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The L.A. Times Festival of Books Will Feature Children’s Stage and Activities

Published

Many of the booths in the children’s areas offer book readings.

It’s here: See the star-studded lineup for the 30th annual L.A. Times Festival of Books! The nation’s largest literary event is back, taking place April 26-27 on the USC Campus. Find your spark with more than 600 celebrities and authors, 300 exhibitors and events for all ages. 

General admission is FREE and includes access to all outdoor experiences and events. There will be a children’s area, which features the Children’s Stage and dozens of exhibitors with activities. Additionally, the De los Stage, in association with L.A. Times en Español,  will have bilingual story times for children: “Hora de cuentos con la Biblioteca Pública de Los Ángeles” and “Lil’ Libros Storytime” with authors Katherine Trejo and J. Roman Pérez.

For an upgraded experience, explore our Friend of the Festival VIP Ticket Packages. Unlock premium perks including: 

  • Early access to ticketed panel reservations
  • Tickets to the Book Prizes awards ceremony
  • A free commemorative festival poster 
  • Exclusive discounts on festival merch
  • And more!

This year’s kid-friendly lineup includes: 

Blippi
Blippi’s mission is to unlock the wonders of the world for preschoolers and encourage a lifelong love of learning. Blippi is here to become your kid’s best friend and inspire them with the fun, engaging experiences he creates. 

Pete Oswald & Phuc Tran
Authors of “Cranky Makes a Friend”

Lots of things make award-winning author Phuc Tran cranky: being too cold, being too hot, staying up too late and getting up too early. “Cranky Makes a Friend” is Tran’s first children’s book. 

Award-winning illustrator Pete Oswald is best known for “The Angry Birds Movie” film franchise and “ParaNorman.” His bold, expressive illustrations bring “Cranky Makes a Friend” to life. 

Held on the campus of USC, the Festival of Books draws authors from around the country to share their stories.

Kiese Laymon
Author of “City Summer, Country Summer”

Black Southern writer Kiesi Laymon is an award-winning author, MacArthur Foundation Fellow and professor. “City Summer, Country Summer” is Laymon’s debut children’s book. It illuminates the tenuous and tender bonds of friendship Black boys forge with one another. 

Cuentos y Esperanza: A Bilingual Storytime with St. Jude & Sí Sabo Kids
Join Sí Sabo Kids author Mike Alfaro to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and el poder de la esperanza. Hear stories and learn in both English and Spanish and experience the magic of bilingual storytelling. 

Ben Falcone
Author of “What’s Scarier Than Thunder?”

Ben Falcone is a happy dad and husband. He’s also a film director, producer, screenwriter and actor. He’s sometimes still recognized as Air Marshal Jon from Bridesmaids, though not when he shaves his mustache.

Kwame Mbalia
Author of “Captain America: Brave New World: A Hero Looks Like You”

Celebrated author Kame Mbalia is the writer of the bestselling Tristan Song series and publisher of Freedom Fire, an imprint of Disney Hyperion devoted to stories about the Black diaspora by Black creators.

Max Greenfield
Author of “Good Night Thoughts”

Actor Max Greenfield wrote a children’s book that he read on the main stage last year.
Photos by Varon Panganiban/Pablo Cabrera

Max Greenfield is best known for his roles as Schmidt in “New Girl” and Dave Johnson in “The Neighborhood.” He is the bestselling author of “I Don’t Want to Read This Book,” a laugh-out-loud-fun children’s book for every child who thinks they don’t want to read a book. 

Learn more about the Festival of Books and follow @latimesfob on Instagram, Facebook and X to stay up to date on this year’s event. 

Wildfire Survivor: ‘Don’t forget about us evacuees’

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Diana Daniele and her family hiked at Los Liones before the January wildfire in Pacific Palisades. PHOTOS COURTESY DIANA DANIELE

As spring unfurls its leaves and the latest breaking news dominate our screens, we aim to continue to share resources, stories of those who were directly impacted by the January wildfires in L.A. County — and what they need now.

Journalist and literary publicist Diana Daniele lives at “ground zero” in the Palisades Highlands, which is in the high-severity fire zone where the Palisades fire started. Below is her story.

Who lives in your household and how you are holding up during evacuation?

We are a family of three [including her husband and daughter] here in L.A., as my son Drew graduated from college and took a job in Nashville. My daughter, Dayna Daniele, is 18 and is a senior at Palisades High School and is active in Pali’s drama department. [Palisades High was damaged in the fire].

A helicopter flies over Diana Daniele’s home in the Pacific Palisades.

We were called to evacuate less than an hour [after the fire started] due to our proximity and the fierceness of the Santa Ana winds. However, as we were preparing to evacuate, we were then told by the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) to “shelter in place.” This is because residents who were already evacuating down Palisades Drive (the only street in and out of the Highlands) had panicked at the heat and size of the flames and the falling palm trees and had abandoned their cars and run bodily toward nearby Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and the safety of the ocean. LAFD had to call for bulldozers to move the cars blocking the road. When Palisades Drive was cleared, we were again called to evacuate, which we did via police escort that afternoon, driving through a ring of fire at the bottom of Palisades Drive. Each side of the street was engulfed in flames where the street meets Sunset Boulevard. As we drove down PCH toward the freeway, we could see the bluffs already burning. The sky was thick with smoke and an eerie golden-gray color. We evacuated to my mother’s home in Orange County.

After 3 1/2 weeks at my mom’s house, we moved back up to L.A. and are now living in an Airbnb in Santa Monica. Pali High is set to open for in-person instruction in early April, and we wanted our daughter to live close enough so she could attend. Currently, Pali High is online, which Dayna did during the pandemic and despised.

We are holding up. It’s a lot — often overwhelming. However, we are buoyed by the tremendous amount of love and support we’ve received from friends and family. The compassion and generosity of spirit has been incredible to experience. It has been both a balm and a joy amid the grief and loss. 

How has support from the community been?

Dayna and I first went to Vuori, a brand that was giving clothes to those displaced by the fire, as there are Vuori stores in Orange County, where we were staying. A week later, we drove up to L.A. to go to Zibby’s Bookshop’s pop-up store in Santa Monica, which was a wonderful experience. We left there with both our bags and our hearts full. That evening, I attended a support group at Zibby’s Bookshop, where author and trauma therapist Meghan Riordan Jarvis was facilitating. It was incredible — a much-needed safe space to share and grieve. On that same evening, Dayna attended a fundraiser for Pali High students and supporters on the Santa Monica Pier. 

Also, I want to give a shoutout to my friend Katie Jones Stokes, an incredible watercolorist here in L.A., who painted a picture of our home, which we so miss. Our house is currently smoke-damaged and uninhabitable, but we are fortunate that, one day, we will be able to return. I talked to Katie, and she would like to offer to do the same for any L.A. Parent readers who are victims of any of the fires here in Southern California.

L.A.-based watercolorist Katie Jones Stokes painted a picture of Diana Daniele’s Pacific Palisades home, which is uninhabitable due to smoke damage. 

What concerns do you have about your daughter’s education and school attendance in the aftermath of the fire? 

Dayna detests online school and tends to lose both her determination and her focus. Hence, it is a challenge. Our family has donated to “Raise Pali,” which is the fundraising campaign to accelerate opening the school at an alternative location, as well as funding the cleaning up and rebuilding necessary to reopen in the Palisades. Dayna and I have been posting about “Raise Pali” on our socials to encourage donations to the cause.

What do you think evacuees need most this spring and summer?

I would say spring and summer clothes. Those whose houses burned don’t have bathing suits or any other summer offerings. Evacuees like me who still have (damaged) homes are planning to not be able to live in our homes for at least six months, more likely 12. Also, I’d like to see grocery stores give away gift cards. We all have to eat. Also, I hope that people in Southern California don’t forget about us evacuees now that the fires are (finally) fully extinguished and there are other pressing news stories on the agenda. 

What is home/community to you, especially now?

Things are replaceable. At least, you can live without many of them. People are what is important. If I am with my family, I am home, no matter where I am. People are also our neighbors and part of our broader community. I am on several large group texts with neighbors and friends from my Palisades community and it feels so good to still be able to share information and help each other along on this journey we have been forced to begin.

Help Bring Play to Children at the Cayton Children’s Museum

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You’re stuck at home. Whatever your plans were for the day have changed. Doesn’t matter whose fault it was or why, all that matters is that you’re at home and have no game plan. With your young and energetic child – or children.

What to do? You want something fun but educational, not too far a drive but close enough that you know your way around.

Every parent has had a day – weekend, holiday, or summer day – like that. Here’s the place to go to solve your worries.

The non-profit Cayton Children’s Museum in Santa Monica is all that – and so much more. It’s a unique shared space for families dedicated to the power of play. The Cayton offers 21,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits, from a real-life helicopter to a miniature marketplace, reactive VR and more. With adaptable community spaces, art studios and a state-of-the-art theater, you and your child can feel welcomed and accommodated, experiencing the Cayton differently every time. 

“We strive to nurture children of all backgrounds and abilities to become engaged citizens of the world by facilitating collaborative, experiential learning and creative expression, both in our museum space and community programs,” says Annie Sinzinger, Vice President of Marketing.

More than 157,000 people visit the Cayton each year, yet more than 1.7 million children in Los Angeles County have limited access to play. Without access to safe playgrounds and public spaces dedicated to unstructured play, children in these underserved communities are denied the physical, social and emotional benefits of play. So, the Cayton’s leadership team is on a mission to ensure that the museum is available to all families, and your support can make a significant difference in this mission. 

With your help, the Cayton is undertaking an ambitious campaign through the end of 2024 to raise money and ensure a child’s life is filled with learning, discovering and exploring through play at the Cayton this holiday season. 

How can you help? It’s simple. You can make a difference in three easy ways:

  1. Gift a donation to support Los Angeles Community children through its PLAY4ALL initiative. 
  2. Gift a membership for a year of play. 
  3. Purchase a gift from the Cayton Museum Store.

“Our PLAY4ALL programs provide the Cayton experience for Title I schools to reach children with limited access to the museum,” says Hannah Heimbaugh, Sr. Program Manager. “These experiences, which celebrate the creative, performance, science, math and visual arts, are offered throughout the year at no cost to these organizations that serve parts of Los Angeles County where opportunities for creative, safe, purposeful and free play are needed most.”

Every donation, big or small, that is part of this campaign will help the Cayton serve its community in these ways:

  • Field Trips for Title 1 schools throughout L.A. County. This means no cost for these schools and up to $400 in travel stipend for qualifying transportation needs (while funds remain available). The Cayton has hosted more than 70 schools for field trips in 2024.
  • PLAY4ALL passes for families facing financial hardship. Households receiving Medi-Cal/Medicaid, Women, Infants and Children (WIC), CalWorks (TANF) or CalFresh (Food Stamps) are eligible. In 2024, the Cayton has provided over 3,000 families access to play at its facility.
  • Sensory initiatives for children with disabilities. The Cayton’s weekly Sensory-Friendly Play is designed for community organizations that support families with children of diverse abilities and special needs. “We also invite families to the museum for custom events that cater to sensory sensitivity and other needs to make the museum a more inclusive experience for all,” says Teonna Garcia, Senior Program Manager.

Finally, you can gift a world of discovery this season at the Cayton. With a membership, kids can explore, create and learn each time they visit, letting their curiosity run free in a safe, inspiring space. Or let them take a piece of the Cayton home with gifts from the museum store, carefully selected to foster creativity and wonder.  

If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact in our community, consider playing it forward with a donation that extends the Cayton’s mission to bring joyful, transformative play experiences to children across Los Angeles. However you choose to give, every gift makes a difference and celebrates the joy of childhood. 

You can find the Cayton Children’s Museum in Downtown Santa Monica on the third level of Santa Monica Place off 4th Street & Broadway. The address is 395 Santa Monica Place, #374, Santa Monica, 90401.Bookmark https://www.caytonmuseum.org/. Remember where it is because it’s your problem solved card – and a door opener to good times for so many families.

DC Super Heroes at Discovery Cube Los Angeles

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DC Super Hero – Jennifer Dummett for The Children’s Museum

The brand-new Discovery Cube Los Angeles exhibit invites families to join forces with iconic DC Super Heroes such as Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman when they swoop into town for DC Super Heroes: Discover Your Superpowers, an interactive exhibition that will open October 5, 2024 through January 20, 2025.

Guests of all ages will develop new skills and learn the importance of teamwork at the Hall of Justice as they work together to solve problems and catch Super-Villains in a series of fast-paced challenges.  

DC Super Hero – Jennifer Dummett for The Children’s Museum

During this temporary exhibit, brave recruits will be called on by members of the Justice League to make the world a safer place by battling Super-Villains in the fictional, crime-infested city. Recruits-in-training will join the DC Super Heroes in solving problems and catching Super-Villains in a series of fast-paced challenges in the city and surrounding area. 

Other activities include a quiz, where everyone in the family can learn which DC Super Hero they most resemble. Visitors are encouraged to help Batman in Gotham City fight off The Joker, who has sabotaged the Bat-Signal or work with Wonder Woman to rescue artifacts that The Cheetah stole from the Museum of Ancient History. 

DC Super Hero – Jennifer Dummett for The Children’s Museum

DC stories and characters have inspired generations of kids and grownups to be more like Super Heroes in real life. What kind of Super Hero will you be?

To buy tickets to the DC Super Heroes exhibit at Discovery Cube Los Angeles, please visit https://www.discoverycube.org/los-angeles/exhibits/dc-super-heroes/.

An Island Retreat at Catalina White’s Landing

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By the Catalina Team

A Family Adventure at Catalina White’s Landing
Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature at Catalina White’s Landing, a new family camp nestled along the largest beach of Catalina Island, just off the coast of Southern California. This idyllic getaway is designed for families looking to immerse themselves in outdoor adventures and create unforgettable memories together. 

Discover the Natural Beauty of Catalina Island
Catalina Island is a hidden gem of Southern California, offering stunning landscapes, charming rocky hills, wide sandy beach and crystal-clear waters. Families staying at Catalina White’s Landing can explore what the island has to offer, with activities such as kayaking, hiking and wildlife watching. Whether it’s taking a peaceful morning walk along the beach or an exciting boat excursion to discover marine life, you’ll be mesmerized by the charm and beauty of the island. 

Sleep Under the Stars in the Heart of Nature
At Catalina White’s Landing, you’ll share your passion for the great outdoors with your loved ones. Whether you stay in a cozy beach cabin or a ready-to-camp tent, your accommodation is thoughtfully placed within a stunning natural setting. Fall asleep to the sound of the waves and wake up recharged, ready for a day full of adventure. It’s the perfect way to escape for a weekend and enjoy fantastic vacations. 

Travel Light, Camp Comfortably
Reconnect with your summer-camp memories and enjoy a stress-free vacation. Fully equipped tents and beachside cabins include cozy beds with extra blankets and pillows, some equipped with kitchen essentials and an optional linen and towel package is as well available. This allows families to travel light and focus on their experience. Each accommodation is thoughtfully designed for comfort, providing the perfect blend between a rustic and cozy experience. Families who decide to take the all-inclusive package will also enjoy three meals a day, so all you need to do is relax and enjoy your stay. 

All-Inclusive Family Camp
For the ultimate stress-free experience, the camp offers an all-inclusive family camp package. This includes three meals a day buffet-style, and an activity program tailored for all ages. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, the family camp package ensures you have everything you need for an unforgettable vacation and for you to create lasting memories. 

Littles Trappeurs: Morning Adventures for the little ones
At the camp, children can participate in the Littles Trappeurs activities, a morning adventure designed to embrace their adventurous side. Supervised by an experienced camp instructor, children will build tipis, go on treasure hunts and initiate at bows and arrows. These outdoor focused activities provide a perfect opportunity for parents to unwind and enjoy some relaxing time, while knowing their little ones are having fun. 

A Typical Day at Family Camp
Let us take you through a typical day at the family camp. Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the main lodge, where families gather before embarking on a day filled with adventures. Kids can enhance their creativity with the Little Trappeurs program, crafting adventurers’ books, while parents can enjoy a run along the beach or some quiet time. After a hearty lunch, the afternoon offers various options, from relaxing on the beach to participating in volleyball tournaments or exploring nearby trails. As evening falls, families enjoy the breathtaking sunset, followed by a nice dinner, and end the day with an outdoor movie under the stars, by the sound of the waves. 

How To Get There
To reach the camp, we recommend taking a ferry from Long Beach, San Pedro, Newport Beach or Dana Point to Avalon. From Avalon, you’ll catch a short water taxi ride directly to Catalina White’s landing camp, where your adventure begins. We recommend booking your ferry tickets and water taxi in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure a smooth and stress-free arrival. 

An Unforgettable Experience
Whether it’s seeing dolphins for the first time among your loved ones or sharing stories around the campfire, Catalina White’s Landing is the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. In other words, this island retreat is the ideal getaway for families looking to escape and reconnect with what truly matters.

Want more information? Call Catalina White’s Landing at (657) 204-5526 or email catalina@huttopia.com.

After that, let the fun begin!
#VisitCatalina #FamilyCamp #FamilyGetaway #CatalinaIsland #ExploreCatalina #VisitCalifornia #BeachSide #BeachCamping #CampLife

Treasure Trackers is the New Family Adventure on Apple TV

Published

Dive into the enchanting world of Treasure Trackers, the all-new family adventure brimming with nostalgia and Halloween magic! This film is a must-watch as we begin to embrace the spooky season! Check out the trailer of the thrilling new tale here.

Treasure Trackers follows California surfer Leah (Charity Rose) who must relocate to the small town of Carterville, where she bands together fellow misfits Marshy (Sean Jay) and Tessa (Amelia Salazar) to track down the town’s mythic treasure. When the trio uncovers the truth behind the treasure’s Halloween curse, they must outsmart the high school troublemakers before an evil spirit is accidentally released.

Image Courtesy of Level33 Entertainment

As the feature film debut from directors Nate & Drew Garcia, they sought out to recapture the magic of an era where movies were aspirational, heartfelt, and tinged with a bit of whims. Treasure Trackers formed from a blend of creative vision, ambition, and the timeless elements that the producers felt would make for a compelling movie: a thrilling treasure hunt, a Halloween curse, a trio of misfit middle schoolers who beat the odds with wits and ingenuity, and a young hero who discovers that the real treasure lies in the friendships forged along the way.

Image Courtesy of Level33 Entertainment

Face your fears, embark on a treasure hunt, and join Leah and her friends in their thrilling adventure to uncover the cursed treasure. Treasure Trackers is now available for purchase on Apple TV and Fandango at Home, brought to you by Storyboard Entertainment, Level33 Entertainment, and Particular Crowd.

ABOUT TREASURE TRACKERS
Release Date: Available to Purchase on Digital Platforms 10/1
Starring: Charity Rose, Amelia Salazar, Sean Jay, Sam Coffelt, Kim Sandwich, Cooper Tomlinson, Zephaniah Terry, Jaymee Vowell, Mike Stanley, Jim Johnson, Matthew Tarricone, Constance Reynolds, Alfred E. Rutherford, Julie Oliver-Touchstone, Cliff Jestice, Patrick G. Keenan, Leora Berry, Chris Thiede, Austin Von Johnson
Executive Produced By: Tomás Yankelevich, Peter Bevan, Mariana Sanjurjo, Matthew D. Miller
Produced By: Jason Potash, Paul Finkel, Ricky Blumenstein, Harris Kauffman
Co-Produced By: Nicholas Chow, Roxana Dellocchio, Alan Luna, Natalie Ballesteros
Screenplay By: Harris Kauffman
Directed By: Drew and Nate Garcia
Run Time: 93 mins
Rating: PG for some scary moments, language, mild thematic elements and a suggestive reference.

September Book Corner: Books For Big Emotions

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By Emily Ip

As children gear up for another school year, they might find themselves confronting many different emotions. Whether it’s a new school, a tough grade level or a different group of classmates, these books might help you guide your child in navigating a whirlwind of emotions. Read along for more on these kids books for big emotions!

The Love Tank

By Andrea Mendoza-Vasconez

Explaining the importance of giving and receiving love, and why some people might behave hurtfully can be challenging to broach with children. In “The Love Tank,” author Andrea Mendoza-Vasconez writes about a superpower container inside our bodies that fills up with love. Through vivid imagination and Rita Nilson’s endearing illustrations, this book dives into what happens when someone’s love tank is full or empty, and how we can help fill it for others. Ages 4-8.

An Adventure for Lia and Lion

By Al Rodin

As Lia embarks on an adventure, she looks for a companion to join her. She finds Lion, but learns that they both want to be in charge. In the story “An Adventure for Lia and Lion” children will learn about friendship and play, along with conflict and compromise. Ages 3-7.

Stay Angry, Little Girl

By Madeleine L’Engle

Author of the classic tale “A Wrinkle in Time,” Madeleine L’Engle pens the picture book “Stay Angry, Little Girl.” This book encourages young girls to be proud of their ideas and emotions, whilst sharing them freely. Embracing courageousness, sensitivity, curiosity, kindness, playfulness and everything in between, even in the midst of resistance, is what it’s all about! Ages 3-5.

There’s a Robot in My Socks

By Meredith Rusu

“There’s a Robot in My Socks” is a rhyme-filled picture book about Jamie and her robot sidekick who makes sure everything goes smoothly. A wonderful read-aloud book, young readers will explore the many ways to confront and express big emotions alongside Jamie as she prepares for change. Ages 4-6.

For more book options to add to your shelf, visit our August Book Corner.

How Mom YouTubers Shaped My Childhood

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By Emily Ip

Throughout my childhood, summer days were delightfully endless. My sister and I loved to play pretend — doling out scoops of plastic ice cream (though we enjoyed plenty of the real stuff, too) and creating dramatic lives for our Littlest Pet Shops figurines. 

When our 30 minutes of allowed daily screen time rolled around, though, I went straight to YouTube — not to indulge in cartoons or tween shows; I was obsessed with parenting videos. I soaked up the content on channels such as WhatsUpMoms, Millenial Moms and Michelle Pearson’s, who posted DIY activities for kids, school lunch ideas and parenting insights or advice. Whether it was a recipe for slime and homemade watercolor or granola bars and fruit popsicles, I would recreate them and enjoy them for myself. 

Later, in my more formative years between ages 10 to 12, I began to take the video content to heart in a different way. The mom YouTubers touched on myriad topics — from first periods and forming friendships to challenges within their families and the struggles of parenting. Hearing their candid discussions demystified some of the questions I had about growing up and helped me make sense of the conflicts in my own family while holding compassion for them. 

Of course, my parents were always open to sharing advice and quick to insert suggestions of their own, too. And yet, gaining insights about issues I was hesitant to broach with them became a form of guidance I didn’t know I needed. With the quick act of a search and a click, I could access advice about the very things I was too ashamed to bring up to the people closest to me. 

As someone who wants (or attempts) to be everything for everyone, I remind myself how comforting and refreshing it was to gain the wisdom of those outside my inner circle. It was only then that I could view my stressors through a broader perspective and reapproach them with the people in my life. When I would skim the comments of those YouTube videos, I’d come to realize I was one of many young viewers. In retrospect, this doesn’t surprise me in the slightest. No matter our age, we’re all longing to be seen — and deeply understood. 

No matter how present one’s parents are, children and teens can still find refuge in relating to nurturing, guiding figures outside of their family. In many ways, this takes the pressure off. Surrendering to the impossibility of being everything allows us to make space for new ideas and perspectives that we can’t always deliver on our own. 

After years of loyalty to several mom blogs/YouTube channels, it feels full circle that I spent the greater half of this year contributing to a parenting magazine and website I likely would have frequented as a child. I truly felt connected to and inspired by those moms and the community they established. As my internship at L.A. Parent concludes, it is my hope that you continue to feel a sense of oneness as a reader (and participant) in this community, too. 

Emily Ip is an editorial intern at L.A. Parent and a rising sophomore in college.

Reinventing Leftovers Into Lunchbox Favorites

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By Emily Ip

As summer break approaches its end, it’s time to pull out those lunchboxes and return to packing school lunches. If you’re dreading the thought of half-full containers returning home at the end of the school day, or struggling to come up with quick, yet nutritious, food options to fuel your child, you’ve come to the right place.

Weekly meal prepping for large batches of meals might work for some, but for children and families who get bored of repeat meals, I want to suggest a different philosophy. In this post, I’ll be sharing common leftovers that can be transformed into a new meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re packing your child’s school lunches, encouraging them to make it themselves or bringing your own food to the office, I hope these simple, delicious lunch ideas made with leftovers bring some ease to your morning routine.

Leftover Item: Dips & Spreads

Maybe it’s a Costco-sized container of hummus that no one’s interested in anymore, or leftover dips from a party over the weekend — either way, they can breathe new life into a weekday lunch. Mix a couple spoonfuls of your leftover sauce, dip or spread with your protein of choice, and you’ve got a flavorful, low-effort chicken, chickpea or tuna salad. Pair with veggies, crackers, toasted bread or roll it all up into a wrap, and it’ll be one satisfying lunch.

Leftover Item: Breakfast

Breakfast for lunch is always a fun way to switch things up! The next time you find yourself whipping up pancakes, waffles or even French toast on a weekend morning, make extra servings for quick breakfasts and/or lunches throughout the week. Let your leftovers cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag and place it in the freezer. I typically reheat frozen pancakes and waffles in the oven at 350ºF for 5-10 minutes, or on the toaster function. On the most hectic of mornings, 30 seconds to a minute in the microwave will do the trick. Add extra nutrients and staying power to the breakfast items with recipes like chia & flax buttermilk pancakes or banana oat waffles. You could also pair the breakfast items with Greek yogurt and fruit, chia pudding, tofu scramble or egg bites to complete the meal.

Leftover Item: Tofu

Sometimes a recipe leaves you with the remaining half of a tofu block, which can seem like a real bother. Not to fret. Place the leftover tofu (soft or firm) in a clean, airtight container and fill it with enough filtered water to cover the tofu. It will keep well in the fridge for a few more days — just change out the water if you don’t use it the next day. When it’s time to pack lunch, drain the leftover firm tofu and add it to fried rice, noodles or use as a filling in wraps and spring rolls. With soft tofu, I often prepare a simple yet flavorful meal by slicing it and adding scallion ginger sauce on top, along with any other leftovers. Reheat some pre-cooked rice and add pre-washed veggies, plus a meal-prep-friendly soy egg to round out the meal.

Leftover Item: Pasta

Leftover pasta is a blank canvas that lends itself to a variety of different lunches and invites other leftovers into the mix, too. The next time you’re making pasta for dinner, just toss extra servings into the boiling water, and you’ll have a component of tomorrow’s lunch ready to go without much effort on either front.

Pro tip: make (or buy) a large batch of pesto, transfer it into a resealable bag, then flatten the pesto into an even layer and place it in the freezer. When you’re ready to make lunch, break off a chunk of frozen pesto, toss into reheated pasta and add in leftover protein(s) and veggies. I opted for a pasta salad here, but you could certainly pack it up in a thermos for a warm pasta dish.

For on-the-go snack ideas, visit my previous post here.

Emily Ip is an editorial intern at L.A. Parent and a rising sophomore in college.

Fall Favorites

Published

By Nina Harada

Whimsical pumpkin structures are back at Descanso Gardens’ Carved Oct. 4-30. PHOTO COURTESY DESCANSO GARDENS

Even though we’re still surviving that SoCal sun, a new school year reminds us that cooler weather is just around the corner. And so are the fall festivals, Halloween experiences, DÍa de los Muertos celebrations and more autumnal activities!

Spooky season

It’s always a good time at Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort. From Aug. 23 through Oct. 31, you can experience the Main Street Pumpkin Festival at Disneyland Park, see the “car-stumes” on display at Cars Land in Radiator Springs at Disney California Adventure Park and revel in more spooky fun. disneyland.disney.go.com

On select nights Sept. 19-Nov. 2, Knott’s Berry Farm transforms into Knott’s Scary Farm. The longest-running Halloween theme park event in Southern California has all the haunts: frightening mazes, scare zones and sinister shows. Recommended for ages 13 and up. $59.99-$199.99. knotts.com

Bring the whole family to Nights of the Jack for its illuminated immersive walking trail featuring hundreds of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas. From Sept. 27-Nov. 3, watch a live pumpkin carver, browse the gift shop and enjoy eats and drinks from on-site food trucks and vendors. nightsofthejack.com

Natural History Museum’s annual Halloween event Boney Island lights up the night select evenings Oct. 3-31. The museum’s Nature Gardens are transformed into an interactive, illuminated and whimsical experience for all ages. Expect glowing exhibits, creatures of the night and spooky surprises. nhm.org   

Catch “Hocus Pocus” Oct. 18 at The Culver Steps in Culver City. PHOTO COURTESY THE CULVER STEPS

A fall family favorite, Carved returns to Descanso Gardens Oct. 4-30. Rain or shine, this annual event lights up the night with luminous jack-o’-lanterns, whimsical installations, a large-scale Día de los Muertos ofrenda altar and more. Snap photos at the pumpkin house, find your way through the hay maze and grab a drink from the new beer garden on the Main Lawn. $18-$45. descansogardens.org

For more not-too-spooky fun, The Culver Steps is hosting a free movie night featuring the 1993 comedy “Hocus Pocus” Oct. 18.  The movie begins at sunset, approximately 7:30 p.m., but guests are encouraged to arrive early to take advantage of the complimentary popcorn while supplies last. FREE. theculversteps.com

On Oct. 27, run or walk with the whole family at L.A. Cancer Challenge at UCLA. PHOTO BY NANCY PASTOR

Adults and kids are invited to don their best costumes and pound the pavement to help raise awareness about pancreatic cancer research at Southern California’s longest-running Halloween-themed fundraiser, L.A. Cancer Challenge. On Oct. 27, the 27th annual 5K walk/run event held at UCLA will include the free Fit Family Expo, a costume parade and contest and the enchanting Candyland Kids Zone, which is sponsored by L.A. Parent and will feature a Halloween playground, crafts and more. $25-$55. support.pancreatic.org

Family-friendly festivals

Los Angeles Kids Book Festival is Sept. 8 at West Hollywood Park. PHOTO BY RYAN HARTFORD, ECLIPTIC MEDIA PHOTO

The 2nd annual Los Angeles Kids Book Festival takes over West Hollywood Park Sept. 8 with more than 70 vendors, including authors, illustrators and local businesses. Presented by the city of West Hollywood and nonprofit American Born Chinese, this year’s event features live book readings hosted by Children’s Book World and Book Soup, musical performances by The Beat Buds, arts and crafts, giveaways and more. FREE. lakidsbookfestival.com

Celebrate Mexican independence and Santa Ana’s vibrant Hispanic and Latino cultures at the 44th annual Fiestas Patrias festival and parade, which will feature international musical acts, local performers, carnival rides, a food and beer garden and more. Returning to the historic 4th Street, the festival will take place Sept. 14, and the parade will take place Sept. 15. FREE. santa-ana.org

Join the East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center Oct. 5 for its Akimatsuri Fall Festival in West Covina featuring a bounce house, face painting, game booths, entertainment, food and drinks. This beloved community tradition embraces the autumn spirit and celebrates Japanese American culture. FREE. esgvjcc.org

Fall Festival returns to The Original Farmers Market from Oct. 19-20. PHOTO COURTESY ORIGINAL FARMERS MARKET

Bring the whole family to The Original Farmers Market’s Fall Festival Oct. 19-20 for live music, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, photo ops and more. This annual tradition will be sure to get you into that fall spirit. FREE. farmersmarketla.com

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes hosts DÍa de Los Muertos Family Day Oct. 27. PHOTO COURTESY LA PLAZA DE CULTURA Y ARTES 

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes hosts its annual DÍa de Los Muertos Family Day Oct. 27. Enjoy performances in music and dance, arts and crafts, food and more. FREE. lapca.org

Fall with The Bard

“The Winter’s Tale” performs Sept. 7, 15 and 30 at Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga Canyon. PHOTO BY IAN FLANDERS

There’s still time to catch Theatricum Botanicum’s summer season with Shakespeare’s tale of romance, passion and forgiveness, “The Winter’s Tale.” Enjoy the last of our warm summer nights under the magical oaks of Topanga Canyon. Remaining show dates are Sept. 7, 15 and 30. $15-$60; free for ages 4 and under. theatricum.com

“Romeo & Juliet Suite” gets its L.A. debut at The Wallis from Oct. 10-12. PHOTO COURTESY THE WALLIS

On Oct 3 and 4, Dudamel will lead the LA Phil and Los Angeles Master Chorale in Mendelssohn’s incidental music from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Walt Disney Concert Hall. The whimsical evening features video projections, Spanish actress María Valverde narrating and the world premiere of Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz’s new cello concerto. laphil.com

The Wallis and L.A. Dance Project present “Romeo & Juliet Suite” Oct. 10-12 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Choreographer Benjamin Millepied reinterprets Prokofiev’s ballet based on Shakespeare’s classic tale through film, dance and theater and with a different cast of dancers each performance. $49-$109. thewallis.org

Not your average ballet

Immerse yourself in “Little Women Ballet” at Heritage Square Museum Sept. 27-29. PHOTO COURTESY LITTLE WOMEN BALLET

The site-specific “Little Women Ballet” returns to Heritage Square Museum Sept. 27-29 with an autumn-themed performance featuring music, dance, photo ops, desserts and refreshments. Audience members of all ages can venture into Louisa May Alcott’s classic story following the cast through an immersive walking tour of Heritage Square Museum. Each guest receives a goodie bag to use throughout the performance — no two shows are alike. $60. littlewomenballet.com

Blue13 Dance Company debuts “100 Seconds to Midnight” at The Ford Sept. 28. PHOTO BY ROSE EICHENBAUM

On Sept. 28, Blue13 Dance Company debuts “100 Seconds to Midnight” at The Ford. The show is a new contemporary dance project choreographed by Achinta S. McDaniel, artistic director of Blue13 and professor at the Glorya Kaufman School of Dance at USC. Blending contemporary and traditional dance such as Bollywood and ballet, “100 Seconds to Midnight” explores the complexities of the human experience, with a spotlight on South Asian communities. $10-$65. blue13dance.com

Playful puppets & mythical masks

Family-friendly puppet show “Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch,” performs Oct. 12-13 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. PHOTO COURTESY SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Segerstrom Center for the Arts presents “Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch,” a heartwarming puppet play from Vancouver-based Axis Theatre Company. Performing Oct. 12-13, the family-friendly show examines the effect that kindness can have on someone experiencing loneliness. $28.25. scfta.org

Make your own mask at the Getty Villa Sept. 8, Oct. 5 and Oct. 19. PHOTO COURTESY GETTY VILLA MUSEUM

Pack a blanket and some snacks and head over to Barnsdall Art Park Sept. 14 and Oct. 12 for Puppets in the Park. Presented by Bob Baker Marionette Theater and Hollyhock House, these free magical mornings begin with a puppet performance, followed by a family art activity. FREE. bobbakermarionettetheater.com

This fall, Getty Villa’s drop-in family workshops feature Mythical Creature Mask Making. On Sept. 8, Oct. 5 and Oct. 19, you can make your own ancient Greek theater mask, then join local performers portraying Medusa and Minotaur for theatrical play. FREE. getty.edu

Seaside amusements

On Sept. 6, celebrate the legacy of more than a century of fun and community at Santa Monica Pier’s 115th Birthday Celebration. In partnership with Street Food Cinema, the Santa Monica Pier Corporation is throwing a party with an outdoor screening of “Barbie,” live music, activities for kids, birthday cake and ice cream and more surprises. FREE. santamonicapier.org

The Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach will take place Oct. 4-6. PHOTO COURTESY PACIFIC AIRSHOW HUNTINGTON BEACH

Watch U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and fan-favorite F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team dance through the sky Oct. 4-6 at the Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach. The three-day event features the world’s best military and civilian display teams, a boat race around Catalina Island, music, beach bars and more. FREE or $30 and up for ticketed areas featuring prime seating and show announcer. pacificairshowusa.com

Feel the ocean breeze as you skate in the heart of Santa Monica at Roll @ Santa Monica through Oct. 14. IMAGE COURTESY DOWNTOWN SANTA MONICA, INC. AND ROLL @ SANTA MONICA

Seasoned skaters and first timers of all ages will enjoy skating by the beach at Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.’s inaugural seasonal outdoor roller skating rink, Roll @ Santa Monica. Open through Oct. 14, the retro roller rink features themed skate nights and group skating lessons from LA Skate Hunnies. $15. rollatsantamonica.com

Cirque du Soleil returns to the Santa Monica Pier with “KOOZA” Oct. 19-Dec. 1. PHOTO BY MATT BEARD & BERNARD LETENDRE

For the first time since 2014, Cirque du Soleil returns to the Santa Monica Pier with its internationally acclaimed production “KOOZA.” From Oct. 19-Dec. 1, guests can gather under the iconic Big Top at the pier to watch high-flying acrobatics, mischievous clowns and colorful sets and listen to a live score. $69 and up. cirquedusoleil.com

FUN 4 LITTLES

“Disney Jr. Live on Tour: Let’s Play” stops by Segerstrom Center for the Arts Sept. 17 and Bank of America Performing Arts Center Sept. 18. PHOTO BY LORENZO BEVILAQUA

Ariel from the new series “Disney Jr.’s Ariel” makes her debut alongside Mickey, Minnie and other favorite Disney Jr. friends in “Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play” presented by Walmart. The tour, which makes stops at Segerstrom Center for the Arts Sept. 17 and Bank of America Performing Arts Center Sept. 18, will also feature the iconic clubhouse from “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.” $30 and up. disneyjuniortour.com 

TWEENS & TEENS

Darby Winn is Julien and Paul Turbiak is Pascal in “Pascal & Julien” at 24th Street Theatre Sept. 7-Oct. 27. PHOTO BY JAY MCADAMS

The U.S. premiere of “Pascal & Julien” runs Sept. 7-Oct. 27 at 24th Street Theatre. Audiences young and old will appreciate this touching story about fathers, sons and friendship. Recommended for ages 8 and up. 24thstreet.org

GET OUT OF TOWN

Non-profit yoga and conscious music festival Bhakti Fest returns to Joshua Tree Lake & Campground Sept. 27-29. Bring the kids to experience music, yoga classes, vegetarian food and conscious activities at this high-desert festival. There will also be a marketplace offering eco-friendly and sustainable clothing, art, musical instruments, crafts and more. $125 and up; free for ages under 5. bhaktifest.com

Family-friendly outdoor light festival Imaginarium is back at Ontario Mills through Oct. 20 with “Where Light Meets Magic.” Spanning 1.5 acres, the immersive walk-through experience features the magical Endless Mirrors, Land of Fantastical Creatures and The Rose Garden, a field of 20,000 LED roses in full bloom, and interactive rooms featuring an all-ages ball pit. Other attractions include BMX shows, an aerial artist and juggler. $19 and up; free for ages 2 and under. imaginarium360.com

How to Develop Multilingual Children and Why It’s Important

Published

By Amy Rush Conroy

Man speaking the word "hello" in a variety of languages

L.A. kids have it good as a group — growing up in this mecca of pop culture complete with palm trees, sushi, sunshine and Hollywood lore. Another characteristic distinctively native to the region is our historic Spanish heritage that flavors everything from neighborhood names to architectural design and California cuisine. Los Angeles, previously known as El Pueblo, was founded in 1781 by 11 Spanish-speaking families. That’s right, Spanish is our cultural heritage language in Los Angeles.

But while Spanish is prevalent in L.A., any second-language learning is enriching for brain development and advancement of communication skills. I dream of a day when every student in Los Angeles receives primary education that includes multilingual instruction. Here’s to making it the standard instead of the exception!

Students reading an L.A. historical marker
Hollywood Schoolhouse students enjoy a field trip to Olvera Street in front of Los Pobladores plaque. PHOTO BY AMY RUSH CONROY

Why learning another language early matters 

The reality is that more than half of L.A.’s population speaks a language other than English and more than a third of those people speak Spanish. In a world that begs for greater diversity, more equitable access and inclusion, why not start by offering a second language to our youngest citizens? Why not teach students diversity through languages? 

“We need to think about creating global citizens,” says Hillary Larson of Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles. “Learning another language exposes children to diverse cultures and points of view. A bilingual education provides students with a cultural awareness and understanding that is more open and accepting of diversity.”

Infusing your child’s daily curriculum with another language would simultaneously be more systemically inclusive since it is the heritage language of the largest cultural group of Angelenos who identify as Latine. For English language learners (ELL) students who are Spanish speakers, it might even flip the narrative of leadership in the classroom. We need to be bold, and if we want to make the world outside the classroom more diverse, equitable and inclusive, then let’s start by teaching those values early.

Oasis Trilingual Community School students thrive in Spanish conversations during paired Organic World Language activities. 
PHOTO COURTESY OASIS TRILINGUAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL

What multilingualism does for the brain

The brain is like a muscle: You have to exercise it to grow bigger, and learning another language is robust brain work. “Our brain’s ability to change is influenced by learning experiences,” says Joyce Hsiao, head of school at Oasis Trilingual Community School. “Multilingualism impacts the brain’s physical structure, affects the brain’s cytoarchitecture and increases brain plasticity.”

Through various languages, not just Spanish or French, but by teaching Mandarin, Armenian or Filipino, for instance, students would learn to translate, communicate and conceptually think differently. For example, monolingual English speakers may “know” a fact or person, but Spanish or French speakers use two separate verbs to describe that knowledge because to “know” a person is quite different from “knowing” that the sky is blue. Students would learn that there is not just one way to think and express themselves, just as there is more than one way to solve a mathematical equation. This process of growth in the brain is called neuroplasticity, whereby the brain makes additional neural connections and sets the stage for even greater complexities and understandings than were possible previously.

Transitional kindergarten students in a Mandarin-guided reading lesson at Oasis Trilingual Community School. 
PHOTO COURTESY OASIS TRILINGUAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL 

Each new language grows connections in the brain internally — and externally increases a person’s connection to the world. Not only is empathy a known predictor and byproduct of second-language learning, but communicating with more people increases social connections, which promotes positive mental health, a matter of growing concern for our youth.

Second-language learning has long been associated with augmenting brain function in a multitude of ways:

  • cognitive flexibility
  • academic performance
  • memory
  • problem-solving abilities
  • empathy
  • connections (neural and social)

The “old school” reason for learning another language was to increase future career opportunities in a more globalized world. “Besides the United States, every country is teaching their students two or three foreign languages,” Hsiao observes, “and by the time they complete high school!” We now know that learning another language is not just about creating a competitive global constituency, but about increasing their social and emotional connections, which can expand their personal and professional opportunities. 

How to engage your children with multiple languages

You’re convinced, so now what? The first step is to engage the young learner. Find their currency to create self-directed lifelong learners. This can be done through food, toys, games, movies, art, gymnastics… Whatever interests they already have, up the ante in the target language. 

OWL is an effective methodology used by Oasis Trilingual Community School and across the nation. At home, ask questions such as, “Oh, you like chocolate chip cookies? Let’s bake cookies together in Spanish!” “Want to learn to surf? I know a great Hebrew instructor.” Language infusion and inspiration can be found anywhere, so keep it lively for emotional engagement, make it relevant and draw connections between the language and their real-world life (the L.A. Zoo is a wonderful destination that translates across languages).

Which brings me to the next point that a beloved kindergarten teacher taught us about literacy that Billy Crystal humorously illustrated in the movie “Forget Paris”: read.

Read everything. As you navigate around town with your tot, read the signs out loud: “El Pollo Loco, you crazy chicken, you!” No kid asks for flash cards, but the real world can serve as your own personal set of flashcards. Throughout Los Angeles, you’ll find a multitude of signs in diverse languages. Grow their confidence by reading them together. Biliteracy is the single most important skill set to maintain and grow a second language. 

Do I hear karaoke in your future? You bet! I start every class with a song that encourages biliteracy to learn the words while simultaneously creating a safe space to practice new sounds alongside the native singer. Last year, my first graders learned “Vivir Mi Vida” in January and were still begging me to sing it in June. 

Silliness is my brand of teaching, so I play with words, and that’s when it gets really fun. My students adore charades, but teaching idiomatic expressions never disappoints when I talk about age and hoot like a monkey: “Tengo nueve años or is it monos?” Kids love to be the expert and correct the adult, so gamify everything.

A collage of L.A. signs in different languages. PHOTO COURTESY AMY RUSH CONROY

Demystified, it’s not hard to start learning a new language, but the trick is engagement plus stamina. This is an endurance project. Everyone will be motivated by different factors, but the outcomes will emerge the same: greater cognitive functioning, diverse connections, increased social interaction and communication abilities, all of which lead to more opportunities for our kids.

Amy Rush Conroy, M.A., is a native Angeleno who founded Habla Blah Blah 20 years ago to engage children with second-language learning through song. She teaches Spanish at the Hollywood Schoolhouse and has a guide to help cultivate bilingualism in kids. Her first book “¿Cómo Te Sientes?” is a Beginner Reader book in Spanish, available next spring. 

Insights, Advice and Tips: How to Talk to Your Child’s Teachers

Published

By Gregory Keer

As a dad and teacher, I have experienced awkward moments on both sides of the fence. I’ll never forget the year a teacher asked my youngest son, who struggled with writing: “Why can’t you be more like your brother?” My wife and I wanted to scream at the otherwise kind instructor, but a productive parent-teacher conference abated our frustration.

And then there was the time when, at a private school where I was teaching, a dad told me: “I’m not paying for my daughter to get C’s.” A snappy retort — “Clearly, you’re not paying enough!” — danced in my head. Instead, we devised a plan for his daughter to improve.

Through mutual trust and communication, it’s possible to optimize your parent-teacher partnerships. 

Good parent-teacher communication starts early

Once academics enter the picture, parents shift more control to the learning experts, but they should maintain a dialogue with the school.

Educational coach and consultant Shelly Lawrence
Shelley Lawrence is an educational coach and consultant. PHOTO COURTESY SHELLEY LAWRENCE

Shelley Lawrence, M.Ed., ACC, CPCC, is an educational coach and consultant who served as lower school director at Sinai Akiba Academy for 20 years. Often, parents worry they might seem hovering or accusatory, Lawrence says, but if “there’s something that a parent is concerned about, [they should] send an email.

“Come from a place of real curiosity,” Lawrence advises. “Ask things like, ‘When I was reading with Bobby Sue, I noticed she skipped words. What are you seeing in your class?’”

While email is the preferred method of initial communication, the next step might be scheduling an in-person or online meeting. In terms of whom to contact, Lawrence recommends going to your child’s teacher first. “They appreciate being consulted as the person who knows your student best,” she says.

There are times, though, when an educator might get defensive — or when a concern persists. In such cases, Lawrence recommends going to the program director, chair or principal. When the issue is more behavioral or emotional, a principal might refer the parent to a school counselor. “If something is going on in your family [such as stressors like moving or a separation], let the educators know,” Lawrence says. “They can serve your kid powerfully.”

Contacting a teacher too frequently does not allow a teacher time to assess progress. Lawrence advises finishing a conversation with, “When can I expect to hear an update from you?”

Sometimes, parents feel anxious because of concern for our children, but also about our own effectiveness. “Trust the professionals,” Lawrence says. Moreover, parents should “resist the urge to be our child’s teacher at home.” Occasional assistance is fine, but parents need not play the role of both educator and nurturer/provider.

Not so stuck in the middle

Judy Burbank, head of school for the Altadena campus of Stratford School, works with some of her students. PHOTO COURTESY STRATFORD SCHOOL

In middle school, students step toward self-reliance, creating a challenge for parents to balance monitoring and staying hands-off. Judy Burbank, head of school for the Altadena campus of Stratford School, advises parents not to allow adolescents’ budding independence to push out parental involvement. “Communicate anytime there is a concern,” says this educator of 25 years at the elementary and middle school levels. 

She encourages parents to “reach out to the teacher first for academic issues and to the principal for administrative topics.” Like Lawrence, Burbank believes email is the best initial mode of communication. “We have our teachers respond within 24 hours to any parent request,” she says. But “don’t expect teachers to respond on off days.” As a school leader, she will reply to parents on Sunday evenings, particularly if it regards a student’s well-being.

“If there is a problem with a teacher, contact the principal or chair/director,” she says. Should a child have trouble learning with a teacher, Burbank calls a meeting between her and the parent(s). “We will explore why things are not working, then bring in the teacher to work on a plan together.” Whenever possible, Burbank prefers having all parental figures at meetings to get various perspectives.

To right the balance between too little and too much contact, she suggests parents keep up with all conferences, school events and emails or calls from teachers. And she encourages teachers to reach out to parents not just for problems, but also for the good stuff. “We want parents to know what their child is doing well,” she says.

For teacher appreciation occasions, Burbank says teacher still appreciate baked goods, flowers and gift cards.

Reach out to school counselors

Somalia Miller Salmond is a school counselor for KIPP SoCal Public Schools. PHOTO COURTESY KIPP SOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Somalia Miller Salmond, M.A., is a school counselor at the South Los Angeles campus for KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) SoCal Public Schools, where parents inquire about everything from behavioral to social-emotional issues. One focus is the IEP, or Individualized Education Plan, which the public school district prepares for students with learning differences. “With IEPs and other meetings, our conversations are about creating goals for the student,” Miller Salmond says.

As a counselor, she will “discuss conflicts among students, including bullying. In this case, we have a meeting with families to make their child feel safe at school,” she says.

In addition, the school hosts scheduled conferences with each family. “We start with the student’s strengths, then move to what needs improvement,” Miller Salmond explains. “At home, parents should check with their children about feelings and homework assignments to partner with us to increase the student’s skills.”

Somalia Miller Salmond talks to students at KIPP’s South Los Angeles campus.
PHOTO COURTESY KIPP SOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

At her KIPP school, families use apps such as Parent Square and Class Dojo to message teachers, administrators and school counselors. “Phone calls can be good, but we don’t use email [as] much,” Miller Salmond says. “Overall, I teach students and parents they can express concerns in a safe way.” 

Reaching for higher ground in high school

In high school, students take charge of communication. Barnaby Shepherd, M.A., an English language arts instructor with The Science Academy STEM Magnet in North Hollywood, believes “it is a good idea to … teach [students] to be self-advocates about their grades and assignments.”

There are still back-to-school nights, emails and newsletters to keep families abreast of curricular and policy details. And parents usually have access to their child’s grades via a learning management system. Rather than check too often, it’s wise to talk directly with your student about their progress.

Shepherd appreciates a “heads up” about a student who might need extra consideration. “I like building rapport with parents to reassure them that I know what I am doing and care about their child,” he says.

If there is a particular concern a child won’t fully address, parents should first try to let their student know they are going to get input from school. If there is a more serious issue — signs of depression, anger, fast-dropping grades — parents can request a phone call or meeting to talk further with faculty.

As needed, The Science Academy teachers will contact families with concerns. If the issue is related to well-being, the school counselor calls. If it’s a substantial discipline matter, a dean or school leader requests a meeting.

Largely because of the added pressure to get students ready college and other postsecondary pursuits, parents occasionally exhibit tension with teachers. “Every time that I have a challenging situation, I remind them that I am on their team,” Shepherd says. “It can never be construed as a fight between the stakeholders.”

For Shepherd, the most gratifying connections have been “the in-person conversations and hugs I have received from parents. I believe in being super positive in emails and meetings. I match the level of respect with parents to the way I present to their kids in class.”

Whatever the grade level, the parent-school partnership needs care and communication if we are to successfully guide these most precious entities of our lives. Ask questions, follow up and strengthen the mutual trust that is needed to raise up our kids.

Best Practices for Effective Parent-Teacher Communication

  1. Approach each note or call as a chance for partnership. Teachers want to help your child succeed and respond well to positive collaboration.
  2. Email or other electronic messaging is best for initial contact with faculty.
  3. Give a faculty member at least 24 hours to reply to a message.
  4. Respond to teachers, administrators and counselors within a day or so.
  5. Plan in-person or Zoom meetings for more involved concerns.
  6. Follow up with teachers after communications. Ask for emailed details of any to-do’s agreed upon between parents and faculty.
  7. Feel free to connect with faculty in the high school years, though interactions should scale back in the advancing years.
  8. Give handwritten thank-you notes at holiday and/or year-end times. Gift cards are also appreciated.

Gregory Keer is a husband to one, father to three, a high school educator and veteran writer. Find his columns and more at familyman.blog.

August Book Corner: Back-to-School Books

Published

By Emily Ip

This month’s roundup of children’s books is for the upcoming back-to-school season. From preschool readiness to first day jitters and adjusting to new environments, these back-to-school books will be the perfect addition to your child’s bookshelf.

Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story

By Reem Faruqi

Lailah is in a new school in a new country and finds herself conflicted with embracing her culture while wanting to be included with her new classmates. As Ramadan begins, she is ready to start fasting, but is worried about what her classmates will think when she doesn’t join them at the lunch table. This story is crafted by Reem Faruqi’s moving writing and Lea Lyon’s beautiful illustrations. “Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story” is the perfect book for children who are anxious about fresh starts. Ages 5-10.

A Letter From Your Teacher: On the First Day of School

By Shannon Olsen

“A Letter From Your Teacher: On the First Day of School” is written from a teacher’s point of view, establishing the community rules and procedures of a classroom, in addition to the care and excitement they carry towards getting to know each of their students. This story is one of five books in Olsen’s Classroom Community Collection. Ages 5-8.

Little Yellow Bus: A Back to School Bravery Adventure

By Erin Guendelsberger

The story of the “Little Yellow Bus” serves as a comforting reminder even on our most worrisome, anxiety-filled days, we can find the courage within ourselves to turn it around and take part in a new adventure. Whether it’s first day jitters or general nerves, “Little Yellow Bus” is a book that children can turn back to again and again. This book is part of the Little Heroes, Big Hearts collection. Ages 4-7.

The Name Jar

By Yangsook Choi

After moving from Korea to America, Unhei is nervous about many things at school, one of which being her name. After trying to pick a new name for herself, Unhei comes to realize that the best name she could have is her own. “The Name Jar” is a story that many children who find themselves wanting to fit in will relate to. Ages 5-8.

Preschool, Here I Come!

By D.J. Steinberg

“Preschool, Here I Come!” is a book filled with lighthearted, funny poems about all of the firsts that come with beginning preschool. Steinberg’s joyful writing and John Joven’s excitingly colorful illustrations make this the perfect book to introduce toddlers to their new routine.

For more book suggestions, visit our July Book Corner.

Where to Stay For a Family Trip in Orange County

Published

By Esther Carlstone

Whether it be a quick staycation or longer trip, this roundup includes lodging options that make for a relaxing, memorable trip. Continue reading below for family-friendly hotels and resorts in Orange County!

Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa is close to Dana Point Harbor. PHOTO BY ESTHER CARLSTONE

Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa

With close proximity to the Dana Point Harbor and San Juan Capistrano missions, this gorgeous resort is a great home base for exploring southern Orange County. I recently stayed here with my kids, and we spent the day playing on the great lawn, enjoying movie night, swimming and walking to the nearby playground. marriott.com

Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim

If you’re planning a Disney trip, this hotel has spacious rooms for families, a water park in the pool area and, best of all, is a short walk to both Disney entrances. Some rooms even boast a view of Disneyland, so you can watch the nightly fireworks from the comfort of your own room. marriott.com

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach

Staying here as an L.A. local makes you feel like you’ve traveled to some epic beach vacation without all the travel time. hyatt.com

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach

Luxuriate in generously sized rooms, award-winning dining and three sparkling pools at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach. PHOTO BY ESTHER CARLSTONE

If you really want to splurge, you can’t get better than this stunning resort with generously sized rooms to accommodate families, award-winning dining, three sparkling pools and access to the Monarch Bay Beach Club. waldorfastoriamonarchbeach.com

For more ways to spend a day in the OC, visit our full roundup.

Esther Carlstone is a parenting and travel writer/editor who’s always looking for the best places to see, eat and stay with kids. 

Where to Dine In With Family In Orange County

Published

Esther Carlstone

Whether you’re local to Orange County, or making the hour drive from L.A., the food scene is not to be missed. This roundup of eateries is sure to satisfy everyone’s needs when you’re looking for places to eat in Orange County with your family.

Hello Kitty Grand Cafe

ICYMI, America’s only Hello Kitty Cafe is only an hour away. This huge pink wonderland for Sanrio fans young and old is in the Irvine Spectrum Center. Make sure not to miss Hello Kitty’s signature afternoon tea (reservations required) — or just pop in for a coffee and sweets. sanrio.com

Las Brisas

This iconic Laguna Beach restaurant has been around for ages and boasts an amazing weekend brunch with stunning ocean views. Even after I moved up to L.A., my family would meet here regularly for brunch — kids in tow — then head down the hill to Main Beach afterward. lasbrisaslagunabeach.com

Located along the Pacific Coast Highway, Las Brisas serves up fresh seafood, brunch fare and a spectacular view. PHOTO CREDIT LAS BRISAS.

La Sirena Grill

This is my go-to for a more casual Laguna Beach lunch option. I used to frequent the tiny cottage La Sirena Grill started in back in the day, and the restaurant has since opened up a much larger outpost, still serving the delicious fresh Mexican food it’s known for. The kids gobble up the carne asada quesadillas while I opt for the filling burritos. lasirenagrill.com

Juicy, flavorful grilled meats complement an array of sides, which means there’s something on the menu for everyone. PHOTO CREDIT HERITAGE BBQ.

Heritage BBQ

Some claim it’s the best Texas barbecue in California. All I know is it’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Just know wait times get long for this Michelin-honored eatery (as in people bring lawn chairs and start camping out in the morning), so you may need to designate a person to wait while the other explores the adorable downtown San Juan Capistrano area. heritagecraftbbq.com

For more ways to spend a day in the OC, visit our full roundup.

Esther Carlstone is a parenting and travel writer/editor who’s always looking for the best places to see, eat and stay with kids.

What to Do For a Day of Family Fun in the OC

Published

By Esther Carlstone

Just an hour away from Los Angeles, Orange County makes for the perfect day trip or staycation, especially in the summer. From a sensory garden and children’s museum to beaches and petting zoos, this post is complete with fun ideas for what to do in the OC that the whole family will enjoy.

Balboa Fun Zone

Take an auto ferry from Newport to Balboa Island to play games at the arcade, take a ride on the Ferris wheel, indulge in sweet treats and, basically, live life like you’re on the boardwalks of yesteryear. balboafunzone.com

Pretend City Children’s Museum

Pretend City is a role-playing wonderland dotted with tot-sized replicas. PHOTO COURTESY PRETEND CITY

Located in Irvine, little ones will adore this role-playing wonderland dotted with tot-sized replicas of places such as the post office, a movie theater, a farm and even a Trader Joe’s to create an entire mini city. There are costumes, arts and crafts, exhibits and special events to entertain the kids all day long. pretendcity.org

Zoomars at River Street Ranch

We’ve been to several birthday parties here, and it’s always a hit for both kids and adults alike. There are petting zoos, pony rides, mining, a train ride, a playground and even mini tractors and excavators the kids can ride and work on. It’s located in San Juan Capistrano, so you can pair this with a stroll around the famous missions afterward. riverstreetranch.com

Adventure Playground

This vast playground in Irvine has massive Lego blocks, a treehouse, sensory garden, fort zone, mud area and so much more. Just remember to bring a change of clothes, as chances that the kids will get wet or muddy are high. In case they need some quiet time after all the play, the playground is conveniently located right next to a library. cityofirvine.org/parks-facilities/adventure-playground

Book a boat for a memorable half day out at sea.
PHOTO BY ESTHER CARLSTONE

Whale Watching in Dana Point

As an OC native, I remember seeing whales and dolphins at all times of the year from the beach. Book a boat from a reputable company such as Captain Dave’s Whale & Dolphin Watching Safari for a memorable half day out at sea. dolphinsafari.com

Hit the Beach

Orange County has no shortage of world-renowned beaches — from Crystal Cove State Park to Laguna Beach. Main Beach, the most popular stretch of beach in Laguna, has a playground for kids and easy access to Park Street, which is filled with shops and eateries. And don’t forget the beloved Huntington Pier, which is one of the longest piers on the West Coast and offers panoramic views spanning Catalina Island, Long Beach, San Pedro and Newport Beach.

For more ways to spend a day in the OC, visit our full roundup.

Esther Carlstone is a parenting and travel writer/editor who’s always looking for the best places to see, eat and stay with kids.

Experience Outdoor Live Theater This Summer

Published

By Nina Harada

Attending theatrical shows is a great way to support local artists and theaters whilst also experiencing the fervor and spirit of a live performance and audience. If you’re looking to catch an outdoor live theater show in L.A. this summer to early autumn, this roundup is for you!

Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival

July 10-Sept. 1, 7 p.m.
4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles

Since 2010, Independent Shakespeare Co. has brought free Shakespeare to Griffith Park every summer. This year, the company continues the L.A. summer tradition with the romantic comedy “As You Like It,” featuring live music, pre-show discussions and theme nights. FREE. iscla.org

Pro tip: Shows start at 7 p.m., but come early to catch the immersive prologue at 6 p.m.

Theatricum Botanicum’s summer season includes its staple, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” performing in repertory through Oct. 20. PHOTO BY IAN FLANDERS

Theatricum Botanicum

Through Oct. 20
1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga

Your summer isn’t complete until you’ve experienced at least one magical night of theater under the stars at Theatricum Botanicum’s historic stage nestled in Topanga Canyon’s hillside. This summer, their season includes “The Winter’s Tale,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Wendy’s Peter Pan,” “Tartuffe: Born Again” and a new play, “The Hispanic/ Latino/ Latina/ Latinx/ Latine Vote,” by Bernardo Cubría.  $15-$60; free for ages 4 and under. theatricum.com

Pro tip: For newcomers and parents of younger kids, we recommend bringing the family to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Theatricum’s signature production.

Shakespeare by the Sea

Through Aug. 3, 7 p.m.
Various locations throughout L.A. and Orange counties

Shakespeare by the Sea’s 2024 season presents a lesser-known Shakespeare play, “Cardenio,” and a classic, “Henry IV,” at various outdoor spaces throughout L.A. including Long Beach, Beverly Hills and South Pasadena. These family-friendly shows are about two hours long, so we recommend bringing your big kids, tweens and teens to this one. Arrive early to get a good spot and enjoy a picnic dinner before the show. FREE. shakespearebythesea.org

Pro tip: If you can’t decide, we recommend attending the July 12 performance of “Cardenio” at Wilmington Waterfront Promenade. This is a new park at the Port of L.A., located along the water’s edge.

To find more activities and entertainment for summer nights in L.A., visit our full roundup.

Nina Harada is Digital Editor of L.A. Parent.

Summer Fun at Outdoor Concerts in L.A.

Published

By Nina Harada

This summer, take your family out to enjoy some live music at these outdoor concerts in L.A.! Each of these events is a fun and free way to keep the fun going this summer.

Off the 405 at The Getty Center

July 20, 27 and Aug. 24, 6 p.m.
1200 Getty Center Dr., Los Angeles

Alabaster DePlume performing at Off the 405 in 2023. The free concert night returns to The Getty Center July 26 and Aug. 30. PHOTO COURTESY GETTY MUSEUM

Getty’s free annual outdoor concert series returns to the museum courtyard select Saturday evenings this summer. The evening begins with a DJ set at 6 p.m., followed by the featured performer at 7:30 p.m. Arrive early to explore the Getty Center’s Central Garden and bring a picnic to enjoy before the show. On-site food and beverages will also be available for purchase. FREE. getty.edu

California Jammin’ at Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center

July 26 & Aug. 30, 6 p.m.
241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim

Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center’s free all-ages summer concert series returns to the Carnegie Courtyard. July 26 features American traditional, Celtic and bluegrass band Lilies of the West. Aug. 30 features country musician Sean Oliu. The family-friendly event will also have an arts and crafts booth that kids can enjoy during the performance. FREE. muzeo.org

Levitt Pavilion’s free concert series returns to MacArthur Park Saturday nights through Aug. 31. PHOTO COURTESY LEVITT PAVILION

Pearson Park Summer Nights Under the Stars

Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 7 p.m.
401 North Lemon St., Anaheim

You know it’s going to be a good time if Disneyland is behind the event! Pearson Park Amphitheatre, sponsored by Disneyland Resort, presents free, family-friendly concerts Saturdays in August. Each night features a different tribute band, honoring musicians like Selena, the Beatles and more. FREE. anaheim.net

Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles Summer Concert Series

July 13, 20, 27, Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 7 p.m.
2230 W. 6th St., Los Angeles

Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles at MacArthur Park brings back its free, family-friendly concerts Saturday evenings through Aug. 31. Genres include soul, funk, hip-hop and more, so there’s something for everyone. You’re welcome to bring your own picnics, blankets and lawn chairs. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available from local vendors. FREE. levittlosangeles.org

KCRW Summer Nights

July 13, 20, 27, Aug. 10 and 30, 7 p.m.
Various locations throughout L.A.

KCRW Summer Nights, the free all-ages outdoor summer concert series, returns to various cultural institutions across L.A. We’ve got our eyes on July 13, which features an evening of cumbia at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in Downtown LA. We’ll also bring our dancing shoes to California African American Museum on Aug. 30 for live sets from KCRW DJs Novena Carmel and Francesca Harding. Bonus: After-hours access to all CAAM exhibitions. FREE. kcrw.com

To find more activities and entertainment for summer nights in L.A., visit our full roundup.

Nina Harada is Digital Editor of L.A. Parent.

The Best Outdoor Movie Events in L.A. This Summer

Published

By Nina Harada

Outdoor movies are the perfect way to enjoy warm summer nights. Whether it’s a solo activity, date night or family outing, this roundup covers the best outdoor movie events happening in L.A. this summer.

Enjoy a free screening at Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ “Movie Mondays” through Aug. 5. PHOTO BY STAN SHOLIK

Movie Mondays at Segerstrom Center for the Arts

July 8, 15, 22, 29, 8 p.m.
600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa

Bring your own picnic, blanket or chair to the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts Mondays through July and August. Catch family-friendly movies including “The Muppet Movie” on July 8, “Pitch Perfect” on July 15, “Jurassic Park” on July 22, “13 Going on 30” on July 29 and “Back to the Future” on Aug. 5. FREE. scfta.org

Pro tip: Although movies begin at dusk, around 8 p.m., the plaza opens at 5:30 p.m., so you can grab a bite from one of the food trucks and snag your spot.

City Cinemas in the Park

July 26 and Aug. 23, 8 p.m.
Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita
Bridgeport Park, 23521 Bridgeport Lane, Santa Clarita

Bring blankets and chairs for free movies under the stars on the fourth Friday of every month through October. On July 26 at 8 p.m., catch “Barbie” at Central Park and on Aug. 23 at 8 p.m., enjoy the 1995 film “Toy Story” at Bridgeport Park. FREE. SantaClarita.gov/CityCinemas

Pro tip: On-site food trucks will be available an hour before each movie begins.

Community Movie Night at Audubon Center at Debs Park

July 26, Aug. 23, 5:30 p.m.
4700 N. Griffin Ave., Los Angeles

Community movie night features free family-friendly movies the last Friday of the month. Immerse yourself in the ethereal worlds of Japanese filmmaker Miyazaki with “Ponyo” on July 26 and “Howl’s Moving Castle” on Aug. 23. FREE. debspark.audubon.org

Pro tip: Arrive early to explore the trails around Debs Park before the movie.

Movies at Warner Park

Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 8 p.m.
5800 CA-27, Woodland Hills

Every Saturday night Aug. 3-31, Warner Park will host a free, family-friendly movie night featuring fan-favorites such as “Barbie” and “Wish.” FREE. valleycultural.org

Pro tip: Event parking starts at 4:30 p.m.

Movies Under the Stars at One Colorado

July 13, 27, 8:30 p.m.
41 Hugus Aly, Pasadena

One Colorado hosts a free movie night in the courtyard select Saturdays in July. Seating is first come, first serve, so bring your chair and snacks early to catch “Pitch Perfect” on July 13 or “Legally Blonde” on July 27. FREE. onecolorado.com

Pro tip: If you’re coming from a day of shopping, show your receipt for a minimum purchase of $50 from one of the One Colorado shops to receive VIP seating, popcorn, soft drink and an EPIC Theatres promotion.

To find more activities and entertainment for summer nights in L.A., visit our full roundup.

Nina Harada is Digital Editor of L.A. Parent.

L.A. Gardens Are the New Summer Night Oasis

Published

Nina Harada

From full moon walks, activities during sunset and twilight strolls, this roundup of L.A. garden events showcases all of the ways you and your family can take advantage of summer nights.

Stroll the stunning gardens at The Huntington after hours on July 7, 14, 28 and Aug. 11 and 18. PHOTO COURTESY THE HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, ART MUSEUM, AND BOTANICAL GARDENS

Sunset Series at South Coast Botanic Garden

June 20-Aug. 29, 5:30 p.m.
26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula

Roam South Coast Botanic Garden’s 87 acres afterhours during the summer Sunset Series every Thursday night. Play yard games, grab a bite or cocktail and enjoy live music. Head to the kids’ zone, where Ms. Allison will entertain little ones with parachutes, obstacle courses, bubbles and more. $15-18 for ages 5 and up; free for ages 4 and under. southcoastbotanicgarden.org

Pro tip: While every Thursday features a special musical guest, we recommend visiting the gardens on July 25 for John Williams Night with the PV Symphonic Band, a 40-piece community ensemble with professional and amateur musicians of all ages.

Forest Bathing at The LA Arboretum

July 21, 8 p.m., Aug. 18-19, 7 p.m.
301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia

Deepen your connection with nature, calm your nervous system and engage your senses during this unique forest bathing experience, inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin yoku. A certified forest therapy guide will guide you through the gardens during these full moon walks. $25-$35. arboretum.org

Pro tip: This one is for the tweens, teens and grownups. Bring your kids ages 12 and up to slow down for a moment during your busy summer.

Rusalka by Pacific Opera Project at Descanso Gardens

July 12-14, 19-21, 7:30-10 p.m.
1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge

L.A.-based Pacific Opera Project returns to the main lawn at Descanso Gardens with “Rusalka.” Written in 1901 by Czech composer Antonin Dvořák, this fairytale opera was the original inspiration for Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid.”  POP’s version will be presented with orchestra and sung in English. $20-$55.  descansogardens.org

Pro tip: Food and dinner will be available for purchase, so come early for dinner before the show.

Twilight Garden Strolls at The Huntington

July 7, 14 and 28, 4:30-8 p.m.; Aug. 11 and 18, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino

Twilight strolls return to The Huntington for six Sundays this summer. Cool off and explore the gardens after 5 p.m., when day turns to dusk. Most gardens will be open, along with The Huntington Store, 1919 Café and hot food stations. $5-$20. huntington.org

Pro tip: Although the Children’s Garden will be closed, kids will still enjoy running free through one of The Huntington’s many lawns.

To find more activities and entertainment for summer nights in L.A., visit our full roundup.

Nina Harada is Digital Editor of L.A. Parent

The Night Is Young at L.A.’s Night Markets

Published

By Nina Harada

Take advantage of the unrelentingly light hours of summer by visiting L.A.’s night markets! This roundup includes our selection of family-friendly night markets, guaranteeing a variety of foods, unique vendors, live DJs, games, photo ops and more.

626 Night Market

Santa Anita Park, Arcadia
July 5-Sept. 1, Friday-Sunday, 4 p.m.-11 p.m.

Inspired by the open-air night markets found throughout Asia, 626 Night Market features more than 300 food, merchandise, crafts, arts, games, music and entertainment attractions and vendors. This large-scale market is named after San Gabriel Valley’s 626 area code, a nod to SGV’s large Asian population. $5-$6; free for ages 3 and under. 626nightmarket.com

El Sereno Night Market sets up along Castalia Avenue and Huntington Drive North every Wednesday night. PHOTO BY NINA HARADA

El Sereno Night Market

Castalia Ave. and Huntington Dr. N., El Sereno
Every Wednesday, 5-9 p.m.

This small but mighty community pop-up has been going strong since 2020 and features themed nights with live music, DJs and a beer garden, plus local vendors serving teriyaki bowls, tacos, aguas frescas and more. FREE. @elserenonightmarket

Damnoen Saduak

1100 N. Main St., Chinatown
Friday-Sunday, 6 p.m.-midnight

In the parking lot of Lax-C, a giant Thai grocery store, Damnoen Saduak is a brand-new night market featuring a majority Thai lineup of food such as Thai fried chicken and mango sticky rice, alongside other Southeast Asian vendors. FREE. @dsnightmarket

Angel City Market hosts a family-friendly night market in Downtown Downey on the second and fourth Thursdays. PHOTO COURTESY ANGEL CITY MARKET

Ave 26 Night Market

860 Traction Ave., Downtown L.A.
July 23 & Aug. 13, 5 p.m.-10 p.m.

Ave 26 Night Market presents Taco Tuesdays at the Arts District, a family-friendly food and art market offering a curated selection of tacos, art, clothing, games and photo ops. FREE. ave26nightmarket.com

Angel City Market

Downtown Downey
Second and fourth Thursdays, 5 p.m.- 9 p.m.

With pop-ups in Downey, Long Beach and Lakewood, Angel City Market offers outdoor community events throughout the week. But its Downtown Downey pop-up every second and fourth Thursdays features a night market with more than 50 vendors, food trucks, live DJ and photo ops. FREE. angelcitymarketla.com

To find more activities and entertainment for summer nights in L.A., visit our full roundup.

Nina Harada is Digital Editor of L.A. Parent.

Muse on Local L.A. Museums This Summer

Published

By Cherie Cofer

Museums are the perfect place to keep kids entertained, while serving as an indoor oasis from Southern California’s heated summers. Read along for our roundup of local L.A. museums for kids and families!

To stir the kids’ imaginations and help geographical history come alive, take a trip to The Autry Museum in Griffith Park. The Autry is dedicated to telling the stories of the American West and how it was won, and it offers a family play space with free entry days once a month.

Family playing games. PHOTO COURTESY AUTRY MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN WEST

The Getty in West L.A. offers several family creative courses, such as creating your own scent, ceramics and pressed-flower cyanotypes (a photographic technique of using the sun to create floral images without a camera.)

Meanwhile, over in Exposition Park. The California Science Center will display 30 recreations of Leonardo da Vinci machines including The Great Organ and the Flying Bicycle. For “Goosebumps” fans, there is an exhibit with the books — one that will dive into the science of fear. Getting a little spooky beats the heat any day.

For more activities to stay cool this summer, visit our full roundup of indoor escapes. 

Cherie Cofer is a writer, mom, educator and editorial fellow for L.A. Parent.

Hideaway from Heat at These L.A. Bookstores

Published

By Cherie Cofer

Our public libraries are always welcoming, but if you’re looking for a quaint bookstore to read and relax in, L.A. County has some must-try gems. In this roundup, we’re featuring kid-friendly bookstores complete with inviting lounge areas and expansive shelves filled with everything from children’s stories to adult novels.

In Pasadena, the hometown of the late science fiction novelist Octavia Butler, visit the bookstore named in her honor: Octavia’s Bookshelf. This cozy and beautifully designed literary space is sure to inspire hours of reading.

A young reader at Octavia’s Bookshelf enjoys the reading nook. PHOTO BY CHERIE COFER

With three floors of books, games and gadgets,  Barnes & Noble at the Grove is another favorite family hangout, and the bookstore has regular events for young readers.

The Salt Eaters Bookshop in Inglewood prioritizes books, zines and comics by and about Black women, girls, femmes and gender-expansive people. Inspired by Toni Cade Bambara’s novel “The Salt Eaters,” this stylish shop located on Queen Street is a peaceful and joyful place to read, relax and meet new friends. And when quiet reading time is over, it’s always popping with live events — from Beyoncé album listening parties to story time for kids in an enchanting children’s reading area.

For more activities to stay cool this summer, visit our full roundup of indoor escapes. 

Cherie Cofer is a writer, mom, educator and editorial fellow for L.A. Parent.

Stay Cool at These Family-Friendly Breweries and Wineries

Published

By Cherie Cofer

Beat the sweltering heat whilst embracing warm summer nights at these family-friendly breweries (and a winery!) throughout L.A. Each of the spots featured in our roundup include kid-friendly entertainment, along with food, drinks and a relaxing atmosphere so parents can sit back with ease.

The whole family can engage in games at Campsite Brewing. PHOTO BY MYRIAM SANCHEZ/CAMPSITE BREWING

For some Downtown L.A. suds and fun, check out Boomtown Brewery in the Arts District, which has beers on tap for the adults and lemonade and soda for the little ones. Boomtown also hosts some family-themed nights as well, as carnival-themed days with face painting and games.

Firestone Walker Brewing Company’s Venice Taproom will give you and the fam a taste of rustic in a gastropub with a menu “geared for beer.” Venice-only beers are made in the adjacent Propagator brewhouse.

If you’re even a little bit into wrestling, you likely know about the lucha libre wrestlers, or luchadores, an exciting form of professional wrestling in Mexico, where the masked wrestlers incorporate awe-inspiring acrobatic moves in the battle to win. Get a taste of the culture at the wrestling-themed decor and menu at Luchador Bar and Kitchen in Pomona.

In Orange County, 4 Sons Brewing and Flashpoint Brewing Company also provide spaces for the whole family to unwind. 

Our L.A. River has gone through its trials and tribulations, but with ongoing revival efforts, it’s now a sight for sore eyes. Good thing Frogtown Brewery looks out over the river and proves such a family-welcoming space with a beer garden, tap room, food trucks and plenty of room for the kids to roam. Try the Painkiller, a tiki-inspired IPA made with toasted coconut and pineapple, for a tropical escape as you listen to the river.

The enchanting entrance at Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula invites you to leave all worries behind. PHOTO COURTESY WILSON CREEK WINERY

For those of us who enjoy a good glass of wine and scenery to boot, a drive to Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula is the perfect answer. At just an hour’s drive south of Los Angeles, the picturesque landscape will melt all memories of traffic away. Feel free to wine taste or have a picnic complete with a play area for the little ones.

For more activities to stay cool this summer, visit our full roundup of indoor escapes. Cherie Cofer is a writer, mom, educator and editorial fellow for L.A. Parent.

A Family Day in the OC: Where to Eat, Play and Stay

Published

Esther Carlstone

Orange County is just an hour away from Los Angeles, but for Angelenos it often feels like an entirely different world. As someone who grew up in the OC, I love taking day trips with my three kids to introduce them to the places I used to love to frequent — and to discover new ones along the way.

The short distance, combined with tons of family-friendly activities, easy beach access and top-notch food choices, make the OC an ideal day trip for those idle summer days when you’re wondering: “What should I do with the kids today?”

What to Do

Balboa Fun Zone

Take an auto ferry from Newport to Balboa Island to play games at the arcade, take a ride on the Ferris wheel, indulge in sweet treats and, basically, live life like you’re on the boardwalks of yesteryear. balboafunzone.com

Pretend City Children’s Museum

Pretend City is a role-playing wonderland dotted with tot-sized replicas. PHOTO COURTESY PRETEND CITY

Located in Irvine, little ones will adore this role-playing wonderland dotted with tot-sized replicas of places such as the post office, a movie theater, a farm and even a Trader Joe’s to create an entire mini city. There are costumes, arts and crafts, exhibits and special events to entertain the kids all day long. pretendcity.org

Zoomars at River Street Ranch

We’ve been to several birthday parties here, and it’s always a hit for both kids and adults alike. There are petting zoos, pony rides, mining, a train ride, a playground and even mini tractors and excavators the kids can ride and work on. It’s located in San Juan Capistrano, so you can pair this with a stroll around the famous missions afterward. riverstreetranch.com

Adventure Playground

This vast playground in Irvine has massive Lego blocks, a treehouse, sensory garden, fort zone, mud area and so much more. Just remember to bring a change of clothes, as chances that the kids will get wet or muddy are high. In case they need some quiet time after all the play, the playground is conveniently located right next to a library. cityofirvine.org/parks-facilities/adventure-playground

Book a boat for a memorable half day out at sea.
PHOTO BY ESTHER CARLSTONE

Whale Watching in Dana Point

As an OC native, I remember seeing whales and dolphins at all times of the year from the beach. Book a boat from a reputable company such as Captain Dave’s Whale & Dolphin Watching Safari for a memorable half day out at sea. dolphinsafari.com

Hit the Beach

Orange County has no shortage of world-renowned beaches — from Crystal Cove State Park to Laguna Beach. Main Beach, the most popular stretch of beach in Laguna, has a playground for kids and easy access to Park Street, which is filled with shops and eateries. And don’t forget the beloved Huntington Pier, which is one of the longest piers on the West Coast and offers panoramic views spanning Catalina Island, Long Beach, San Pedro and Newport Beach.

Where to Eat

Hello Kitty Grand Cafe

ICYMI, America’s only Hello Kitty Cafe is only an hour away. This huge pink wonderland for Sanrio fans young and old is in the Irvine Spectrum Center. Make sure not to miss Hello Kitty’s signature afternoon tea (reservations required) — or just pop in for a coffee and sweets. sanrio.com

Las Brisas

This iconic Laguna Beach restaurant has been around for ages and boasts an amazing weekend brunch with stunning ocean views. Even after I moved up to L.A., my family would meet here regularly for brunch — kids in tow — then head down the hill to Main Beach afterward. lasbrisaslagunabeach.com

La Sirena Grill

This is my go-to for a more casual Laguna Beach lunch option. I used to frequent the tiny cottage La Sirena Grill started in back in the day, and the restaurant has since opened up a much larger outpost, still serving the delicious fresh Mexican food it’s known for. The kids gobble up the carne asada quesadillas while I opt for the filling burritos. lasirenagrill.com

Heritage BBQ

Some claim it’s the best Texas barbecue in California. All I know is it’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Just know wait times get long for this Michelin-honored eatery (as in people bring lawn chairs and start camping out in the morning), so you may need to designate a person to wait while the other explores the adorable downtown San Juan Capistrano area. heritagecraftbbq.com

Where to Stay

If you want to make it a staycation instead of driving back in one day, check out some beloved hotels in the area. 

Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa is close to Dana Point Harbor. PHOTO BY ESTHER CARLSTONE

Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa

With close proximity to the Dana Point Harbor and San Juan Capistrano missions, this gorgeous resort is a great home base for exploring southern Orange County. I recently stayed here with my kids, and we spent the day playing on the great lawn, enjoying movie night, swimming and walking to the nearby playground. marriott.com

Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim

If you’re planning a Disney trip, this hotel has spacious rooms for families, a water park in the pool area and, best of all, is a short walk to both Disney entrances. Some rooms even boast a view of Disneyland, so you can watch the nightly fireworks from the comfort of your own room. marriott.com

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach

Staying here as an L.A. local makes you feel like you’ve traveled to some epic beach vacation without all the travel time. hyatt.com

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach

Luxuriate in generously sized rooms, award-winning dining and three sparkling pools at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach. PHOTO BY ESTHER CARLSTONE

If you really want to splurge, you can’t get better than this stunning resort with generously sized rooms to accommodate families, award-winning dining, three sparkling pools and access to the Monarch Bay Beach Club. waldorfastoriamonarchbeach.com

Esther Carlstone is a parenting and travel writer/editor who’s always looking for the best places to see, eat and stay with kids. 

L.A. Studio Tours for Film Fanatics and the Mildly Curious

Published

By Margot Black

Welcome to a dazzling summer in Los Angeles, the city that is home to Hollywood’s glitz, glamour, TV and film studios. Whether you’re a local entertaining your film buff kiddos or hosting out-of-town guests eager to discover our city’s special charms, we’ve got the perfect studio tour itinerary lined up for you. 

Get ready for an exclusive peek behind the curtain of Tinseltown with our guide to the top movie studio tours in L.A. These unforgettable tours offer a unique opportunity to witness a bit of the magic of crafting cinematic masterpieces. Delve deeper into the making of iconic films and marvel at the creative ingenuity employed in perfecting the sound, visuals and storylines that have grabbed our hearts for generations.

Studio tours can sell out fast, so make sure to secure your tickets ahead of time. Each studio has its own parking procedures, so prepare beforehand to ensure a smooth visit. The guide below will assist you in determining which experience aligns best with your budget and schedule. Enjoy your picture-perfect summer in L.A.!

A Warner Bros. Studio Tours tram with the iconic WB Water Tower. PHOTO COURTESY WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR HOLLYWOOD

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

3400 Warner Blvd., Burbank

Prices start at $73; parking is $15 

No children under 5; minors under 18 require an adult

Reservations suggested

wbstudiotour.com

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is a great tour to feel like you’ve got some Hollywood pull. The moment your tram starts moving, you and yours are treated like movie stars. Despite the tour’s popularity, with only 10-12 guests per group, it’s an intimate experience for everyone. You’ll get to drive by exciting outdoor sets and sound stages, and at nearly three hours long, the tour is packed with engaging activities.

On the Warner Bros. Studio Tours Hollywood, you can stop in for a coffee at Central Perk from “Friends.” PHOTO COURTESY WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR HOLLYWOOD
Who hasn’t wanted to try on the iconic Harry Potter sorting hat? You can do that on the Warner Brothers Studio Tour. PHOTO COURTESY WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR HOLLYWOOD

Highlights include the 110-acres backlot, the new Storytelling Showcase, which dives into almost 100 years of Warner Bros. magic, and the Stage 48 Interactive Soundstage with Central Perk from “Friends.”

The grand finale is a hit with kids: the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts stage! A fresh addition is the TCM (Turner Classic Movies) Classic Films Tour, celebrating 30 years of TCM. This tour is a fantastic trip through the Golden Age of Hollywood. 

Pro tip: After all that exploring, your family might be hungry. Head over a few blocks to the nearby the Smoke House restaurant, originally built at the end of World War II. It’s an expensive indulgence; however, you’ll feel like you’re dining in classic Hollywood as you sip a cocktail and soak in the ambiance of this old Hollywood studio favorite with a classic vibe. 

The Universal Studios Hollywood archway entrance.
PHOTO COURTESY UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD

Universal Studios Tour

100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City

Theme park tickets start at $109; parking at CityWalk is $35

All ages; no reservations for basic tour

universalstudioshollywood.com

This tour is one of the theme park’s signature attractions, drawing audiences of movie lovers from around the globe. The Studio Tour is a ride attraction at the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park. This is one of the largest TV and film production lots in the world, and you’ll be reminded of it at every turn and in every gift shop. Easy for guests of all ages (although there is significant walking throughout the park to arrive at it), the one-hour tram ride travels through a working film studio, with various film sets on the Universal Studios Lot. 

The Electric Tram at Universal Studios Hollywood

This studio tour is included in the theme park admission. It is not possible to attend the studio tour without admission to the park, so plan on spending an entire day and night of fun, rides, food and Hollywood delights here. 

Highlights include a backstage peek at Courthouse Square with the clocktower from “Back to the Future,” an amped-up “Jurassic World” section, a recreated 3D version of Skull Island from Peter Jackson’s “King Kong” and a “Jaws” lagoon attack.

Pro tip: This park includes a good deal of walking just to reach the studio tour, so wear comfortable shoes and consider a stroller (even if your kids have almost aged out of it) if you think your little ones will not make it through a heavy walking day. 

Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

5515 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles

Tickets start at $65, basic tour parking in Lot A is $24

No children under 10; minors under 18 require adult; reservations suggested

paramountstudiotour.ventrata.com

The Paramount Pictures tour makes you feel like you’re diving into the golden era of Hollywood. As the longest operating and only remaining major studio in Hollywood, Paramount Pictures has created celebrated movies and television shows. You’ll get to explore more than 100 years of Hollywood history and potentially witness a show in the making during this tour. There are three levels of visits at varying prices and times — something to satisfy everyone.

Tours range from two to four hours. You’ll check in as a guest and leave feeling like an industry insider.

Pro tip: Highlights connected to this studio are the New York Backlot, the Bronson Gate and a tour through the massive Prop Warehouse. 

Sony Pictures Studio Tour

3990 Overland Ave., Culver City

Theme park tickets start at $55; free parking in Overland structure

No children under 12; minors under 18 require an adult; reservations required

sonypicturesstudiostours.com

A two-hour guided walking tour will bring you behind the famed and historic gates of Sony Studios and give you the experience of a working studio. There are different levels of tours and pricing, and if walking isn’t a possibility, golf cart tours are available Monday-Friday for a higher fee. 

This tour explores various parts of a movie production, and you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for all the enormous amounts of behind-the-camera labor that goes into making a movie from start to finish. 

Highlights of shows and movies connected to this studio tour are soundstages once home to iconic films such as “The Wizard of Oz,” “Men in Black” and “Spider-Man.” Also check out the smash-hit game shows “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune.”

Pro tip: “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune” offer free tickets to those interested in being live audience members during shooting seasons. Details at: on-camera-audiences.com/shows/jeopardy and tickets.wheeloffortune.com

Extras for Film Buffs

TCL Chinese Theatre Tour

6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood

All ages; contact for rates and availability

Parking is $20 at Hollywood/Highland Center

tclchinesetheatres.com/tours

This tour is a great choice if you’re a serious movie buff with an interest in history. After exploring all the hand and foot prints of your favorite stars, learn about the history of the building with a 30-minute walking tour. With the VIP pass, get access to watch a movie inside the theater and bring home a special souvenir from the cinematic palace. 

Pro tip: Once you’re at this location, spend the day on Hollywood Boulevard with other film-based activities such as Madame Tussaud’s, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, The Hollywood Museum and Hollywood Wax Museum, all connected by the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

The Academy Museum

6067 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles

General tickets are $25 for adults (17 and under free); parking is $20

academymuseum.org

A full-fledged movie museum opened in 2021, this is a deep-dive cinematic exploration for any film fan (Just don’t tell the kids it’s a museum). 

General admission tickets include access to “Stories of Cinema,” the core exhibition that spans three levels and explores significant movies and moviemakers, the history of the Oscars, narrative and documentary films and the art and science of moviemaking. Tickets also grant access to the Dolby Family Terrace, which sits beneath a glorious glass dome made from 1,500 glass panels that tower overhead. Check the website for “magic hour” events on the terrace, where DJs spin tunes, cocktail glasses clink and socializing buzzes through this open-air space with views of the Hollywood sign. General admission does not include The Oscars Experience, an additional $10 ticket purchase, for an immersive Oscars night simulation. 

Pro Tip: The gift shop here is not cheesy or cheap. It’s a movie lover’s paradise. 

Margot Black is a Los Angeles-based travel writer, mom and founder of Black Ink PR.

Great Local Farms and Nature Escapes 

Published

By Emily Ip

Yearning for a slice of rural bliss amidst the urban sprawl? The summer is the perfect time to explore the diverse farm and nature experiences in and around Los Angeles. Whether you’re looking for a farm tour, a peaceful sanctuary visit or a chance to pick your own fresh produce, this curated roundup will help you reconnect to the earth and bring joy to your little ones. 

Kids can meet farm animals and pick fruit at Tanaka Farms in Irvine. PHOTO COURTESY TANAKA FARMS

Tanaka Farms: Located in Irvine, Tanaka Farms offers an array of u-pick tours where you can harvest your own seasonal fruits and vegetables. Kids will love meeting the friendly farm animals, and the farm’s educational tours make for a fun and informative day out. tanakafarms.com/u-pick-farm-tours

Pick fruits and vegetables and meet animals at Underwood Family Farms and other area farms. 
PHOTOS COURTESY UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARMS

Underwood Family Farms: Head to Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark for a delightful experience picking your own fruits and vegetables. With a petting zoo and seasonal festivals, this farm provides endless entertainment and fresh produce to take home.underwoodfamilyfarms.com/pick-your-own

Farm Sanctuary: Visit the Los Angeles branch of Farm Sanctuary to meet rescued farm animals and learn about their stories. This sanctuary provides a peaceful retreat and an educational experience about animal welfare. farmsanctuary.org/the-sanctuaries/los-angeles-ca

Gilchrist Farm: Nestled in Santa Clarita, Gilchrist Farm offers a variety of activities, from farm tours and horseback riding to a charming petting zoo. It’s a great spot for families to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor adventures. gilchristfarm.com

Picking from the abundance of sweet summer strawberries. PHOTOS COURTESY UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARMS

Kfar Saba Urban Farm: At this rescue farm in Winnetka, you can support its mission of animal care and enjoy the simple pleasures of farm life. Follow updates for volunteer opportunities and events. facebook.com/kfarsabaurbanfarm

Manassero Farms: Manassero Farms in Irvine is another fantastic destination for u-pick fun. Enjoy the fresh air as you gather your own produce and learn about sustainable farming practices. manasserofarms.com/experience

Canzelle Alpacas: For an unforgettable encounter, visit Canzelle Alpacas in Somis. These farm tours include up-close interactions with alpacas, making for a picture-perfect day out. canzelle.com

Families meet the farm animals. PHOTOS COURTESY UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARMS

Cherry picking: There’s still time to catch the end of cherry season, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by picking your own at these local cherry farms. Keep an eye on their websites for the upcoming picking dates. cherriesupick.com

L.A. Green Grounds: Join the grassroots movement with L.A. Green Grounds in South L.A., where you can learn to cultivate your own edible garden. Volunteer for a “Dig-In” or attend a class to gain green-thumb skills that will flourish in your backyard. lagreengrounds.org

Wattles Farm: Get involved with the community at Wattles Farm in Hollywood. The volunteer events here are a great way to give back while enjoying the serenity of the historic gardens. Mark your calendar for a clean-up weekend or a leisurely visit. wattlesfarm.com

We Love It: Toys & Shoes Fit for Summer Fun

Published

By Elena Epstein

Foster color recognition and counting skills while promoting eco-consciousness in a fun and interactive way. Features adorable flowers, pots and a guide filled with kid-friendly sustainability facts. $24.99, ages 18 months+, learningresources.com

Perfect for kiddos on the go. With a neoprene upper, lining and footbed atop a durable injected outsole, this is a quick-drying shoe suitable for play in and out of water. $21.99, ages 3-11, oomphies.net

Visit 10 incredible landmarks across the globe as you embark on an adventure of logic and strategy. Packed in a compact travel edition to enjoy anywhere. $19.99, ages 8+, amazon.com

Scoop, squeeze, decorate and customize. Place the cone under the dispenser and push the sand through to create colorful swirls. Add some sprinkles and extra toppings, then squish and create all over again. $14.99, ages 3+, spinmaster.com

Gallop into adventure with this fully furnished home where you can cook breakfast, take care of the horses in the stable and go for a ride around the ranch. $149.99, ages 5+, playmobil.com

This cute puppy is ready for a stroll. Her bouncy walk and wobbly head move just like a real pet. Listen for barks, howls, a “rwar-ing” happy tune and other adorable noises. $19.99, ages 4+, justplayproducts.com

This toy transforms from cards to superfast racing cars with the press of a button. No pull back needed. Portable and fits perfectly in a pocket or backpack for on-the-go play. $12.99, ages 5+, lukilab.com

Constructed from 100% cotton canvas, these shoes feature two touch fastening straps specifically designed for the barefoot concept. The zero-drop design provides flexibility and a soft feel, with the added option of a removable sole. $49, ages 6-13 months, justshoesforkids.com

Hey, Sunshine Kitchen is on a Vegan Mission 

Published

By Chelsee Lowe

In the sprawling shopping plaza at the corner of Overland Avenue and Venice Boulevard in Culver City, locals can find just about anything: a mattress at Sit n’ Sleep, new windshield wipers at O’Reilly Auto Parts, a smoothie from Robeks, groceries at Ralph’s and more. The newest neighbor in the retail center adds to the list of possibilities. At Hey, Sunshine Kitchen, delicious vegan food is the prize.

Hey, Sunshine Kitchen is located in Culver City. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL JUAREZ

The colorful, fast-casual restaurant is helmed by two cheerful sisters, Heather Golden Ray and Jenny Engel, who grew up in Sherman Oaks and Manhattan Beach. They were in the kitchen often as children, Golden Ray recalls, and weekly Shabbat dinners were a big family tradition. By the time they were teens, though, they were both vegan. Their love for animals started them on that path. Their dedication was solidified when they majored in environmental studies at separate colleges in Northern California, where they learned about the negative environmental impacts of the animal agriculture industry. 

Sisters Heather Golden Ray and Jenny Engel are the owners of Hey, Sunshine Kitchen. PHOTO COURTESY HEY, SUNSHINE KITCHEN

In 2007, the duo opened an organic, vegan cooking school in West Hollywood. At Spork Foods, they shared their passion with other curious cooks for 15 years. For many of those years, they wondered if their reach could be broader with a restaurant. They closed Spork Foods in 2023 and brought their mission to Culver City in the shape of Hey, Sunshine Kitchen. The café seats about 20 guests inside and 20 outside. 

“We hope to have a bigger impact here,” Golden Ray told me one day over strawberry-mint lemonade at the cafe. “Our goal is to show people that vegan food, and plant-based food, is as delicious — if not more delicious — than anything else. This is our sole purpose. It’s very clear to us that this is what we’re here to do.”

Ultimately, the sisters believe that their menu takes care of both the planet and the customer. “People shine from the inside out,” Engel said, “so we want our food to enhance people’s lives. When you eat a wide variety of nutrients, you’re able to shine your gifts…into the world.”

Eating the rainbow of fruits and vegetables is very easy to do at Hey, Sunshine Kitchen. In the cafe’s plant-based “chicken Caesar” bowl, broccoli, cabbage, sweet potato, shredded carrots, almond slivers, kale, house-made pickles and lime sit in a pretty swirl atop rice (made with garlic and turmeric) or greens. The Baja “fish” taco (a crispy plant-based filet on tortilla) is topped with a pile of cabbage, pickles, tomato, onion, cilantro and homemade jalapeno crema.. And it’s all delicious.

Bowls are top sellers, as are items on the kids’ menu, which are so tasty that adults order them all the time, too. The vegan mac n’ cheese is creamy and has hidden onions, carrots and potatoes in the sauce. The crispy nuggets are gluten free and made from scratch with chickpeas; similar to a samosa, they’re dense and flavorful and great with any of the cafe’s dipping sauces (also made from scratch). Hot sandwiches, more tacos, a few sweet treats and sides such as sweet potato fries, coleslaw and potato salad round out the menu. 

Spread of vegan food at Hey, Sunshine Kitchen.

“In every dish, we have thought about health, nutrition and maximizing the impact that nutrients can have on the body,” Golden Ray said. “You’re going to see all kinds of colors, because different colors have different antioxidants and nutrients to them. When you’re eating a variety of nutrients, you’re going to be a happier and more effective person. We want people to shine their brightest to the world. That’s why we’re called Hey, Sunshine Kitchen.”

To help customers connect with the planet, Hey, Sunshine Kitchen gives away 15 native pollinators to customers on Mondays. The one-gallon plants attract bees, birds and butterflies, which is a good thing, since “one out of three bites of food that we eat is thanks to a pollinator,” Golden Ray said.

As parents, the sisters seek out opportunities to help their own children become stewards of the planet. When they’re not busy at the cafe, they regularly meet up with their families at Alma Backyard Farms in Compton, for example, which hosts a bimonthly farm stand, kids workshops and summer camps. 

“That’s what we want for our kids — to feel connected to the planet,” Golden Ray said. “We’ll go to the beach, we’ll take our shoes off and put our feet in the ocean. And we go visit animals at farm sanctuaries. We’ve been talking about kindness to animals and the earth for a long time.”

The red bean veggie burger. PHOTO BY MICHAEL JUAREZ

Quick and Easy Red Bean Veggie Burgers

From the cookbook “Vegan 101” by Heather Golden Ray and Jenny Engel

(Makes 4 to 6 patties)

Prep time: 10 minutes 

Cook time: 10 minutes

1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 teaspoon dried minced onion

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¾ teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3 tablespoons vegan Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon brown rice syrup

½ cup rolled oats

½ cup unbleached flour or cornmeal 

1 to 2 tablespoons neutral-tasting oil

4 to 6 vegan buns, split

4 to 6 (4-inch square) pieces romaine lettuce

4 to 6 slices tomato

Choice of ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, barbecue sauce or other toppings

In a food processor, combine beans, onion, garlic powder, sea salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and brown rice syrup. Pulse 5 times. Add oats and flour or cornmeal, then pulse until mixture holds together.

Heat a large skillet and add oil. With damp hands, form the burger mixture into patties and place in a pan. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until browned.

Toast buns until golden. Place a burger on each bun bottom, top with lettuce, tomato, desired toppings and top bun half.

July Book Corner: Books for Beginner Readers

Published

By Emily Ip

Summer break is the perfect time for your children to get to all of those books they might not have had time for during the school year. Story time is always a welcome activity to break up the day or spend some time away from the screens. These interactive, engaging books are great for beginner readers, or little ones who are just starting to sound out their words. A number of these books are brand new and will be released in August to close out your child’s summer reading list!

The Shape of Things

By Dean Robbins

For the child that loves to embark on adventures and learn about new places, “The Shape of Things” is a vividly illustrated and written nonfiction book about mapmaking. Maps are the visual fabric that weave together the world around us, and this book explores everything from the earliest cave dwellers to ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Chinese scholars, to European explorers and modern computer scientists. “The Shape of Things” is a great introduction to developing an understanding for geography. Available Aug. 20. Ages 4-8.

The Boy and the Elephant

By Freya Blackwood

“The Boy and the Elephant” is a wordless picture book perfect for children who aren’t ready to begin reading yet, or simply just enjoy illustrations without a predetermined storyline. In this book, a lonely young boy finds solace among the trees near his apartment. One day, the boy spots an elephant behind the trees, whom he visits throughout each season. When the lot is sold and the trees are marked for removal, the boy must find a way to save the elephant and the other creatures of the wild space. Available Aug. 27. Ages 4-8.

My Big Book of Nature Sounds

By Lucie Brunelliere

Storytelling is usually a one-way interaction when reading to babies and toddlers. With “My Big Book of Nature Sounds,” little ones can further develop their listening and language skills while having fun. The 20-button side panel on this book contains 100 sounds and words of nature, like crunching leaves, barking dogs and more! Added bonus: this book is durable enough to come along for summer road trips and plane rides, and is the right size for little hands to hold. Ages 0-3.

Somewhere in Between

By Laan Cham

For children who always feel stuck in the middle, “Somewhere in Between” will be a relatable, fun read about conflict resolution, friendship and complex emotions. This story of fairness, sharing and concession is perfect for sibling quarrels, challenges at school and everything in between. Ages 4-8.

For more books to add to your shelf, check out our June Book Corner.

Family Programs at The Soraya

Published

The Soraya, the state-of-the-art performing arts center that is on the south tip of the CSUN campus, has wonderful family programs as part of its 2024-25 season – and three special performances will appeal to kids of all ages and parents. Members who purchase all three events as a Family Package will receive their respective Membership discount, so it’s worth looking at a membership for your family and receive exclusive discounts and benefits all season long.

DISNEY PIXAR COCO
Live-to-Film Concert
Featuring Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México
Saturday, Oct 26 at 3 pm and Sunday, Oct 27 at 3 pm
 
The Disney Pixar’s beloved Coco comes to life on stage with the heartwarming smash hit film’s score by Oscar® and GRAMMY® Award-winning composer Michael Giacchino. Performed live by Orquesta Folclórico Nacional de México, Disney Pixar’s Coco follows 12-year-old Miguel on a journey through the Land of the Dead and features the Academy Award-winning song “Remember Me,” by songwriters Kristen AndersonLopez and Robert Lopez (Frozen, Frozen 2). Disney fans of all ages will enjoy this unforgettable night of Disney magic.

MUMMENSCHANZ
50 Years
Saturday, Nov 2 at 3pm

For its anniversary production – aptly titled 50 Years – MUMMENSCHANZ will be taking audiences on a journey filled with imagination and poetry, putting on the most beloved sketches from the foundation’s repertoire over the past five decades. To mark the anniversary, co-founder Floriana Frassetto has devised a production that will take the public on a 50-year journey through the fascinating world of MUMMENSCHANZ. It will take a look back at the most popular, most successful productions of years gone by, featuring legendary characters such as the Clay Masks and the Toilet Paper Faces. The show will also see appearances by the delicate, air-filled Giants, the Pipe Creature and plenty of other bizarre objects and shapes brought to life by the troupe. The production will also include sketches featuring surprising new forms and characters that capture the signature MUMMENSCHANZ spirit. This fantastic journey through the world of MUMMENSCHANZ is lively, humorous, full of affection and brimming with imagination. 

STOMP
Created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas
Saturday, Jan 18 at 3 pm and 8 pm, and Sunday, Jan 19 at 3 pm
 
STOMP is an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. The troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. Year after year, audiences worldwide keep coming back for more of this pulse-pounding electrifying show.
“STOMP is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser with a rock-and-roll heart.”– The New York Times

YAMATO
Hito no chikara | The Power of Human Strength
Saturday, March 22 at 3 pm

Making its fifth appearance at The Soraya, YAMATO returns with Hito no chikara, The Power of Human Strength. Packed with high energy and the traditional sounds of Japan, every YAMATO performance (they’ve done more than 4,000 so far!) engulfs audiences of all ages in the sound of Taiko.

Fun Snacks for On-the-Go Kids (and Parents!)

Published

By Emily Ip

The bento snack boxes of carrot sticks with hummus or yogurt parfaits you’ve seen on Pinterest are great, but what about the days when you need a snack that can sit unrefrigerated for hours on end, or when you don’t have the energy to prepare something? Whether your kids are hopping from summer camp to sports to enrichment programs, or spending more time playing outside this summer, I’m sure their hunger for snacks is only growing. But after a school year of lunch packing, you deserve a little break, too! Read along for a few of my favorite shelf-friendly snacks that you’ll want to keep in your pantry all year long.

Biena Roasted Chickpea Snacks: Munching on these flavorful and crunchy roasted chickpeas makes for an unexpectedly satisfying snack. They remind me a little of corn nuts (minus the tough exterior), which makes this a perfect snack for children with braces who are missing their usual crunchy snacks. Rotate between sea salt, ranch, barbecue, honey roasted, everything bagel and habanero flavors. Added bonus: Each serving packs in 5 grams of fiber and protein.

MadeGood Granola Minis: These bite-sized granola balls include a few extra nutrients (thanks to vegetable extracts) and are the perfect little bite to tide you over. Whether your kids are sharing their snacks or have food allergies, all of MadeGood’s products are made in a facility free of all common allergens. The granola minis come in a variety of flavors such as cookies and cream, chocolate chip and strawberry, but the banana chocolate chip is my favorite!

Simple Mills Almond Crackers: Pair with sliced cheese, dips and spreads, or enjoy these crackers just as they are. The nut and seed flour blend, comprised of almonds, sunflower and flax seeds, adds a slight toasty, nutty flavor to this crunchy, salty snack that levels up your standard cracker. If and when your family tires of them, try the rosemary and sea salt, sun-dried tomato basil, black pepper or farmhouse cheddar flavors, too. I love getting these crackers in a two-pack at Costco, and I have also seen them sold in an individually wrapped variety.

LesserEvil Popcorn: Popcorn is my favorite snack of all time, so when I discovered LesserEvil, I was hooked. Although I can catch them on sale sometimes, I’ll admit it’s a tad pricier than the average bag of popcorn. The reason I justify it? Their kernels pop up bigger and fluffier than any other variety I’ve tried — and I’ve tried many brands of popcorn! Most plain sea salt popcorns taste a little flat, but LesserEvil’s use of coconut oil adds a slight buttery flavor to the original variety and amplifies the brand’s “Himalayan Gold” butter variety. For kettle corn lovers, try the “Himalayan Sweetness.”

Annie’s Homegrown Bunny Fruit Snacks: Sure, fresh and ripe fruit is bountiful in the summertime, but that doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate some fruit snack gummies, too! The cute little bunny shape of Annie’s snacks makes these gummies even more fun. The individually wrapped snack packs come in strawberry, tropical and berry flavors.

Ranch Sweet Potato Chips: The natural, subtle sweetness of sweet potatoes adds something new to your average potato chip — especially the ranch flavor. I’ve seen the sea salt variety at my local Costco, with ranch, barbecue and jalapeño flavors at my local grocers. Pop open a bag at your next pool day, kids’ playdate or day at the park.

Skout Organic Snack Bar: Sweetened with dates, these bars lend a softer chewiness perfect for younger kids. The smaller size of these bars adds to their toddler-friendly profile, with the extra bonus of making a great it’s-almost-dinnertime bite. The cute cartoons on the packaging and flavors such as apple pie, peanut butter and jelly, French toast and almond cookie make these bars a fun and tasty option.

Emily Ip is an editorial intern at L.A. Parent.

June Book Corner: Honoring Juneteenth

Published

By Emily Ip

Juneteenth has long been celebrated as a day that represents freedom and liberation within the African American community. On June 19, 1866, the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation was enacted in Texas, the last confederate state. Although emancipation still came gradually for enslaved people, Juneteenth became a significant symbol of hope. Whether you are celebrating Juneteenth with your children, or want to educate them about the holiday, books are a great place to start. Read along to find children’s books that share why Juneteenth is a significant holiday, the stories of historical figures, delicious recipes and more!

The Night Before Freedom: A Juneteenth Story

By Glenda Armand

Vivid, richly colorful illustrations from artist Corey Barksdale and the rhyming verses of Armand’s writing blend together to tell the story of Juneteenth. Though “The Night Before Freedom” makes for a beautiful addition to young readers’ bookshelves, even the most seasoned readers will appreciate the story, too. Ages 4+

Juneteenth for Maizie

By Floyd Cooper

Young Maizie reflects on the struggles and triumphs throughout Black history as she prepares to celebrate Juneteenth. In “Juneteenth for Maizie,” Maizie celebrates a day symbolizing liberty and freedom: the day her ancestors were no longer enslaved. Ages 4-8.

Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat Better

By Glenda Armand and Kim Freeman

“Ice Cream Man,” is the story of Augustus Jackson, the man who is responsible for the beloved cool, creamy treat we now know as ice cream. As a child, Augustus dreamed of becoming a professional chef and set off to work in the White House at the age of 12. Working his way up from kitchen assistant to head chef, Augustus began experimenting, creating an expanding variety of flavors. Augustus’ invention was soon enjoyed by everyone, just as this book will be. Ages 4-8.

Juneteenth Is

By Natasha Tripplett

The book “Juneteenth Is” captures the warmth and unity of Black communities and families. Read along to learn more about Juneteenth, which is not only a holiday, but a day that symbolizes freedom. Ages 4-8.

The Juneteenth Cookbook

By Alliah L. Agostini

With historically accurate recipes and educational family activities, “The Juneteenth Cookbook” is a fun, delicious way for children to connect with their culture, or learn something new. Some of the family and kid-friendly recipes include sweet potato pie bars, Mac ‘n’ Please, Frances Price’s Calico Potato Salad and more! Ages 8-12.

For more book suggestions, check out our May Book Corner.

Expedition Dinosaur at Discovery Cube Los Angeles

Published

The brand-new Discovery Cube Los Angeles exhibit will invite guests to travel back in time to experience engaging, interactive, life-like animatronic dinosaurs and exciting educational prehistoric content through cutting-edge technology.

Expedition Dinosaur: Adventure Awaits invites paleontologists-in-training to learn about a wide variety of dinosaur species and the adaptations that allowed them to survive while stepping into the shoes of an early paleontologist and discovering how fossils were unearthed. 

On display through September 2, the immersive exhibit will take visitors on an educational journey through the Jurassic era, featuring life-size, life-like animatronic dinosaurs, replicas, artifacts, and interactive displays. Guests will hear and see what dinosaurs looked and sounded like in prehistoric times. 

Become a pioneer in pursuing dinosaur artifacts at Expedition Dinosaur, and explore what many scientists and explorers have done before you. 

A true adventure awaits. 

At Discovery Cube Los Angeles, we inspire and educate young minds through engaging science-based programs and exhibits to create a meaningful impact on the communities we serve. Our team of exhibit designers and educators are constantly creating on- and off-site activities that cater to the needs of learners of all backgrounds. From kinesthetic and auditory to visual learning, we have experiences for every child to learn, engage, and have fun. To buy your tickets to see Expedition Dinosaur at Discovery Cube Los Angeles, visit www.discoverycube.org/los-angeles/exhibits/expedition-dinosaur.

The Perfect Addition to Your Little Adventurer’s Bookshelf  

Published

By Emily Ip

It may come as a surprise to tourists and even some Los Angeles transplants, but picturesque parks, sprawling trails and native animals are all in the backyard of this dense urban city. Hiking enthusiast and L.A. native Nell Cross Beckerman is sharing the joy of natural surroundings in her new children’s book “From Park to Playa: the Trails That Connect Us.”  

Nell in front of Playa sign. PHOTOS COURTESY NELL BECKERMAN

After a decade of trekking the same hike up in Baldwin Hills, Beckerman discovered that the trail continued to another side — where she could overlook the glistening city towers of Downtown L.A. The seemingly endless trail was no accident; through her research, Beckerman learned that the 13-mile Park-to-Playa trail was all thanks to the handiwork of a team of public officials committed to connecting people to nature. 

Inspired by the beauty and adventure lying outside her front door, Beckerman wrote this book to encourage children to venture out and explore their own surroundings. L.A. kids will especially enjoy recognizing the Expo line, the Sony Studios rainbow and the twinkling lights of the Santa Monica Pier, along with learning about hummingbirds, Desert Cottontail bunnies and a grunion run. 

A page displaying the Playa hill in “From Park to Playa: the Trails That Connect Us.”

Each page of “From Park to Playa: the Trails That Connect Us” is rich with colors, shades and Sophie Diao’s lively illustrations that highlight what makes outside play and adventure so delightful in our neck of the woods right here in the city. 

Check out “From Park to Playa: the Trails That Connect Us” here. Copies signed by the author are available at Children’s Book World here. 

We Love It: From Toys and Games to Strollers and Swim Diapers

Published

By Elena Epstein

Birdfy Feeder Bamboo 

Enjoy nature with this smart bird feeder made from FSC-certified bamboo. Features a solar-powered camera for eco-friendly operation, allowing for bird watching with minimal environmental impact. Supports AI recognition to identify more than 6,000 bird species. $279.99, birdfy.com

“Dear Graduate”

This book challenges that age-old question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” by changing it to “What will you do when you grow up?” It asks 33 questions of graduates of any age about how they want to spend their time and what values they’ll develop. $15.99, ages 5-18, deargraduatebook.com

Joolz Aer+

Designed to make traveling with your little one smooth and comfortable, this stylishly designed stroller features a one-hand, one-second fold and is airplane compatible and lightweight. The reclining seat makes it perfect for napping on the go. $449, birth+, joolz.com

First Crafts Pets Carnival Collage Sensory Craft Box

Explore a vibrant carnival of textures, shapes, colors and sizes to craft delightful pets and party-inspired creations. Includes more than 1,000 pieces neatly packed in a sturdy portable box. $34.95, ages 3+, mycreativebox.com

“The Down and Dirty Guide to Camping with Kids”

A fun guide packed with tips, tools and checklists to plan the perfect outdoors adventure with your family. Includes new gear recommendations, practical advice, recipes, activities and art projects to keep your kids engaged and connected to nature. $24.95, shambhala.com

“A Year of Celebraciones”

Take a tour around the world as you learn how other cultures celebrate their new year through decorations, gifts, foods, gatherings and more. $18.99, ages 4-8, apa.org

Happy Nappy DUO 

A sustainable alternative to disposable swim diapers, this 2-in-1 design contains solids while its innovative silver lining is designed to kill fecal bacteria. $27, ages 0-3 years, us.splashabout.com

VTech Bopping & Cruising Baby Driver

Vroom, vroom — let your littles take a road trip fueled by their imagination! Features bright colors, soft textures and tons of role-play car gears. $17.99, ages 3 months+, vtechkids.com

Baby GUND Sustainably Soft Dolls 

These dolls are great for cuddlers. Each cuddly friend is sourced from 100% recycled materials (plastic bottles) and crafted with luxe ultra-soft recycled plush, fiber fill and threads. Featuring six beautiful and diverse dolls. $20, ages birth+, gund.com

How to Keep Your Family Healthy on Vacation 

Published

By Elena Epstein

Colleen Kraft, M.D., pediatrician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
PHOTO COURTESY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES 

Family vacations are one of the best ways to bond and make lifelong memories. But we all know that the change in schedule and adjusting to sleeping and eating in new places can be challenging, especially for kids. We reached out to Colleen Kraft, M.D., a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, for some tips on how to incorporate wellness into your next adventure.

How important is staying hydrated when traveling, whether by car or plane?

It’s important to stay hydrated. Here’s a good chart on how much water [per day] a child should have by age:

Age in yearsNumber of 8-ounce cups
11
22
33
44
55
66
77
88
9 and older8
Eight 8-ounce cups = 2 liters

How do you ensure good hydration for both kids and parents?

When we are on vacation, we often don’t know that we are thirsty, but we see some of the following signs. This is especially true for active children and parents, as well as during warmer weather. These signs include:

  • Dry lips
  • Sticky mouth
  • Infrequent urination or dark-colored urine
  • Sleepy and irritable
  • Flushed skin
  • Lightheadedness
  • Cramps
  • Thirst
  • Headache
  • Rapid pulse
  • Feeling excessively hot or cold

Eating well can become challenging while traveling. What are some of your tips?

Keeping healthy snacks available can ensure that kids and parents have good options in between restaurants and other places to eat. If you are staying in a location with a kitchen, you can shop and make your own snack bags before you head out for the day. If you don’t have a kitchen, there are some good packaged options, including:

  • Fresh fruit slices
  • Dried fruit — raisins, cranberries, bananas, cherries, apricots
  • Baby carrots
  • Popcorn (for children over 4 years of age)
  • Peanuts, almonds, cashews
  • Pretzels
  • Veggie Straws
  • Snap peas

Stick to snacks that are primarily made with whole-food ingredients (beans, nuts, seeds, fruits, veggies, whole grains).

How about staying “regular,” which is a problem for many while traveling?

A combination of enough water, high-fiber foods (like the snacks above) and lots of physical activity will ensure that you and your kids will remain “regular” during your travel. Make sure you know where the bathrooms are located. For some kids, they will prefer to do this in the same location — like a hotel room or condo bathroom — so make sure you have some “down time” in the afternoon or evening for this to happen.

What are some activities to incorporate into our travel plans so we don’t return from our trip completely frazzled?

A balance of activity and rest really helps make a vacation fun and “doable”. Keep some of your usual family routines while away. Things like a bath, brushing teeth and a book at night are comforting for children and help make the daytime activities that much more enjoyable.

What do you recommend for getting a good night’s sleep in a new environment?

Vacation often includes later bedtimes than usual, but try not to make this any later than one hour past your child’s usual bedtime. Incorporate your usual bedtime routines while you are away to ensure that your child sleeps well.

What are some things to avoid while traveling to ensure a calmer, more enjoyable experience?

Vacations are a time when we all try to do too much — too many rides or activities or places to visit, too much junk food or treats. Keep a plan for a morning and an afternoon activity. Give yourself and your kids some down time. Make sure you include some of your family routines throughout your day and evening. Don’t worry if you don’t see or do everything — there will always be times to return. The important part is to celebrate your children and family while you visit a new or fun destination or relatives. The time and attention you spend with your children will create lasting memories. 

Azusa’s Eco-Fair Helps Us Care for Our Planet

Published

By Cherie Cofer

With the anticipation of rain looming over us in a cloud-covered sky, families poured into Azusa’s Outdoor Recreation & Eco-Fair in Memorial Park this spring to learn about ways we can help care for our planet.

Activities included ax throwing, a snow area, rock climbing, face painting, petting rare animal species and eco-friendly arts and crafts. And after all of that: free food! As families perused, The Silverados band provided the soundtrack, belting out familiar tunes from the Beatles and The Chicks.

Getting up close and personal with a central bearded dragon at Azusa’s Outdoor Recreation & Eco-Fair.
 PHOTO BY CHERIE COFER

Together, we learned how to preserve the life of monarchs by planting milkweed plants and how to prevent endangered species from meeting an unfortunate end. 

Athens Services provided a recycling cheat sheet with a sorting game to remind families what goes where: recyclables, landfills and compostable items. North East Trees, a youth-based organization whose mission is to “green” the city, handed out tips on planting.

Friends of the Los Angeles River invited the community to connect with monthly events, including nature walks, meditation and writing workshops. And for the little scientists in your life, there are opportunities to conduct bird surveys and detect bats. Yes, bats make up about one-fourth of mammals on the earth and are a vital part of our urban riparian ecosystem. 

Heal the Bay provided beach report cards so we know the best days to hit the beach. I walked away from this event with some practical tips on how to better care for our planet and two milkweed plants with the hope of attracting more butterflies to my little corner of the world.

Hollenbeck PAL: A Community Passion Project

Published

By Cherie Cofer

Nestled squarely in the heart of East Los Angeles is a nonprofit proudly serving three of the oldest neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Hollenbeck PAL is an organization on a mission to heal its community by providing a safe environment during non-school hours for kids ages 10-17.

Donald Levier of Hollenbeck PAL (center) poses with graduates. PHOTO BY OFFICER EUGENE OLEA

Founded in 1992 by the Hollenbeck division of the Los Angeles Police Department and community residents in response to the increase in juvenile crimes, Hollenbeck PAL offers several programs: career development (PAL-UP), sports recreation and leadership skills. The cornerstone of the organization is the 12-week Diversion program, which offers a comprehensive curriculum, conflict resolution and communication techniques for parents and their children. While participating, parents are required to attend weekly sessions. The program covers several core areas: delinquency and crime prevention, financial literacy and fitness and nutrition. 

“The PAL program can have a huge impact on the trajectory of a kid’s life,” says Donald Levier, associate director of Hollenbeck PAL’s Leadership and Development department. “Many of the youth in our community deal with trauma. By giving them the tools to help cope with and work through what they have been through, it can have an immeasurable impact on their lives.” 

To learn more, visit lapdhollenbeckpal.org.

                                                     

May Book Corner: Celebrate AAPI Heritage

Published

By Emily Ip

This curation of books celebrates AAPI authors and the stories they have penned. From enthralling tales about food, family memories and different generations to inspiring biographies, each of these books will teach your young reader a little something about other cultures, and the power of embracing their own.

We Are Here

By Naomi Hirahara

Twenty-three million people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent live in the United States. Amidst the depth and nuances of each of these individuals, “We Are Here” is a collection of biographies. These biographies highlight 30 AAPI individuals who have impacted the social, cultural, and political scene of the United States. Complete with a reflection guide including questions, links and a glossary, “We Are Here” is not only a beautiful book, but an excellent start to enlightening conversations, too. Ages 8-12.

Everyone Loves Lunchtime But Zia

By Jenny Liao

Many school-aged children (and even parents reading to their little ones) will identify with Zia, whose school lunchbox, filled with traditional Cantonese dishes prepared by her parents, is a source of anxiousness. As Zia begins to learn more about her culture through food, along with the meaning behind certain ingredients and flavors, she fosters an appreciation for her heritage and food. “Everyone Loves Lunchtime” is a fun read for everyone, and will inspire children to take pride in their identity. Ages 3-7.

The Magic Paintbrush

By Kat Zhang

“The Magic Paintbrush” is a vividly illustrated fantasy story about Amy, a Chinese American girl, who finds an ancient paintbrush upon visiting her grandmother. The paintbrush sends Amy into an adventure-filled journey that unleashes her inner creativity. Readers will enjoy following Amy’s discovery towards forging her own path, tapping into her imagination, and reconnecting with her family. Ages 10-13.

Always Anjali

By Sheetal Sheth

Anjali is tired of her name — the other kids are always teasing her for it, and when she wants to get personalized bike license plates with her friends, her name is nowhere to be found. Anjali’s frustration comes to a head when she demands that her parents let her pick a new name. In “Always Anjali,” readers will enjoy learning to embrace their own unique identities alongside Anjali. To continue the journey, grab “Bravo, Anjali!,” Sheth’s second book in the series. Ages 4-8.

Lolo’s Sari-Sari Store

By Sophia N. Lee

For one girl, helping her Lolo (grandfather) pack rice and eggs for Tonton, shampoo packets for Ate Jane and tend to the regulars at the Sari-Sari Store marked her summers. Now that she is far from the Philippines, she must find new ways to connect with her community and culture. “Lolo’s Sari-Sari Store” is a delightfully comforting read, particularly for children who are missing their relatives or pieces of another place they call home. Ages 4-8.

The Spice Box

By Meera Sriram

“The Spice Box” is the story of a father and son who share a spice box beholding pungent, fragrant spices for cooking all of their favorite dishes. The ruby and gold box is also special because it holds all of their memories and has been passed down from one generation to the next. When Rishi accidentally drops the box, he must connect his past to his present to set things right again. Ages 3-7.

For more books to add to your shelf, check out our April Book Corner.

Freedom in Play: Why Children Should Participate in Extracurricular Activities

Published

By Stratford School

The old adage “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” still holds true even today. Playtime and extracurricular activities help contribute to a child’s overall development.

If we want to raise successful children, it’s important to acknowledge that learning isn’t something that only takes place within the four walls of a classroom. A tremendous amount of learning also happens outside of a classroom setting.

According to Jeanne Huybrechts, Stratford School’s Chief Academic Officer, the most tangible benefits of getting your child involved in extracurricular activities include teamwork, a sense of belonging and early skill development that results in cognitive imprinting and muscle memory.  

Undertaking extracurricular activities has far-ranging benefits that touch on many aspects of a child’s development. Here are five advantages of extracurricular activities, demonstrating why you should encourage your child to take on something away from the classroom. 

Learn new skills: One of the fundamental benefits of extracurricular activities is that they allow your child to learn something that could stay with them for a lifetime. Directly, that skill could be the basis of a hobby or passion that enriches their life for many years. Everything from playing sports to learning an instrument could lead to hours spent doing something they truly enjoy. 

Understand a routine: Extracurricular activity involve structure and a predictable series of events that help children get on a schedule. The more they get comfortable sticking to a routine, the easier it gets for them to adhere to a schedule of activities both at home and school. And because their expectations are set, anxieties and stress in children are reduced.

Boost academic performance: Education requires solid problem-solving skills, memory, creativity and critical thinking. To varying degrees, you can find an extracurricular activity that has an impact on these areas. Research has been carried out that develops a link between extracurricular participation and better academic performance. In one such study, important academic outcomes like reading, math achievement and course grades were all found to be positively influenced by children who engage in extracurricular activities. 

Broader social skills: The very nature of many extracurricular activities means that your child will be engaging with other children in a social setting. Away from the classroom, it’s a good opportunity for them to mix with likeminded children in something they all enjoy. This is another key benefit of extracurricular activities: they give children a chance to develop their social skills, meet new friends and become more confident communicating in groups.

Well-rounded individual: Well-rounded children are known to thrive better in life. These are the ones who grow up with more confidence, sense of independence, creativity and ability to collaborate with others with fewer conflicts and behavioral issues. They are also the children who tend to adapt to change easily and handle life’s challenges more effectively.

To help children receive the most benefits from extracurricular activity involvement physically, emotionally and socially, Huybrechts recommends they participate in the right amount of activity for their age level and abilities.

“Exposure is key as it is impossible to predict what children will enjoy and be able to do well so allow kids to try several activities,” Huybrechts says. “Insist on completing whatever the original agreement was – a season, a semester, etc. – and then allow them to step away if it’s not what they like. At the same time, I think it’s fair to expect children to eventually commit to one or more extracurricular activities for an extended period. Extracurricular activities can develop into life-long pursuits, even passions, yet that won’t happen until a person has developed a certain level of proficiency. Adults who regularly play golf, tennis or chess well, or participate in a community orchestra, probably developed their passion – not to mention muscle memory – in a related activity as a child. We give our children a gift when we encourage them to stick with an activity that they clearly like for as long as it takes to get good at it – with foundational skill development that makes it easy for them to return to the activity at any time in their lives.” 

In addition, there are parents who may be concerned about their child participating in too many activities outside of school. Diversity in extracurricular activities promotes development as long as the child balances activities with the demands of school and family life. As Huybrechts notes, “Kids have different capacities, and activities can be seasonal and consume different amounts of time, so there is no single number. I would aim for a couple, and perhaps activities that tap into different capabilities and teach different skills: a soccer team and an after-school coding club; violin lessons, a school or community orchestra, or a swim team. The combinations I mention would not be taxing to children (or the parents who drive them to practice and rehearsals) and both include physical activity and a genuine team or ensemble experience.” 

When you give your child the chance to participate in school activities, they learn a lot more than just the things that are covered in class. The skills and knowledge they acquire shape their well-being and help round out their holistic development.

Schools and local communities are full of exciting activities that could spark your child’s imagination and capture their attention. Gauge your child’s general interests and consider what they may be interested in taking part in. Then look to their school or the wider community to find an appropriate program for your child. As Huybrechts concludes, “When your child enjoys the activity on a regular basis, looks forward to continued participation and sees the activity as part of their identity, you can be reasonably assured that the activity is a success.”If you are interested in learning more about Stratford School, or scheduling a personalized tour, visit us online at www.stratfordschools.com.

Caring for Your Kids Starts with You: Self-Care Tips for Parents and Caregivers

Published

If you’re a caregiver, you need to be a care receiver, too. 

Devoting your days (and nights) to caring for infants, toddlers, teens or adults who need it can be both rewarding and exhausting. The hours spent making sure that person (or people) are fed, hydrated, safe and healthy are worth it. That said, sometimes that effort leaves you too tired to take care of yourself. You might find it easy to prioritize others, but it can be just as important to move your own needs up that list at times. After all, if you’re worn down, unhealthy, hungry or too tired, you won’t have the energy to do anything for anyone. And when others keep pulling from your empty well, feelings of resentment might start to build. 

Self-care isn’t selfish. You might be thinking that putting self-care on the calendar is just one more task you can’t make time for. But self-care doesn’t have to take hours (or be expensive) in order for you to feel restored by it. Also, caring for yourself can look like not doing everything alone. Whether help is offered or you have to ask for it, letting someone else handle a task might make them feel useful while bringing your own stress level down a bit.

Think about the small, simple things you do for the people you love and how special it can make them feel. Then, think about little things that can make you feel happy, energetic or loved, and do those things. And consider this: Self-care is actually good for everyone. Here are some easy ideas to try:

  • Meditate, stretch, dance or do a deep-breathing exercise for five minutes.
  • Spend a few minutes every day in nature. 
  • Sit down to eat your meal — taste and enjoy your food (yes, even if it’s a peanut butter and jelly sandwich).
  • Drink lots of water throughout the day.
  • Read a few pages of a book or listen to a podcast. 
  • Pick a flower or some greenery and keep it in a vase by your bed.
  • Ask for help, find help around you or take someone up on their offer to help.

Whatever it is, take a minute to put it on the calendar — and then, make it a non-negotiable. You wouldn’t push off a doctor’s appointment for your infant, right? You’d never miss your 3rd grader’s holiday lunch or your teen’s basketball game, either. Now it’s time for you to make what you need a priority as well. And remember, if it’s not something you can do alone, don’t be afraid to ask for the help you need. 

The better you feel, the better job you can do as a caregiver. So make yourself a priority today. You, and the ones you care for, will be better off because of it. 

You can also turn to BrightLife Kids for additional support to help you become the parent you strive to be. All California parents and caregivers with kids ages 0-12 now get free behavioral health coaching through BrightLife Kids. 

Chat with a credentialed expert and get answers to the toughest parent questions, like how to effectively manage kids’ tantrums, outbursts, meltdowns, and more. Sessions are just 30 minutes long, so they easily fit into your busy schedule. It’s 100% paid for by California –– which means it’s 100% free for you. Visit brightlife.kids to get started.  

Playing Your Way to a Better World at the Cayton Children’s Museum

Published

Photo by Hannah Benet

Those who prioritize play lead happier, more successful lives. This simple yet powerful tool for building our minds encourages new neural connections that lead to better critical thinking, problem-solving and overall learning. It also expands our worldview by understanding different cultures and perspectives, fostering empathy and a sense of belonging. As children grow, play builds resilience, helping them adapt to new situations and reducing stress. Plus, it is so much fun! 

At the Cayton, we understand the profound impact of play in fostering a deep love for self-discovery and exploration of the world around us. We encourage families to discover their creativity, connect with one another, and create lasting memories with the power of play. From our hands-on exhibits like a real-life helicopter, fire truck, veterinary clinic and bustling community market to our daily sensory, arts and movement activities, the Cayton will spark curiosity and ignite imaginations.

Photo by Elaine Lee

Membership
As a Cayton member, open the door to a world of endless play! All members enjoy 12 months of general admission and priority access to special programs and events. With expedited check-in, member early entry, and discounts on our classes, you can maximize your play time exploring our exhibits and participating in our engaging activities. Plus, Cayton members receive a 10% discount on purchases in our Museum Store and 50% off admission to over 400 children’s museums nationwide.

Through April 14th, receive 15% off unlimited family play for 12 months when you join, renew or gift a membership. Whichever tier you choose, joining today opens the door to a world of endless possibilities and unforgettable experiences at the Cayton.

Launchers
At $204, our entry-level tier provides unlimited visits for two members (one adult and one child) and two guest passes, ensuring quality bonding time for you and your little one.

Climbers
Ready to take your adventures to new heights? For $306, our Climbers membership tier offers unlimited visits for four members and four guest passes, allowing the whole family to explore and discover together.

Reachers
For families seeking even greater value and benefits, our Reachers membership tier includes unlimited visits for six members, eight guest passes, and exclusive discounts on event rentals, buyouts, and classes for a vital contribution of $500.

Photo by Cayton Children’s Museum

Cayton Classes
We acknowledge the benefits of play in all life stages, and our Cayton classes are designed to enhance a child’s social, creative and cognitive abilities through immersive play experiences tailored to their age. Led by experienced Play Guides and specialists, these intimate and interactive classes provide the perfect opportunity for children to learn and grow in a supportive environment. Whether it is our Art Crawl — an introduction to sensory art and play for infants and toddlers — or our Paint the Walls: Art Explosion — a sensory art experience for preschoolers — our classes inspire creativity on a grand scale! 

Photo by Hannah Benet

Bridging the Play Divide
More than 1.7 million children in Los Angeles County have limited access to play. Without access to safe playgrounds and public spaces dedicated to unstructured play, children in these underserved communities are denied the physical, social and emotional benefits play offers.

At the Cayton, we call this the Play Divide and work to bridge it in multiple ways. Through our PLAY4ALL equity and inclusion initiatives, we provide PLAY4ALL passes that provide free entry for families facing financial hardship. Through this program, families can apply for a free annual pass for up to four guests to visit the museum for 12 months. 

Through PLAY4ALL Field Trips, we offer subsidized transportation to the museum and enriching programs for Title 1 Schools, Transitional Kindergartens, and Head Start Programs. This program expands access to fun and immersive learning opportunities and has benefited more than 60 schools this past year alone.

We recognize that play looks different for everyone. Our Sensory-Friendly Hours are designed for families with sensory-sensitive children and community organizations that support families with children of diverse abilities and special needs. Held every Sunday from 9 am to 10 am, families and members with children with sensory sensitivities or differing abilities can explore our exhibits at their own pace.

Photo by Elaine Lee

Celebrating at the Cayton
Looking to inject more fun into your next celebration? Look no further than the Cayton. From birthday parties to social gatherings and corporate events, the Cayton Children’s Museum provides a full-service experience to accommodate your needs. When you rent space at the Cayton, our event professionals work with you to create a suitable package with our network of preferred event vendors like caterers, performers, artists, photographers, so you can focus on your celebration!

Room options include private-party rooms, a state-of-the-art theater and option to book a museum buyout. Each celebration includes free play admission to our exhibits and activities for you and your guests. For additional play, you may want to consider activities, or a private class facilitated by our Play Guides to create a more memorable impression.

Photo by Mercie Ghimire

Cayton Children’s Museum
As a nonprofit organization, Cayton Children’s Museum offers 21,000 square feet of discovery-based exhibits situated steps from the Santa Monica beach and pier. We activate the power of play to enrich the lives of children and their families, build stronger, more connected communities, and create a better world.

Our 20+ interactive exhibits and daily activities are an immersive play experience for children ages 0–8. From collaborative play and hands-on sensory, art and movement activities to exploring different cultures and perspectives, the Cayton helps to expand a child’s imagination, creativity and curiosity. 

Join us to play every day and discover how your family can play your way to a better world.

Cayton Children’s Museum is located at Santa Monica Place, 395 Santa Monica Place, Level 3 in Santa Monica. Open Wednesday-Sunday from 10 am to  5 pm with Member early entry at 9 am. For more information, visit caytonmuseum.org or contact us at 424-416-8320 or at info@caytonmuseum.org

April Book Corner: Books Inspired by True Stories

Published

By Emily Ip

This month’s book corner selection is perfect for young readers who are ready for a little more complexity behind their picture books. Each of these books are inspired by the events of true, real-life stories.

The Not-So-Average-Monkey of Kilkea Castle

By Christy Cashman

Author Christy Cashman crafts a story about kindness, inclusion, and acceptance, gaining inspiration from the true story of a brave monkey who saved the day at Kilkea Castle Ireland. In “The Not-So-Average-Monkey of Kilkea Castle“, Petri the monkey crowns himself king and learns the value of kindness. Readers can continue on Petri’s journey through Cashman’s second book titled “Petri’s Next Things.”   

José Feeds the World

By David Unger 

With heartwarming illustrations, “José Feeds the World” tells the true story of how award-winning chef and food activist, José Andrés, created the World Central Kitchen organization, which uses the power of food to nourish communities globally. After gathering a group of friends to cook for hungry locals following the earthquake that hit Haiti in 2010, Andrés has expanded his organization and fed over 200 million people affected by natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, and war. 

Susie Clark: The Bravest Girl You’ve Ever Seen

By Joshalyn Hickey-Johnson

Your young reader might have already learned about Ruby Bridges, but what about Susan Clark? At 13 years of age, Susan became the first Black student in the U.S. to attend an integrated public school. Following the ruling of Clark’s lawsuit, the Iowa Supreme Court granted all Iowa children the right to attend public school regardless of race, religion, or nationality. “Susie Clark: The Bravest Girl You’ve Ever Seen” is the perfect, digestible introduction to one of the many people who fought for their civil rights.

The Secret Elephant

By Ellen Rankin

Animal lovers will dive right into “The Secret Elephant” about a zoo elephant keeper who decides to take the zoo’s solitary elephant home during a war. Taking inspiration from the true story at the Belfast Zoo during WWll, author Ellan Rankin creates a story about an unlikely friendship and the bravery of humans and animals.

For more book suggestions, check out the March Book Corner.

Hop Into These Easter Events in L.A.

Published

By Emily Ip

Greet the Easter Bunny and capture it all with beautiful photos. PHOTO COURTESY THE GROVE L.A.

The days are stretching out longer and the temperatures are growing warmer, which means spring — and Easter — are right around the corner! Whether it be capturing a family photo with the Easter bunny, bringing your little ones to an egg hunt or enjoying a lavish brunch, these L.A. Easter events will help you and your family celebrate the holiday.

Meet the Easter Bunny as he makes his way through L.A.

What better way to begin your Easter festivities than with a photo op and meet and greet with the Easter bunny himself! 

Bunny Bungalows at The Grove and Americana at Brand — Capture family memories set against the pastel color palette of a spring backdrop adorned with florals and Easter eggs. Advanced reservations are highly encouraged.

Valencia Town Center’s Sensory Bunny Event — Children with special needs and their families will have the opportunity to get to know the Easter Bunny and have their photos taken with private photo sessions before the center opens. Find the Easter Bunny in his blossoming spring garden!

The Shops at Montebello — Meet the Easter Bunny at his beautiful springtime home in Center Court and capture the memories with professional photos. Reservations are not required but highly encouraged. Photo packages start at $40.

Fill Those Baskets…

…at these L.A. Easter Egg Hunts! 

Our Redeemer Church’s Annual Egg Hunt — There are plenty of eggs to find at this free event! With over 2,000 Easter eggs hidden in areas separated by children’s grade levels, every child is sure to walk away with a bountiful basket. The event will commence with a live band performance, and end with lunch and an Easter basket drawing.

Beyond Blindness’ Beeper Egg Hunt — Beyond Blindess is hosting a sensory-friendly egg hunt at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. Tactile, beeping eggs donated by the Orange County Sheriff Department will be at the soft, grassy lawn area for attendants gathering at the Grand Gazebo. Art and sensory activities, photo booths, games, and food will be provided after the egg hunts. Beyond Blindness kindly requests a donation of $5 per person over the age of 3.

Let the kids roam free with a variety of activities at Irvine Park Railroad’s Eggstravaganza. PHOTO COURTESY IRVINE PARK RAILROAD

Runway’s Hippity Hop Egg Hunt — This free egg hunt will be filled with excitement and surprises, followed by story time hour.

….with gifts!

Check out our roundup of NAPPA-award winning toys that make great Easter basket stuffers.

Do It All

Leave it to these local L.A. events to become your one-stop shop, providing a multitude of different Easter activities for the whole family.

Easter-themed fun at GLAZA’s Spring Fling. PHOTO BY JAMIE PHAM.

Irvine Park Railroad’s Eggstravaganza — From egg hunts, train rides and Easter Bunny photos to carnival games, cookie decorating and great food, Irvine Park Railroad has it all. Entrance is free with activity fees starting at $8.

Influence Church’s Egg Hunt Activities — The whole community is invited to this free event of face painting, egg hunts, and food!

Kids can get their faceprinting on at the Promenade. PHOTO COURTESY DOWNTOWN SANTA MONICA, INC.

Gilchrist Farm’s Spring Fling — Reserve your tickets to participate in the Gilchrist Farm egg hunt, where you can also get to know the baby farm animals, grab a photo with the Easter Bunny or meet their real bunnies! Activities like pony and horse rides, candle making, axe-throwing and archery range from $5-$25 each with the option to purchase a $50 full-day wristband.

GLAZA’s Annual Spring Fling — This Easter weekend, head to the L.A. Zoo for an “Egg-cellent” adventure with egg-laying animals, animal presentations and feedings, themed education stations, story time, musical performances, a visit from Big Bunny, and more. All programming is free, unless noted, with paid daytime admission and for GLAZA members.

To celebrate Easter, Bowlero is rolling out an exclusive two-hour AYCB (All You Can Bowl) Special, promising an epic adventure for all. To secure, sign up with your email online here. Every subscriber will receive the AYCB coupon on Easter morning as they open the rest of their Easter goodies.

Celebrate Over a Meal

Gather the family around the table to enjoy a classic Easter brunch in the local L.A. area, or hop on a day cruise!

Tuck into a delicious brunch spread alongside the scenic views at Palos Verdes’ Easter Ballroom Brunch. PHOTO COURTESY TERRANEA RESORT

Easter Wonderland Tea Party — Enjoy a morning tea party with Easter Wonderland characters whilst munching on a menu set by the Noble Bird Rotisserie. Don’t forget to get a formal photo taken with the Easter Bunny before you leave! $25-$30 depending on age of guest.

Tanaka Farms’ Easter Luncheon — This farm-to-table buffet features tri-tip chicken, ham, house-made vegan ham, grilled seasonal vegetables, seasonal fruits, desserts, and more. A visit from the Easter Bunny, games and activities, and photo ops will follow. Each child will receive a ticket to participate in the egg hunt. $49-$79 depending on age of guest.

Palos Verdes’ Easter Ballroom Brunch — Clink you glasses to bottomless mimosas at Terranea’s annual Easter Brunch and fill your plate with extraordinary culinary creations and house made sweets from their grand buffet spread. $19-$160 depending on age of guest.

Premier Easter Brunch Sea Cruise — Sit back and enjoy the scenic views whilst indulging in unlimited drinks and a freshly prepared array of brunch fare. Hop on the cruise from Newport, Long Beach, San Diego or Marina Del Rey. $70-$130 depending on age of guest and cruise location. Children ages 3 and under are free. Use code EASTER20 for 20% off. 

From its vantage point overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach is hosting its Easter Brunch & Bubbles event from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on March 31. Anticipate a playful day filled with Easter-themed activities, live entertainment, pictures with the Easter bunny and bottomless mimosas while noshing on seafood displays, breakfast favorites, live action stations and other brunch classics. Menu highlights include an omelet station, avocado toast station, a carving station with spring leg of lamb and slow roasted prime rib and much more. Tickets can be purchased online at $140 per adult, $65 per child ages 5-12.

No holiday would be complete without making a festive dessert at home! Bake up our Chocolate Cadbury Egg Cookie Recipe for an easy treat the kids are sure to love.

Give Back to the L.A. Community

Miracles for Kids volunteers bring joy to families this Easter. PHOTO COURTESY MIRACLES FOR KIDS

Join Miracles for Kids in assembling and delivering Easter baskets filled with a plethora of goods from household essentials to seasonal gifts. Your volunteering service will help ease the financial burden and spread joy to hundreds of critically ill children and their families.

We Love It: A Few of Our Editor’s Favorite Toys and Books for Kids

Published

By Elena Epstein

Bababoo and Friends Horse Stable Play World

Merge the power of storytelling and traditional playtime with this beautifully crafted wooden set that encourages caring and kindness. Includes horse stables and horse showers, play figures, horse obstacles, universal rail tracks and three vehicles. $63.99, ages 2+, us.bababooandfriends.com

Rubik’s Sensory Cube

Feel the colors with this unique 3×3 cube that has six distinguishable tactile markings for each color. Designed to enable visually impaired and unsighted users or those who enjoy the challenge of solving the cube by feel alone. Launched in partnership with the National Federation of the Blind. $12.99, ages 8+, amazon.com

Share Your Love

The rhyming couplets and beautiful art in this charming book carry children through the thoughtful process of extending love and kindness to themselves and the world. $18.95, ages 3-7, shambhala.com

Gotta Go Green by Debi Derryberry 

A musical album celebrating sustainability, going green and recycling. Debi is the voice for many beloved cartoon voices including Jimmy Neutron, Draculaura (Monster High), SharkPups (SharkDog). $11.98, debiderryberry.com

Asian Cultural Dolls Collection

Representing diverse Asian cultures, these 18-inch dolls promote self-love, heritage pride and respect. The initial collection features six dolls, representing Chinese, Filipina, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean and Indian cultures. $55, ages 2+, joeydolls.com

Puffin Rock and the New Friends

This action-packed movie celebrates our magnificent natural environment and features themes of belonging, courage and friendship. When the last Little Egg of the season disappears under mysterious circumstances, Oona and her new friends race against time to bring the Little Egg home before a big storm hits Puffin Rock. $2.99 to rent/$6.99 to buy, ages 2-5, puffinrock.com

Sprinx – Bumpas Weighted Stuffed Character

Features three pounds of distributed weight to deliver deep pressure stimulation which helps promote a sense of security and calming. The soft and adorable plushie’s arms are perfectly sized to give realistic hugs and hold on to you − hands free. $39.99, ages 3+, mybumpas.com

Helping Your Kids Navigate Friendships 

Published

By Elena Epstein 

Friendship. When it’s right, our kids feel seen, supported and connected. But when so-called friendships veer towards jealousy, disrespect and manipulation, they can make children feel sad and inadequate. 

Watching our children go through tough peer relationships can be heartbreaking, while also evoking a sense of helplessness. We want our kids to move through life with confidence, connecting with their peers in fun and healthy ways as they build strong and mutually respectful relationships. But we don’t always know when to step in. 

Suzanne Silverstein is founding director of the Cedars-Sinai Share & Care program. 
PHOTO COURTESY CEDARS-SINAI

I reached out to Suzanne Silverstein, a registered art therapist and founding director of the Cedars-Sinai Share & Care program, to gain some insight into ways we can help our kids develop stronger relationships and navigate unkind peers. She talked to me in-depth about this delicate issue and offered some critical do’s and don’ts. 

What is the Share & Care program? 

Cedars-Sinai Share & Care is a school-based mental health prevention and early intervention program that applies art therapy, mindfulness and council interventions to help children, educators and families who have been impacted by traumatic events and/or stressors. 

This academic year, Share & Care is at 28 [Los Angeles Unified School District] schools — 23 elementary and five middle schools. The program currently provides services to approximately 800 students per year. 

How important is having friends in a child’s life? 

Friendship is a critical component in the lifetime of adults and children of all ages. It plays a major role in life and development. Relationships with friends are one of the cornerstones of emotional development in a child. Children need to learn how to deal with their emotions when they get upset with peers. Friendships teach children social skills, how to communicate with others, how to problem solve and how to share. All these skills create an impact on the child and help develop positive self-esteem. 

How can parents help their children navigate making friends and keeping friends? 

Parents serve as a role model for their children. They see how you relate with others, how you talk to them and what you share with friends. If you have problems making friends, this message will come across to your child. All your relationships with friends send strong messages to your children. 

For younger children, you can help them make friends by setting up play dates. This will allow you to observe how they play with others. Are they able to share, can they communicate with their friends and problem solve? If your child has a problem in one of these areas, talk about what you observed, explain what didn’t work and why it might have been upsetting, share with your child what could have been done differently. Give your child lots of positive feedback when your child has play dates that went well.

How can parents help their child understand the difference between a true friend and one who is not? 

As a parent, it’s important for you to help your child understand what a true friend is. The following are characteristics of a good friend: one who respects you, supports you, someone you enjoy spending time with, someone who is not judgmental, [someone who is] a good listener and someone who has a sense of humor. 

A good relationship with friends can help your child develop positive self-esteem. As you observe your child making good friendships, point out the positive aspects that you noticed. 

Share with them what you like about the friend. 

If your child leans towards friends with negative actions that cause your child to feel bad, this is where you can step in and help your child understand why this friend is not the best choice. 

Should parents get involved when they sense that their child is being left out? If so, how? 

It really depends on the age of the child. For younger children, talk to them about being left out and how they feel. Give them tools and role play how to respond. If your child is getting into a fight with a friend, then it is best to step in if your child is unable to resolve the argument. Look at both sides of the situation. Don’t just take your child’s side. The next time your child is with friends, remind your child of your discussion and go over the suggestions you made together. 

Older children often want to handle situations on their own. Ask how things are going. If you notice your child is down or hasn’t talked about a friend in a while, you can share that you noticed and ask, “Has something happened?” Your child might elect not to share the situation with you at that time, [but] let them know you are available when they want to talk.

How does social media come into play in our kids’ friendships? 

In the 21st century, social media has become a major aspect in the lives of so many. As adults, we turn to technology to connect with family members, friends and colleagues. It is important to remember that parents serve as role models for their children. Youth observe how the adults in their home use technology (cell phones, social media, gaming, etc.). For younger children, phones, TVs and computers can become addictive. It is recommended that young children not be exposed to these devices. As children get older and begin using computers for school, it’s recommended that the computer be in a location outside of their bedroom, where you as the parent can see what your child is working on. 

Older children tend to spend hours captivated by social media, texting and scrolling though phone apps. Teens turn to cell phones to communicate and build relationships rather than communicating directly in person. Gaming is another major social media area. Many children and teens spend countless hours playing video games. They play online group games which serve for many as their social contacts and friends. In many cases, gamers only know each other by their online names. They have no idea how old other players are, where they live or what kind of person they are. The hours spent gaming can limit in-person connections and friendships. 

Below are do’s and don’ts to review with your children. These are extremely important tips. 

Do:

• Be aware of information you share about yourself, your family and friends. 

• Be aware who can access your information. 

• Trust yourself. If something looks or feels funny, check in with an adult. 

• Be aware before you post anything. Once information is online, you have lost control of it. 

Don’t: 

• Assume everyone online is who they say they are. 

• Share other people’s personal information or photographs. 

• Post information that could tell someone who you are or where you live. 

• Respond to disturbing or harassing messages. Cyberbullies are looking for reactions from you. 

What friendship-related stresses have you witnessed through Share & Care? 

For the elementary-age child, the school playground can be a source of stress. Boys often can’t tell the difference between the aggressive child who’s good at sports from a child who is being overly aggressive in a negative manner. Fourth-and fifth-grade girls tend to have a great deal of social problems, such as picking on one another or singling one girl not to be friends with. Some children don’t have the skills to communicate positively and are not always nice to one another. Cyberbullying has become a big issue for many kids due to social media. 

Some children are inherently more social than others. How can parents help nurture friendships for the kids who are less socially skilled? 

For the child with less social skills or possibly a shy child, there are steps a parent can take to help the child feel more comfortable in social situations. Start your child off with play dates when your child is young. That is the time children begin to learn  and develop social skills, which is how they make and keep friends. Expose your child to activities and sports that your child likes. 

Your child can also get involved in activities with friends so they won’t feel all alone. Reach out to your child’s teacher, see if the teacher has any tips for you since the teacher observes your child interacting with peers daily. As your child gets older, try role playing situations that make your child uncomfortable and give your child social tools to help connect with peers, such as making good eye contact, talking about activities other people like as well, demonstrating how to focus on the other person (being empathic). 

What’s the worst thing a parent can do when it comes to their kids’ friendships? 

There are two things that come to mind that set a bad example. If you’re helping your child learn how to make and keep friends, you need to model that yourself. If you talk negatively about your own friends to others, you are giving your child the message you don’t value friendships. 

The other is being a pushy parent by making your child do things that are uncomfortable for your child. For example, let’s say your child is uncomfortable in groups, and you invite several children over at once for play date. This could make your child feel more uncomfortable and not want to participate in play dates in the future. 

What is one thing you wish all parents knew about their children’s inner world of friends? 

I wish all parents could recognize the importance of children’s inner worlds, their uniqueness, which is made up of their memories, energy, creativity, wishes, friends and worries. The more you as a parent can recognize this part of your child and allow your child to share that part with you, the more you are able to see the different aspects of your child and appreciate your child’s individuality.

Meet: Vanaman German LLP: Helping Families Navigate the Education Process

Published

Each month, we feature a different business serving families in our community who have children with learning or developmental differences. We tell their story to showcase some of the wonderful people who are our neighbors – and the services they provide.

If you have a neurodiverse child, you know that the road to help in school isn’t an easy one, and it often starts with the IEP process. An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, is a legal document that is developed for each public-school child in the U.S. who needs special education. It is created through a team of the child’s parent and district personnel who are knowledgeable about the child’s needs, and the goal is to develop a plan so that the student who is attending elementary or secondary school receives specialized instruction and related services.

But it can be a daunting process. So there are individuals and organizations who will jump in and not only lend a hand, but advocate for you and your child to ensure their academic needs are met.

One such firm is Vanaman German LLP. The Sherman Oaks-based law firm was founded in 1982, according to David German, co-managing partner, with a mission of fighting for the educational rights of students with disabilities and their families.

“Over the years, we have built on our expertise in handling special education cases under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to develop experience in Regional Center representation, Disability Discrimination and Civil Rights, and the representation of students who have been injured or abused at school,” German says. “Our core focus has always been helping families obtain the benefits of a free public education which effectively addresses all of their child’s disability-related learning challenges.”

Valerie Vanaman, Founder and Managing Partner. Photo Courtesy of Vanaman German, LLP
David German, Co-managing Partner. Photo Courtesy of Vanaman German, LLP

The nine attorneys at Vanaman German LLP spend much of their time in the area of special-education due process, and German estimated they have helped “many thousands” of families over the years. The team, which includes paralegals and support staff, is actively involved in a variety of forums as they seek to improve the services children and adults with disabilities receive.

“Helping people fight for the rights of their children is the best job imaginable,” German adds. “Every time a family trusts us to advocate for their child is an honor. We’re grateful for that every day.”

If you or your family need help in the area of special education, the team at Vanaman German is standing by. Fill out the request for consultation page on vanamangerman.com and you’ll be contacted by an intake coordinator to arrange a consultation, or call 818-990-7722. Note that the form, and the entire website, can be translated into Spanish by clicking on the English or Spanish button in the nav bar.

ZOOZ Fitness, an Inclusive Gym for all Abilities

Published

Each month, we feature a different business serving families in our community who have children with learning or developmental differences. We tell their story to showcase some of the wonderful people who are our neighbors – and the services they provide.

For Jake Weiner, his journey toward ZOOZ Fitness began in 2011 when he graduated from the University of Arizona. He had a degree in psychology with a minor in marketing, but was unsure what path to take. He heard about an opportunity at a summer camp in Ojai. Camp Ramah supports young adults with developmental disabilities in achieving independence through a 4- or 8-week vocational training program, and Jake signed up to be a coordinator.

It changed his life forever. He learned how to lead vocational programs, life skills classes, social skills workshops, etc., and got to interact with and learn from some amazing individuals throughout the summer. 

Jake found his calling, and developed a passion to work with and support this community. Over the next 5 years, he found as many opportunities as possible to do so: in public schools, private schools, non-profit organizations and respite care, all in pursuit of finding the right fit that aligned with his skillset and passion.

Throughout those 5 years, Jake noticed a consistent challenge that most of his clients/students faced, which was movement — more specifically exercise. No matter the job, no matter the city, no matter the organization, Jake picked up on the fact that there were a limited number of movement-related opportunities geared for individuals with disabilities. He wondered why.

Jake had the benefit of leading an active lifestyle while growing up in Valencia. He played several sports and competed nationally in the martial art of Judo, so sports, exercise and anything movement-related were always his passion. “And once I recognized that there was this huge gap when it came to movement opportunities for folks with disabilities, I knew I could and had to do something about it,” Jake says.

That’s what sparked ZOOZ Fitness, and Jake’s goal was to create an inclusive gym that would empower individuals with developmental and other disabilities to lead more physically active lifestyles.

ZOOZ is a Hebrew word that means movement. “When thinking of a name for the gym, I wanted a name that had meaning to me, was easy to say and spell, and embodied the essence of what we do — move!” Jake says. “Our mission is to create positive movement experiences for everyone, regardless of starting level, ability/disability and/or diagnosis.”

ZOOZ was the featured fitness program at L.A. Parent’s Inclusive Day program several years ago, and it moved into its Encino location in April 2019. On the horizon is another move, into a larger space in Woodland Hills in March. The new space, Jake says, will allow ZOOZ to increase the number of athletes who want to join and offer more group classes to meet the needs of our community. Jake’s team trains 50-60 athletes per day between private and group sessions, and works with people age 6 and above.

The private training is designed based on each athlete’s specific needs and goals. Sessions are tailored to meet each athlete where they are, capitalizing on their strengths while targeting their objectives. Sessions are 45 or 60 minutes in length and typically include a warm-up, cardiovascular training, muscular strength and endurance training, balance and coordination, and flexibility. As the framework for health and well-being, the client-trainer relationship is designed to help build self-esteem and self-confidence, while also fostering friendship, trust and supporting lifelong healthy choices.

In group training, standard sessions include a circuit-training type workout designed to keep energy high and keep clients actively moving through a variety of workouts. These workouts are geared towards cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength/endurance and balance/coordination. “We also offer specialty classes such as Zumba, Yoga and Martial Arts,” Jake says. “These classes are designed to foster an inclusive social environment for everyone involved. Although attention is spread throughout the class, each individual always has a chance to receive feedback from our trainers.”

You can find out more at zoozfitness.com, call 818-646-6914 or via email at tahlia@zoozfitness.com.

-Ron Epstein

Discovering LA’s Hidden Gem for Families: Shot of Art Studio

Published

Isabella Melendez

As parents, we’re constantly on the lookout for spaces where our children can express themselves, explore their creativity, and, most importantly, have tons of fun. If you’re in Los Angeles, the quest for that perfect spot ends at Shot of Art, nestled at 801 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90021.

“Shot of Art” is not just another art studio. It’s an entire entertainment space crafted with love, imagination, and a keen understanding of what both adults and children desire. This is a venue where your little ones can go beyond traditional boundaries. How? By painting on walls and floors! Yes, no more reprimanding the kids for their artistic endeavors on your living room walls. But that’s not all. The studio offers experiences like fluid art creation and the absolutely delightful ‘fluid bear’ in three sizes: Papa, Mama, and Baby Bear.

Why Choose “Shot of Art” for Your Next Family Outing?

1. Unleashed Creativity: One of the rare venues where children (and adults!) can let their imagination run wild. The freedom to paint on walls and floors? It’s every child’s dream and every parent’s guilt-free pleasure.

2. Educational & Entertaining: Fluid art isn’t just fun; it’s a wonderful learning experience. Kids learn about colors, patterns, and the mesmerizing effects of liquid art dynamics.

3. Perfect for Celebrations: Looking for an innovative place to celebrate your child’s birthday? The personalized experiences at Shot of Art make for unforgettable parties.

4. Bonding Time: Art has always been a great bonding activity. Collaborate with your children on a painting or create individual masterpieces side by side.

5. A Private Affair: The studio offers an individualized experience. Whether you’re coming alone with your family or celebrating an event, the space is exclusively yours. No distractions, no disturbances—just pure artistic fun.

“Shot of Art” is an embodiment of what modern-day family outings should be like: fun, educative, and exclusive. It bridges the gap between childish enthusiasm and adult aesthetics. So, LA parents, next time you’re scratching your head over where to take the kids or how to celebrate their special days, remember there’s a world of color, creativity, and celebration waiting for you at Shot of Art.

Make Screen Time Green Time with the SoCal Explorer

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In response to the huge demand for free, fun and active outdoor experiences, the City of Los Angeles has partnered with parks and public spaces across Southern California to get people exploring, learning and having fun with their families. The SoCal Explorer Campaign uses Agents of Discovery®, an educational technology app that enables educators to create their own augmented reality games — think Pokémon GO for parks and education.

Bob Blumenfield, Councilmember of LA’s Third District, says, “As you explore, you’ll learn about local plant and bug life, wildfire prevention, conservation efforts and much more. Good luck with your Mission, and I hope to see you at Reseda Park.”

The SoCal Explorer Campaign will run until Dec. 18. Anyone can join in by downloading the free Agents of Discovery mobile app and completing “Missions,” or games at participating locations. To find the nearest location to you, click here. Each Mission has educational “Challenges” that teach players about local history, culture, ecosystems and safety. For example, at the City of Desert Hot Springs, players can learn about the history of different landmarks around the city. At Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, players can learn about Elasmobranchs, a class of animals that include sharks, skates and rays.

LA County also has many exciting Missions to play. Kim Bosell, Natural Areas Administrator for LA County Parks, says, “By using the Agents of Discovery app, you can use augmented reality to help you connect to local plants and wildlife, and to learn amazing facts about them.”

The Campaign has amazing prizes to reward players, or “Agents”. The grand prize this year is a GoPro Hero12 Black Action Camera! At each site, players receive a fun patch. Agents also receive a SoCal Explorer badge once they have completed three Missions, a SoCal Advanced Explorer badge upon completing six, and a Super SoCal Explorer badge after completing nine. On top of that, players who complete at least five Missions will be entered in a draw to win tickets to Bowers Museum, Joshua Tree National Park, Knott’s Berry Farm or Belmont Park; or a $25 gift card to Target, Disney and Dick’s Sporting Goods. 

Dalia (pictured above) won tickets to the Huntington Gardens in a previous SoCal Explorer Campaign. She earned the patches on her shirt by completing SoCal Explorer Missions.

The winner of the Apple Watch in 2021 said, “Over the past year, it’s been so important to me to stay healthy as well as getting out in nature. The SoCal Explorer Campaign allowed me to enjoy local spots and discover new sites! The games are family-friendly and fun, while allowing me to explore the wonders of nature. Thanks for this fun opportunity!”

The SoCal Explorer also features seasonal Missions! The City of LA created a Halloween Mission that was featured in October. The Mission was all about the creepy creatures that are associated with Halloween like spiders, moths, bats, rats, and more. The National Wild Turkey Federation also created a Thanksgiving Mission called “Threatened to Thriving” filled with fun facts about turkeys. This Mission is available from anywhere, just search “Threatened to Thriving” in the Agents of Discovery app to play this fun seasonal Mission!

To download the free Agents of Discovery app, go to Google Play or the App Store. Once downloaded, find the Missions you want to play, and download them before heading out. No data or WiFi is required to play a Mission once it has been downloaded

Eight books that will inspire your child to find bravery through adversity

Published

Isabella Melendez

Staying true to yourself is a challenge many kids face going into the new school year, and while navigating this takes time, here are eight books that give insight into being brave in new experiences. Our picks for our Fall Book Round-Up show us that during adversity, there is beauty and strength in being fearless.

Brave Like a Buffalo

Written by Melissa Allan and illustrated by Jadyn Fischer-McNab

“Brave Like the Buffalo” is a children’s book with a message that will inspire all readers to face the storms in their lives with the help of their support systems and with a brave mindset. Baby buffalo is surprised and scared when a storm on the prairies passes through. Mama Buffalo puts on a brave face and demonstrates how to use courage and bravery to get through the literal and metaphorical storms we may face in life. This story uses a powerful animal, the buffalo, as a symbolic message and connection to Indigenous ways of knowing and being that helps to create a wonderful narrative rich with Indigenous ties and a heartwarming message around facing adversity. Ages 0-6.

Black Diamond Collection: Volume 1

Written by Isabel Cintra and illustrated by Zeka Cintra

Her latest book, “The Special Edition Hardcover Black Diamond Collection,” contains three charming tales (“The Princess and the Mirror,” “The Great Little Tailor” and “The Sweetest Lady Bug”) that explore the power of friendship, the importance of nurturing dreams and the magic of imagination. In “The Princess and the Mirror,” a kingdom’s obsession with beauty summons a wise fairy to restore balance, weaving a lesson on love and vanity. “The Great Little Tailor” spins a tale of adversity, resilience and hope set in a humble village, reminding us that optimism and courage can reshape destiny. “The Sweetest Ladybug” invites you to witness how Johana’s imaginative whims become a reality, painting a vibrant landscape of backyard mysteries. Ages 6-12

Princess Cupcake Jones and the New Baby Prince

Written by Ylleya Fields and Illustrated by Darrin Drda

If you’re in need of books to read to your oldest in preparation for a new baby, look no further. The latest installment of the “Princess Cupcake Jones” series follows Cupcake Jones on her journey to becoming a big sister. She is so excited about his arrival that a classmate tells her that babies are a bad idea! Cupcake is then determined to convince her parents that a new baby won’t work in their home. Author Ylleya Fields delivers a story to help children with the adjustment process that occurs when a new sibling comes along. In “The Princess and the Mirror,” a kingdom’s obsession with beauty summons a wise fairy to restore balance, weaving a lesson on love and vanity. “The Great Little Tailor” spins a tale of adversity, resilience, and hope set in a humble village, reminding us that optimism and courage can reshape destiny. “The Sweetest Ladybug” invites you to witness how Johana’s imaginative whims become a reality, painting a vibrant landscape of backyard mysteries. Embrace the charm and wisdom of these captivating fairy tales, offering a timeless exploration of universal truths. This collection is a must-have gem in every fairy tale lover’s library. Ages 0-6

Oh, Olive!

Written and illustrated by Lian Cho

Olive is an artist just like her parents—except instead of following in their prim and proper black-and-white footsteps, her canvases are smeared and splattered with vibrant colors. Presenting Olive Chen in “Oh, Olive!” The most magnificent and brilliant artist in the whole wide world! Her parents are also artists—serious artists—who paint prim, proper, perfect shapes. They know Olive has the talent to follow in their footsteps. But Olive likes to smear, splatter, splash, and even lick. With a brush in each hand, Olive cascades through town with her friends in tow, painting what she wants to, what she feels—until she reaches her parents’ pristine art museum. Ages 4-8

Let’s Share, Panda Bear

Written by Leslie Stratton and illustrated by Zuzana Svobdova  

Have you ever wondered why panda bears are black-and-white? “Let’s Share, Panda Bear” is an enchanting tale, filled with friendship, sharing, and self-discovery, that celebrates the importance of spreading happiness everywhere you go. Take a journey to a world where pandas aren’t just black-and-white but come alive with hues of green, blue, and even purple! Panda Pete, an incredibly kind panda, discovers a magical way to share colors with his animal friends. As the forest transforms into a vibrant rainbow, each creature joyously embraces their unique shades. Yet, in a touching twist, Pete and Jack learn that being black-and-white has its own special magic. Young readers will be captivated by the delightful illustrations and the heartwarming message that true beauty lies in celebrating one’s authentic self and in sharing the colors of happiness with those around them. Ages 10+

The Hat Diaries

Written by Nadine Haruni

This imaginative, action-packed novel, “The Hat Diaries“, follows a teen struggling with loss, love, bullying, and loneliness. By day, 13-year-old Ryan Rigbee is the shaggy-haired loner getting bullied, still reeling from losing his dad. By night, it’s another story. He puts on magical hats that whisk him and his dog, Shadow, into adrenaline-rushing roles. The imaginary adventures he writes about in his diary transform him from an awkward teen into someone confident who can handle anything. Ryan’s mentor, Merl, helps him navigate clues that lead to startling discoveries, as the distinction between Ryan’s real life and exciting world of adventures becomes hard to discern. Ages 8-18

Warrior Girl

Written by Carmen Tafolla and illustrated by Jadyn Fisher-McNab

An insightful novel in verse about the joys and struggles of a Chicana girl who is a warrior for her name, her history, and her right to choose what she celebrates in life. Celina and her family are bilingual and follow both Mexican and American traditions. Celina revels in her Mexican heritage, but once she starts school, it feels like the world wants her to erase that part of her identity. Based on Carmen’s own experience as a San Antonio native, “Warrior Girl” brings both the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement of 2020 to the forefront of Celina Guerrera’s life. As a Chicana girl living in 2020, Celina learns to find herself through thought-provoking poetry sure to spark discussions on topics like racism, equality, cultural biases and social justice. Ages 10+

Iconic Composers, A Celebration of Music’s Extraordinary Composers

Written by Nicholas Csicsko and Emi Ferguson and illustrated by David Lee Csicsko

Bold, whimsical illustrations by David Lee Csicsko, along with concise, engaging bios by Nicholas Csicsko and Emi Ferguson, celebrate a diverse group of composers from the past 1000 years. Iconic composers feature historical giants of music like Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven alongside 20th-century composers such as Astor Piazzolla and Meredith Monk. Showcasing the true range of classical music history not typically acknowledged–exhibiting a wide number of genders, races and nationalities–“Iconic Composers” celebrates 50 composers who have influenced the field of music and collectively broadened its scope. Ages 8-12

Circus Vargas presents “Bonjour, Paris!” at the Promenade Mall in Woodland Hills

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Circus Vargas presents another outstanding, mega-hit entertainment experience in Woodland Hills at the Promenade Mall now through October 30, and in Lakewood at Lakewood Center, November 3-27. 

Join us for a brand new big-top adventure with performers from all over the globe! Featuring the “Last Ringmaster” Johnathon Lee Iverson who, as a classically trained opera singer-actor, adds another dimension to the stellar production, “Bonjour, Paris!” 

Johnathan is very excited to debut as Ringmaster for Circus Vargas’ latest hit show. An accomplished and history-making showman, he’s been privileged to grace the most coveted stages and arenas throughout the world. As a member of The Boys Choir of Harlem, he shared the spotlight with the likes of Lena Horne, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Luciano Pavarotti, Roberta Flack, Placido Domingo, Tony Bennett and scores of other luminaries in the world of entertainment. He’s kept company with statesmen such as the late South African President Nelson Mandela, Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell and four US Presidents: Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. 

He has the distinction of being the youngest and first Black American Ringmaster of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, which he served until its closing in 2017, making him the last ringmaster in the 146-year history of The Greatest Show on Earth. He is renowned for his powerful voice and superstar presence, as well as for being one of Barbara Walters’ 10 Most Fascinating People. But he says he is most proud of being a question on JEOPARDY® twice. 

Johnathan leads an amazing international cast in this latest, greatest edition. Channeling the “City of Lights,” Circus Vargas’ all-new high-energy, action-packed extravaganza delivers the ultimate live family entertainment experience for 2023! 

This is a must-see Parisian-style circus production that features world-renowned performers, aerialists, acrobats and more! Audiences are immediately immersed in an ambience of glitz and glamour, reminiscent of the famed Lido de Paris. A must-see! This extravagantly flashy, fun-filled circus spectacular is guaranteed to excite and delight audiences of all ages! An amazing adventure, not to be missed! Join us for two unforgettable hours under the big top where memories are made to last a lifetime! Circus Vargas’ “Bonjour, Paris!” C’est magnifique! 

For Circus Vargas performance dates, times and to purchase tickets, visit www.circusvargas.com, call 877-GOTFUN-1 (877-468-3861) or visit the box office at each location. Follow Circus Vargas on Facebook and Instagram for updates, discounts and behind-the-scenes video. 

Parenting: Encouraging Children to Read and Fun Activities to Help Motivate Them!

Published

Keira Pride
Manager of Library Services – Stratford School

“You are never alone when you are lost in the magic of a book.”

– Marie Lu, Author

A love of reading opens the door to adventures, learning new things and a whole host of key language skills such as speech development and vocabulary building. Spending time with books also creates special moments for you to bond with your child and enjoy each other’s company. . Recently we had the opportunity to discuss top tips on fostering a love of literature with Stratford’s Manager of Library Services, Keira Pride, and here are some excerpts from that conversation.   .

1.  How can parents encourage their kids to read? Children love to see their parents reading, and will imitate them. If they see Mom or Dad enjoying a great book as a part of their day, the children will want to read as well. So consider creating a reading nook in the house with fun pillows, lots of light, and a shelf full of books. Allow them to stay up fifteen minutes later, but only if they are reading. Small steps daily are how habits are created. 

2.  What qualities should someone look for when shopping for children’s books? First, bring your children to the bookstore or local library and ask for help. The trained experts there are full of ideas. Secondly, allow your child to look around at the library or store, ask questions, and read a few pages of several books. Plan to spend an hour leisurely browsing around. Lastly, when in doubt, go for a stretch towards a book that is a bit above your child’s reading level rather than below. That’s where you come in: be ready to answer questions about new words!

3.  Are there any specific children’s books you recommend? I fill the libraries at Stratford School with lots of series, that way the students are always looking for the next book. Children love familiarity and repetition – the characters in the stories become their friends. Rick Riordan Presents series is one of my favorites. Great middle grade authors write these from underrepresented cultures and backgrounds, telling their own stories inspired by the mythology and folklore of their heritage. Aru Shah and the End of Time, by Roshani Chokshi, for example, is the first in a series of five middle grade fantasy books rooted in Hindu mythology. Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, written by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen, is my desert island book – if I was stranded on a deserted island, and could only bring one picture book, it would be this one. After reading it aloud over 50 times, it still makes me laugh, and I will never tire of the joy it brings to students of all ages. Sam and Dave are young boys out in the backyard with their dog, a canteen, and a few shovels, looking for “something spectacular.” No internet, no video games, no phones, nothing but the open sky and the earth below them. They find an adventure for themselves, and how they do that is magical. 

Ms. Pride concludes with “while it is important for children to learn, try not to overthink the content of the books your children are reading. Any reading is good reading. A child with a book is improving not only their vocabulary and comprehension, but also exploring a new world. Concentration and attention span will improve because reading a book stimulates children’s brains in ways that are unique. And remember, if your child has chosen a book themselves, they are more likely to read it!” 

Four Fun Activities To Further Motivate Your Children to Help Engage Reading!

Now let’s explore a captivating collection of activities that are sure to spark your child’s love for reading. From bookmarks to creating a character profile, these activities are sure to prepare your child for endless fun and learning!

1.  Make a Bookmark – Making a special bookmark is a fun way to get children into the habit of reading more regularly.  In this activity, children make their own bookmark based on their favorite book and include a drawing of their favorite scene.  Include a space for them to write about their favorite character and include any new words they learned.  

2.  Create Their Own Story – This activity is creative and asks children to choose their favorite book and then use their imagination to write a short story about what happens next.  They can place characters in a completely different story using their own creativity and send them off on a new, exciting adventure or decide to place them in the original story to explore what happens next?  Writing stories help children explore their ideas, express their own creativity, and reinforce sentence structure, vocabulary, and grammar all at the same time!

3. Develop a Character Profile – Ask children to choose their favorite character and produce a poster of that character. Ask the child to draw a picture and write key details about their character including physical appearance and interests.  This activity can be motivating for a child as they see their favorite character in a different context that can be both entertaining and engaging.  

Making reading an enjoyable part of your child’s life starts with incorporating books into your daily routine. And part of learning to enjoy reading, is being around books at home.  Try starting a book collection for your children and, if available, check with your local library for information on story time programs. These meet-ups can be a great way for children to enjoy books while being social with other children and families, and helps reinforce the wonderful, magical world of reading and the vast array of places it can take them!  

If you are interested in learning more about Stratford School, or scheduling a personalized tour, visit us online at www.stratfordschools.com/tours.

We Love It

Published

By Elena Epstein

Tinkering Labs Electric Motors Catalyst STEM Kit

Ignite curiosity and innovation in your young inventor. Features 50+ components and 10 engaging challenges. $65, ages 8-13, tinkeringlabs.com

The Star Jar

An interactive, multi-sensory reward jar. Affirm positive behavior or reinforce habits such as chores and nighttime routines. Includes 30 easy reward ideas that cultivate family connection. $35.99, ages 3-12, hellolittlehoney.com

Disney Doorables Academy Campus Crew Figure Pack

Open the composition book-inspired blind box to reveal the adorable figures — centered around fun school activities. $12.99, ages 5+, JustPlayProducts.com

Surprise Powerz Talking STEM Doll – Astro the Astronaut

A talking doll who is full of knowledge about planets, moons and stars. With 75+ phrases, sound effects and singalongs, Astro helps build STEM vocabulary and ignites imaginative play for budding young astronauts. $49.99, ages 2-5, surprisepowerz.com

PYXEL A Coder’s Best Friend

A pet that teaches coding. Kids can code their new friend to perform tricks, change colors, make and react to sounds and express emotions. $124.99, ages 8+, educationalinsights.com

Science Unlocked

An all-inclusive curriculum. Each kit contains everything you need to easily provide immersive science experiences to leverage natural curiosity. For homeschoolers and K-12 education. $29.99-$499.99, ages 5-18 years, homesciencetools.com

Wild Side Number Sense Cards

A versatile math tool for home or school. Includes more than 50 games and activities, as well as a set of 94 cards, all designed to boost math skills. $22.95, ages 4-15, wildsidenumberssensecards.com

My Fun Day

Helps little ones learn the months of the year, days of the week, the four seasons and how to tell time. Use the colorful wooden board and 13 activity disks to build awareness of key elements in our daily lives while strengthening fine-motor skills. $38, ages 3+, simplyfun.com

“Feeling All the Feelings Workbook: A Kids’ Guide to Exploring Emotions”

Offers 100+ engaging activities and practices designed to foster emotional awareness and help kids explore every feeling. A wonderful tool for parents and kids to begin important conversations. $16.95, ages 6-9, shambhala.com

Connected: Parenting Tips to Help Strengthen Your Relationship with Your Child

Published

By Jeanne Huybrechts, Chief Academic Officer at Stratford School

“Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, integrity and love, they think of you!”
-H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Author

Positive relationships between you and your child are built on quality time together. Time when you get to know about each other’s experiences, thoughts, feelings and changing interests. 

Quality time can happen anytime and anywhere — in the middle of ordinary days and situations. It can be a shared laugh when you’re bathing your toddler or a good conversation in the car with your teenager. These moments give you the chance to communicate positive messages with smiles, laughter, eye contact, hugs and that special one-on-one interaction.  

Researchers remind us that we need five positive interactions to every negative interaction to keep any relationship healthy. And since we spend so much time guiding — aka correcting, reminding and suggesting — it’s important to make sure we spend five times as much time in positive connection.

Given that parenting is the toughest job on earth — and we live in a world with incessant demands on our time and attention, after being separated all day — the only way to keep a strong bond with our children is to build in daily habits of connection. Here are five examples that won’t add time to your day yet does add connection. Simple, and incredibly powerful, these can help heal the distractions and disconnections of everyday life and using them daily can change everything.

1.  Listen to your children. Really listen, especially when it’s your child who initiated the conversation. Extend conversations by saying, “tell me more” or asking follow-up questions. Give your full attention to your conversations with your child by putting down your cell phone when conversing or during family-time activities.

2.  Don’t be afraid to “parent.” Children and adolescents of all ages need strong guidance and limits. There are times when it is appropriate to be your child’s friend but, for the most part, they need you to be the authority. They will feel loved and connected by feeling safe in your care.

3.  Share your daily world. As appropriate, bring your child into your world, remembering that you are raising adults. If possible, occasionally take them to your work and/or give them grown-up responsibilities that connect them to your world.

4.  Participate in their activities and play. Rather than watch your child play at the playground, join in the fun. Discover/cultivate fun activities that you can enjoy with your child. The goal should be to have a common hobby, something you enjoy doing together.

5.  Remember, a child’s path to adulthood is seldom linear. Children and adolescents will regularly advance, then regress, then advance again in their development. They seldom advance to developmental milestones on time or without detours or bumps in the road. During these cycles, they will necessarily want more autonomy or perhaps need more structure. Learning to read your child is an acquired skill, yet it is definitely worth cultivating.

Although there’s no set formula for getting your parent-child relationship right, when we make it a priority and do the things that make children feel loved, we create an upward parenting spiral. When children feel loved, they feel happy and are more positive, more cooperative, more loving and more lovable. And when we build on warm, loving and responsive interactions, most of the time your child will feel loved, secured and connected.

If you are interested in learning more about Stratford School, or scheduling a personalized tour, visit us at www.stratfordschools.com/tours.

Back to School Heat Safety Tips That You Need to Know

Published

By Julia Hansen

As another school year is off and running, summer is sticking around, with heat waves expected to continue to surge throughout the Los Angeles region next week.

School often means extended outdoor time for kids, which, combined with scorching temperatures, can lead to increase in heat illness. This is an especially pressing issue for children with pre-existing conditions such as asthma and diabetes, as well as in Black and other communities of color. 

“As a doctor and mother, I understand how vital it is that we prioritize our children’s safety during extreme heat,” says Sharon K. Okonkwo-Holmes, M.D., a family-practice physician with Kaiser Permanente Southern California and an instructor at Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine in Pasadena. “Their bodies are more sensitive to high temperatures, and simple steps can make a big difference in preventing heat-related issues,” she says.

SHARON K. OKONKWO-HOLMES, M.D. PHOTO COURTESY HEAT READY CA

A great resource for information and news about extreme heat events in California is Heat Ready CA, a community outreach and awareness campaign from the Governor’s Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications. According to their website, “Heat Ready CA offers simple yet essential tips and resources for parents and caregivers to create a safer environment for children as they head back to school, allowing them to focus on learning and play without worry.”

 With the following five tips from Heat Ready CA, we can learn how to handle extreme heat so that our kids can go to school and play outside without putting their health and safety at risk.

  • First and foremost, it is essential that children stay hydrated and protect their skin with sunscreen. The sun’s UV rays can cause sunburns and heat rashes, and in order to prevent this, kids need to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Kids should also be hydrating consistently throughout the day and should wait  until they feel thirsty to drink water. It’s best to avoid drinks with caffeine or high sugar because they can worsen dehydration.
  • Additionally, kids’ clothes should keep them cool and comfortable with lightweight and breathable materials, loose-fitting fits and light colors. Teachers and yard duty should also pay special attention to kids’ body language when outside, because unlike adults, children have a harder time regulating their body temperature on their own.
  • Another option is to ask your child’s teacher to reduce outdoor time altogether during an extreme heat event, especially between the times of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If kids are playing outside, make sure they get frequent rest and cool-off breaks.  
  • Children can also learn how to recognize heat illness symptoms in themselves and others. Parents and educators can encourage children to seek help if they or someone else is experiencing heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headaches, dizziness, nausea or vomiting.
  • Last but certainly not least, keep children in mind when planning errands. Never, ever leave a child in a parked car, even for a few minutes! Temperatures inside a car can rise by 20 degrees in 10 minutes, even with a window cracked open or in more moderate temperatures.

With these tips, we can enter the back-to-school season feeling confident about our ability to protect kids from extreme heat. If we all work together, we can make sure that schools are a safe environment for kids where they can learn and play without being affected by heat illness. For more information and resources about heat protection, check out HeatReadyCA.com. 

Planet Earth: Go-To Nature Books About Bugs, Birds and Animals Too!

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“I love all animals. I have a fascination with fish, birds, whales – sentient life – insects and reptiles.”
                                                                                                    — Nicolas Cage

No one can deny the enduring appeal of books that feature animals, whether tales of animals in the wild, animal heroics (think Togo the sled dog or Scarlett the cat), animal antics that make us laugh, or fictional animals that take on human characteristics – both good and bad. 

Why is animal fiction so plentiful and popular? Neuroscientists suggest that our brains treat reading about an experience almost as if living the experience in real life. In children’s books, animal characters can portray a broader range of traits, both good and evil, than we would tolerate in stories about humans (think the “big bad wolf”). These portrayals allow the reader to process powerful emotions and to imagine how others process feelings and experiences. The stories can be scary, but ultimately the characters aren’t human and the story isn’t real. The power of the well-written allegory, whether featuring humans or animals, is to deliver difficult messages and complicated themes in easy-to-read stories. 

So for all those children who are fascinated by bugs, birds, snakes and other animals, we’ve gathered up a great collection of books for animal lovers, inquiring minds or any child looking for a brave new world of discovery and learning.

Grades Kindergarten to Second
What’s Your Favorite Animal? by Eric Carle, various authors
Thirteen beloved authors and illustrators, including Jon Klassen, Lane Smith, Mo Willems and Rosemary Wells, collaborated with Eric Carle to draw their favorite animals and explain why they love them. This successful collection of old favorites and newer names is sure to keep youngsters engaged and may inspire them to write about and draw their favorite animals. At the end, the reader will find a childhood photo of each contributor with their pet, as well as information about their books.

Panda Kindergarten written by Joanne Ryder, illustrated by Katherine Feng
This beautiful book focuses on the care and learning opportunities that are given to new panda cubs at China’s Wolong Nature Preserve. Beginning with birth, the author describes how panda mothers care for their newborns and how the Preserve helps. Clear and detailed photographs are visual treats, giving readers a glimpse into the feeding and care of the young pandas. There’s a high cuteness factor as the adorable cubs play, sleep and interact with caregivers. 

Grades Three to Four
Misty of Chincoteague (series) written by Marguerite Henry, illustrated by Dennis Wesley
Marguerite Henry wrote nearly 60 children’s books and stories based on real animals, but this Newbery Honor book is by far her most well-known. In the 1940s, she went to a Virginia island, where she learned all about the herd of wild ponies originating from a sunken Spanish galleon off the coast. Spending time on the island, getting to know the families and even bringing a Chincoteague Pony back to her home in Illinois to spend time with while writing were all part of the creation of this historical fiction series. This is a charming and memorable tale of a young boy and girl living in a much simpler time, whose hard work and patience paid off. Misty’s descendants still roam the beaches of Chincoteague, partly in thanks to this compelling novel. 

I am Jane Goodal – Ordinary People Change the World (series), written by Brad Meltzer
This series was written for the author’s own children so that they could understand that the power to change the world is within them. The heroes are depicted as children throughout, telling their life stories in first-person present tense, which keeps the books playful and understandable to young children. This book has more than just the story of how Jane met the chimpanzees and changed the way scientists think about wildlife. It starts with her love of animals as a very young child. It will inspire the reader to believe that they too can overcome their fears and make a difference. This book has a beautiful message to children about accomplishing your dreams by being patient, working hard and knowing that each of us has an impact on the world. 

Grades Five to Eight
Song for a Whale, written by Lynne Kelly
Twelve-year-old Iris, the only deaf student in her sixth-grade class, struggles to communicate with kids at school. She feels a strong connection with Blue 55, a lone whale that can’t communicate with others because its voice is on a different frequency. Iris becomes determined to compose a song for Blue 55 at his frequency and to play it for him in person. This story is great for anyone who loves animals or has struggled to fit in.

The One and Only Ivan written by Katherine Applegate
Ivan is an easygoing gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all. Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he’s seen and about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. But mostly Ivan thinks about art and how to capture the taste of a mango or the sound of leaves with color and a well-placed line. Then he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family, and she makes Ivan see their home — and his own art — through new eyes. When Ruby arrives, change comes with her, and it’s up to Ivan to make it a change for the better. If you like this Newbery Award winning book, try the sequel, The One and Only Bob.

Integrating books about nature can teach a child many important concepts, such as respect, caring for planet earth and the interrelationships among humans and the habitat. Children can learn how they affect the environment – and how the environment affects them.  If you are interested in learning more about Stratford School, or scheduling a personalized tour, visit us online at www.stratfordschools.com/tours.

10 Top Ice Cream Shops Around L.A.

Published

By Julia Hansen

PHOTO COURTESY CANVA

When it comes to summer in Los Angeles, there’s nothing quite like an icy, sweet treat on a hot day. With school out for summer break, heading to a unique ice cream shop is a great way to break up the day and keep the kids cool. And we’re in luck, because L.A. is full of incredible ice cream parlors, creameries and gelaterias. Here are some of our favorite spots to consider for your summer ice cream tour. 

PHOTO COURTESY WANDERLUST CREAMERY

Wanderlust Creamery

Wanderlust Creamery takes a special approach to its menu: every ice cream flavor is inspired by a different country and its traditional desserts, making it a perfect stop for anyone looking for an interesting and perhaps new-to-them flavor. Innovative options include mango and sticky rice from Thailand, passionfruit cacao from Brazil and honeycomb from New Zealand.

Locations in Atwater Village, Sawtelle Japantown, Fairfax, Tarzana and Venice

Salt and Straw

Originally founded in Portland, Ore., Salt and Straw is quickly becoming one of the most popular and beloved ice cream brands around. Locally sourced ingredients and a community-based philosophy help the company stand out from the crowd, as do some of its flavors. In addition to more classic choices, Salt and Straw offers artisanal scoops such as Arbequina olive oil, pear and blue cheese and cinnamon snickerdoodle.

Locations in Larchmont Village, Abbot Kinney, the Arts District and Studio City

Dear Bella Creamery

This one’s for all of our vegan friends out there. Dear Bella Creamery’s mission is to serve vegan, all-natural ice cream that’s just as rich, creamy and tasty as its traditional counterparts. Some flavors on the summer 2023 menu include matcha mango, pineapple dream cake, strawberry fields and Vietnamese coffee.

Locations in Hollywood and Costa Mesa

The Dolly Llama Waffle Master

PHOTO COURTESY THE DOLLY LLAMA WAFFLE MASTER

There’s really nothing quite like The Dolly Llama Waffle Master, which specializes in dessert waffles and, specifically, over-the-top waffle ice-cream sundaes. These unique, delectable treats include a signature bubble waffle plus ice cream and a variety of toppings. Expect combinations like Sugar n’ Spice (horchata ice cream, speculoos cookies, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and caramel sauce) and the Party Animal (salted caramel ice cream, Kinder chocolate bar, circus animal cookies and chocolate sauce). 

Locations in downtown, Koreatown and Sherman Oaks

Magpies Softserve

PHOTO COURTESY MAGPIES SOFTSERVE

If you’re hungry for classic soft serve with a twist, look no further than Magpies Softserve. This local brand has the best of both worlds: traditionally creamy soft serve consistency with creative and innovative flavors like Thai tea, strawberry lemonade and corn almond. Plus, the menu includes vegan options. Magpies also has soft serve pies, which are a fabulous dessert option to bring to a summer gathering.

Locations in Silver Lake, Highland Park and Tarzana

PHOTO COURTESY SOMI SOMI SOFT SERVE AND TAIYAKI

Somi Somi Soft Serve and Taiyaki

An additional incredible L.A. summer ice cream destination is Somi Somi Soft Serve and Taiyaki. Somi Somi specializes in a Korean dessert called ah-boong. Here, that consists of a fish-shaped cone with filling inside, placed on top of ice cream. Ice cream flavors include matcha, ube and black sesame, plus classic flavors, and filling options include custard, Nutella, red bean, cream cheese and taro.

Locations in Little Tokyo, Sawtelle Japantown and Koreatown

Fatamorgana Gelato

In addition to American soft serve and Asian- and South American-inspired flavors, L.A.’s ice cream options include European-style spots such as Fatamorgana Gelato, where the fresh homemade Italian gelato will make you feel like you’re living la dolce vita. Founded by Maria Agnese Spagnuolo with the vision of creating allergy-friendly, homemade gelato, Fatamorgana Gelato is a family business, and its gelato is all-natural and free of chemicals and additives. For adults interested in gelato with a kick, check out their limited edition collaboration with Nosotros Tequila.

Locations in Studio City and Beverly Hills

PHOTO COURTESY MATEO’S ICE CREAM & FRUIT BARS

Mateo’s Ice Cream & Fruit Bars

Mateo’s Ice Cream & Fruit Bars is another amazing ice cream spot inspired by its founder’s cultural roots. The wonderful flavors of its paletas, or fruit bars, nod to Priciliano Mateo’s childhood in Oaxaca, Mex., with options including mango with chile, black sapote, hibiscus and soursop. Mateo’s also serves sandwiches, making it a great pick if you need lunch followed by a sweet treat.

Locations in Mid City, Pico-Union, Culver City and Sawtelle Japantown

Fosselman’s Ice Cream Co.

Fosselman’s Ice Cream Co., located in Alhambra, has been in business for more than 100 years. It’s an old-time soda fountain with banana splits, floats and malts on the menu. The shop sells a wide variety of ice cream and sorbet flavors, too, as well as monthly seasonal flavors. In August, try pecan praline, or visit in September for black walnut ice cream.

PHOTO COURTESY MASHTI MALONE’S ICE CREAM

Mashti Malone’s Ice Cream

Last but certainly not least, our final ice cream recommendation is Mashti Malone’s Ice Cream, which specializes in desserts that blend traditional Iranian cuisine and ice cream. There’s a baklava special (a scoop of ice cream with a piece of baklava), the Mashti special (an ice-cream sandwich with wafers) and the Malone special (a honey and rosewater pastry with ice cream on top). Mashti Malone’s also features gorgeous flavors like saffron rosewater, Persian cucumber and pomegranate sorbet. 

Locations in Hollywood, Westwood and Silver Lake

Turn Dough

Turn Dough offers a unique twist on the classic ice cream experience by serving soft ice cream in warm, freshly made chimney cakes. This beloved dessert, with origins in Hungary, Romania and the Czech Republic, gets a modern update with Turn Dough’s inventive approach. Owner David spent countless hours perfecting his recipe, testing over 200 types of flour before landing on the perfect one. The result is a delicious combination of creamy ice cream and crispy chimney cake, with a variety of irresistible toppings to choose from.

Locations in L.A. and Hollywood

Local Teen Author Offers Lessons in Entrepreneurship

Published

You’re never too young to make a big impact, and 13-year-old Alessandro Concas is living proof. Alessandro began charting his own path at just 8 years old when he released his first coloring book titled, “The A to Zs of Fighting Boredom.” Concas went on to author two more books, “Life of the Time Cat: Rise of Catastrophyre,” and “Life of the Time Cat: Warning of the Ultimate Element.”

Alessandro is the ultimate budding entrepreneur. He is the son of Oksana Kolesnikova, an award-winning pianist who dynamically transitioned to the CEO of three successful ventures. Born in 2009 and bred in a family of talented individuals, Alessandro’s own talent and extraordinary capabilities come as no surprise to his family. Alessandro’s first achievement was learning the alphabet backward at the age of 2, and within a span of 3 years he also started piano lessons under his mother’s mentorship.

Alessandro’s entrepreneurial path began at age 8 when he wrote his first book, The A to Zs of Fighting Boredom. As the title suggests, the book includes a variety of fun activities to keep children engaged and active. The book came about during a summer when Alessandro himself was quite bored. In his words, “One day, during a summer break, I found myself feeling quite bored and that’s when I came up with the idea of The A to Zs of Fighting Boredom. At first, my dad didn’t take me seriously, but when he saw all my notes and drawings for the cover, he believed me and decided to help me put it all together.”

Alessandro further added through this book, his aim to help children like him make their free time productive and fun, and to use the proceeds from the book to contribute to welfare organizations and fund his college education. The book was well received by the community, and that played a key part in his growth as he fell in love with entrepreneurship and decided to pursue it as his career.

Currently, Alessandro is a student at Rio Norte Junior High School in Valencia. Although his favorite subjects are science and math, he’s a straight-A student who has exceled in every subject. Still, Alessandro takes out time for his hobbies and extracurricular activities, namely mastering Italian and his business ventures. He recently worked with his mother’s company, Oksana Management Group, to spearhead an after-school enrichment program called “Financial Literacy for Children and Teens.” The program aims to empower the upcoming generation by teaching them the fundamentals of finance and entrepreneurship.

Alessandro is also working on one of his main projects, “Life of the Time Cat,” a series of sci-fi books featuring his real pet cat Bijou as the main character and source of inspiration. The young entrepreneur also has plans to turn this book series into a movie series one day. A skilled musician, he composed the soundtrack for the trailer of Life of The Time Cat book.

Parents and children are invited to meet Alessandro and attend a free book signing at the iconic Urth Caffe’ Downtown Los Angeles on Sunday, Aug. 6 from 12-3 pm for an inspirational afternoon. Alessandro will talk about his three books and what it means to embrace an entrepreneurial mindset. For more information, visit AlessandroConcas.com

NAPPA’s Summer Fun Guide is Here

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School’s out, as is the sun, and we hope you’re filling these warmer weeks and weekends with all kinds of kid-friendly fun. To that end, NAPPA has published its annual Summer Fun Guide, and it’s brimming with inspiration for parents, from items that will turn your backyard into a water park to toys for imaginative and creative play.

Check out terrific picks from NAPPA in the digital issue!

Love to Cruise for Good

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Local staffing agency Recruiting for Good helps companies find talented professionals, generates proceeds to fund The Sweetest Gigs (work program for kids) and rewards referrals to companies hiring professional staff with cruise savings.

Love to save $2,500 or more on your next cruise?

Participate in Recruiting for Good’s referral program. Simply introduce Recruiting for Good to a company executive (CEO, CFO or VP HR) you personally know. When Recruiting for Good gets retained for a search, we help the company find a talented professional.

Recruiting for Good then earns a finder’s fee to fund Sweet Kid Programs and rewards a $2,500 Cruise (via a travel gift card). If Recruiting for Good gets retained again by company, the family that made the intro will earn a $500 cruise gift card for every future hire made.  

“One more sweet benefit; families that successfully participate in our referral program; help their kids land gigs to earn travel!”  

Carlos, Sweet Founder
Recruiting for Good & The Sweetest Gigs


Recruiting for Good created The Sweetest Gigs to prepare kids for life by creating a work program (creative gigs) that teaches sweet skills, success habits and positive values. Kids on The Sweetest Gigs quickly learn there are no free lunches in life. Anything worthwhile takes time and effort to earn. Kids raise their self-confidence and appreciate everything more — including themselves.

Kids who successfully complete gigs have positive work experiences that prepare them for tomorrow.

Love to Cruise for Good, join the club at www.LovetoCruiseforGood.com

Expo Notes: The Latest in Baby and Toddler Gear

Published

Elena Epstein

Creative director Elena Epstein at the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas

The ABC Kids Expo took place at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino last month, and I was thrilled to be in attendance. This year’s event once again brought together companies focused on baby and toddler products, ranging from strollers and car seats to smart monitors and anything else that might make parenting and childhood more fun, comfortable and safe.

The expo featured 250 exhibitors from the around the globe, and as I walked through exhibit halls — 15,000 steps the first day — I was thrilled to see many NAPPA Award winning companies showcasing their latest line of products.

Safety and innovation in car seats and strollers were two big trends, as were gender-neutral tones and natural and breathable fabrics.

Take a look at the video below for a sneak peak of what’s new in the world of parenting gear. And for more gift ideas and product reviews on award-winning baby and toddler essentials, visit nappaawards.com.

ABC Kids Expo at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas

Great Gift Ideas For Dad, Just in Time for Father’s Day

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By Ron Epstein

Team Digger
This cooperative game makes for a fun afternoon with Dad. Cards direct you to move your dog from one site to another, and players win as a team when they find all four bones buried in the park. Great for sequencing, spatial awareness and teamwork. $36, ages 6+, simplyfun.com
Atomic Power Popper + Sticky Target
Blast into fun with this classic popper, now with a new sticky target that rocks back and forth. Great for the father who’s ready to play outside. $29.99, ages 4+, hogwildtoys.com
Earth Rangers
Learn about wildlife and conservation with this app. Dad and kids can create and customize their own avatar, then participate in dozens of “missions” that help make a real impact — from planting pollinator gardens to reducing energy consumption and food waste. Free, ages 6+, earthrangers.com
Game On
Amp up the fun on your next road trip with audible stories full of comedy, sports history, fun facts, celebrity impersonations, interviews and more. Great for kids and adults. Free, ages 4+, storypirates.com
Sprout Single-to-Double Stroller/Wagon
Dad will love the innovative design of this wagon, which expands from a single-seater into a double with no tools or kits required. Need extra cargo space or to add a seat for an extra kid? Expand the chassis to make room for it all. Taking one kid to a playdate before running errands with the other? Shorten the chassis for more compact strolling. $699.99, ages 6 months+, or 120 lbs total weight capacity, larktale.com
Aerobie Sonic Bounce Ball
Defy gravity and have a blast with this high-density foam tactile grip ball. Perfect for slipping into your bag for a road trip. $8.99, ages 8+ spinmaster.com

NAPPA Awards has been celebrating the best in family products for 33 years. For more product reviews and gift ideas, visit nappaawards.com

Trending Birthday Party Themes for Kids

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By Chelsee Lowe

As parents, we look forward to so many milestones once a baby arrives. We wait for these moments with patience, but also little to no control. We don’t know when a baby’s first giggle or first steps will happen, or when they’ll utter their first understandable word. But other milestone moments are curated by us, especially the birthday party.

As an L.A. mom of two children, ages 10 and 3, I have seen the gamut when it comes to birthday parties, from casual backyard and park gatherings to immersive, themed affairs, including farm extravaganzas with goats, chickens and bunnies to pet, plus pony rides and barnyard decor.

Some parents are true DIYers and tackle the workload alone, while others outsource some (or all) party tasks to a party company. L.A. Parent talked to two So Cal party and entertainment businesses – Little Artist Party and Littles Party Co – to find out what they’re seeing in the world of birthday parties today, from one-year-old celebrations to tween and teen parties. May these inspire you to organize (or book) that upcoming birthday party.

PHOTO COURTESY LITTLES PARTY CO

For Ages 1 to 4

For the youngest in the crowd, it’s nice to give them space to wiggle and move — and to let them experience the setting through physical and sensory play. Christie Topjian, owner of party rental service Littles Party Co, says that means ball pits, tunnels, soft-play climbing blocks and slides. She regularly sets such items up in a corralled, matted play area so that babies and tots can play safely. Balloon arches are common requests, too, as are bounce houses. You can get smaller versions of these nowadays, appropriate even for crawlers. 

Topjian says families with young children are also requesting parties themed to “Bluey,” the hit television show. “Roar I’m four” is another cute theme for dinosaur lovers.

Arsineh Hoonanian, owner of Little Artist Party, offers a “Play-Doh Discovery Experience” for this age group – another safe and sensory way to entertain young children. The company will bring in all necessary supplies and decor. She has also done “Furry Friend Stuffing” parties (guests build their own stuffed animals), canvas and ceramics painting parties, and cupcake decorating parties.

For Ages 5 to 10

PHOTO COURTESY LITTLE ARTIST PARTY

In this age group, both Littles Party Co and Little Artist Party get lots of requests for slime-themed parties. Guests make their own slime creations, complete with scents and mix-ins (proving that even older kids love some sensory play time). 

“A Spa-Tacular Party,” which includes face masks, mini manicures and more, is another oft-booked theme, as are spray-paint parties, sand-art parties and celebrations that lean into favorite films, from “Toy Story” to “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter.”

For Teens and Tweens
Those of us with children in this age range know that tweens and teens don’t want things to feel too “kiddie.” But themed parties and hands-on activities can still work, so long as the decor and activities lean a bit more mature.  

PHOTOS COURTESY LITTLE ARTIST PARTY

Little Artist Party says that means tie-dye, jewelry or bead creations parties, and even a Spray Paint n’ Patching party, when guests personalize their own hat or denim jacket with patches and spray paint. For all of these, party favor bags aren’t even needed, as what the guests create are memento enough.

Littles Party Co is a party rental service that currently specializes in infant and toddler soft-play and entertainment. Later this year, they will expand with offerings for older age groups, including slumber party packages, bumper cars and more.

Artist Party Co offers comprehensive party packages and services. Find details on the company website and photos on Instagram.

5 Self-Care Items for Your Mother’s Day Wish List

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By Elena Epstein

Mother’s Day is a terrific time to pause, celebrate all that you do, and schedule some time for self-care. Our picks for a bit of pampering include a beautiful diaper bag, a lactation massage tool, a book that takes the guilt out of work, a comfy and organic pillow and a mattress you’re sure to enjoy. If you’re looking to treat yourself this time of year, consider these NAPPA award-winning items.

This massage tool with deep-shiatsu kneading massage balls moves like real hands to help empty milk when you’re pumping or breastfeeding. The vibration and scoop functions assist with breaking up clogs and emptying ducts faster. It also has a heat function to help stimulate milk flow and soften the breast. $44.99, momcozy.com
Designed for comfort and flexibility, this mattress offers a better sleep experience. Its multi-layered, zippered construction allows you to customize the comfort of your mattress. $2199, naturepedic.com
For a fashion upgrade, consider this luxe diaper clutch made with 100% vegan leather. Users can also carry it as a crossbody bag by using the detachable strap. $85, twelvelittle.com
A luxurious fiber-based pillow that provides comfort in its simplest form. Derived entirely from sugarcane. Outer cover is 100% certified organic cotton. $79, naturepedic.com
Working parents often feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and riddled with guilt. But parenthood can also be a source of joy, inspiration, and creativity. This book is a toolkit that helps even the most stressed of working parents “grow the good” by better managing inevitable challenges. $19.95, shambhala.com

Woodcraft Rangers Celebrate 100-Year Anniversary 

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By Nathan Corrál

Summer camp season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate the start of summer camp than with a brand-new summer camp theme song?

COURTESY OF WOODCRAFT RANGERS

 In honor of its 100-year anniversary, Camp Woodcraft Rangers has collaborated with Grammy-winner Lisa Loeb to produce a new signature camp song for the campers called “Oh, Camp Woodcraft!” Loeb has been involved in summer camps since she attended them as a kid. She even started The Camp Lisa Foundation for children who may not have the funds to attend a sleepaway camp. Every child, she says, should have the opportunity to attend summer camp.

When working on the theme song, it was important to Loeb that the campers’ voices were part of the song literally and lyrically. “The project wouldn’t really exist without the campers and the counselors, because it’s their song,” says Loeb. The song had to be a collaborative project because the campers know the heart of the camp, the traditions and activities. In the songwriting process, Loeb used her experience as a songwriter and her connection to summer camp to create a song that was unique for the campers.

COURTESY OF WOODCRAFT RANGERS

As a busy musician, Loeb is always trying to work on projects that she is passionate about, and summer camp is clearly one of them. In our conversation, she expressed how unique and important the things we experience at summer camp are in creating long-lasting memories. By writing the Woodcraft Rangers’ theme song and featuring the campers, they have created something that will last forever — just like the summer camp memories Loeb cherishes.

Woodcraft Rangers is at the forefront of expanded learning opportunities in the greater Los Angeles area. From the start, Woodcraft challenged the norm by opening its programs to all children from every race, religion and socioeconomic background. Today, Woodcraft Rangers serves 20,000 youth ages 4-18 annually at after school enrichment programs, summer day camps and overnight camps. Visit www.woodcraftrangers.org

We Love It: Editor Picks for Families

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Elena Epstein

As parents ourselves, the L.A. Parent editorial team is always on the lookout for must-see products for families. Here are our pick’s this month. We hope you find a just-right toy or tool for your family.

Tula Hemp Explore Baby Carrier

Super soft, yet strong and supportive. Featuring multiple carrying positions — front facing in, front facing out and back carry — this carrier is great for sightseeing adventures. $199, ages birth-4 years, babytula.com

12little Luxe Clutch in Toffee

Luxe 100% vegan leather with beautiful and compact design perfect for on-the-go moms. Can be carried as a clutch or crossbody bag with room for everything baby needs. $85, twelvelittle.com

Aerobie Sonic Bounce Ball

Redefine gravity and have a blast with this high-density foam tactile grip ball. Perfect for slipping into your bag for a road trip. $8.99, ages 8+, spinmaster.com

CoComelon HugMees

Lovable and squeezable friends are made with high-quality and ultrasoft materials. Perfect size for a travel buddy on the road or the plane. $9.99, ages 3+, jazwares.com

Caravan Coupe Compact Stroller/Wagon

Perfect for a family adventure with a nimble and compact design and impressively small fold. Seats up to two kids in individually reclining seats and a shared foot well area for stroller-style seating. If you need space to haul cargo or let your littles stretch their legs, you can securely invert the foot well to provide a flat base interior. $499.99, ages 6+ months up to 147-pound weight capacity, larktale.com

LeapFrog Fruit Colors Learning Smoothie

Take a smoothie break on your next road trip. Swivel the straw to choose from five fruit flavors, and the cup will change color to match. The straw is also a teething toy for kids to nibble as they listen to fruit-themed sing-along songs and music. $10.99, ages 6+ months, leapfrog.com

VTech Kiddie Cat Cassette Player

Bop to the music with this retro-designed, head-bobbin’ kitty — from jazz, country and rock ‘n’ roll style melodies to the Alphabet Song. $10.99, ages 9-36 months, vtechkids.com

Game On Podcast

Amp up the fun on your next road trip with comedy, sports history, fun facts, celebrity impersonations, interviews and more. Great for kids and adults. Free, ages 4+, storypirates.com

Naturepedic PLA Pillow

Feel like you’re on vacation every day with this luxurious fiber-based pillow that provides comfort in its simplest form. Derived entirely from sugarcane. Outer cover is 100% certified-organic cotton. $79 (standard size), naturepedic.com

Response: Strategies for Effective Parent-Teacher Conferences

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“Children are the Priority. Change is the Reality. Collaboration is the Strategy.” – Judith Billings, former Washington State Superintendent for Public Instruction.

Parent-teacher conferences can be stressful, which is why planning ahead can make the most out of your brief one-on-one face time with your child’s teacher. The relationship formed with a child’s family is often impacted by how well the parent-teacher conference is conducted and how productive the conference is in helping your child succeed. With that in mind, we consulted with several of our Stratford School experts to help develop tips to ensure a successful parent-teacher conference.

Do Your Homework
Preparation is vital to conducting a successful parent-teacher conference. Taking time to make note of what you want to discuss in the conference is paramount. According to Loren Gustafson, math and history teacher at Stratford Middle School in San Jose, “Understand that our time is limited. When you come with questions already prepared that shows you have thought about the purpose of the conference. Preparing questions beforehand allows us to focus on specifics rather than simply exchanging pleasantries without a specific goal in mind.” 

Additional advice comes from Mary “Kate” Kiely, second grade teacher at Stratford’s Sunnyvale campus: “I love when parents bring questions because it shows that we are building a partnership for their child’s education and also helps the meeting feel comfortable. As teachers, we can speak to the areas of growth we see and often they are similar or related to challenges parents might be seeing at home. It allows us to strengthen our relationship with their child and celebrate their achievements.”

Accentuate the Positive with a Cooperative Team Effort
Parents are often anxious about what teachers will say regarding their child, so a conference should be started with positive comments according to Emily Ersboll, first grade teacher at Stratford’s Online Academy (Grades K-5). “Parent-teacher conferences are especially important to create connections between a student’s home and school life. Parents should come prepared with observations from their point of view at home,” she says. “Think about how they handle homework, how they interact with other kids (during playdates, extracurricular activities, etc.), how the child reacts when their behavior is redirected at home. These can be clues as to how the child behaves at school, too. If you feel concerned about behaviors at home, they may be having the same issues at school and it would be beneficial to work with your child’s teacher to come up with a plan to support your child together.” 

Gustafson adds, “Your child is the light of your life, and many times they are perfect in your eyes. Yet as a teacher, I am looking through the lens of academic growth and sometimes we may see a different side of your child. Our expectations in this context may just be different than yours.”

Be Prepared to Discuss Your Child’s Strengths, Behavior and Performance
Make use of the conference to identify and discuss the areas that need to be addressed. According to Kiely, “I think it is really important, on both fronts, to come with an open mind. Behaviors in school and at home can be similar or very different. I have had parents shocked when I tell them what a social butterfly their child is because at home it is the opposite or vice versa. It is great though to hear because if, in this case, they are not opening up at home and the parent is asking for tips, you can open the door more to the conversation of what you as a teacher have been implementing in your classroom or suggest other ways to help support your child. This goes for any area of growth. With an open mind, it is important to note that both teacher and parent want what is best for your child.” 

This is further emphasized by Ersboll, who says, “Come to the meeting with an open and honest mind. We are both here because we care about your child and want what is best for them. It makes it easier for teachers if we can have the whole picture of who your child is and what we can do to accommodate the best support for your child. “

Plan a Follow-up Conference
Parent-teacher conferences are most effective if they’re not a one-off event and instead are part of the larger relationship with parents. As Gustafson comments, “Parents looking for long-term academic and personal growth, and not just aiming for a targeted grade, are a joy to work with every time.”

Adding to that, Ersboll concludes, “Every child is different and teachers are always trying their best to support each individual student’s needs, so if you have suggestions, we’re open, listening and would love to hear them!”

While parent-teacher conferences are not the only forum for parents to get involved in their child’s education, and for teachers to get a greater insight into their students, these interactions are an important first step. So make a game plan to maximize your next parent-teacher conference time, and continue to build this essential relationship that will ultimately have the greatest positive impact on your child’s success now and in the future.If you are interested in learning more about Stratford School, or scheduling a personalized tour, visit us online at www.stratfordschools.com.

10 Mother’s Day Events L.A. Moms Will Love

Published

Chelsee Lowe

My husband has an annual calendar reminder set that nudges him in April to book or plan something for Mother’s Day. I find this simple technological gesture very sweet, actually. He knows I’d like to celebrate the date in some small way, and he also knows his own penchant to forget that I’d like to celebrate the date in some small way. “It’s the thought that counts” rings true here.

And for many mothers, there’s no need for a grand gesture. Lots of us appreciate a simple celebration, but even simple tends to require some forethought. Want to go to brunch? Booking a table in advance is a good idea in our city. Prefer to catch a movie? You’d better purchase those tickets in advance. So, in hopes of helping anyone out there who’s helming the holiday planning, here are 10 local Mother’s Day events that the mamas at L.A. Parent wouldn’t mind attending ourselves.

Garden Party at California Botanical Garden

PHOTO COURTESY CALIFORNIA BOTANICAL GARDEN

On May 14, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., bring Mom to the California Botanical Garden for a holiday garden party. Themed activities, one drink, food and treats are included in your ticket to this Claremont event, and harpist Phoebe Madison Schrafft will play live. Entry is $15 and up for the general public. Buy your tickets in advance here. Wine and beer will be available for purchase.

Seal Beach Symphony

For the mom who loves music, pick up tickets to the May 14 performance of the Seal Beach Symphony. It begins at 5:30 p.m. and takes place at Old Ranch Country Club. Passed appetizers and a cash bar will be on hand. Guests can expect international artists to play songs by Chopin, Debussy, Mozart and more. Tickets begin at $25.

Motherhood-Themed Short Films

If we’re being honest, letting us do something all alone is a great Mother’s Day treat. And if the mother in your life is into movies, try this screening of a trio of motherhood-themed short films by Sarah Moshman. It takes place at the North Hollywood Laemmle, and a panel discussion follows the films. Tickets are $10.

Pretend City Children’s Museum, Irvine

For the mom who loves to get out of the house with the kids, maybe a whole family trip to Pretend City Children’s Museum is the move. The museum is hosting a special Mother’s Day Celebration on May 13, and it includes card making, painting, sensory tables and even mommy-and-me yoga. Book tickets online.

Farm Sanctuary’s Family Day

PHOTO COURTESY FARM SANCTUARY

Another whole-group outing, Farm Sanctuary’s Family Day is set for May 13 and includes time for animal encounters, vegan high tea, a create-your-own mini garden station and a story time and book signing with author/illustrator Ruby Roth. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and tickets are $20 and up. Proceeds go right back to the farm, supporting animal rescue and advocacy efforts.

Unique Markets L.A.

PHOTO COURTESY UNIQUE MARKETS

If Mom likes to shop, consider sending here on an adventure to the 14th annual Spring Market at downtown’s California Market Center. On May 6 and 7, more than 150 indie artisans will descend on the venue, selling their unique work. $15 general admission tickets include market access, an original tote bag, free drinks, DIY activities and a family fun zone, in case the kids are coming, too.

Sun & Sea at The Point

PHOTO COURTESY THE POINT

In El Segundo, more than two dozen vendors and performing musicians are part of Sea & Sun at The Point on May 13. Entry is free, and there’s plenty of other entertainment and dining options at The Point, including Van Leeuwen’s Ice Cream to Hopdoddy Burger Bar.

Build Your Own Succulent Garden

North Hollywood’s Teapop is hosting a two-hour, hands-on succulent party on May 13, and guests will design their own potted garden to take home. All supplies are included in the ticket price of $35. And, you can try one of Teapop’s delicious milk teas while you’re there.

Doughnut Delivery

PHOTO COURTESY PRIMO’S DONUTS

Who wouldn’t like a fresh doughnut t in the morning? Add a cup of coffee, a good book and a quiet house for two hours and I’d be a very happy parent. Primo’s Donuts, with one location on Sawtelle and another in Westwood, makes some of our favorite doughnuts in town, and even a few fancy ones on Mother’s Day. A simple doughnut delivery for the holiday is a sweet plan if we ever heard one. A sprinkle doughnut from your favorite local shop works perfectly, too.

DIY Mother’s Day

Ultimately, you know what Mom will like best. Skip the ticketed events and plan your own “party” if you think she’d prefer it. Let her chill at home all by herself. Pack up her favorite snacks and head to a great local trailhead for a family hike and picnic. A beach day is always a pleasant outing, weather permitting. If the temps are comfortable enough, consider a walk in Point Dume, followed by dinner at Taverna Tony’s or your favorite coastal restaurant. Or plan an afternoon or full day away to local gems like Descanso Gardens, The Huntington or The Getty. Whatever it is, Mom will appreciate your effort to acknowledge her and all that she does.


Checking In: The Pierside Now Open In Santa Monica

Published

By Chelsee Lowe

Other than the Hollywood Sign, there may be no site more iconic in greater Los Angeles than the Santa Monica Pier. The arched neon sign at its entry debuted in 1940 when the pier actually led to the stated “yacht harbor.” Today, it’s more of a family fun zone. My 10-year-old daughter adores cruising the pier, riding a few rides and trying a snack or two. If I’m with her, we’re definitely stopping at the teeny Hot Dog on a Stick just south of the boardwalk. This red shack, opened in 1946, is as vintage as the pier.

PHOTO COURTESY THE PIERSIDE

I don’t get to Santa Monica that much anymore, but I see the joy of a staycation here, especially for beach-loving families. If you seek a room that’s just steps from the sand, check out The Pierside, a brand new hotel at the corner of Ocean and Colorado avenues (aka, right at the pier). Though the ground floor restaurant and gym are still under construction, the hotel has been welcoming guests since January. There are 132 rooms and suites ready to book, plus a cozy lobby that includes The Board Shop, a one-stop shop for beach necessities, from boogie and surfboards to paddle ball gear. Guests can check out such items at no charge for two hours, perfect for an afternoon by the sea.

The Pierside offers 132 rooms and suites in a cool, coastal color pallete.
PHOTO COURTESY THE PIERSIDE

In the lobby and in guestrooms, a cool, coastal color palette creates a sense of ease and relaxation: You’ve made it the beach, man, so just chill out and have some fun. I love the blue day beds in the rooms (it’s also a pull-out bed) and the cheeky beach wallpaper hidden in the closets. The team has also replaced the hotel desk with a multifuctional living space with mod pedestal table, great for a take-out dinner, but also for a spot to work or just fire off a quick email.

Hotel restaurant The Surfing Fox will debut this summer. PHOTO COURTESY THE PIERSIDE

Outside, a brilliant mural by Shepard Fairy graces nearly the entire west side of the hotel, and there’s a pool perched above the 10 Freeway. Onsite restaurant The Surfing Fox faces Colorado Avenue and is a great place for a meal, whether as a family, as a couple or as a group of friends having cocktails at the bar. If you want views of the neon Santa Monica Pier sign, settle yourself out on the bar-adjacent patio. My husband and I brought our two kids, ages 10 and 3, for an early dinner recently, and everything we tried was impressive. Favorites included the burrata with salsa macha, peaches, arugula and toasted bread; the incredibly aromatic cilantro rice; the “Fox Fries,” which of course pleased the youngest in our bunch; and my husband’s “Caulilini,” a dinner entree of an expertly roasted cauliflower head dressed up with calabrian chili tahini, mint and a garlic-miso oil. Note that happy hour snacks and drinks are offered on weekdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. (great hours for families), and there’s live music every Friday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

And of course, this corner of Santa Monica is full of additional family-friendly activities, and you don’t really need to get in your car for them. Walk in bluff-side Palisades Park or Tongva Park (both neighbor the hotel) and take the littles to Cayton Children’s Museum. If you want to try a part of the beach that’s particularly great for kids, hike it to Annenberg Community Beach House, where a historic pool, splash pad, playground, and a beach restaurant await. This is one of my family’s favorite Santa Monica spots.

Guests can borrow beach gear from The Board Shop in the lobby. PHOTO COURTESY THE PIERSIDE

There are must-visit places nearby for adults, too. If you can manage to sneak away for an evening, grab a steak (and some complimentary peanuts) at local haunt Chez Jay, which has been operating since 1959, or visit Ester’s Wine Shop for a wine-and-cheese filled escape. And do not miss some of the best sandwiches in greater L.A., which you’ll find at Bay Cities Italian Deli on Lincoln Boulevard. These make for perfect picnic food, no matter where you’re setting up your blanket.

After all of your adventures, you’ll be thrilled to head back to The Pierside, your (temporary) home by the sea.

Spring Family Screenings and Workshops at the Academy Museum

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Stories of Cinema, Animation gallery. Photo by Joshua White/JW Pictures. ©Academy Museum Foundation

You may be familiar with the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and its outstanding galleries, exhibitions and phenomenal film series. But you might not realize it’s a destination for the whole family — with programming for all ages. 

For starters, general admission to the museum is always free for children ages 17 and under. That means entry to the galleries, drop-in workshops and drop-in tours for your kids are all free! Complimentary museum admission is also offered to EBT cardholders. Additional tickets are required for film screenings and special programs. 

No trip to the museum is complete without a visit to Inventing Worlds and Characters on the third floor, with galleries dedicated to Animation, Effects and Encounters. You can either start your trip here or make it your destination — you might not be able to soak it all up in one trip. Here you’ll find a focus on animation, special and visual effects, and genre films of science fiction, fantasy and horror. 

The Animation gallery has been recently updated, with new concept art, maquettes, puppets, costumes, miniature models, animatronics and more on display. Here you’ll find original Mary Blair illustrations for Alice in Wonderland (1951) and Peter Pan (1953), alongside cel setups for films including Kiki’s Delivery Service(1989) or stop-motion puppets from Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride (2005) and Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) next to concept art from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018).

The Effects gallery offers visitors a chance to learn about landmark innovations in special effects throughout movie history and explore mechanical, optical and digital effects on display, like the miniature aluminum T. Rex input device used for Jurassic Park (1993).

If you visit on a Friday afternoon between 1 and 3 pm, you can drop in for a free tour led by museum educators. In April, our Drop-In Tours will focus on the Encounters gallery, exploring movie monsters, costumes, props, and more. These conversations will cover unique themes and designs, elements of the moviemaking process, and ground-breaking characters and creators. Visitors will venture into the depths with the Amphibian Man, fight back against the Empire with R2-D2 and C-3PO, and journey through sci-fi history with Ben Burt’s Behold installation. Meet educators in Stories of Cinema, on Level 3 in the Rolex Gallery.

Hands-On Workshops

The museum also hosts Drop-In Workshops for Families year-round. On the first three Saturdays of every month, you and the family can drop in for a midday workshop (designed for families with children ages 2 and up) themed around an exhibition, program or film screening. Past workshops saw families design their own cinematic costumes and production design, make their own 3D glasses or zoetropes, and learn about stop-motion with LAIKA animators.

The museum hosts a monthly Drop-In Workshops for Teens as well. On the third Friday of every month, teens ages 14 and up can learn about career paths in film, create film-related art and have hands-on experience in animation, special effects and more. All of our workshops are tied to exciting exhibitions and programs at the museum, so check our calendar for what’s coming up this spring.

Family Matinees Every Saturday

Film still from WALL-E (2018)

But that’s not all. There’s even more to do on Saturdays with our ongoing Family Matinees film series. Every Saturday at 11 am, a G- or PG-rated film shows as part of a monthly theme. These screenings require tickets, but entry is only $5 and includes access to the post screening Drop-In Workshop at 12:30 pm.

This April, the museum is celebrating Earth Day with environmentally focused films, including Microcosmos (1996), The Wild Thornberrys Movie (2002) and Pixar’s WALL-E (2008). May is Jewish American Heritage month, and we’re screening classics and rarities that depict Jewish life onscreen with care and affection. Bring the whole family to Hand in Hand (1961), Fiddler on the Roof (1971) and An American Tail (1986). 

On the last Saturday of every month, experience Calm Mornings, when the galleries open early at 9 am with sound and lighting adjustments for a more sensory-friendly viewing experience — a great chance for visitors who are neurodivergent to experience the museum. The Family Matinee movie on Calm Mornings is an accommodative screening where we offer open captioning, keep the theater dimly lit and maintain a lower volume. Our next two Calm Morning matinees will be The Lego Movie (2014) on April 29 and Muppets Most Wanted (2014) on May 27. Whether you’re looking to learn more about the creativity behind movie magic in our galleries, catch an old favorite or contemporary classic at the theater or experience a hands-on workshop with your little ones, there’s something for everyone at the Academy Museum. We’re constantly updating our calendars with new programs, exhibition updates and learning opportunities. Plan your visit today at Academymuseum.org/Fun-For-Families.

Let’s Read: Excellent Texts for Kids and Parents

Published

By Elena Epstein

Our NAPPA Awards team loves celebrating great reads. Check out our latest NAPPA Award winning books for all ages.

Babies & Toddlers

Baby Ballers: Venus and Serena Williams
Before they were serving up grand slam victories, Venus and Serena Williams were just two sisters growing up in Compton. Enjoy this inspiring story that tells how the sister went from learning tennis with their dad to winning Wimbledon. $7.99, ages birth to 2, silverdolphinbooks.com
Farm Animals
Bond with baby and build emotional security with a cozy reading ritual. This board book with whimsical illustrations introduces kids to the fun world of barnyard friends. Includes interactive features. $17.95, ages 6 months to 3, lilbigworld.com
Messy Time
This book shows joyful, messy play in different environments: in the kitchen, in the garden and in the bathtub. It is messy play (think mud, sand and water) that provides children with rich sensory experiences and unstructured play. At the back of the book, a section for parents and caregivers has tips for making the most of messy play, including clean-up time. $8.99, ages 1 to 5, freespirit.com
Sing A Song of Kindness
Rediscover your favorite nursery rhymes, adapted to celebrate kindness, friendship and compassion. This beautifully illustrated collection comes with the touching message that a little kindness makes the world a better place. $9.99, for ages birth and up, silverdolphinbooks.com
Try-Again Time
Helps young children develop a growth mindset, learn how to persevere and practice self-regulation skills. The back of the book provides active suggestions for adults to manage try-again time together. $8.99, ages 2 and up, freespirit.com

Preschool & Early Elementary

The Hero of Compassion: How Lokeshvara Got One Thousand Arms
A retelling of a classic Buddhist tale of compassion and resilience that teaches that even when we feel overwhelmed by the suffering we see in the world, we can still find creative ways to help those around us. $18.95, ages 4 to 8, shambhala.com
The Moon is Broken
A lyrical bedtime story that explores the power of imagination and friendship while teaching children about the phases of the moon. $9.99, ages 2 to 5, amazon.com
We Listen to Our Bodies
Gives children a vocabulary to understand and communicate their feelings, develop personal boundaries and build their social and emotional skills. $15.99, ages 3 to 5, freespirit.com

Teens & Tweens

You Got a Phone! (Now Read This Book)
Features a humorous yet supportive tone and hilarious illustrations that draw readers in and keep them engaged. Provides important information on cyber bullying and the hazards of too much screen time. $10.99, for tweens, freespirit.com
Slaying Digital Dragons
With a frank and humorous approach to a timely topic, this book pulls back the curtain on the hidden aspects of the digital world. It shares how screen time can affect the lives of young adults and gives tips for protecting their privacy, safety and reputation on social media. $24.99, ages 10 to 18, freespirit.com
My Little Pony: Virtual Magic
Ever wondered what it would be like to visit modern-day Equestria? This 18-chapter extended reality (XR) adventure will take you deep inside — with the exclusive prequel content of Izzy’s backstory. $39.99, ages 7 to 11, quantumstorey.com

Parents

Work, Parent, Thrive
Ditch guilt and manage overwhelm with these science-backed strategies. The friendly and supportive tips and anecdotes are designed to give working parents the tools they need to better manage daily challenges and to focus more on the joy. $19.95, shambhala.com
This May Be Difficult to Read
Brings cognitive and developmental research to life for parents to help their child with reading and comprehension. Transform interactions at home so that learning becomes a byproduct of fun by thinking as a child thinks and learning as a child learns. $19.99, parents, amazon.com

NAPPA Awards has been celebrating the best in family products for 33 years. For more product reviews and gift ideas, visit nappaawards.com

Learn in Unique Ways With These Games and Toys

Published

By Elena Epstein

As parents, we’re always looking for fresh ways to engage our children. These unique items are NAPPA Award Winners, each one a game, toy or activity to help your kids learn in new, exciting ways. We hope they inspire so much fun in your home.

The Get Movin’ Activity Deck for Kids: 48 Creative Movement Ideas for Little Bodies
A unique children’s movement and play deck featuring 48 cards with practices and activities for all ability levels. Use it to celebrate the many ways our bodies can move. Through fun images and simple directions, kids will challenge themselves in different categories of movement. $19.95, ages 4 to 8, shambhala.com
LolliPost Pen Pal Kit for Grandkids (and their Grandparents)
This set makes writing easier and more fun with writing prompts that provide clever topic suggestions for adults and kids. There’s also a tracking postcard to keep the pen-pal momentum going, and replies can be quick thanks to perforated reply postcards attached to each child’s notecard. $29.99, ages 5 and up, lollipost.com
Epic
Encourage kids to explore their interests and learn in a fun, safe, kid-friendly environment. Unlimited access to 40,000 high-quality books and videos. From the stories you grew up with to popular Epic Originals. Offers tracking for parents and allows kids to boost their skills. $6.67/month OR $79.99 billed annually, ages 2 to 12, getepic.com
LOST LOOT: DIY Pirate Treasure Hunt Game
This is no ordinary scavenger hunt. Go on a Treasure Hunt to find Goldbeard’s Lost Loot. Goldbeard was worried about his treasure falling into the wrong hands, so he created an intricate locking mechanism in order to open his very special chest. Can you find all 5 keys? Fun Factor: Turn your home and backyard into a pirate’s playground! Great fun for parties and classrooms. Creative Skills: This game encourages children to think on their feet, be creative and stay active. $34.99, ages 3 and up, amazon.com
Bebi Toddlers
Educational games and puzzles for kids. Education is an important process in a child’s life, but it’s not so easy to follow standard guidelines and written formulas. It is fun to play games, and those games affect our brain, improving our logical thinking, fine motor skills and more. Now children can have a fun time doing what they like while absorbing important information. $6.99/month, ages 2 to 5, bebi.family
Dino Puzzle Games for Toddlers
This app is jam-packed with puzzles designed to improve preschool skills in fun and meaningful ways. Kids will delight in solving illustrated pictorial puzzles of dinosaurs, cars, animals and more. As they play, kids match shapes and patterns, find colors, and develop their imagination, logical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Kids can enjoy classic puzzles, turning the pieces to reveal the picture, find matching shapes, spin columns to find the picture or put the scattered parts in place. Free, ages 2 to 4, apps.apple.com
bekids Reading
Engaging stories that help young readers learn in an effective way. The beautifully designed and animated storybooks are divided into different levels to motivate kids to progress with confidence and learn at their own pace. There are also captivating word games that test kids’ reading skills and boost vocabulary. Join the sing-a-longs after each story, and memorize new words through delightful tunes. Free, ages 2 to 4, bekids.com
bekids Coding
A story-based coding adventure that keeps kids engaged and motivated. Join Zak, Grace and DOT on a mission to save Planet Algorith. Use coding skills to control robotic arms, plan routes, hunt treasures and create dance moves. A drag-and-drop, tile-based coding approach that helps kids develop logical thinking and problem solving through creative, visual play. Free, ages 5 to 8, bekids.com
bekids Science
A series of short, digestible lessons designed to boost scientific literacy. Learning experiences crafted by educational experts and interactive games for each topic. Includes bonus mini games for more fun. Collect badges and rewards as kids progress through topics. Free, ages 2 to 4, bekids.com

Must-Try Items for Baby and Family

Published

By Elena Epstein

We’re so excited to bring you our latest NAPPA Award winners, just for baby and family. Check out all the great products featured below.

Naturepedic Breathable Organic 2-Stage Lightweight Crib Mattress
This mattress checks all the boxes, with organic materials, chemical safety with waterproof protection, breathability and flexibility. The washable cover provides excellent airflow should baby turn face down, while the underlying mattress is firm, waterproof and provides excellent edge support. It has no flame retardants whatsoever or other questionable materials. $399, ages birth to 2 years, naturepedic.com
Snuggleluvs
These soft and whimsical stuffed animals are oversized and super fun with long fluffy hair. They make any child smile and are designed to provide comfort and ease anxiety. With their added weight, extra softness and optimal cuddling size, Snuggleluvs are a stress-relieving companion for all ages. $50, all ages, wildrepublic.com
Premium Contoured Changing Pad
Designed to make changing your baby a clean and secure process, this pad is made of a durable water-resistant material that’s easy to wipe clean. For extra security, it features contoured walls and a safety belt that has an ultra-soft, luxurious and comfortable buckle cover. Also includes two straps to secure it to your changing surface, as well as a non-skid bottom to help keep the changing pad in place. $29.99, for parents, storkcraftdirect.com
Hoop™ Glider & Ottoman
A complete two-piece nursery set. Comfortable, padded arm cushions with pockets for added storage convenience. Enclosed metal ball bearings make for a smooth and gentle gliding experience. Made with durable, easy-to-clean polyester material. $229.99, for parents, storkcraftdirect.com
SplashEZ Mold Free Bath Toys
Make water play wildly fun with these no mold bath toys. Your baby bath set includes 5 adorable animal friends——Tony Tiger, Leo Lion, Quentin Quail, Freddy Frog and Uma Unicorn. BPA-free with hole-less design means no water seeps in. After bath time, the toys dry off and stay odor, slime and mold free. $9.99, ages birth to 2 years, amazon.com
Papablic Baby Bottles Sterilizer and Dryer
When feeding with a baby bottle, it can be difficult to keep the bottles clean and 100% safe, even if washed thoroughly after every use. This tool cleans your bottles with penetrating steam that is hotter than the dishwasher, and its dries items safely with hot air. It will completely clean your baby bottles in 8 minutes. $79.95, for parents with babies age 0 to 24 months, papablic.com

The Secret of My Success

Published

Victoria Hunter’s passion for fashion and her open mindedness is what fuels her success.

The best students are those who understand what it’s like to be a teacher. And the best teachers are those who understand what it’s like to be a student. Fashion teacher Victoria Hunter fits into both of these categories. Former student turned educator, Victoria’s talent is connecting with her students and understanding what they are going through. 

Her reward is that she loves what she is doing, which is evident through her actions. She is on the path she was meant to find and excels at her job. Victoria exemplifies what it means to have a passion for fashion. 

Victoria’s interest in the fashion field started when she was young. Growing up in England, she would shop with her mom but rarely found exactly what she wanted. The idea she was envisioning in her head was never in the stores. Her grandmother was a seamstress and teacher who could look at someone and make a paper pattern that would fit them. She even made Victoria’s wedding dress! 

However, this family link was not what inspired her to be a teacher or even go into fashion. In fact, Victoria wasn’t even sure she wanted to pursue a fashion career until her late 30s, which is when she started attending FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) in Los Angeles. She loved being in fashion school and exceled at her projects. When other students asked for assistance or inspiration, Victoria was always there to lend a helping hand. She saw where her classmates would lose points on their assignments, and realized that other people understood and benefited from the process she used instead of the lack of structure with the materials provided. Victoria said that her helping her peers “prompted me to write a fashion textbook, which led to my position as a teacher.” 

Now that Victoria is in her fashion teacher career, she helps her students figure out what drives them, and reminds them that not all of their ideas will pan out. Designers who expect perfection the first time are those who get stuck. This is a lesson Victoria has learned and thus can teach it first-hand. Having experience with fashion design has trained Victoria’s mind to love her bad ideas and to ignore the negative thoughts she may have during the process. She allows the ideas to sit in the back of her mind and gives them time to “do its magic.” 

Victoria also lets students choose the direction they want to follow while designing. She supplies them with concepts and blueprints for framework, but ultimately lets them find their own methods and processes. She loves working with those who have a relaxed and open mind, but also appreciates those who pay attention to detail. On the other hand, she finds the most difficult students to be those in panic mode who are stressed out and make little mistakes. She finds it challenging to enforce rules and deadlines that will limit the students reaching their full potential. 

With that in mind, Victoria knows she has to be fair and firm, so doesn’t offer project extensions. If Victoria could change anything in the fashion field, she would want it to be kinder those new to the field. She believes that the industry needs to consolidate and collaborate in order to make this
happen.

Victoria says that her fundamental principles of style have changed little over the years. She has become more connected to the current trends in fashion, but doesn’t want to be totally influenced by them or another designer’s work. She believes as long as she stays true to herself and her style that she will be successful.

That said, Victoria still has icons whose work she admires. This season she loves the work of Alexander McQueen, AMBUSH, R13, Laquan Smith and others. She takes inspiration from many of their pieces. Victoria is very excited to see styles from the past being reinterpreted today. She likes and finds creativity in most of the previous eras (except the 1970s J). The perfect designing recipe for her is a combination of so many elements – 50% quirky, 40% utilitarian and 10% of something new and trendy.

All in all, Victoria Hunter was born for the fashion field. From being named Fashion Design Student of the Year in school to being a published author, a teacher at FIDM to now creating and teaching courses at Design Your Line Fashion Lab, she has always known what to do and how to help others. Victoria continues to stay in this field because of how rewarding it is, knowing that she has helped a student land a job in the fashion world. She also loves knowing that she is able to help students comprehend new concepts that were once a struggle. Victoria does what she loves and loves what she does. She is clearly passionate about everything fashion! 

Find out more about Victoria at Design Your Line Fashion Lab through her book Ultimate Fashion Study Guide-The Design Process or on her Instagram @designyourlinefashionlab. 

About Sweet Fashion Interview
BooksandLooks is a 13-year-old Creative, N.J., phenom who has been working on The Sweetest Gigs (kids work program created by staffing agency, Recruiting for Good) for the last two years. She is currently leading creative writing gig; Fashion Loves Freedom (she reviews fashion, and writes sweet fashion interviews). Starting in 2023, Recruiting for Good will start funding 2024 Kids Design Tomorrow scholarships to offset the cost of hiring Victoria Hunter.

Explore Summer Reading with These 5 Top Picks!

Published

“One benefit of summer was that each day we had more light to read by.”
– Jeannette Walls, Author & Journalist

We know summertime can provide opportunities for kids to accelerate reading and experience the social-emotional impact of good literature and stories. Research has shown that in a typical year, summer reading supports skill gains, and its absence leads to widening skill gaps. In addition, reading helps children discover new favorite books, explore different genres to discover what kinds of books they like to read while staying on track for the next school year.   

The selection of books we have curated is intentionally different from books children might read during the school year. Some are fanciful or fantasy (dogs that accompany their kid-owners to school, for example), most have pictures (illustrations and infographics, or graphic novels); and most can be read in short bursts, for example in the car or during 30-minute reading bursts – which work especially well in building capacity in reluctant readers. 

Grades K-2
The Rock from the Sky written and illustrated by Jon Klassen
A beautiful work of art with a hilarious story to go with it by Caldecott winner Jon Klassen. This picture book will be read and re-read by your family, and each time the thoughts and discussion around the story will be different. Turtle and Armadillo leave one stone unturned when it falls from the sky, right in Turtle’s favorite hangout spot. It’s a good thing he meandered out of the way in time! This inspires their simple chats about the ever-changing landscape, including the potential ominous cryptid creatures that might make their way into their environment. It’s not really possible to perfectly sum up a Klassen book – it’s something one needs to experience to fully appreciate. 

Wild Symphony written by Dan Brown, illustrated by Susan Batori
Davinci Code author Dan Brown brings us a book that has a code to crack throughout. Children and adults can enjoy this as a traditional read-along, or can choose to listen to original musical compositions as they read – one for each animal – with a free interactive smartphone app. This book brings music, animals, instruments and word searches together. 

Grades 3-4
Scientists Get Dressed written by Deborah Lee Rose
Have you ever wondered what kinds of clothing and personal equipment are needed for a volcanologist or a glaciologist? Eighteen different people are introduced with the gear they need to collect data for their scientific studies and protect themselves. In addition to briefly describing what they actually do as scientists, there are lots of facts about the sorts of things they research. Colorful and packed with photographs, the book uses two fonts and types of information, one for younger readers and one with more information for older readers. 

Two Dogs in a Trenchcoat (series) written by Julie Falatko
Hilarious stories about dogs that wear clothes so they can attend school with their owners. Dog antics and adventures include starting a school club, going on a class trip, and even participating in a school play. 

Grades 5-8
Me and the World: An Infographic Exploration written by Mireia Trius, Illustrated by Joana Casals
This fascinating book pairs visual literacy with data literacy, using colorful illustrations and infographics to present information in a way young readers will understand. The infographics focus on personal things like family structure, most popular names, living spaces and breakfast foods in different places in our world. It also looks more broadly at things like world population, city populations, traffic in cities, schools and homework. There are more lighthearted infographics too, like most popular dog breeds, summer vacations, sports and birthdays. The author found a way to make data and statistics fun! 

Whenever and wherever, reading can be an amazing activity to have some fun and bond with your child this summer. Bring some summer-themed books with you to the beach or to the pool, cuddle up at home when it’s too hot outside, or explore with them in a favorite backyard hideout to jumpstart your summer reading adventure!If you are interested in learning more about Stratford School, or scheduling a personalized tour, visit us online at www.stratfordschools.com.

Award-Winning Gear for Baby, Toddler & Mom

Published

By Elena Epstein

We’re so excited to bring you our latest NAPPA Award winners, great for babies, toddlers and Mom.

Alphapals Sets
A cozy, cuddly seat full of wonder and play. The soft plush Alphabag is fully lined and includes 26 Alphapals plush letters hidden inside. Each letter includes the trademark signature embroidered smiley face, giving each letter its own personality. $195, ages 2-4, alphapals.com
Momcozy Video Baby Monitor
Featuring a non-WIFI and hack-proof system that’s super easy to setup and provides a 360 all-around field of view, full HD camera and great picture quality. The long battery life provides 11.5 hours with display on and up to 22 hours with display off. $159.99, ages birth+, momcozy.com
Olababy Rechargeable Electric Baby Nail Trimmer
Features gentle rotating filing pads, preventing potential damage to surrounding skin, cuticles and nail beds. Equipped with a built-in LED light for optimal visibility. $49.99, ages 0-3 years, olababy.com
Hubble Connected Guardian+
Features a soft wearable strap with a sensor and a Base Station. Wraps gently around the baby’s ankle and tracks sleep quality indicators such as heart rate and oxygen levels. The Base includes a nightlight and speaker that streams hundreds of sleep sounds. $149.99, ages birth-2 years, hubbleconnected.com
Farm Animals
Bond with baby and build emotional security through a cozy reading ritual. This board book with whimsical illustrations introduces kids to the fun world of barnyard friends. Includes interactive features. $17.95, ages 6 months – 3 years, lilbigworld.com
LullabyNursery Pal Dual Vision
A smart HD baby monitor made up of a 5-inch-screen parent unit and a dual-lens camera. Provides close-up and wide-angle viewing, along with AI motion tracking. Also allows for two-way audio talk, and can be controlled using the free app. $229.99, ages birth+, hubbleconnected.com
Earth Breathe Safe Breathable Crib Mattress
Non-toxic and waterproof with a removable washable and breathable pad. The dual-firmness design flips from a firm infant side to a cushion-firm toddler side. $279, ages infant-toddler, lullabyearth.com
Hubble Connected Eclipse+
A smart soother and Wi-Fi audio monitor. Comes equipped with a customizable multi-color night light, preloaded lullabies and hundreds of expert-curated soothing sounds and bedtime stories. Includes a digital clock and a wireless charging base so it can be moved room to room. $79.99, ages birth-5 years, hubbleconnected.com

Celebrating Kindness and Positivity

Published

By Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards

We’re so excited to bring you our latest NAPPA Award winners that are full of kindness and positivity.

Sing A Song of Kindness
Rediscover your favorite nursery rhymes, adapted to celebrate kindness, friendship and compassion. This beautifully illustrated collection comes with a touching message that a little kindness makes the world a better place. $9.99, ages birth+, silverdolphinbooks.com
The Hero of Compassion: How Lokeshvara Got One Thousand Arms
A retelling of a classic Asian Buddhist tale of compassion and resilience that teaches that even when we feel overwhelmed by the suffering we see in the world, we can still find creative ways to help those around us. $18.95, ages 4-8, shambhala.com
Work, Parent, Thrive
Ditch guilt and manage overwhelm with these science-backed strategies. The friendly and supportive tips and anecdotes are designed to give working parents the tools they need to better manage the daily challenges and focus more on the joy. $19.95, shambhala.com
“I’m a Great Recycler”
Sing along with your little one on how you can help save the earth by recycling, composting and donating. Catchy tune with a positive message. 99 cents, ages birth+, debiderryberry.com
Baby Ballers: Venus and Serena Williams
Before they were serving up grand slam victories, Venus and Serena Williams were just two sisters growing up in Compton. Follow along this inspiring story as they go from learning tennis with their dad to winning Wimbledon. $7.99, ages birth-2 years, silverdolphinbooks.com
More Than Affirmations: Inspiring Affirmation Cards, Reflection Prompts and Activities for Kids
Features 30 positive affirmation cards for kids with different and unique reflection prompts, mindful activities and exercises. Promotes confidence, positivity and self-reflection. $19.99, ages 4-11, meditationfairy.com
‘The Moon is Broken’
A lyrical bedtime story that explores the power of imagination and friendship while teaching children about the phases of the moon. $9.99, ages 2-5, amazon.com
We Listen to Our Bodies
Gives children a vocabulary to understand and communicate their feelings, develop personal boundaries, and build their social and emotional skills. $15.99, ages 3-5, freespirit.com
Be Bright Lulu Doll
Help your child discover their strength and courage with this unique doll whose lilac hair has a UV activated blonde streak that turns pink in the sun. Kids can join five animal guardians and use their spirit to be confident, dream big and change the world. $49.99, ages 3+, adora.com
Care Bears Dare to Care Bear
A new friend whose all about kindness, compassion and acceptance to all around her. This multicolored plush wants everyone to know that “it’s cool to be kind!” $14.99, ages 4+, basicfun.com

NAPPA Awards has been celebrating the best in family products for 33 years. For more product reviews and gift ideas visit nappaawards.com.

Brain Power: Benefits of Learning a Second Language at an Early Age

Published

Development of memory, better concentration and focus, faster adaptation, are among the many reasons why teaching your child a second language can help boost their brain development.

Did you know that approximately 60-75% of the world population can speak at least two languages? In fact, studies have shown that knowing two or three languages is beneficial at any age, yet many people have the same question – why should a young child learn a second language while they are focused on learning their primary one? It seems like this would be learning overload at a time when they are also learning how to be friends, count, play and so much more. However, this is a time in our lives when acquiring a second language comes naturally.

In fact, between the ages of 0-3, the brains of children are uniquely suited to learn a second language as the brain is in its most flexible stage. Bilingually exposed infants excelled in detecting a switch in language as early as six months old. They can learn a second language as easy as they learn to walk and grasp their primary language. According to a recent census report, 27% of children under the age of 6 are now learning a language other thanEnglish, and that learning a second language does not negatively impact the child’s native one. 

As adults, we have to consider grammar rules and practice, however young children absorb sounds, structures, intonation patterns and the rules of a second language very easily. Up until the age of 8, young learners benefit from flexible ear and speech muscles that can detect differences between the sounds of a second language.

While it may be easier for young children to pick up a second language, there are benefits for adults as well. Researchers found that young adults who knew two languages performed better on attention tests and had better concentration compared to those who only spoke one language. This is largely because of the workout our brain receives while switching back and forth between one language and another when deciding how to communicate. It allows us to focus better during a lecture and retain relevant information.

With this in mind, we consulted Stratford School’s Bilingual Mandarin teachers from our San Francisco campus to help understand the advantages of a bilingual preschool, why it is beneficial for children and the questions to ask when selecting a bilingual school for your child.  

Understanding What a Bilingual Preschool Is

According to Amy Yu, Preschool Bilingual Mandarin Teacher. “An early learning bilingual program supports the language-sensitive period that ranges from infancy to age 7. The most widely known model of bilingual education is the development bilingual model, in which there is a 50/50 balance between teaching the two languages. Based on decades of research, we know multilingual children gain a cognitive, academic and social edge in school and beyond. In addition, children gain cultural competence that nurtures their ability to understand, appreciate and interact with people from cultures different from their own.”

Additional advice comes from Kuen “Rita” Hung Fong, Pre-Kindergarten Bilingual Mandarin Teacher. “A bilingual language program is a place for children to learn a new language naturally and comfortably within a practical environment,” she says. “Children can learn to speak Mandarin (or another language) through playing different activities, singing songs and engaging with others.”

Questions to Ask When Selecting a Bilingual School

How do you pick the best school for your child? As you go through the process of choosing a school, remember that you are looking for a school that will make the educational experience for your child and you as rewarding as possible. According to Janet Wong, Pre-Kindergarten Bilingual Mandarin teacher, “When selecting a bilingual program for your child, consider asking some of these questions:

  • What percentage of time will my child engage in each of the languages?
  • What is your teaching model? One teacher, two teachers?
  • What training do teachers receive for teaching in a bilingual classroom?
  • Are the teachers certified in teaching bilingual languages?
  • How will my child be supported individually as they learn a new language?
  • In which ways do you develop cultural competencies?
  • What are some of the learning goals for my child this year?
  • How can we support at home? What is our role in supporting both languages?

Ideally, the school should have a clear mission and vision for its bilingual program. Like any school decision, families should feel welcomed, respected and cared for as they decide if a bilingual program is a good fit for their child and for the family.

Learning two languages will not confuse or distract your child. Remember, their brains are flexible and the skills that develop beyond learning a second language are immeasurable. Bilingual children learn that an object stays the same even though the object has a different name in a different language. Studies have also shown that foreign-language learning increases critical thinking skills, creativity and flexibility of mind.

Learn more about Stratford School and our Mandarin Bilingual programs at www.stratfordschools.com.

Launching The Recruiting Co+Op to Help Families Offset The Cost of Private Tutoring, Summer Camp and Travel

Published

Who We Are…

Recruiting for Good is a purpose-driven staffing agency delivering sweet employment solutions by helping companies find talented professionals — and generating proceeds to make a positive impact.

We’re celebrating our 25-year anniversary by launching The Recruiting Co+Op. Families that successfully participate in Recruiting for Good’s referral program can earn up to $5,000 or more every year. Recruiting for Good generates proceeds by delivering staffing services to companies referred by members.

How to Does The Recruiting Co-Op Work?

  • Co+Op member introduces a company hiring professional staff to Recruiting for Good.
  • Every time Recruiting for Good helps company (referred) find a professional; and earns a finder’s fee (Co+Op Member earns 5% of proceeds earned, on average $1,000).
  • Refer a second company and earn 10% of proceeds from staffing placements made (from both the first and second company referred).

“We’re grateful to use recruiting for good; and reward our Co+Op Members for GOOD!”

— Carlos, Sweet Founder Recruiting for Good 

How to Join The Recruiting Co+Op

Email Sara@RecruitingforGood.com and include your telephone number to schedule a time to speak with Carlos Cymerman, Founder of Recruiting for Good.

We’re Limiting Co+Op Membership to Maximize Earnings for Members

Looking to Land a Sweet Job? Join The Club!

Since 1998, Recruiting for Good has been helping talented accounting/finance, engineering, information technology and marketing professionals land sweet jobs. Send us your resume and let us represent you today. Email Sara@RecruitingforGood.com to learn more about us or visit RecruitingforGood.com.

Make Screen Time Green Time with the SoCal Explorer

Published

In response to the huge demand for free, fun and active outdoor experiences, the City of Los Angeles has partnered with parks and public spaces across Southern California to get people exploring, learning and having fun with their families. The SoCal Explorer Campaign uses Agents of Discovery®, an educational technology app that enables educators to create their own augmented reality games. Think Pokémon GO for parks and education.

Bob Blumenfield, Councilmember of LA’s Third District, says, “As you explore, you’ll learn about local plant and bug life, wildfire prevention, conservation efforts and much more. Good luck with your Mission and I hope to see you at Reseda Park.”

The SoCal Explorer 4.0 Campaign ran from September 23rd to December 18th, 2022, and will continue to run annually. Anyone can join in by downloading the free Agents of Discovery app and completing “Missions” or games at participating locations. To find the nearest location to you, click here. Each Mission has educational “Challenges” that teach players about local history, culture, ecosystems and safety. For example, at Griffith Park, players can learn about the history of Los Angeles and the plants and animals that live in the park. At Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, players can learn about Elasmobranchs, a class of animals that include sharks, skates and rays.

LA County also has many exciting Missions to play. Kim Bosell, Natural Areas Administrator for LA County Parks, says, “By using the Agents of Discovery app, you can use augmented reality to help you connect to local plants and wildlife, and to learn amazing facts about them.”

The campaign has amazing prizes to reward players, or “Agents”. At each site, players receive a fun patch featuring the avatar for that Mission. Agents also receive a SoCal Explorer badge once they have completed three Missions: A SoCal Advanced Explorer badge upon completing six, and a Super SoCal Explorer badge after completing nine. On top of that, players who complete at least five Missions will be entered in a draw to win a $25 gift card to Disney, Target or AMC and tickets to Travel Town train rides from Griffith Park Train Rides. The grand prize is an Apple Watch SE!

Dalia (pictured above) won tickets to the Huntington Gardens in last year’s SoCal Explorer Campaign. She earned the patches on her shirt by completing SoCal Explorer Missions.

Jenann Elias, the winner of the Apple Watch from last year, said, “Over the past year, it’s been so important to me to stay healthy as well as getting out in nature. The SoCal Explorer Campaign allowed me to enjoy local spots and discover new sites! The games are family-friendly and fun, while allowing me to explore the wonders of nature. Thanks for this fun opportunity!”

Another exciting part of the SoCal Explorer is the Smokey Bear 3.0 Mission. The USDA Forest Service and Edison International have developed a Smokey Bear Mission for the third year in a row to communicate vital human-caused wildfire prevention messages. This Mission teaches players about campfire safety, forest health and more. The Mission is playable at many SoCal Explorer locations. Smokey Bear 3.0 is available in English and Spanish.

In previous years, the Smokey Bear Mission was promoted by the beloved Betty White.

“If playing this game and learning about wildfire prevention helps us reduce even one human-caused wildfire, it would be so worthy of our time,” says Amtchat Edwards, Partnership Coordinator, USDA Forest Service.

The So Cal Explorer Program runs annually in the Fall and you can get more info at https://agentsofdiscovery.com/socal-explorer.

LOL – The Power of Laughter and How Reading Lets the Joy of Laughter Ring Loud

Published

By Jeanne Huybrechts, Chief Academic Officer, Stratford School

“A smile starts on the lips, a grin spreads to the eyes, a chuckle comes from the belly; and a good laugh bursts forth from the soul, overflows, and bubbles all around.” — Carolyn Birmingham, author

Is there any sound more wonderful that a child’s laugh? Often when we think about children, we have a vision of fun, play and laughter. 

We all need a laugh right now, so we have compiled our favorite LOL list of books. There are read-aloud books for preschoolers and a variety of stories for readers at all levels – beginning readers to preteens. Some are goofy-silly, others witty and clever, some include gorgeous illustrations, a couple offer relatable life-lessons learned through misadventures or embarrassing moments — and all will make the reader laugh out loud.

Preschool
This Moose Belongs To Me, written and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
How can a book that is so beautiful also be so funny? This book has so many quirky moments you will have to read it twice. We start out with Wilfred, a very organized young boy complete with suspenders and a bow tie, and his pet moose Marcel, who is not always good at following the many constraining rules of being a pet. Through the book, they take a journey to stunningly painted mountain landscapes in which they meet other “owners” of the moose. Wilfred needs to learn not to stifle his new pet’s outgoing personality in order to maintain his part ownership. A great lesson in boundaries, expectations and the value of being open-minded and willingness to adapt in order to solve a problem.

Kindergarten
Mina, written and illustrated by Matthew Forsythe
This Academy Award nominated author/illustrator brings us a silly new book with museum-quality artwork. Mina is a bookworm mouse who lives in a beautiful forest with her eccentric father. Dad goes daily into the world, bringing back surprises for Mina, such as rare art (used postage stamps) and a megaphone (a rusty tin can). She’s fine with all of this until he brings a large “squirrel” that looks suspiciously like a cat to live in their tiny home. One visitor then leads to several felines moving in. How Mina and her dad navigate their new guests is hilarious, and becomes even funnier as the cats chase the family up a tree. Mina confronts the three cats and says, “Stop! We shared our home with you! Our food! Our toothpaste! And this is how you repay us? By trying to eat us?” Should Mina have trusted her dad? Will they talk their way out of this mess? Do large praying mantises read the same books as mice? So many questions, such wonderful drawings with which to ponder them. 

Grades 1 and 2
The Leaf Thief, written by Alice Hemming and illustrated by Nicola Slater
A fast-paced, hilarious and possibly even sneaky way of teaching kids about the changes of the season. Adorably hyper Squirrel is upset because his leaves are going missing. Searching all over the forest, accusing his fellow animals of thievery, Squirrel is followed by his best friend Bird. Bird keeps trying to explain why the leaves aren’t staying around. Cute drawings and a very frustrated Squirrel keep the laughs coming. Everything is finally making sense, and then, “Bird! Someone has stolen the grass!!!” Sigh, it is called snow. A valuable and concise two-page explanation at the end of the book will help young readers understand seasons. This book is also good for talking to young ones about how to accept change and how transitions can be scary and frustrating. 

Grades 3-5
The Bad Guys (series), written and illustrated by Aaron Blabey
This relatively new format called a hybrid graphic novel, which combines text with lots of drawings, is fabulous for reluctant readers. The “Bad Guys” are all pretty scary: The Big Bad Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha and Mr. Shark. The wolf gathers them together for the first meeting of “The Good Guys Club” in an attempt to change their reputations by doing good deeds. As the motley crew break a bunch of dogs (wearing prison uniforms) out of the animal shelter, all the dogs run away, terrified of their “scary” rescuers. I challenge anyone to read this series and keep a straight face. 

Middle School
Addison Cooke and the Tomb of Khan, (series), written by Jonathan W. Stokes
This book is one part Indiana Jones, one part Treasure Island and two parts laugh out loud silly. A goofy teenager and his motley crew travel around the world to seek the secret tomb of Genghis Khan, causing and then solving problems and teaching the readers history at the same time. Addison is a funny kid, seemingly able to talk his way out of any situation. His sister Molly trusts him and is willing to use her skills learned from eight weeks of martial arts training. Raj is a daredevil and constantly jumps in when others are in danger. Eddie manages to whine and find the worst in any situation. While Addison and his cohorts always get involved in huge messes, they escape using their vast knowledge of history and archeology, demonstrating that it is OK for kids to be both goofy and studious all at once.

Most of us have heard the phrase, “Laughter is good medicine!” When we laugh, physical changes take place that affect our internal organs. As we draw in oxygen-rich air our lungs, heart and muscles are stimulated. Laughter has been shown to boost our immune system and improve our cognition/understanding of a situation. Humor and laughter are important social skills and can assist children as a stress reliever when challenges present themselves. Laughter is a happy sound; easily understood in every language. It is one early childhood developmental skill that you can easily reinforce and enjoy while you are laughing out loud together!

August Book Corner: Motivating Reads

Published

By Hannah-Karen Cogan

Right before summer ends and school starts is the best time to pick up a fun and motivating book. This month’s book corner focuses on the importance of self-love and self-acceptance for young children.

Patchwork

By Matt de la Pena and illustrated by Corinna Luyken

Beloved creators Matt de la Peña and Corinna Luyken use uplifting verses and colorful artwork to explore the endless possibilities each child possesses. A young dancer may grow into a computer coder; a basketball player might become a poet; a class clown may one day serve as an inspiring teacher; and today’s quiet empath might be tomorrow’s great leader .”Patchwork” is a profound and uplifting new classic read with an empowering message for readers ages 4-8. Available Aug. 30. 

Lunch From Home

By Joshua David Stein and art by Jing Li 

Stein follows four students as they learn to cope with their first “lunch box moments” in this picture book that encourages empathy and inspires all readers to stand up for their food! Inspired by the “lunch box moments” of four acclaimed chefs, Ray Garcia, Preeti Mistry, Mina Park, and Niki Russ Federman, this heartwarming story reminds us all that one’s food is a reflection of self and an authentic celebration of culture. “Lunch From Home” is recommended for ages 3-6 and is available Aug. 30.

Sam’s Super Seats

By Keah Brown and illustrated by Sharee Miller

Sam loves herself, learning, and making her family and friends laugh. She also loves comfortable seats, including a graceful couch named after Misty Copeland and Laney, the sassy backseat of Mom’s car. After a busy morning of rest, Sam and her friends try on cute outfits at the mall and imagine what the new school year might bring. It’s not until Sam feels tired, and the new seat she meets isn’t so super, that she discovers what might be her best idea all day. “Sam’s Super Seats” is a joyful picture book recommended for ages 4-8 available on Aug. 23.

Tumble

By Celia C. Pérez 

From the acclaimed author of The First Rule of Punk comes a dazzling novel about a young girl who learns the missing pieces of her origin story from the family of legendary luchadores she’s never met. Twelve-year-old Adela “Addie” Ramirez has a big decision to make when her stepfather proposes adoption. Addie loves Alex, the only father figure she’s ever known, but with a new half-brother due in a few months and a big school theater performance on her mind, everything suddenly feels like it’s moving too fast. “Tumble” is about showing up, taking off your mask, and working through challenges together. This book is for ages 9-12 and is available on Aug. 16.

How to Sleep Tight through the Night

By Tzivia Gover , Lesléa Newman

Whether it’s fear of the dark or worry about the day ahead that is interfering with a good night’s sleep, “How to Sleep Tight through the Night” offers creative solutions for soothing children’s bedtime anxieties and developing healthy sleep habits. This collection of 30 kid-friendly tricks and techniques by sleep and dreaming expert Tzivia Gover and award-winning children’s book author Lesléa Newman is complemented by the dreamy illustrations of Vivian Mineker. From playing an alphabet game to slipping a wish under a pillow, the book is filled with practical, engaging prompts that are accessible to all and easy to implement, using creative visualization, mindfulness techniques, and playful, fun strategies for easing bedtime struggles and welcoming sound, restful sleep. On sale now for readers of all ages.

The Adventures of Chloe and Chris: The Three Branches of Governmen

By Hope Goins

In the series opener, “The Adventures of Chloe and Chris: The Three Branches of Government,” readers embark on an adventure through Washington, DC as they learn about each of the three branches of government and their functions. Through the lens of Chloe and Chris, this one-of-a-kind children’s series helps children and adults alike understand the foundations of the United States government, without any fluff or confusion. These stories nurture the curiosity of young readers and their families and equip them with the knowledge to grow into more conscious citizens. “Government 101” is available now for ages 4-8.

For more book suggestions, check out our July Book Corner and our June Book Corner.

New on Screen: What to Watch in August

Published

By: Anna Gregory

luck

Luck

Apple Original Films and Skydance Animation present the story of Sam Greenfield, a person with what seems to be the worst luck in the world. She stumbles upon the Land of Luck, where she has to make friends with the magical creatures to flip her unlucky qualities. “Luck” will feature the voices of Whoopi Goldberg, Jane Fonda, Lil Rel Howrey, Flula Borg, Simon Pegg, Eva Noblezada, and is directed by Peggy Holmes, and will be available for streaming on August 5, 2022. 

team zenko go

Team Zenko Go

Dreamworks Animation presents a new season of “Team Zenko Go.” The team, Niah, Ari, Ellie, and Jax are ready to use their various skills and teamwork to help their neighbors, bring the community together, and save the residents of Harmony Harbor from a few problems that arise. Available for streaming on Netflix on August 8, 2022.

lucy's school

Lucy’s School

Apple TV+ presents “Lucy’s School.” Lucy from the Peanuts gang decides to start her own school, not realizing how difficult teaching will be. “Lucy’s School” recognizes the effort and dedication it takes to be a teacher and explores the fear of change. Lucy will have to face her fears with the support of her friends. “Lucy’s School” is a love letter to all the wonderful teachers out there. Available for streaming on August 12, 2022. 

summering

Summering

Bleecker Street presents “Summering.” Four best friends bond, adventure, and come across some possible supernatural occurrences during their last summer before middle school. Covering themes of coming of age, friendship, and courage, “Summering” follows these four friends on the adventure of a lifetime. Available in theaters on August 12, 2022. 

surfside girls

Surfside Girls

Apple TV+ presents “Surfside Girls.” Best friends Sam and Jade are trying to solve supernatural mysteries in their sleepy California beach town. In order to solve the mysteries, they must find a way to combine their opposing strengths of logic and imagination. “Surfside girls” will star Miya Cech and YaYa Gosselin with Spencer Hermes-Rebello. Available for streaming on August 19, 2022.

gabby's dollhouse

Gabby’s Dollhouse

Netflix and Dreamworks Animation present “Gabby’s Dollhouse” Season 5. This season is filled with sparkly, swirly, and sticky situations! Some episodes include Gabby and Pandy visiting the Cat-osphere to rescue CatRat, the spooky spirit of Cat-O-Ween, and cat-tastic crafts. Available for streaming on July 25, 2022. 

See our last issue of “New on Screen” here.

Meeting the Moment: How charter public schools are helping kids cope and heal

Published

As children have returned to classrooms, we are seeing the effects the pandemic had on them — and it’s alarming. Psychological and social wellbeing is crucial in a student’s ability to successfully grow academically, yet schools are contending with kids who are less engaged and more distracted than before the pandemic. 

Data from the CDC shows there has been a nationwide spike in mental health-related hospital visits for 5- to 17-year-olds. In California, suicide rates for 10- to 18-year-old kids increased by 20% between 2019 and 2020, according to an article in the Sacramento Bee. The uncertainty and trauma that students face is a challenge across the board, but especially among those in underserved communities.

In the California Charter Schools Association’s new report, Are the Kids OK? How Charter Public Schools Support Social-Emotional Wellbeing Schoolwide, we take a sobering look into the issue and explore what charter public schools are doing to address the needs of students, families and the local communities they serve. California’s charter schools are public schools, they are free and open to all students, regardless of zip code. Independently operated, they use their flexibility and adaptability to find new ways to address the challenges that have arisen during the pandemic.

Key challenges affecting students identified in the report include mental and physical health problems, inequitable impacts across age groups and behavioral impacts, such as greater instances of anxiety and depression. 

Schools across the nation are exploring possible solutions, but many are bogged down by bureaucracy and politics. A data analysis by the California Department of Public Health found that 93% of charter public schools in the state used their COVID relief funds to make “significant new investments” in their social-emotional and mental health supports that go beyond hiring additional social workers and social-emotional counselors. Nearly three-quarters of those schools have “completely transformed” their mental health supports or undergone a “major” or “substantial” expansion of their services.

Common best practices of the schools identified in the report include building trusting relationships with students, providing students tailored supports instead of a “one-size-fits-all” approach, building family and community partnerships, and promoting growth and celebrating progress. 

The report highlights the strategies and programs at charter public schools such as Libertas College Prep Academy in South Los Angeles to illustrate common practices that have been proven successful in re-engaging students and providing the support they need to thrive in a learning environment. 

Libertas utilizes a “Strength of Character” system where students can earn points for modeling the school’s core values. For example, students can be awarded points for effort and other positive behaviors. This allows for their educators to promote growth and celebrate progress even when a student is struggling to grasp a concept.

Charter public schools recognize that academic success is dependent on a child’s social-emotional wellbeing and are providing those lessons to all educators so that more school leaders can create a program that best serves their students. “Are the kids OK?” is a question every school leader and educator should be asking themselves. When it comes to the wellbeing of our kids, there is no room for error. 

Myrna Castrejón is the president and CEO of the California Charter Schools Association and a board member of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools

New L.A. Babysitting App In Time For Back to School!

Published

If your family has found itself on the hunt for a new addition to your babysitting roster for a consistent after-school pickup schedule or a one-off date night, you’re in good company. Even when you’ve secured a go-to babysitter for your littles, odds are high you’ll encounter a schedule change, evolving enrichment need or extenuating circumstance that brings you back to the drawing board. NYC-based company Curated Care is now here in Los Angeles to help fill that babysitting roster.

Curatedcare.com, an online marketplace filled with creative Kid Experts available for moms and dads on the hunt for more inspired babysitting options, is bringing its unique community of childcare gurus to L.A. just in time for the back-to-school season.

“Curated Care is a gamechanger. At first, I thought the title Kid Expert was just really good marketing, but after using them I can really say that Kid Expert is the most accurate depiction of what these guys are,” says NYC mom Angela K. “They are not regular sitters, they are accomplished, engaging, educational experts who inspire your kids.”

“We have backgrounds as artists and teachers,” explains co-founder Erin McConaghy, “so we were really passionate about creating a new avenue for artists and teachers to make great money doing what they love. As moms and users of the site, we see the win-win of helping creative kid and baby whisperers incorporate their talents into babysitting sessions. Everyone benefits, the Kid Experts, the parents and especially the kids”.

Aiming to remove all the labor of searching for new sitters, teachers and tutors for busy families, co-founders Erin McConaghy and Marlene Veloso sought to create a platform where finding childcare felt inspired and easy for families (all Kid Experts infuse their unique, creative backgrounds into sessions and you can find, book and pay them all through the site or app). As former artists and teachers themselves, they also sought to create a platform that offered the same inspired, easy experience for Kid Experts.

“Curated Care is the best survival job I’ve ever had,” says Los Angeles based Kid Expert Devin N. “They provide the perfect balance of giving you the tools and platform to expand your outreach as a Kid Expert, while genuinely supporting your artistic endeavors. Not to mention all of the amazing families I’ve worked with have left an incredible impression on me. It’s a job that doesn’t feel like work because it’s the perfect combination of all of my passions and totally flexible.”

Creating a better experience for everyone during babysitting time is only half of the goal. Curated Care also aims to make the act of connecting families and Kid Experts equally easy. This online marketplace is a tech-driven tool for all participants. In addition to the platform, which currently offers a host of features for searching, messaging, booking and paying your team of Kid Experts, a new app is set to launch in August in time for back-to-school season.

Families on Curated Care are able to peruse detailed profiles of Kid Experts and build a team of go-to sitters, teachers and tutors. When a childcare need arises, families can send one booking request to multiple team members — the first to accept gets the gig. This functionality allows busy families a way to carefully curate a team that fits their family’s needs, while also being able to cast a wide net to more quickly secure a sitter.

In addition to souped-up babysitting sessions (the platform facilities one-off/last-minute requests, as well as consistent, recurring schedules between one family and one Kid Expert), Curated Care families also utilize the platform to secure at-home teachers for private lessons (think chess, piano or Spanish), tutoring sessions, party entertainment and more.

If your family hasn’t joined the Los Angeles Curated Care community yet, now is the time to hop on. Behind the scenes, the Curated Care team is busy reviewing and onboarding a new crop of local, talented Kid Experts to connect with LA families this fall.

Ready to get your crew set up for back-to-school? Head to CuratedCare.com now to register and use the location drop down menu to surface Los Angeles Kid Experts available for your family. With a community of creative sitters at your fingertips (and all the tools to find and book them in your pocket) this is gearing up to be a fantastic back-to-school season!

CuratedCare.com is an online marketplace (think Etsy or AirBnB) for trusted Kid Experts and awesome fams. Curated Care provides families with tools to find, message and book Kid Experts (artists & teachers) directly, for souped-up babysitting, at-home lessons, parties and more.

Spotlight: Josh Sundquist Has His Best Foot Forward

Published

By Isabella Fusco

Meet Josh Sundquist, a Paralympic athlete (ski-racer), a motivational speaker, a comedian, an author, and now a TV Show writer for Apple TV+. “Best Foot Forward” is his first on screen work, based off his amazing real-life story. A truly inspirational show and human being.

At what age did you join the Paralympics, and how were you first exposed/ motivated to join?

PHOTO COURTESY APPLE TV+

I learned to ski soon after losing my leg to cancer at age nine. While I was still on chemotherapy, a former Paralympic ski team coach happened to see me skiing and told me I had great potential. Although I didn’t start racing until I was a teenager, his encouragement definitely set my life on a different path.

Why did you choose to be a ski racer?

I think there was a period of my childhood when my friends were playing on baseball teams and soccer teams and so forth when I was stuck in the hospital, or stuck at home recovering from chemotherapy. So maybe I had missed out on the chance to push myself athletically. When I got a taste of competitive skiing in my teens, I saw it as a chance push my limits athletically and perhaps someday to represent the United States in the Paralympics, which was such an inspiring idea to me.

What were some of the challenges you faced while training and how did you get through them?

In my first race I fell five times. But I kept getting back up until I crossed the finish line. I was last place (by far!) but I did finish. And as my skiing career continued, I brought that same attitude of determination to cross the finish line, win or lose.

PHOTO COURTESY APPLE TV+

Did you have a mentor growing up? And what role did that person play in your life and your career?

Two weeks after my amputation was the first time I went in public as a person with one leg. I was playing in my church’s annual softball game. I went up to bat, and I got strike after strike. There was a point when I wanted to quit. I was going to walk off the field. But my dad encouraged me. He kept me in the the game. I eventually got a hit…after more than twenty pitches.

PHOTO COURTESY APPLE TV+

Best life advice you received growing up?

My dad’s advice in that game: keep swinging.

After the Paralympics, how did you decide to become an author? A comedian?

Going to the Paralympics was one of the biggest thrills and honors of my life, but at the end of a day of skiing, all you’ve really done is slide around on frozen water, you know? You haven’t impacted anyone. So I wanted to look for ways to connect with people as a storyteller and comedian, which is what led me to write and perform and ultimately to make this show for Apple TV+.

How does it feel to have a show created based off your life?

PHOTO COURTESY APPLE TV+

It’s surreal. As a writer on the show—we had a writer’s room with about a dozen people working on the scripts for 20 weeks—I got so used to talking about “Josh” as a character that sometimes I’d forget the show was about me. Then when we started filming there would be scenes that would remind me of something that happened to me in my real life, and I’d be like, oh yeah, this show is about me.

How involved were you in the creation of the show? 

I was intimately involved. We started developing four years ago, and for the past year, this show has been my life. I was in the writer’s room every day, and I was on set every day when we were filming. We found the star of the show through my Instagram, and I was able to bring in many friends with disabilities who work in the entertainment industry to be a part of our crew.

Tell us about the impact you want the show to have.

I hope first and foremost that people are entertained and that they laugh out loud and want to watch the show again and again with their families. And on top of that, I hope they walk away with a slightly different perspective on what it means to look or to feel different, as Josh does in our show. I hope that families who have a child with special needs find the show relatable, and that families who don’t find that it broadens their perspectives.

What would you tell your middle school self?

Don’t worry so much. Everything will turn out fine. Also, invest in Apple stock.

What advice can you give our readers for any struggles they have or will have throughout their life?

Surround yourself with the people you want to be like. When people who have recently lost limbs come to me for advice, that’s what I always suggest. Find role models and friends and heroes who have already faced this challenge and you’ll naturally become more like those people.

Shows Exclusively for Young Tweens

Published

By Isabella Fusco

Best Foot Forward

Inspired by the true story of Josh Sundquist, a Paralympic athlete, author, comedian, and motivational speaker, “Best Foot Forward” is based off Sundquist’s book “Just Don’t Fall.” It is the story of a 12 year-old boy with a prosthetic leg, Josh Dubin, who chooses to leave home schooling and experience middle school. However, this exciting decision turns out to have its own set of challenges, including getting the school to know him for who he is and not for his prosthetic leg. With the help and encouragement of his parents and best friends, Josh flourishes in his new environment. It is a great plot line for tweens struggling to feel “normal” in such a developmental time in one’s lives. The series teaches us that everyone has something that makes them “different,” and even though our differences make us unique, it is our character that defines us.

Amber Brown

Premiering July 29, “Amber Brown” will be available on Apple TV+. The story follows a young girl who is seeking music and art as an outlet to express herself during the difficult time of her parent’s divorce. Amber, like countless other children in modern, are suffering the side affects that come with divorce, or any situation, during pivotal moment of their life such as going to middle school or high school. It is a topic often not addressed, but this show gives hope and insight that there are ways for children to find their voices through hobbies, sports and various activities.

Luck

Ever wonder why we all have lucky and unlucky days? The land of luck is in charge of ensuring that we complicated humans being have a balance. But could you imagine only having back luck? Sam Greenfield, in the movie “Luck,” knows the feeling all too well as she is the unluckiest person in the entire world. Somehow, she ends up in the very land of luck, and seeks the help of the magical creatures in hopes to turn her luck around, even though they are less than thrilled of her arrival. An entertaining and unique plot on Apple TV+ that is sure to bring enjoyment to your tween(s).

Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight

Po the Kung Fu Panda is back in his own Netflix series titled “Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight” premiering on July 14. Two evil weasels are attempting to take over the world by collecting four powerful weapons that are scattered across China. A knight from England, the Wandering Blade, travels to China in search of Po to assit him in taking down the weasels. However, the two could not be more different as the Wandering Blade is very serious and strict and PO is anything but. The duo will learn how to be a team as they travel the globe to save the world.

We Love It: Products for Kids of All Ages

Published

By Elena Epstein

TRVL

With the touch of a button on the push bar, this stroller self-folds into a super-compact, free-standing package. Ultra-lightweight and easy to carry with the arm bar when folded — or go hands-free and store away in carry bag when traveling. $449.95, for children up to 50 pounds. nunababy.com

REMI

Lightweight, portable playard that sets up and folds down in seconds. A unique perforated design makes the mattress breathable, creating a comfy, healthy place to rest and play. Features a zip-down access panel to help you soothe your baby or retrieve a pacifier gone rogue. $349.99, birth up to 30 pounds. uppababy.com

Peek-A-Boo Convertible Hobo Backpack

Switching out your diaper bag from one style to another is simple with this one-of-a-kind design. Go from a hobo shoulder bag to a crossbody to a backpack with just a few adjustments. It can be hung atop a stroller or luggage handle. $165, twelvelittle.com

Molly Tulle Dress

A little bit of dress and a little bit of play merge in this adorable and comfortable find featuring a drop waist jersey cotton top/tulle skirt. $48, sizes 2-8, sammyandnat.com

Essentials Bundle

Super cozy, fastener-free and fully reversible providing a 2-for-1 design, this bundle comes in the cocoon swaddle, winged bodysuit and beanie options. $108, buymamacoco.com

Geddy’s Mom USB Charger Covers

Keep your charger’s hazardous end safely contained with this baby-proofing device. The child-resistant, adult-friendly closure allows you access when it’s time to charge your electrical device. $12.95, geddysmom.com

Get Outside Camper

Hit the open road with this 25+ piece teardrop-shaped camper outfitted with everything you need for outdoor adventures — working lights, adjustable speaker, a skylight, a flip-down table, kitchen and a couch that converts to a bed that fits two dolls. $325, ages 8+, americangirl.com

Dinosaur Adventure Backpack

Enjoy hours of prehistoric play with this sturdy backpack that comes with eight realistic dinosaurs, accessories and a large foldout play scene. The roomy, zippered compartment has space for all the pieces and kids’ extra belongings, making it easy to pack and go. $49.99, ages 3+, lakeshorelearning.com

SwimWays Swim Huggable

Go on a swimming adventure with these cuddly, stuffed floating toys made of a material that dries quickly. $14.99, ages 12 months+, target.com

Glitter Girls Hair Salon

Comes with everything you need to create fabulous styles in your salon. Discover fun ‘dos and enjoy hours of creative play with this thoughtfully designed set that features a swivel cutting chair, washing station and a rolling cart to hold the beautifying tools. $49.99, ages 3+, myglittergirls.com

Scoops Ice Cream Truck

With this set, every ride is a sweet ride. Adorable design and accessories include a blender, soft-serve cones, sundaes, rooftop pop-up menu, lights and sounds. $29.99, ages 3+,  woodzeez.com

Tac Tac Jack

Be the best lumberjack by hitting the tree with the axe to gather bark blocks. This fun game for the entire family challenges you to avoid removing the Core Blocks, so chop carefully! $24.99, entire family, foxmind.com

Skillmatics Guess in 10 Animal Planet

Is it a carnivore? A domestic animal? Does it live in groups? This is a fun card game that can be played anytime, anywhere. $14.97, ages 6+, amazon.com

Toomies Jurassic World

Bring the wonders of dinosaurs to a new generation! The vehicles are inspired by the iconic films and promote core toddler motor skills. $9.99-$22.99, ages 12+, us.tomy.com

New book offers pathway to creative process

Published

By Ronna Mandel

Summertime is perfect for getting creative, and “To Make,” a new picture book from L.A. author Danielle Davis and illustrator Mags DeRoma, is a fun guidebook to creativity and its process.

The book “contains what I think of as the building blocks for any creative process: gather, make, wait,” Davis says. “When making something, we follow these steps for every new undertaking. They are the rhythm of creativity, each its own beat and meter, challenge and reward.” 

Interior spread of “To Make.”
Interior spread of “To Make.” PHOTOs COURTESY KATHERINE TEGEN BOOKS.

Upon opening the pages of “To Make,” readers are treated to spare, anticipatory text prompting page turns, complemented by expansive spreads in muted tones. Kids and parents will want to read this book again and again. DeRoma says she “used all kinds of art supplies, from graphite to pastels to gouache, paper and glue, and a fair amount of waiting (for the paint to dry, of course) to create the illustrations for this book.” The art beautifully and simply conveys the joy children experience when making something — whether that’s something they’ve done before or are attempting for the first time.

To Make cover
Mags DeRoma created the cover art for “To Make” by Danielle Davis.

In a series of creative endeavors initiated by kids, such as baking a cake, growing a garden or, my favorite, making a story, Davis’ appealing prose encourages children’s individual approaches to their projects with the motivating repetition of the words “gather, make and wait.” And while waiting may feel like forever, the end result is totally worth it. The reader, along with the story’s characters, will rejoice in the final products depicted in a glorious spread of everyone sharing. 

 “To Make” urges us to “keep making.” Davis wrote the manuscript when that’s what she needed to tell herself, when her own path as a writer was murky and uncertain. “And it’s what I want to tell every child, every reader: You have something wonderful to share with the world. Keep at it.”

Learn more at danielledavisreadsandwrites.com and magsderoma.com.

What’s New at Amusement Parks

Published

By Isabella Fusco

This summer, our local amusement and water parks are overflowing with families eager to make up for thrills lost over the last two years. 

We checked in with our popular theme parks in Southern California to see what new attractions you and your family can expect when you visit. Some new rides are still swimming in secrecy, so we can’t wait for the big reveals!

Disneyland

PHOTO COURTESY DISNEYLAND RESORT: JOSHUA SUDOCK

This summer, Disneyland Resort will continue celebrating its 50th anniversary, which kicked off last October and will sail through March.

One highlight is the 30th anniversary of “Fantasmic,” the nighttime spectacular performed on the Rivers of America. Featuring a 45-foot-tall Maleficent dragon, Mickey faces countless villains from Disney stories during his dream in which he is, once again, the sorcerer’s apprentice.

PHOTO COURTESY DISNEYLAND RESORT: RICHARD HARBAUGH

Disney’s “Celebrate Soulfully” will pay tribute to Black heritage and culture. At Fantasyland Theatre, the cast of “Tale of the Lion King” will transform “The Lion King” movie into an adaptation focused on its accurate cultural roots. From June 1 to July 4, California Adventure will host daily live performances of Black music genres from jazzy to doo-wop tunes.

Six Flags Magic Mountain 

PHOTO COURTESY SIX FLAGS MAGIC MOUNTAIN

Wonder Woman Flight of Courage is slated to debut at Six Flags Magic Mountain this summer, bringing the park its world record of 20 roller coasters. The Wonder Woman ride will reign as the tallest, longest, single-rail coaster on the planet. Riders will fly over 3,300 feet of track, towering 13 stories and soaring at speeds up to 58 miles per hour. The new coaster will be located in the six-acre DC Universe, where guests can immerse themselves inside the DC comic book world. 

Legoland

PHOTO COURTESY LEGOLAND

Legoland recently created a life-sized red Ferrari — entirely out of Legos. Park visitors can sit inside the Lego Ferrari and pose for professional photos. At the end of the tour, guests can customize their own digital Ferraris and race them on the track to see who has the fastest design.

Knott’s Berry Farm

PHOTO COURTESY KNOTT’S BERRY FARM

Knott’s Berry Farm is determined to make this summer a memorable one by reviving old attractions and adding summertime events. After a two-year hiatus, Ghost Town Alive is returning on select days for an interactive storyline and live characters that guests can engage with as they search for clues and solve puzzles. Daytime musical performances will include Mariachi Angelitas and Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies, comedic musicians. Knott’s Summer Nights will keep the party going with a wide array of live band genres, tasty food and endless games. Another reopening: Soak City Waterpark, which will remain active until Sept.18, the park’s longest open season for the water feature.

Raging Waters

PHOTO COURTESY RAGING WATERS

Raging Waters is introducing a new attraction called Bombs Away, a fitting name for a thrill that has guests stand inside a tube, waiting in anticipation for the floor to drop at any moment.

No need to worry about carrying around wet cash — the park is cashless. Guests can use Apple Pay, debit or credit cards or add money to a specialized card for the day.

Isabella Fusco is an editorial intern at L.A. Parent and MBA student at Pepperdine University.

10 Cool Ways to Summer Fun

Published

By Tonilyn Hornung

In midsummer, when the heat feels unbearable, it can be tough keeping up with outdoor adventures. Kids (and parents) want to hang out in their air-conditioned homes (if they have A/C), and all this lounging at the house can raise summer doldrums to new heights.

If you’re looking for fun ways to keep your family cool and connected to the outside world, check out one (or all) of these 10 indoor spots. 

1. Cool observations

Overlooking the city from its perch atop Griffith Park, Griffith Observatory has been expanding the imaginations of kids and adults since 1935. “The observatory is in the business of transforming perspective,” says Griffith Observatory Director Edwin Charles Krupp, Ph.D. Watch your kiddos delight in new discoveries — planetarium shows, museum exhibits and, of course, the telescopes.

Our cover model, Charlie Auxais, enjoys her time inside Discovery Cube Los Angeles. PHOTO BY PHILICIA EDELMAN

Planetarium shows are daily with a live lecturer, spectacular special effects and the exhibit with guides ready to answer questions. When it comes to exploring the universe, Krupp says, “All of these experiences expand the imagination and allow kids to think of things they hadn’t before.” 

2. Cool discoveries

At Discovery Cube, families can explore the natural world and more while cooling off inside the center. With locations in Sylmar and Santa Ana, the center allows kids to immerse themselves in science-based activities that encourage curiosity and a love of learning. “We have hundreds of activities that are age-appropriate,” says Erin Warady, vice president of marketing at Discovery Cube. 

Play news anchor in a broadcast studio, watch the working train model with real L.A. topography chug along and visit the summer exhibit “Emotions at Play.” This interactive exhibit is based on the Pixar film “Inside Out” and centers around socio-emotional awareness. Warady says the beauty of visiting is that the cube provides an all-ages hands-on experience where kids and parents can work together. 

3. Cool on skates

When temperatures increase, the desire to stay active decreases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends roller skating as an activity for keeping kids physically engaged. “Roller skating is good physical fun,” says Adrienne Van Houten, manager of the Moonlight Rollerway in Glendale.

Roller rinks abound across Los Angeles County, and it’s an inexpensive way for families to spend quality time together. Van Houten says there’s something for all ages at the rink, including daily all-skate times, lessons for young kids and even special summer events. 

4. Cool waters run deep

Tucked away under the Santa Monica Pier, Heal the Bay Aquarium’s primary goal is to educate kids about marine life and conservation. “We have sea urchins, sharks and ray tanks all open for touching,” says aquarium Director Marslaidh Ryan. 

PHOTO COURTESY LOS ANGELES PUBLIC LIBRARY

All animals and vegetation are native to the Santa Monica Bay, and Ryan says that when a child touches a marine animal for the first time, a deep association is made. “It’s a benefit you can’t achieve virtually or by simply looking into a fish tank,” she says. With videos, exhibits and personal interaction, the space takes about 30 minutes to explore.

5. No cool like library-cool 

With 73 library branches in the city of Los Angeles, you might want to “book it” to your local branch of The Los Angeles Public Library. “There are a lot of family fun things you can do together around books and reading,” says Joanna Fabicon, senior librarian.

Children enjoy story time inside a Los Angeles Public Library. PHOTO COURTESY LOS ANGELES PUBLIC LIBRARY

This year’s Summer with the Library’s theme is “Express Yourself,” which encourages kids and adults to use their voices in a creative way. This includes activities in art, music, dance, writing and even skateboarding. Register your kids (or your entire family) online or in person and begin earning badges for prizes.

The Library Foundation of Los Angeles works with all 73 locations to support free programs, resources and services for adults and kids. Check out the website for more novel ideas you and your family will love.

6. Cool escapes

Dreamscape Immersive is located at the Westfield Century City mall. PHOTOS COURTESY DREAMSCAPE

Want to step out of your hot summer reality and into a much “cooler” one? Dreamscape Immersive at the Westfield Century City mall has four family-friendly, virtual-reality adventures. “It’s like stepping through the screen and into a movie where you become the hero of your own story,” says Jeanne Zacarias, marketing director of Dreamscape Immersive.

Breaking ancient curses (ages 10 and up) and riding dragons (ages 8 and up) are a couple of quests this VR facility offers. Zacarias says it’s a special experience because kids and families can expect to work together on different storylines. 

7. Cool make-believing 

With open play locations at My Lil’ Town in West Hills and Granada Hills, you can take your child to a town built especially for them! Owner Greg Mkrchyan says that My Lil’ Town was created as a play-to-learn space: kids can explore a pretend city with a police station, bank, library and supermarket and role play a variety of occupations.


8. Cool (or cold) as ice

Need an activity to remind you winter is around the corner? Bring your coat and enjoy a day on the ice at  Iceland Ice Skating Rink, located in Van Nuys. Ice skating can improve posture, flexibility and coordination, and when the whole family participates, it increases that good ol’ family bond, too.


9. Retro cool

Kids and adults will enjoy the retro fun at Neon Retro Arcade. PHOTO COURTESY NEON RETRO ARCAD

At Neon Retro Arcade, introduce your kids to more than 40 retro, cabinet-style video games, including Asteroids, Donkey Kong and Galaga — all your favorites that made saving quarters worth it when you were a kid. Owner Mia Mazadiego explains that this family arcade (located in Old Town Pasadena) is admission-based, so guests can pay $15 for an hour or $25 for a full day of gaming.

“All games are on free-play, and with the day pass you can grab lunch and come back,” Mazadiego says. “Enjoying time together here in a unique place is so much fun for everyone.” 


10. Cool journeys

MIB Headquarters at Dreamscape Immersive.
PHOTOS COURTESY DREAMSCAPE

Inspiring a love of science at every turn, the California Science Center will take you on remarkable journeys with its educational 3D IMAX movies, exhibits on how life is created in “Life! Beginnings” and fire-safety demonstrations in the “Fire! Science and Safety” exhibit. The science center’s newest exhibit is the world premiere of “Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia” — an international touring exhibition featuring more than 120 ancient artifacts, half of which are on tour for the first time.

To extend your time inside the center, make sure to stop by the space shuttle Endeavor exhibit.

Tonilyn Hornung is an author and freelance writer who lives with her husband, son and many furry friends.

New on Screen: What to Watch in July

Published

Isabella Fusco

Duck and Goose

“Duck and Goose” is making its leap from a best selling preschool book to an animated series on July 8 for Apple TV+ users. Tad Hills, the original author, wrote a story of an unlikely friendship between a baby duck and goose. They do not always see beak to beak, and their differences are more than apparent. However, they soon come to learn that it is their differences that help them brainstorm new and unique ideas to solve any problem they face together. A great up-and-coming pre-schooler series that teaches the importance of respecting others and teamwork.

Madagascar: A Little Wild*

A timeless movie turned into a successful children series, “Madagascar: A Little Wild” is returning for its 8th season with the whole crew of Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria. This season, each member of the group is trying to find their family with animals of the same species. However, the lesson to be learned is that you don’t have to look similar or be the same species to be a family. A comedic yet heart warming series of finding one’s place in the world that can be enjoyed on June 30, streaming on Hulu or Peacock.

DC League of Super-Pets

We all know the DC Super heroes, but do you know about their super-pets? On July 29, Warner Bros. Pictures is bringing “DC League of Super-Pets” to the stage for their chance to save the world. Krypto, the Super-dog and best friend of Superman, have been fighting crime side by side. One day, all the heroes in the Justice League are kidnapped, and Krypto must lead a group of shelter animals with super powers to help rescue the entire Justice League. An entertaining film that not only brings laughter to all ages with silly jokes, but also tells a serious theme of how anyone of any shape, color, or size can be a hero and make a worldwide impact.

The Sea Beast

From the Creators of “Moana” and “Big Hero Six” comes “The Sea Beast.” Maisie Brumble, a vivacious little girl who dreams of being a sea monster hunter, stows away on the ship of a famous hunter, Jacob Holland, to follow in his footsteps. Although the Holland is hesitant at first, he grows to care for the little girl as her spirit reminds him of his own when he was young. The two develop a father-daughter like bond and face off the worst monster yet together, along with the rest of the crew. Coming to select theaters and Netlifx on July 8, be ready for the endearing yet action packed adventure that is sure to keep you on your toes as the fate of the nearby fishing town rests on the shoulders of this duo.

The Bad Guys*

The world’s greatest bad guys are faced with their hardest mission yet: to do good. “The Bad Guys” is a hilarious and quick paced film that is sure to bring endless laughter and excitement for the whole family. Dreamworks had created an animal based world and each bad guy comes from a different species with vastly different talents, and are able to work well together, utilizing everyones gifts. A film about teamwork, acceptance, and how being good isn’t too bad. Available now on Digital, 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™, and DVD.

Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous*

On July 21, Netlfix is premiering their final season of “Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous” for a jaw dropping ending that will keep you at the edge of your seats. Never have being so close to getting back home after being trapped on Jurassic World, the campers are faced with a crossroads. The entirety of their time, the campers have fought for survival against the dinosaurs, but now they must fight for the survival of the dinosaurs. Do they return home to their families, or stay and fight?

Honor Society

“Honor Society” is a coming of age story about a highly ambitious senior in high school named Honor, who exposes the costs and rewards of being a driven female in the modern world. Honor is determined to do whatever it takes to get the best recommendations from her teachers and the top grade so she can receive admission into Harvard. Everything is going according to her mischievous plan to take down the competition until something unexpected happens; she falls for her number one competitor, Michael. A great relatable comedy for young adults that mimics real life situations and obstacles one may face growing up. “Honor Society” was made by Awesomeness TV, a media company focused on creating meaningful content to a Gen Z audience. Exclusively on Paramount Plus, the series will be premiering on July 29.

Accepted

A chilling documentary based on true events about an unconventional K-12 school in Louisiana, T.M. Landry, that was infamous for sending its graduates to only Ivy League Schools. What soon came to the surface was the questionable methods that the school’s leader, Mike Landry, used in order to achieve such extraordinary results from the students. With the large amounts of stress on modern day students, “Accepted” asks the big question: how far is too far when it comes to college acceptance? Director Dan Chen exposes the flaws in the American educational system for its extreme pressure it puts on children to fight for a spot in elite American society. Is it worth it? For teens, young adults, and older audiences only, this documentary is an eye opening message in how we should approach education. Available July 1 in theaters and on VOD.

Best Graduation Gifts

Published

Elena Epstein

It’s that special time of the year — commencement ceremonies, celebrating the end of another school year and our kids’ many accomplishments. We have some unique gift ideas for the grad in your life — all NAPPA Award winners!

Wacom Intuos

Takes the traditional pen and journal gift to the next level. Its battery free pen, with more than 4,000 levels of pressure sensitivity, gives you a natural digital drawing and writing experience. A great tool to help high school and college students with studying and annotating digital files. It works with Mac, PC, and Chromebook devices, and there is a Bluetooth option which makes it flexible when using around campus. $99.95, Wacom.com

Filmmakers Academy

Perfect for anyone interested in the moviemaking business. Created by filmmakers for filmmakers, its mentors and masterclass courses not only equip members with the knowledge needed to thrive in the industry, but it packs in information about the nuances of the trade, useful film-hacks, and relevant terminology. A great resource for filmmakers who want to master their craft, meet like-minded creatives, and grow. Features online education on filmmaking, cinematography, lighting, production, post production workflows and lifestyle from the best industry professionals in the business. $396 annual all access, ages 12+, filmmakersacademy.com

Wacom One

Give your college or high school student new ways to get creative. They can easily capture digital ideas, create mind-maps, draw diagrams and enhance photos or videos. The pen display gives a natural pen-on-paper feel, and the battery-free, digital pen is ergonomically designed for comfortable drawing and writing. $399.95, Wacom.com

SwimWays Dry Float

Let your student relax and soak in the sun while staying completely dry. Each Dry Float features an integrated cupholder and fast inflation and deflation. Sit upright in the Socializer, lie back in the Lounger and relax under the shade in the Shadester. $44.99 – $74.99, ages 15+, spinmaster.com

A Smart Girl’s Guide: Tough Stuff

Help tweens and teens get through tricky times—from bullying to body image issues, friendship stress to family struggles, panic attacks to pandemic—and come out on the other side even stronger. Provides tons of tips on how to bounce back and find enough resilience to withstand the toughest challenges. $12.99, ages 10+, americangirl.com

Happi Tummi Happi Wrap

Help relax your high school and college students with this natural external wrap with warmth and aromatherapy. Does not restrict movement. Apply anytime. Sooths stomach pain, cramps, acid reflux, headaches, body aches, stress and anxiety. $39.95, happitummi.com

HUE Animation Studio

Contains everything you need to create your own stop motion animation videos. For use at home or for school projects. Encourages creativity and imagination. Whether you are making a LEGO® brick film; animating in claymation or capturing a flower bloom using time-lapse photography, you can bring anything to life in minutes with the easy-to-use software. $69.95, grades K-12, huehd.com

For more product reviews visit nappaawards.com

New on Screen: Must See Summer Shows for Kids

Published

By Isabella Fusco

We selected a few exciting highlights from this summer’s must see shows for kids. Many funny and lighthearted children’s shows have recurring seasons airing this summer that focus on teaching social, leadership and teamwork skills. And a new collection from Disney features Asian and Pacific Islander creators and characters.

Disney’s Asian and Pacific Islander Stories

Even though every culture should be appreciated and respected year round, there are days or a whole month in which we fully recognize the beauty of a particular culture. This month, Disney+ launched a special collection of “Asian and Pacific Islander Stories” in order to honor Asian and Pacific Islander (API) culture. This special collection provides an ideal outlet for young children to learn the importance of diversity through “the stories that connect us.”

Helpsters

High fives and handshakes are a big deal for the Helpsters as it is an essential part of their lesson to inspire collaboration and friendship. However, it is not all they do. From the creators of “Sesame Street” comes “Helpsters,” a live-action pre-school show that received the Parents Choice Gold Medal award. For the last 3 seasons, Heart, Scatter, Cody and the rest of the Helpsters gang have been teaching pre-schoolers the importance of teamwork and collaboration when faced with a situation. They encourage children to have confidence in themselves, show kindness to others and make beautiful friendships with people, or puppets, that they may meet in their journeys. From their vibrant colors to their consistent positive attitude, “Helpsters” is an entertaining yet educational tool that teaches essential social skills. Find more episodes on Apple TV+ with the new season premiering globally May 27.

Boss Baby: Back in the Crib

From the big screen to our home devices, DreamWorks Anination’s “Boss Baby” is taking over Netflix May 19 with its original series “Boss Baby: Back in the Crib.” The story follows Boss Baby years into the future when his older brother Tim must now look after him. Behind the scenes, our beloved baby is working with the new CEO Tina to take down “The Uncuddleables” before they destroy Baby Corp. This continuation of the Boss Baby universe includes strong female leaders, new characters and cuteness overload for the whole family.

Harriet the Spy

“Harriet the Spy” takes place in 1960’s New York City, home to an outgoing and curious 11 year old girl who dreams of becoming a writer. Her game plan to achieve this goal: be a spy and know everything about everyone. Harriet brings her friends along to assist in her various investigations. Harriet encourages independence, to learn from our mistakes and stay true to ourselves. An underlying coming of age plot that exposes the importance that we live, learn, and improve. Debuts May 20 on Apple TV+.

Dragons: The Nine Realms

The world of “How to Train Your Dragon” lives on in the new series “Dragons: The Nine Realms” which recently launched their second season. The story takes place 1300 years into the future, following their initial Viking timeline. It is now the modern world in which dragons are mere myths, that is, until they are rediscovered by a group of teenagers who vow to protect the dragons and their secret. A fast-paced and and high-energy series that promotes teamwork and the courage to take a stand to defend and protect those who are in need of help. Second season available now on Hulu and Peacock. Ages 8 and up.

For more film and TV suggestions, check out our April New on Screen roundup.

Best Travel Gear

Published

Elena Epstein

Summer travel is on the horizon and we want you to hit the road in comfort and safety with these NAPPA Award-winning products.

PIPA lite rx

Lightweight and packed with all the features you need to make life with baby easier. Take from taxi to family car, thanks to the option of belt path or base installation. This “has-it-all” seat features a canopy drape, Merino wool insert, magnetic buckle holders, and a no-rethread harness that adjusts seamlessly with the headrest so you don’t have to reinstall the harness when your child grows. $499.95, infants – 32 lbs and 32in, nunababy.com/usa

Evenflo Gold Revolve360

Features a unique 360-degree swivel seat. This innovative turning motion gives parents the ability to simply rotate the seat to get their child in and out of the car safely. Grows with your child, offering with 3 modes of use: rear facing, forward facing, and high back booster. $379.99, ages 4lbs-120lbs. evenflo.com

MINU V2

Go places, big and small with this sleek stroller that can do it all while staying small. Designed for your daily adventures and exciting excursions, this updated version offers everything you need while staying super portable and lightweight. $449.99, ages up to 50 lbs. uppababy.com

TRVL

At the touch of a button on the push bar, this stroller self-folds into a super-compact, free-standing package. Ultra-lightweight, the stroller is easy to carry with the arm bar when folded or go hands-free and store away during travel with the carry bag. $449.95, ages up to 50 lbs, nunababy.com

Peek-A-Boo Convertible Hobo Backpack

Switching out your diaper bag from one style to another is simple with this one-of-a-kind design. Go from a hobo shoulder bag to a crossbody to a backpack with just a few adjustments. It can be hung from a stroller—or on top of a luggage handle—versatile and easy to take anywhere. $165, twelvelittle.com

REMI

Create a sleep zone anywhere with this lightweight and portable playard. Sets up and folds down in seconds. A unique perforated design makes the mattress breathable, creating a comfy, healthy place to both rest and play. Also features a zip-down access panel to help you soothe your baby or retrieve a pacifier gone rogue. $349.99, up to 30 lbs, uppababy.com

Contours Journey 5 Position Baby Carrier

No infant insert is required for your newborn, which means less fabric and more comfort for you and your little one. Our extra-large, infinitely adjustable UPF 25 sunshade can be moved up or down to give baby maximum coverage. $119.99, ages from 8-45 lb, contoursbaby.com

Contours Explor 2 Stage Portable Booster Seat and Diaper Bag

The must-have travel and mealtime product that both you and your child will love. This lightweight, compact accessory is a stylish solution for two everyday parenting products. $49.99, ages 9 months+, contoursbaby.com

Kolcraft Travel Duo 2-in-1 Portable Booster Seat and Diaper Bag

Whether you’re headed to a restaurant or a family weekend trip, this 2-in-1 travel duo is great for on-the-go. Water-resistant and machine-washable. Once mealtime is over, pack up your essentials with 8 organizational pockets and a spacious interior compartment. $34.99, ages 9 months – up to 60 lbs, kolcraft.com

comfiGO Kids Friendly Car Booster Seat

A comfortable and convenient car booster seat great for travel. Its shoulder guide smoothly adjusts the car’s seat belt to your child’s height, and the patented stretchable, and adjustable lap band keeps the vehicle’s lap belt section low on the hips. $59.95, ages 4-12, clypx.com

WhizRider

A convenient, safe portable car seat option. This innovative harness-style restraint system is a backless booster seat alternative. Great for family travel, carpooling, ride-sharing, 3-in-a-row and more. $79.99, ages 3-10, whizrider.com

For more product reviews visit nappaawards.com

Travel in Style

Published

Elena Epstein

As you gear up for your summer travels, whether on a road trip or by plane, we have some great NAPPA Award-winning essentials to keep you and your family in style, while staying super comfy.

Igor Jelly Sandals

Great for a day at the beach or fun at the park, these adorable sandals are made of high-quality PVC, feature a hook and loop closure, come in a variety of colors and are made in Spain. $46, ages birth-25 months, justshoesforkids.com

Molly Tulle Dress

Take a little bit of dress and a little bit of play and get this adorable find featuring a playful drop waist, jersey cotton top/tulle skirt and light tee quality for summer comfort. $48, sizes 2-8, sammyandnat.com

The Lucy

A tank top style full maternity bodysuit that’s cozy and easy to style with any item in your closet. Double-Lined for extra support. $130, bumpsuit.co

Tumbl Bear Impact Absorbing Hats

An innovative range of children’s hats (beanies, bucket hats, caps) that look, feel and wear like everyday hats, and feature a hidden layer of high absorption impact foam. $49.95, ages 6 months-6 years, tumblbear.com

Bamboo Seamless No Rub Thigh Saver

Ultra-soft, lightweight and breathable. With a seamless, smooth design and built-in gusset, these also work well as an undergarment for skirts and dresses. Choose the Maternity cut (with an over-the-bump panel and gentle support for your growing bump) or the Postpartum cut (which sits at your natural waist). $19.99, kindredbravely.com

For more product reviews visit nappaawards.com

Oxnard: A Fun Family Getaway

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Kids love a good adventure. If you’re traveling with a little one and don’t want to spend too much time in the car – head north to Oxnard. This family-favorite getaway is a perfect destination to visit on a day trip or long weekend. From hidden gems and pristine beaches, good eats and fun parks, there’s plenty to explore just an hour away from LA. 

Beaches 

If you want fun in the sun, don’t miss Silver Strand Beach. We drove towards the end of the beach just off Sawtelle Avenue to check out the unique murals from California-based artists and watched the waves crash on the historic remains of the La Jenelle Shipwreck. 

For lunch, we picked up lobster tacos and a brisket sandwich from The Strandwich and brought them to the beach for a family picnic. Just a short drive from here, you’ll find Mandalay Beach, another gem in Oxnard. The Ed Hunt Rehab Point is an accessible scenic walking and bike path that weaves throughout the dunes so everyone can access the beach. Kids will love the playground and pirate jungle gym at Oxnard Beach Park.

Channel Islands Harbor + Seabridge Marina 

My one-year-old loves boats, and we had a blast watching them pass us by at Channel Islands Harbor. We also got to see the sea lions on the docks. On Sundays, Channel Islands Harbor Farmers Market is the place to be to pick up local strawberries, shop for unique gifts and sample fresh-baked goodies, including chocolate chip cookies. 

Hot tip: If you want to enjoy lunch with a view, order fish tacos at Sea Fresh and sit on one of the benches along the water. You can also rent kayaks from Channel Islands Kayak Center, Duffy boats and check out Southern California Jet Skis for a fun, unique adventure. 

The Seabridge Marina is a fun place to spend the afternoon. There are two playgrounds for the kids to enjoy. Celebrating a special occasion? Oxnard-based Pop Up Party Rentals creates beautiful boho and vintage-themed picnic setups. Seabridge is a great place to enjoy fish and chips from Fisherman’s Catch and enjoy a family picnic overlooking the water. This is a great place to walk and enjoy the view just before sunset. 

Downtown Oxnard + The Collection at RiverPark 

When you’re in town, go where the locals eat for the best meals. BG’s Cafe is a classic hometown breakfast spot in Downtown Oxnard that serves breakfast all day, and the portions are incredibly generous. Just across Plaza Park, Tacos El Diablo makes delicious authentic Mexican food, including sopes, tacos and Aguas Frescas.  

Before you head home, take the kids to the Collection at RiverPark. The outdoor playground is suitable for kids of all ages, and Jump ‘n Jammin is an indoor entertainment center designed for kids. There’s a little bit of magic around every corner, including turtle ponds near the outdoor playground and plenty of open space for little ones to run around. We loved exploring the murals and unique Oxnard artwork. 

Want to grab something to go or need to pick up snacks for your road trip home? The Annex Food Hall has a mix of local places to eat, including Pho, pizza and acai bowls. I really enjoyed the matcha latte at Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters. 

Where to Stay 

While in Oxnard, we stayed at Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor. The location offers spectacular views of the harbor, and it’s next to Peninsula Park. We visited the playground each day of our stay. When traveling with kids, it’s very convenient to have a complimentary hot breakfast at the hotel and an outdoor pool. The rooms are pet-friendly, and there’s also a fitness center. If you stay here, don’t leave home without a visit to Toppers Pizza. It’s a short walk away, and trust us, you won’t be disappointed. 

Alejandra Cerball is an award-winning journalist, writer, and editor of alexcerball.com, a Travel + Lifestyle online destination filled with compelling and honest travel tips + resources. On her blog, Alex shares inspiration for your bucket list, travel + adventure itineraries, and style guides to help you pack for your next trip.

9 Valuable Skills and Lasting Benefits Kids Develop at Summer Camp

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If you attended summer camp growing up, perhaps you remember being apprehensive at first. Yet by the time you returned home, you realized that camp helped you learn and grow as you tried new things, developing more confidence and autonomy at the same time.

The same is true of camps today, and there are summer camp options that you probably never imagined when you were a kid. The great thing about summer camp is that it’s not only an excellent way for kids to spend part of their summer, it sends them home with new skills that are valuable right now and that will serve them well into adulthood.  

Why is Summer Camp Important?

Summer camp is important because it often provides a structured opportunity for children to grow. Kids go from home to school to extracurriculars, with each environment contributing to their development. In addition, camp provides another unique venue for growth, allowing kids to become independent and self-confident, while socializing, making new friends and learning new skills.

What are some of the Benefits of Summer Camp?

Teamwork – Teamwork may be a part of some school activities and you can teach your children the value of teamwork at home, but camp takes it to an entirely new level. Children quickly learn that they simply have more fun when they learn to work together as a team, whether they’re writing computer code, playing sports or learning a new language. 

Leadership – Camp teaches children self-leadership since they are responsible for basics like keeping track of their items, managing their time and following a routine. Many children who never thought of themselves as leaders discover that they have a real talent for leadership at summer camp. 

Friendship-Building – Children who interact with like-minded peers are able to easily build friendships rooted in similar interests. These relationships are essentially networking opportunities – people to call on when it comes time for a side project or maybe in the future, starting a new business with the friend they met at summer camp!   

Resilience – The moment a child faces a challenge without Mom or Dad around and comes through like a champ is a moment when they learn and practice resilience. Summer camp is filled with opportunities for developing resilience and, as a result, your child will come home with more confidence and self-regard.

At camp, children often learn they’re stronger than they give themselves credit for.

Sportsmanship – Whether your child is playing board games, learning how to cook or participating in sports, they are taught the value of fair, generous behavior toward others. Sportsmanship will benefit your child in school and in the friendships they make. 

Decision-Making – Summer camp is an outstanding experience for teaching kids independence, and a big part of independence is making well-informed decisions. Camp environments are structured, offer options and help kids understand situations so they learn about the pros and cons of decision-making in safe surroundings.

Confidence – With activity and growth comes success or failure. Whether it’s basketball or 3D modeling, each activity comes with its own set of mini milestones and tests. Some of these activities might be brand new to your child, while others could be extensions of what they already know and love.

Courage – It’s not easy for a child or their parents when it’s time to go to camp for the first time.  Yet at camp, kids learn so much about what they are capable of. Children have many opportunities to step out of their comfort zone and try new things, from new sports or activities to making new friends. Courage is like a muscle; it develops with repeated use and your child will be encouraged to try new things, and rewarded for doing so. 

Appreciation and Gratitude – Let us not forget, time away from home helps kids appreciate home, their parents, their siblings, their belongings, a home-cooked meal and everything else that they might miss while at camp.  

As many of us reflect back on our summer camp experience, we might say that some of our fondest memories were those sunny, summer camp experiences that we had as we were growing up…preserving those simple, unplugged, childhood memories for a lifetime.

And although your child may miss their phone, tablet or gaming system at first, once they start exploring, interacting with their peers, engaging in a variety of activities and having new adventures, they are sure to leave summer camp with stories, memories, friendships and life lessons that, they too, will remember for a lifetime.Interested in learning more about our Summer@Stratford program? Visit us online at www.stratfordschools.com/summer.

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