Books

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...

Registration underway for Maricopa County Reads: A Universe of Stories program

Kids and adults can sign up now for Maricopa County Reads, the all-ages online summer reading program running June 1-Aug. 1. This year’s theme...

“Love You Hard” author Abby Maslin talks balance, resilience and rebuilding a family

Most of us gain perspective in tiny increments, from a steady drip of experiences that push us to accept, adjust, reframe and recalibrate our...

“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...

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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