Books

Local pediatrician, ADHD expert to sign “Marvin’s Monster Diary” books

What’s not for kids to love? Marvin, a rambunctious young monster living on planet Monstearth, and the star of “Marvin’s Monster Diary: ADHD Attacks!”...

Harry Potter parties brewing this week at Changing Hands

An eighth book (a play script), “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” will be in stores on July 31, Harry’s birthday. Celebrations are brewing...

Children’s book contest wins with “Up Up Up”

It’s rare for a small book, even a good one, to be able to make so many wonderful ripples, but the right stone in...

“Grumpa” authors, publishers will be fun to watch

One of the best things about my job is that I have lots of opportunities to meet visiting and local authors. Recently, I had...

16 books that help kids understand non-traditional families

“You’ve got to be taught To hate and fear, You’ve got to be taught From year to year, It’s got to be drummed In...

Summer reading program: On your mark, get set, read!

Summer is to libraries as the Christmas shopping season is to retailers. It’s the whole enchilada, the holy bagumba; it’s when the pedal meets the...

Gale Leach caterpillar book teaches courage

Gale Leach, of Sun City West, didn’t expect to make a timid caterpillar named Bruce the main character of her book series until the...

“Parent Hacks” author to share inspired workarounds at Changing Hands

I hadn’t read a parenting book in years, and honestly, what a relief! Most of them were like every latest, greatest hair-removal system to come...

Six books that celebrate moms this Mother’s Day

One of my favorite refrigerator magnets depicts a 1950s mom surrounded by her three kids. It says, “You can’t scare me, I have children.”...

Author of infectiously silly “Treehouse” series to visit Tempe

If there were an award for the biggest, oldest fifth-graders on the planet, Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton would win it, hands down. These two...

Kate DiCamillo – the author, her art and a chance to see her in Mesa

Acclaimed middle grade author Kate DiCamillo will talk about her newest book, “Raymie Nightingale” at 4pm Sunday, April 24, at Dobson High School in...

Amy Silverman’s “My Heart Can’t Even Believe It” explores Down syndrome

People who dodge bullets—real or metaphorical—are giddy with relief; survivor’s guilt and denial come later. Averting one’s gaze from the less lucky is a...

Terribly silly titles – ban these foolish books!

Breaking news: Distinguished scientists at the University of Gobbeldi Gookindinoggin have just released the results of a 150-year longitudinal study of young children and...

Celtic folk tales kids will enjoy for St. Patrick’s Day

Folk and fairy tales from northern regions, especially Celtic folk tales, have always seemed more magical, more other-worldly and more human to me than...

Meet “The Tiara on the Terrace” author at Changing Hands Bookstore

Counting the stars? Easy. Writing a mystery? Hard. I’ve known that ever since I wrote the saddest, most pitiful excuse for a mystery story...

The legacy of “To Kill a Mockingbird”

My son paused by my desk and asked me why I looked sad. I told him that Harper Lee, the author of "To Kill...

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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