ML Interest Tag: dragon

Your Guide to Seattle’s Summer Festivals for Families

by Jeff Totey

It’s been a long wait, but lots of summer festivals in Seattle are back this year. From small town street fairs to the grand-daddy of them all (we’re looking at you, Seafair), these family-friendly fests should be part of everyone’s epic summer plans. Take down the kitchen calendar, (or better yet, open the calendar app on your phone) it’s time to map out the best summer festivals around. From June through August, this year’s slate includes everything from parades and carnivals to kids’ crafts, live music and of course, all the fair food you can handle. Rain or shine, this summer is gonna be huge!

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Seafair

When it comes to summer festivals in Seattle it goes without saying that Seafair is the best. Celebrating its 72nd year, it is one of Seattle’s biggest and most beloved festivals, attended by almost two million residents each summer. Fortunately, they aren’t attending at the same time. Instead, Seafair is a series of events held around the greater Seattle area over a two month span in the summer. The events consists of races, parades and localized festivals all leading up to the big Seafair Weekend Festival (August 5-7) with its amazing air shows and thrilling hydroplane races.

With so much happening, it’s best to scope out your favorites from the official Seafair summer schedule. But some of our top picks for families include the Seafair Pirates’ Landing, happening this weekend (June 25) on Alki; Amazon Seafair Summer Fourth (July 4), making its triumphant return to Gas Works Park after a three-year Covid hiatus; the Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade (July 30); and the Seafair Weekend Festival (August 5-7) to round out the summer.

Online: seafair.org

Marysville Strawberry Festival

Everyone will at least chuckle at the sight of seeing grown adults riding tricycles through an obstacle course, and that’s just one of the zany events at the Marysville Strawberry Festival. Taking place in various locations across town, the Strawberry Festival includes a carnival, live entertainment, fashion show, golf tournament, a marketplace and, of course, lots of strawberries. Plus, this year marks the 90th annual Twilight Grand Parade which boasts over 100 floats, marching bands, bagpipers, drill teams, clowns and more.

Dates: June 16-19, 2022
Online: marysvillestrawberryfest.com

Kent Cornucopia Days

The Kent Cornucopia Days is one of the few places to see dragon boat racing around Seattle. Each boat is filled with 16-24 paddlers in Chinese dragon boats, competing for medals and bragging rights. And it is just one of the many exciting events for families at South King County’s largest summer festival. Presented by the Kent Lions Club, Kent Cornucopia Days is an award-winning and nationally recognized event filled with something for everyone. Come to enjoy the parade, a huge street fair, food court, car show, live entertainment, Kids Zone and more.

Dates: July 8-10, 2022
Online: kcdays.com

Kla Ha Ya Days

This summer festival in historic Snohomish has been a popular family destination for over 100 years, and it’s back to entertain families in 2022. The native word Kla Ha Ya means, “Welcome,” and Snohomish is ready to welcome you to their charming, old-fashioned summertime party. The festival’s carnival kicks off on July 13 with Kids Day and runs through the weekend. Rides, entertainment and food fair are what you’ll find at each of the carnvial’s five days. You’ll need tickets to ride the rides here (pre-sales started last week), so plan to bring your wallet.

There are plenty of free events families can enjoy at Kla Ha Ya Days too like the Frogtastic Kids’ Fair where kids can design their own frog masks, play yard games and climb aboard a fire truck. Follow up that fun with a street fair, arts and crafts booths, salmon barbeque, wine and beer garden and the Grand Parade. Check out the weekend schedule to make your plans.

Dates: July 13-17, 2022
Online: klahayadays.com

West Seattle Summerfest

This year marks the 40th year of community spirit at the West Seattles Summerfest. It’s as family-friendly as it gets, and it’s just the reason you need to make your way to the accidental island to check out this summer festival in Seattle. It’s part street fair, part music fest and tons of fun. The Junction is closed to traffic so families can wander from booth to booth, checking out food vendors, sidewalk cafes, arts and crafts vendors and more. Music stages are scattered throughout, and an epic kids zone will be set up to keep the kids busy too.

Dates: July 15-17, 2022
Online: wsjunction.org/summer-fest

Covington Days Festival

This fun, family-friendly weekend summer festival in Seattle has over 100 vendors show off arts, crafts, food and more. The fun begins with a morning parade followed by arts and crafters, exhibitors, kid and family activities and live entertainment. We know your kids will love the inflatable toys, and the watermelon eating contest is gonna be off the hook.

Dates: July 16-17, 2022
Online: covingtonwa.gov/covingtondays

Parkadilly Kids Concert & Fair

Located at the Lake Sammamish State Park, Parkadilly is the biggest kids’ concert and summer festival on the Eastside. It’s a chance to get the kids outside, listen to music and enjoy one of our most Headline entertainers this year include the Gansango African Dance, Dancing Silhouette, Northwest Tap Connection, and Joyas Mestizas. Kids of all ages will enjoy the petting zoo with rabbits, goats, llamas and more. And don’t miss the Seattle Fly Dogs who will be demonstrating exciting tricks and impressive agility. Outdoor activities will include arts and crafts, complimentary face painting, and games galore. More than 45 kid-centric vendors will also be on-site alongside assorted food trucks to cater to all picnickers’ tastebuds.

Good to know: There is no charge to attend Parkadilly, but an annual Discover Pass or $10 daily pass is required to enter the park.

Date: July 17, 2022
Online: lakesammamishfriends.org

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Renton River Days

This family-favorite event’s big draw is the Rubber Ducky Derby. For just $5, your rubber duck can join thousands of other little yellow quackers racing down the Cedar River and possibly winn up to $1,000. All proceeds benefit the Salvation Army, Renton Rotary Food Bank, Renton School District and other deserving area non-profits. Other features include the Grand Parade, with Kent Phillips from STAR 101.5 FM as the announcer; the fantastic Rubber Ducky Derby; a pancake breakfast; live music; art demonstrations; an antique and classic boat show; and the “Nibble of Renton” food trucks to keep you well fed when you’re there. Parents can peruse the beer and wine garden, and there will be plenty of kids activities for your crew to enjoy too.

Dates: July 22-23, 2022
Online: rentonriverdays.org

Des Moines Waterland Days & Parade

The city of Des Moines begins its 63rd Waterland Days with a barbecue and concert Friday night featuring Randy Hanson and Uncle Ernie. The annual Kids Parade will usher in the nighttime parade strolling down Marine View Drive on Saturday night where the Seafair Pirates and Seafair Clowns will no doubt be throwing a ruckus. The Wheels and Keels Car and Boat show will take place on both Saturday and Sunday at the Marina. So many things to choose from. What looks good to you?

Dates: July 22-24, 2022
Online: destinationdesmoines.org/waterland-festival

Tour De Terrace

The Tour de Terrace summer festival for Mountlake Terrace and neighboring communities was created in 1993 to generate community spirit and pride, and it’s one of many Seafair affiliated events this year. Families from all over are invited to celebrate in this fun-filled weekend fest. You and the kids can check out all kinds of activities including a parade, craft fair, live music, a classic car, truck and motorcycle show, and a delish pancake breakfast that kicks everything off bright and early–not necessarily in that order. The other big draw? A carnival with thrilling rides and games your kids will want to play again and again.

Dates: July 22-24, 2022
Online: tourdeterrace.org

Kirkland Summerfest

Located right on the shores of Lake Washington, Kirkland’s largest festival returns for its 10th year with three days of lively musical performances, outdoor entertainment, a marketplace, beer and wine garden and more. While we know the kids will stay busy in the Kids Zone that will be set up on Saturday and Sunday, we have a sneaky suspicion dad may want to enter the Tackiest Tiki Hawaiian shirt contest to see if he comes out a winner.

Dates: July 29-July 31, 2022
Online: kirklandsummerfest.com

Nubian Jam

Celebrating 30 years, Nubian Jam is a “celebration of African and African American culture in the form of fellowship and community connectedness.” And while this summer festival is all about being educational and unifying, it’s also a hot spot for summer festival entertainment. Fashion shows, vendors, fair food and activities for kids of all ages guarantee that everyone who attends will have a great time.

Date: July 30, 2022
Online: scbhcwa.org/events

BAM Art Fair

The Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM) has been bringing the world of art, craft and design to budding artists of all ages for over 75 years. This festival of art features thousands of original artworks on display, live music, artist demonstrations, food booths, chalk work and more. But your kids will really enjoy the KidsFair geared to bring out their creative sides with art projects, games and gallery activities. The Bellevue Arts Museum is also offering free admission during event. (Not a bad place to duck in for an air conditioning break, if you need one.)

Dates: July 29-31, 2022
Online: bellevuearts.org/artsfair

Celebrate Shoreline

Come celebrate the City of Shoreline’s birthday with two stages of live music and shows. But the kids will flip for pony rides, children’s theater, a toy workshop and hands-on activities to keep their little hands busy all day long. Outside and will plenty of sunshine (we hope) this free, family-friendly, summer festival has its own “family area hours,” from noon to 6 p.m., which will work out great for families with little ones.

Date: Aug. 20, 2022
Online: shorelinewa.gov

Snoqualmie Days

All aboard! Snoqualmie Days (formerly Snoqualmie Railroad Days) is every train lovers favorite summer festival in seattle. The annual celebration of the Snoqualmie Valley, its people, and its culture, it draws tons of visitors to the Eastside each summer. Kids will love the hands-on history activities with living history re-enactors in the History Comes Alive area, located near the gazebo in Railroad Park. This year’s festival will feature a Grand Parade, live entertainment, train rides, a pancake breakfast at the Snoqualmie Fire Station, a Field of Fun and a model railroad show. The kiddos can also opt to hang out at the Kids’ Stage or hop a ride on a train, a speeder motor car or a wagon. And if that doesn’t grab their attention, maybe the Children’s Field of Fun will have to do.

Dates: August 19-20, 2022
Online: snoqualmiedays.org

THING Music Fest

The THING is a 3-day festival of music and arts at historic Fort Worden. The event features a tightly curated lineup of diverse performers, with an emphasis on fresh discoveries. All are welcomed to this mix of music, comedy, visual arts, speakers and highlights from Seattle Theatre Group’s (STG) signature education and community programs. The festival offers four stages (two indoor and two outdoor) at this former military base, which also makes for some fun exploring as well. Hint: bring your beach gear and SUP if you’ve got it. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, so make your plans early. And guess what? Kids age 12 and under get in free.

Dates: Aug. 26-28, 2022
Online: thingnw.org

Olalla Americana Music Fest

While not a summer festival in Seattle, families with their sights set on an old-timey music festival can ferry (or drive) over to the Kitsap Peninsula for a change of pace. Formerly known as The Olalla Bluegrass Festival, this summer festival has reinvented itself by showcasing a wider range of acoustic musical groups. Expect to hear sweet sounds from the comforts of your festival chairs (sun shades are a plus to bring). And when you need to get up and stroll, you’ll find plenty of folk craft vendors (including quilting, lace making, spinning and wood carving) and food booths to check out with your crew. If nothing else here is enough to convince you, the berry pie will. Grab a slice!

Date: Aug. 20, 2022
Online: olallaamericana.com

Sammamish P.O.P. (Party on the Plateau)

This Eastside favorite summer festival offers musical and cultural performances from local talent during the day and a popular live band in the evening. When the sun is out, the kids can play in the Kids Zone where they’ll find bouncy houses, face painting, balloon artist and a petting zoo so you can enjoy time together as a family. There will also ben an outdoor game area with plenty of yard games for folks of all ages. After all that play, head to the food rodeo where you’ll find a variety of places to choose from. The featured entertainment for the evening will be the ABBA graphs, playing early in the evening, so you can see the show and still get the kids home in time for bed. Even better if they fall asleep on the ride home.

Date: Aug 20, 2022
Online: sammamish.us

 

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Disney Shares a Preview of the New Grand Finale in the ‘Main Street Electrical Parade’

by Karly Wood

If you grew up waiting with bated breath for the sights and sounds of Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade to make it’s way down Main Street U.S.A., you’ll be happy to learn it’s making a comeback!

Celebrating its 50th year (yes, you’re that old), the parade will officially return to Disneyland Park on Apr. 22, 2022! As if that wasn’t enough, the California resort is also bringing back several other nighttime attractions we’ve been missing the past few years. In a newly released video, Disneyland is finally sharing a sneak peek of the parade in action as it returns to the park.

 

First, the Main Street Electrical Parade is not only celebrating 50 years, but also a bit of a makeover. A brand new grand finale awaits, with more than a dozen Disney Animation and Pixar stories including Encanto, The Jungle Book, Raya and the Last Dragon, Aladdin, Coco, Mulan, Brave, The Princess and the Frog and more. And as always, each will be represented  “In thousand of sparkling lights and electro-synthe-magnetic musical sounds.”

With the new floats, the parade is now one of the longest and most gorgeous in the 50-year history, where you’ll get an extra seven segments and 118 feet of non-stop gorgeousness.

Disneyland

Fantasmic is finally returning to the Rivers of America where you’ll be able to reconnect with scenes from The Little Mermaid, Fantasia and the Maleficent Dragon. The Disneyland Forever fireworks spectacular will also reclaim its place at the park, bringing lots of pyrotechnics, projections and more exciting special effects.

Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort

Over at Disney California Adventure, make sure to grab a seat for the World of Color, an eye-popping combo of music and special effects that project Disney animation on water. Planning a trip to Disney in 2022? Don’t miss these nighttime events and be sure to check out new ways Disney is making sure the entire family enjoys their trip to the parks.

The “Main Street Electrical Parade” and “Disneyland Forever” return to Disneyland on Apr. 22, 2022 for for a limited time at Disneyland Park. “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular will only run Friday through Sunday, while “Mickey’s Mix Magic” will run Monday through Thursday until late spring. Come summer, you can catch “Disneyland Forever” nightly in the summer.

“World of Color” opens at Disney California Adventure on Apr. 22, 2022 and will run on its normal schedule.

 

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4 Creative Ways to Introduce Kids to Poetry

by Amber Guetebier

Think all poetry has to rhyme? These inventive ways to teach kids about poetry are all about the free verse. All you need is imagination, a sense of humor and a few craft supplies. Read on for our four ways to teach your little bohemian the fine art of poetry.

cut up method of poetry collage
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

For the Baby Beatnik
Beat Generation writer William Burroughs’  “cut-up” method works strikingly well for the half-pint crowd. Think of it as a collage with words. Get out the safety scissors, grab some magazines and cut out words. You can also write words on paper and cut them out. Once you’ve got them cut up, toss them in the air. The order that they land in is the order you write down or recite.
Tip: Stick to words kids will recognize like animals and colors and don’t forget your articles (a, an, the) and conjunctions (and, but, if). Schoolhouse Rock flashbacks, anyone?

photo: Niall David Photography 

For the Nature Lover
If you prefer your poetry in the garden Emily Dickinson-style,  try rock art poetry. Using waterproof ink and stamps or paint or paint pens, write words or individual letters on smooth stones. Arrange the words into a simple verse. As an added bonus, you can rearrange it anytime.

kids books stack spine poetry
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

For the Aspiring Avant Garde
Book spine poetry is about as simple as they get and a great intro for kids to poetry. Just stack books spine out and recite. For example:

What am I?
My Father’s Dragon
Demolition
The Dark

For the Free-Lovin’ Free Verser
Elementary school teachers will tell you the secret to those adorable poems your kids bring home are based on this easy method known as cinquain (pronounced “sin-kane”). It’s a five-line poem, with a 1, 2, 3, 4, 1 sequence. There are variations on the method, but here’s one you can try with yours:

Line 1: one word, noun
Line 2: two words, adjectives to describe the noun in line 1
Line 3: three words, verbs that relate to line 1
Line 4: four words, feelings that relate to line 1 (make this one a complete sentence, e.g., “It makes me laugh.”)
Line 5: one word, noun/synonym for line 1

Example:

Rabbit
Fuzzy and white
Hopping, Sniffing, Hiding
How I Love You
Bunny

—Amber Guetebier; photos by Amber Guetebier except where noted.

Featured image: iStock 

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Nighttime Spectaculars Are Returning to Disney with an “Encanto” Addition

by Karly Wood

It’s time to book that Disney trip to California: the nighttime spectaculars are back! Returning this spring, the “Main Street Electrical Parade,” “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular, “World of Color” and “Fantasmic!” are all making a comeback to the Disneyland Resort, and we can’t wait.

Not only is Disney lighting up the sky and Main Street with the classic shows we know and love, a few surprises await as well. In particular, when the “Main Street Electrical Parade” returns on Apr. 22, 2022 for it’s 50th anniversary it will have a brand new grand finale.

Disney

Now as the parade comes to a conclusion, guests will be treated to more than a dozen Disney Animation and Pixar stories, which includes Encanto (and hopefully Bruno). Other faves include The Jungle Book, Raya and the Last Dragon, Aladdin, Coco, Mulan, Brave, The Princess and the Frog and more. And as always, each will be represented  “In thousand of sparkling lights and electro-synthe-magnetic musical sounds.”

With the new floats, the parade is now one of the longest and most gorgeous in the 50-year history, where you’ll get an extra seven segments and 118 feet of non-stop gorgeousness.

Disney

“Main Street Electrical Parade” and “Disneyland Forever” return to Disneyland on Apr. 22, 2022 for for a limited time at Disneyland Park. “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular will only run Friday through Sunday, while “Mickey’s Mix Magic” will run Monday through Thursday until late spring. Come summer, you can catch “Disneyland Forever” nightly in the summer.

“World of Color” opens at Disney California Adventure on Apr. 22, 2022 and will run on its normal schedule, alongside “Fantasmic!” when it returns to Disneyland on May 28, 2022.

So much magic, so little time!

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Disney

 

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This $5M Zillow Listing has a Secret Door to a Harry Potter Dream World

by Tinybeans Team

You don’t need a spell to land a Harry Potter-themed suite in your next house, but $5 million and some change might help. That’s what one (very posh) Muggle’s home was recently listed for near Orlando, Florida. While it’s definitely a chunk of galleons, who can really put a price on access to the world’s most famous wizarding school?

https://www.instagram.com/p/CZsSyKhuGXq/

Zillow Gone Wild, an Instagram account dedicated to over-the-top real estate listings—and those of us who like to stay up way too late to check out the market in states we’ve never visited—recently posted an eight bedroom, 11 bathroom, 8,989-square-foot modern marvel for $5.45 million.

Zillow

While the rest of the house seems like a relatively traditional pad, the Harry Potter theme takes flight when you reach a wall that resembles the 9¾ platform. If that doesn’t alert you to the possibility of things getting wacky, the locomotive—where you’ll find sleeping quarters—the nook inhabited by a dragon, the Whomping Willow, Hagrid’s pet spider, even a thematic bathroom will.

Zillow Gone Wild/ Instagram

Whether the water closet comes with its own Moaning Myrtle we do not know, but one can only hope.

Zillow Gone Wild/ Instagram

Zillow Gone Wild/ Instagram

The Harry Potter-themed room certainly put this listing in a playing field of its own, but an “Avengers” entertainment room and a “Beauty and the Beast” en suite bedroom still outshine anything else on the market.

While the listing reportedly closed to a new owner on February 15 (a magical Valentine’s Day gift to that special someone, perhaps?) you can still check out the full listing here.

—Shelley Massey

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We Asked Kids What They’d Do as President & Their Answers Are Hilarious

by Erin Lem

President’s Day just might be the perfect opportunity to check in with your kiddos to find out what their first order of business would be if they were in charge. Take five today and ask your child to finish the sentence, “If I were the President I would…” We asked a few kiddos the question and the results are compassionate, heartwarming and also, hilarious. Scroll down to see their answers.

Miles (4): "I’d make less bad guys."

Huck (6):
-I'd find out if aliens exist so we could steal their technology.
-I'd make baseball season year-round.

Gigi (4): "Everyone has to wear dresses."

Goldie (2): "Baba?"

Olivia (7): "I would be a good president and it's a free country."

Amelie (6): "I would change laws that are unfair."

Cody (3): "I’d make people go for walks and drive all the cars."

Emerson (3): "I would make everyone eat chocolate ice cream for breakfast." 

For these five kids, their answers from 4 years ago changed quite a bit:

Nora (age 10): "I would give my job to somebody else."
Nora (now 13): "I would get rid of the electoral college so it's an actual democracy and make voting more accessible for everyone."

Patrick (age 8):"I would make the Army stronger so that people would stop doing bad things."
Patrick (now 11): "I would make Washington DC a state."

Joe (age 6): "I would lay there and eat chips."
Joe (now 10): "I would not be racist."

Henrik (5): “I would make sure there were no bullies. And have more shops and even more and more and more 'candyland' places and ice cream shops.”
Henrik (now 9): "Fart in the white house. Loud." 

Mozelle (7) told us: ”I would tell people what to do.”
Mozelle (now 11): “I’d get a nicer phone than you, and I’d give poor people money and food.” 

 

iStock

Mckenzie (7): "I would make sure all the homeless people and pets have homes to live in."

Trey (5): ”I would make sure that people respected each other's feelings and that no one felt bad about themselves.”

”My 2nd grader would give everyone a football and make sure they had shoes. My 5-year-old would make people happy by sending them cards and free ice cream. My 2-year-old's response was "no." Just "no."”

One 10-year-old said: "End homelessness and factory farming." 

And her 7-year-old brother added: "Have a big dance party and pair people from different races as dance partners."

According to Blake (8), he would: "Give people money, help the orphanages, give everyone two weeks off at Christmas and make cars less expensive.”

Aiden (13): "End world hunger."

Zach (17):
#1 - "Mandatory Teeth Brushing"
#2 - "Zombie Preparedness"
#3 - "Fund Time Travel"
#4 - "Free Ponies for all Americans"

A happy kid, he may have been born in August. People born in August are very happy most of the time.
iStock

Sophie (5): “I would make sure every kid had a house to live in.”

Riley(7): “I would build the entire country out of LEGOs.“

Molly: "I would say that there should be no more wars, ever.”

Jacob: "I would conquer the world.”

Nate (8) writes:
If I were president I would:
-Make no school.
-Let kids make the rules.
-Make everything free.
-Let dogs do whatever they want.
-Have a parade.

Ava (13): "I would eliminate the death penalty and remove any anti-LGBTQ and anti-Black laws or regulations so we can have a more equal society."

Tyler (10): said he would "Pass a bill that kids go to school MWF one week and TTH the following week and so on."

Mason (11): "I would address COVID."

Maddie (7): "I would demand that black people be treated fairly."

5-year-old twins Emme: "I would help people," and Ezra, "I would let everyone do their own thing."

Ever (1): "Elmo!"

Sloane (5):  “I would make people be kind.” 

Allie (6): “I would tell people about the American flag.“

Emmie (4): “I would make people eat lots of chicken."

Liam (2): "I would watch Pete’s Dragon.”

Wyatt (10): "I would find a way to evenly distribute money and food between the unlucky people and lucky people. I'd also expand the number of soup kitchens and give the homeless nicer clothes to help them stay warm and find a job. I'd help new businesses get on their feet when they have a good idea, but aren't known that much."

Tate (9): "I'd make a hotel that homeless people could go to for free and they'd be cared for there. I'd help foster children get adopted."

Toren (10): "Anything to save the environment."

Steiger (14): "Make electric cars cheaper and make a law that in 5 years all cars need to be electric."

Ben (8):
-I would make no school.
-I would invent a cool car that kids could drive.

Parker (6):
-I would let kids play their iPads whenever they want.
-I would make every day a birthday for everyone.

Jake (8): “I would help my sister, Lola get a toy she can’t reach."

iStock

And finally, when one mom asked her son Watson (4) this question, this is how the conversation went: 
Me: What would you do if you were president?
Watson: Like right now?
Me: Yeah.
Watson: Am I gonna be president tomorrow?
Me: Um no. So what would you do if you were president?
Watson: Be good.

 

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Netflix Just Released a Teaser Trailer for Their 2022 Movie Lineup

by Maria Guido

Netflix just released a teaser trailer for all of their 2022 movies and you’re going to want to watch it

Netflix just unveiled a very lengthy lineup of their 2022 movies, and a teaser trailer to go along with it. The streaming giant has so many superstars lined up, you’re going to have weekend plans for the rest of the year! Practice getting the kids to bed early, because in addition to a nice chunk of family content, there’s a long list action, drama, and suspense movies that will make you crave your couch.

Here’s a teaser trailer with so much star power — it’s impossible not to get excited:

JLo, Ryan Reynolds, Jason Momoa, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry… the list goes on and on. Here’s the entire list of movies Netflix is releasing in 2022.

For the Whole Family:
13: The Musical
Boo!
Ivy & Bean
Matilda
Rescued by Ruby
The School for Good and Evil
Slumberland
Tall Girl 2
We Have A Ghost

Netflix

Animated & Anime:
Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood
Bubble (Anime)
Drifting Home (Anime)
Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio
My Father’s Dragon
The Sea Beast
The Seven Deadly Sins: Grudge of Edinburgh Part 1 (Anime)
Wendell & Wild

Netflix

Action/Adventure/Sci-Fi:
The Adam Project
Athena
Carter
Day Shift
Enola Holmes 2
The Gray Man
Interceptor
The Mother
The Mothership
Spiderhead
They Cloned Tyrone

Comedy:
BigBug
The Bubble
Knives Out 2
Me Time
Metal Lords
Senior Year
The Takedown
Tyler Perry’s A Madea Homecoming
You People

Drama:
A Jazzman’s Blues
Against the Ice
All Quiet on the Western Front
Blonde
The Good Nurse
Hustle
Luckiest Girl Alive
Operation Mincemeat
The Pale Blue Eye
Rustin
Spaceman
The Swimmers
White Noise
The Wonder

Thriller + Horror:
Black Crab
Brazen
Choose or Die
End of the Road
The Inheritance
Monkey Man
Mr. Harrigan’s Phone
Texas Chainsaw Massacre
The Weekend Away
Windfall

Romance:
Along for the Ride
Don’t Blame Karma!
Falling for Christmas
Lady Chatterley’s Lover
Love in the Villa
The Noel Diary
A Perfect Pairing
Persuasion
Purple Hearts
The Royal Treatment
Through My Window
Untitled Holiday Rom-Com

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San Francisco’s Best Dim Sum Spots to Bring the Kids

by Sonia Gandiaga

Xiao long bao, house-made noodles and pork buns galore—take your little dumpling to one of these SF dim sum spots.

Fun, soft, small and delicious—dim sum is perfect food for kids. They can gobble them up with their little fingers, no silverware required. San Francisco boasts the oldest and largest Chinatown in the country and we’ve rounded up seven of our favorite spots there, from fancy and modern to small hole-in-the-wall dim sum bakeries.

Dragon Beaux

This is for sure one of the most sophisticated dim sum spots around. At lunchtime, you can enjoy some of the most creative dim sum in San Francisco like the delicious squid ink dumplings. At night they also offer hot pot with an extensive selection of meats, seafood, veggies, house-made noodles, and around 10 house-made sauces. If you are not sure of which dim sum to try, order the sampler and get the most colorful selection of dumplings in the Bay.

5700 Geary Blvd.
San Francisco
Online: dragonbeaux.com

Good Mong Kok Bakery

Good Mong Kok Bakery

Good Mong Kok is an excellent and affordable bakery for when you want your dumplings on the go. Try their steamed pork, shu mai, har gow, steamed chive dumpling and beef shu mai. The dumplings are plump and generous and packed with flavor. There is no sitting, but you can have a dim sum picnic at Washington Square park nearby.

1039 Stockton St.
San Francisco
Online: goodmongkok.com

Dumpling Time

Dumpling Time

This trendy, modern and affordable dumpling restaurant makes its home in Mission Bay. They make amazing xiao long baos (soup dumplings!) and focus on local and fresh ingredients to create their traditional dumplings. An added plus is their heated outdoor patio. Keep the kids occupied while you wait by watching the dumplings being made fresh before your eyes.

11 Division St.
San Francisco
Online: dumplingtime.com

Shanghai Dumpling King

This San Francisco staple has been preparing some of the most authentic dim sum for over ten years. There are not a lot of tables and if you come on the weekend be prepared to wait. But, the wait is so worth it. Feast on spicy pork and chive dumplings, plump and delicious shrimp and soup dumplings, and make sure to order their famous green beans!

3319 Balboa St.
San Francisco
Online: shanghaidumplingking.com

Good Luck Dim Sum

Good Luck Dim Sum is known to be one of the most consistent and affordable dim sum spots in the city. Try their siu mai and shrimp dumplings—so juicy and delicious! And their pork buns are to die for (and a kid fave). There are a few tables in the back but most people take their dim sum to go.

736 Clement St.
San Francisco

Wing Lee Bakery

Wing Lee is a classic Clement Street take out dim sum spot. What they lack in ambiance they make up for in tasty food. The shrimp and leek dumplings are outrageous—large shrimp pieces, tender, crunchy and so fresh. Also try their siu mai, pot stickers and bbq pork buns. So good, simple and inexpensive. Bonus: they are super fast, great for feeding those hungry little mouths that can surely not wait.

503 Clement St.
San Francisco

 

 

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This Upcoming Book Series Will Have Your Kiddo Celebrating Their Uniqueness

by Marianella Orlando
Partner Content

Think back to your favorite movies, cartoons and books as a child. Did you have a list of beloved characters that you needed in every toy possible? Maybe it was a zany animal, a cuddly creature or a lifelike friend.

Now, imagine them all coming to life. That’s exactly what Kip, a shy girl living in a boisterous city, finds herself encountering in The Odds.

A graphic novel written and illustrated by bestselling children’s author Matt Stanton, The Odds follows protagonist Kip and her eventful journey of meeting ten fictional characters in the real world. As the first installment of Stanton’s book series for kiddos, readers of all ages will find themselves immersed in the challenges Kip faces from meeting her imaginary group.

One morning, Kip wakes up to find herself face-to-face with characters she’s either seen in TV shows, video games, her nightmares and even her father’s drawings. Known as “The Odds,” the quirky ensemble is made up of a dragon-hunting rabbit, a ninja, a race-car driver, an older man and a scaredy pants dinosaur. Thankfully, she has her dad by her side to help her with being forced to step outside of her timid bubble and down the path to self-discovery.

With Stanton’s colorful illustrations, humorous plot and heartwarming messaging, The Odds is a read the entire family will love—parents, included! Through Kip’s coming-of-age reflections, kids will learn about creating their own identity, developing new friendships, facing their fears and accepting themselves for who they are.

The Odds is hitting bookshelves on Jan. 4, 2022, so be sure to mark your calendars to grab a copy!

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9 Books You’ll Love to Gift a Special Kiddo on Your List

by Jamie Aderski
Partner Content

What has letters, numbers and is sometimes stored in a case? Hint: It’s not a smart device! If you’re looking for a last-minute present that they’ll enjoy for years to come, gifting a book is the way to go. Reading fosters young imaginations, and practice builds reading confidence and sets kids up for a life-long love of cracking open a book—there is simply nothing like it!

Whether they’re learning to read or already independent readers, Simon & Schuster has a massive selection of award-winning, bestselling and beloved books that will spark joy (and creativity) in your favorite kid. Here’s a curated list of books you’ll love to give every budding bookworm on your list:

 

The Newly Independent Reader (Ages 5-9)

With a lower word count and more illustrations than other series, Little Simon Chapter Books are geared toward younger independent readers looking to take on chapter books for the first time. Here are some of our faves:

 

Good Dog: Puppy Luck by Cam Higgins

In the first installment of the Good Dog series, Bo Davis is on the hunt for a special item. With the help of his barnyard pals on the Davis Family Farm, the team searches high and low for Bo's beloved dog tag. Is it in the horse stalls, chicken coops, or grazing fields? Join your youngster and find out what happens in Bo's quest.

Get your copy here—WOOF!

 

Itty Bitty Princess Kitty: The Newest Princess by Melody Mews

In this first heartwarming chapter book of the Itty Bitty Princess Kitty series, Itty Bitty Kitty is becoming the princess of Lollyland! While Itty is excited about her new title, she's also nervous for the change that comes with it, like trying out new hairstyles and switching to a new school. With colorful illustrations on every page, your child will be hooked to find out if Itty Bitty Kitty becomes a princess after all.
 

 

The Haunted House Next Door by Andres Miedoso

In the spooky town of Kersville, two eight-year-old best friends are out to catch ghosts and monsters that have been lurking in the darkness. Known as the Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol, fearless Desmond and scaredy-cat Andres are monitoring their neighborhood to keep their pals from getting stuck with a haunt. The simple text, brief chapters, and imaginative art is the perfect trifecta for emerging readers who appreciate a little spook. 

Scare the ghouls away with the complete series!

 

Get a roundup of all Little Simon Chapter Books here.

 

Graphic Novels (For All Levels)

Inviting and exciting content makes graphic novels great for all kids who are “drawn” to reading, regardless of reading level. They keep kids engaged and interested in reading, which can lead to them becoming lifelong readers! We love these:

 

 Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly: The Coldfire Curse by Jordan Quinn

In this exciting first adventure of the Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly series, scarlet dragon Ruskin has to save his kingdom from an evil curse. There's just one problem—he spends his days being the palace's pampered pet dragon. Ruskin has to make a decision between hiding safely behind the palace's walls or trying to save all of Wrenly.

 

The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner

Thirteen-year-old Moth Hush has always been drawn to all things witchy. When she discovers that she has powers (and learns that her family has them, too!), things start to get out of control, from meeting a talking cat to unlocking a hidden witch world. There's a lot Moth doesn't know and she's going to unravel a lot more secrets about her town, family, and even herself. 

Become spellbound with this magical book!

 

Trubble Town: Squirrel Do Bad by Stephan Pastis

Wendy the Wanderer has lived in Trubble Town her whole life but never had the chance to go exploring. For this reason, she thinks she was definitely misnamed. Her dad likes to know where she is to make sure she’s safe, so she’s never been anywhere on her own. Then, her dad leaves on a trip and the babysitter doesn’t reinforce all the usual rules. Or any of the usual rules! Suddenly, Wendy is free to do what she wants, and what she wants is to live up to her name…and find Trubble.

Get into Trubble today!

 

See Simon & Schuster’s complete list of graphic novels and add more to your bookshelf today!

 

Books for Young Readers (Ages 8-12)

Simon & Schuster also offers thousands of engaging traditional chapter-length books for kids to read on their own. Here are some favorites for readers in upper elementary and middle school:

 

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

One of Simon & Schuster's largest bestselling series about a girl uncovering the secret power buried deep inside her to save the world. Twelve-year-old Sophie has never quite fit into her life. She’s skipped multiple grades and doesn’t really connect with the older kids at school, but she’s not comfortable with her family, either. The reason? Sophie’s a Telepath, someone who can read minds. No one knows her secret—at least, that’s what she thinks…

Get lost in the adventure!

 

City Spies by James Ponti

In this thrilling New York Times bestselling series, which Stuart Gibbs called “a must-read,” Edgar Award winner James Ponti brings together five kids from all over the world and transforms them into real-life spies—perfect for fans of Spy School and Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls.

Don't keep it top secret—get your copy!

Wilderlore: The Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody

Wilderlore: The Accidental Apprentice follows the journey of Barclay Thorne—a young boy who doesn't like adventures and is happy being an apprentice to the town's mushroom farmer. To his dismay, however, Barclay finds himself in the forbidden woods where he befriends a beast that gets him run out of town. In his new venture, Barclay discovers a town that is for people just like him: those who've bonded with beasts. Now he's left with making a difficult decision of either returning home or chasing the adventure ahead of him.

Get swept away in the fantasy today!

 

Thanks to Simon & Schuster’s “Books I Like to Give” initiative, you can find ever more recommendations for all ages on their holiday site.

 

Happy reading!

 

—Jamie Aderski

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