dazzling books

Every good book is a gift. All you have to do is open it and enjoy. But like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates, it’s...

Valley Youth Theatre stages “Little Women, the Broadway Musical”

How can the hopes and dreams of four young women from the 1860s still resonate? Find out April 6-22, when Valley Youth Theatre's stages its new...

Make your own movable books or cards

  Making 3-D paper art is a great STEAM activity and a fun, creative challenge for kids. Here’s a roundup of books and websites to...

6 children’s books for Easter baskets

When my sons were small, holiday celebrations were a big deal in our house. As the boys got older, though, one time-worn ritual after...

Love in the time of kholera: Kids books about love and kindness

Kids books on the basics of love and kindness (in time for Valentine’s Day) No, it’s not a misprint — “kholera” is the Greek word...

Holiday gift guide: 12 books for Christmas and beyond

The Christmas season is a time of wonder; 12 days of togetherness, sharing and caring. Those experiences --- wonder, togetherness, sharing, caring --- are...

Noted children’s author-illustrators to visit Changing Hands in Tempe

Picture book lovers of all ages will be grateful for the upcoming post-Thanksgiving trifecta offered at the Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe. There’s not...

Party Articles

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...

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...

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...

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...