Books

Valley’s first American Girl store opens in Scottsdale

When my girls were little, their most treasured gifts came from their grandmother “Grams,” my late mother. So it was no surprise when she...

Changing Hands Bookstore welcomes “Captain Underpants” author

I learned about "Captain Underpants" books, a series written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey, many years ago while my son Christopher was attending New...

The stories behind Arizona’s storied high school sports venues

Scott Hanson knows a lot about high school sports in Arizona, perhaps more than almost anyone else. Hanson, president of Phoenix-based HMA Public Relations,...

“Bloom” book shows path to calmer kids and parents

Count to 10. Take a breath. Think before you speak. It’s easy to embrace the logic behind these time-tested mantras. But in the heat...

Top 3 books for preschoolers and other mini-hipsters

Did you just get an invite to a toddler birthday party from your hipster friends? Do you have the sneaking suspicion that their soon-to-be 3-year-old...

10 children’s books to read with dad

It's easy to shop for Father's Day around our house because my husband James has a bit of a book habit. Our three children,...

Phoenix author writes “Story Girl” for his daughters

Phoenix author Paul Mosier says his daughters Eleri, 11, and Harmony, 6, are eager readers. For years, they have watched him write novels for...

The Big Book of Parenting Tweets

@BuriedWithKids:  Letting 7yos make toast was not my best parenting idea. Related: All the smoke detectors in the house are in great working order. I...

The Book of Emergencies – Exploring autism through poetry

An English professor at Arizona State University has published a book of poems exploring life with a severely autistic child. Rosemarie Dombrowski, PhD, wrote The...

Jeremy Jackrabbit inspires kindergarteners

This month, a Phoenix couple will launch their fourth book in a series created to encourage literacy and environmental values in Arizona school children. ...

Best children’s books for holiday giving

It’s tough to know the best children's books for holiday giving considering the wealth of choices out there. We've put together a list with...

Smart Cookie: Original—and easy!—cookie creations

Christi Farr Johnstone, of Phoenix, impressed family members and friends with her chocolate-covered pretzels with sprinkles on top. “It isn’t rocket science,” she told...

Meet Ron Burns: Art inspired by animals

Artist Ron Burns, who lived in Arizona for more than 20 years, grew up in rural Ohio just half a mile from his grandpa’s...

Father’s memories inspire “The Giver”

Author Lois Lowry, whose 1993 novel The Giver inspired a new film with the same name, got to thinking about the importance of memory...

“How to Train Your Dragon 2”

Fire-breathing dragons abound in "How to Train Your Dragon 2," the latest film based on a series of children's books written by Cressida Cowell....

Last chance for Father’s Day shoppers!

I'm starting to worry that we'll make it all the way to Father's Day before finding that perfect gift for my husband James. For...

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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