Books

Picture books about storytelling (and why it’s so important!)

“If I had a little book, I would name it Friend. Friend would go wherever I went, our story would never end.” — from...

Road trip? Take a good traveling book for the kids

There are travel books, which take you on an imaginary journey, and there are traveling books, which go along with you and entertain you...

Approachable picture books teach kids to stay safe

For Arizona kids, “summer” is just another word for “more.” More heat, sunshine, sunscreen and ice cream; more hours to fill with friends and family,...

Gold Star Mom honors her son in “Big-Hearted Charlie Runs the Mile”

Each morning when Krista Keating-Joseph wakes up, she gets a reminder of her son. “I check my emails first thing,” Keating-Joseph explains. She’s looking to...

Actually, the magic word is: underpants

And you thought the magic word was “please.” Or maybe “thank you,” or even “abracadabra.” Silly you. Actually, the magic word is ... "underpants." I...

May 1-7: Changing Hands hosts Children’s Book Week events

Changing Hands Bookstore is hosting a week’s worth of special activities to honor the 98th annual Children’s Book Week, which conveniently falls between the...

“Grammy Likes Me Best” authors to sign books at Changing Hands Phoenix

Local children’s authors Terri Mainwaring and Bonnie Apperson Jacobs are excellent examples of doing well by doing good. Throughout their long careers as public...

Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s books radiate light and love

I am so sick of woo-woo moments I could scream. Yes, woo-woo moments --- phenomena called synchronicity by physicists and Jungians --- those tiny,...

Remembering “Tuck Everlasting” author Natalie Babbitt

Four years ago at Halloween, my dad died unexpectedly, so for me, my once-favorite holiday lost some of its charm. This year, feeling sad...

Books about snow: celebrating the magic of frosty flakes

Snow is so much more than cloud chemistry; it’s a state of mind. It’s about stillness, seeing old things with new eyes, and adding...

Winter-break blues? Curl up with a kids classic book series

Ah, winter school break in Arizona: The cool, crisp air of expectation; the cloudless, blue skies of freedom; the warm sunshine of family togetherness;...

Children’s books about the Southwest

When my boys were small, a friend in the Midwest would frequently call and say, “The Weather Channel said it was 116 (or 118,...

31 (somewhat) spooky Halloween books for kids

Every holiday celebration helps cultivate children’s roots — those strong, deep connections to family, traditions and values. Halloween festivities can help kids develop and...

Books are still being banned? Celebrate the freedom to read

When I see the phrase “Banned Books Week,” I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. It seems absurd, in the Internet Age, to think...

Books that celebrate grandparents — on Grandparents Day and every day

Grandparents. They are the hot sauce on our ribs, the fancy sprinkles on our cupcakes, and, if we are truly lucky, the whipped cream,...

Instilling empathy: Books that explore special-needs kids, themes

We all are the same: We share DNA and the desire for family, community, prosperity, safety and respect. We all are different, too, thanks to...

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.

STAY CONNECTED

16,000FansLike
4,049FollowersFollow
3,150SubscribersSubscribe