Books

Eating disorders, birth and body image

Having a baby is a joyous occasion that can also be fraught with challenges for women who struggle with eating disorders or other issues...

Meet the authors of “In a Different Key: The Story of Autism”

Arizona parents can meet the authors of the groundbreaking new book, "In a Different Key: The Story of Autism," from 7 to 8 p.m....

Phoenix Public Library’s “world of possibilities”

If you haven’t checked out the resources available through the Phoenix Public Library system lately, take a few minutes to explore the website. I...

2 notable books for adolescents during Black History Month

February is Black History Month, so most U.S. students have probably covered many of the great black contributors to American life and culture by...

2016 children’s literature award winners

This year, books inspired by memories of two very different real-life journeys were chosen for America’s most prestigious children’s literature awards. The first story...

Little Free Libraries foster literacy-friendly neighborhoods

Phoenix dad Jake Adams awoke one morning to find a Little Free Library in his neighbor’s yard. It looked like a big birdhouse, with...

Picture books celebrate Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year---the Year of the Monkey in 2016---offers younger readers the chance to learn more about this international celebration. Also known as the...

5 local places to help you get organized

Each new year, we make resolutions to jump-start our lives or develop better wellness habits. We also seek order at home, but often struggle to figure out...

Changing Hands hosts YAllapalooza for young adult readers

Fans of young adult fiction can meet and match wits with 11 acclaimed YA authors at YAllapalooza on Saturday, Jan. 23 at Changing Hands...

Joke books offer laughs—and help to families struggling with medical bills

What do you call a thief that steals only meat? A hamburglar. If that joke brought a smile to your lips, read on: A series...

New book “A Chance to Dance” offers tips for dance parents

Betsy Bradley, of Scottsdale, spent more than 40 years teaching ballet. Now her expertise is helping parents make good choices for their young dancers....

Making the Santa magic last

Most parents lament the day their children are too grown up to believe in Santa Claus. Phoenix author and mom Julie Atkinson has written...

2015’s best books for children and teens

Browsing your local bookstore is still the best way to find holiday gifts. We're sharing some of our favorites from 2015: the best books...

“Ramblings of a 3rd Grader” urges kids to embrace writing

Scottsdale author Suzy Carruth Thomas Kuperschmidt has vivid memories of third grade, thanks to some old spiral notebooks she found full of her own...

Catching up with Karen Perry

As most of us check our grocery lists and stuff turkeys on Thanksgiving eve, Karen Perry will be hiking two miles to the top...

#LinSueMeetup to support Hospice of the Valley

She left a 30-year career with 12 News in June and started a new job with Hospice of the Valley in August. The last...

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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