Books

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...

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...

Childsplay stages “Go, Dog. Go!” at Tempe Center for the Arts

Want to attend a musical dog party? Now’s your chance. Childsplay Theatre brings “Go, Dog. Go!” to Tempe Center for the Arts on weekends Nov....

Author Tom Leveen: The brave new world of young-adult media

The world can be a scary place. As parents, our job is to keep our kids safe and teach them to live in it...

The perfect illustration: Molly Idle’s busy, idyllic life

I know exactly how Tea Rex feels. He’s the semi-civilized tyrannosaur who takes tea with Cordelia and her little brother in Molly Idle’s hilarious breakthrough...

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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