Fans of Clifford The Big Red Dog books rejoice—this lovable pup is coming to the big screen (with extra-large paws, of course). Based on the beloved children’s book series, Clifford’s latest hilarious escapades take place in New York City. When middle-schooler Emily Elizabeth meets a magical animal rescuer, he gifts her a small, red puppy. But overnight, the dog transforms into a giant ten-foot hound—not ideal in a tiny NYC apartment! While her single mom is away for business, Emily Elizabeth and her fun uncle Casey get involved in edge-of-your-seat adventures. Here’s why your family will want to go along for the ride!
Emily Elizabeth wishes for her dog to be big and strong. Poof! That’s actually what he becomes. While your child won’t be able to transform the family pet, this sweet movie reminds us to believe in something bigger than ourselves, because possibilities are endless when you have a big heart. From showing kindness to strangers in the community to being a good friend—Clifford proves there is magic that comes from loving big.
Stepping Outside of Your Comfort Zone Is Rewarding
Emily Elizabeth sometimes feels like an outsider. But Clifford is so full of love, he makes her feel like she can do anything. Kids will feel inspired by seeing Emily Elizabeth tap into her inner courage to stand up for her dog when a scientist tries to claim him as his own. From trying a new activity to speaking up, being brave and embracing our differences leads to good things!
Dogs Have a Way of Capturing Our Hearts
Kids (and kids at heart) will relate to the unconditional love and loyalty exchanged between a young girl and her dog. Clifford certainly has a way of “growing” on Emily Elizabeth, just like our treasured pets do for us. (If your kids have been begging for a dog… the Clifford movie just may help their case!)
This playful story will delight audiences of all ages with its themes of loyalty, friendship, self-acceptance, and the importance of loving big. Parents will appreciate the movie’s awesome cast including, Darby Camp, Jack Whitehall, Tony Hale, David Alan Grier, Kenan Thompson, Rosie Perez, Paul Rodriguez, Sienna Guillory and John Cleese.
A year plus of pandemic turbulence has put friendships through the wringer. But the relationships that survive are pure gold.
My daughter cheerfully returned to full-time, in-person school this fall only to discover that COVID had shattered her core group of three best friends. One girl’s family fled the city, the second missed the first several weeks of school while quarantining, and the third left for her original school—she had only joined us last year because our school offered some precious in-person days.
As a result of this heart-wrenching, disorienting loss, my daughter kept bemoaning, “I don’t have any friends!”
“Well, that’s not true,” I retorted, listing off the myriad playmates she runs around with on the playground at school pickup.
“But those are Bethany and Kimberly’s friends,” Emily moped.
Oh, the trials of being a middle child. Apparently her siblings’ buddies—while super fun—weren’t filling the void left behind from the loss of her close peers. And yet, for the time being, it’s been more comfortable to tag along with these family friends than to forge new friendships of her own.
I’m guilty of it too. My best friends in the school realm are the parents of my oldest kids. Those time-tested friendships are irresistibly cozy when held in comparison to friendly but relatively new acquaintances I know through my younger children.
So, when another parent in Emily’s second-grade class organized a back-to-school get-together in Central Park, we immediately prioritized it on our calendar. This was our chance to finally meet the families we never crossed paths with last year during virtual schooling and intentionally shift some familiar faces into the friend zone.
My daughter seemed eager enough to attend the class picnic that we cut short a day of apple picking upstate to return in time. When we arrived, however, she suddenly stuck to my side like tacky glue, repeatedly refusing my promptings to join the groups playing dolls, stickers and soccer.
“These are just my classmates,” she murmured. “Not my friends.”
“Well, this would be a great chance to get to know them,” I ventured.
“I already know them.”
Ugh! The social butterfly in me cringed while she proceeded to be a stick in the mud. I also ached for my daughter’s heart, not wanting her to feel alone and unloved because of her skewed perspective on reality.
You see, when I spoke to Emily’s teachers at conferences last spring, they gushed about how Emily is such a kind friend that other students vie to partner up with her during class. But apparently Emily is blind to the fact that she is, in fact, surrounded by love.
These classmates have the potential to become close friends, but it would require some initiative on my daughter’s part. In my attempt to be a coach rather than a fixer, I determined to step back and let Emily make the next move.
The opportunity presented itself when, three days in a row, my daughter asked if she could sign up for an afterschool program. This has only happened one other time in her seven years of life, so I knew to take her request seriously. We talked through some options, and she settled on a program offered at our school building that mixes art and yoga.
When I picked her up after her first day, she quietly but happily shared her oil-pastel tiger and stories of playing Candy Land after class. I could tell her experience fed into her desire to have something uniquely hers, beyond the default relationships of classmates and siblings. Perhaps she’ll meet a kindred spirit while striking a Triangle Pose?
Things only got better as the week progressed and my daughter’s best friend finally returned from quarantine. In true friend-from-birth fashion, they picked right up from where they left off in June, trading snacks and bolting across the basketball court hand-in-hand. They conspired to win the school Readathon by staying up all night reading. They even planned a playdate for her friend’s belated half-birthday. They celebrated today, complete with the abundant giggles (and cupcake crumbs) we know and love.
When Grandma asked my daughter who she plays with at school, Emily immediately smiled and mentioned that friend. And in her bedtime prayer tonight, Emily thanked God that her friend came over to play. What a relief that this cherished friendship didn’t bite the COVID dust! I can’t wait to see how their bond continues to deepen this year and what new friends they’ll welcome into the fold.
My daughter’s transformation from gloom to joy in the last week speaks to the power of even one meaningful relationship. While some of us prefer a crowd, others like Emily thrive with a couple loyal friends.
I’m relieved to see my daughter emerging out of her friendship loss—an unfortunate yet inevitable part of life for which our kids need to be prepared. They will need to cope with loss in various forms long after COVID has removed its claws from our immediate circumstances.
It will be their ability to stay rooted in deep friendships (when they are lucky enough to find those gems) and the confidence to put themselves out there (making room in their hearts for new friends) that will truly enrich their lives.
As a song from my childhood wisely suggests, “Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver and the other is gold.”
Kristin Van de Water is a former journalist and teacher who relies on humor, faith, and her mom crew to get her through the day. Raising four kids in a two-bedroom NYC apartment, Kristin is always on the lookout for life hacks to save time, space, money, and her sanity.
Goblins, ghosts and… garlic?! You read that right, and this new graphic novel about Garlic, a brave little veggie and delightfully unusual heroine, is one of our favorite new reads of the season—it’s the perfect Halloween treat (and won’t stick to your teeth!). If you’re looking to build confidence in your little ghoul’s reading skills (ages 6+) or just fill their fall with a cozy adventuresome read, Garlic & the Vampire by Bree Paulsen is the farm-fresh book you need on your shelf now.
Garlic feels as though she’s always doing something wrong. At least with her friend Carrot by her side and the kindly Witch Agnes encouraging her, Garlic is happy to just tend her garden, where it’s nice and safe. But when her village of vegetable folk learns that a bloodthirsty vampire has moved into the nearby castle, they all agree that, in spite of her fear and self-doubt, Garlic is the obvious choice to confront him. And with everyone counting on her, Garlic reluctantly agrees to face the mysterious vampire, hoping she has what it takes.
"In this down comforter of a graphic novel, Garlic discovers that she is braver and more capable than she ever believed when she is called upon to save her friends. The color palette is folkloric, drawing on lush earth tones to highlight this cozy little village where people and vegetables live harmoniously—this is cottagecore through and through."
— Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
"Gorgeous artwork featuring anthropomorphized plants and colors reminiscent of those used in Kate Greenaway stories make this a joy to read... Perfect for chapter-book readers and up, this will delight anyone wanting a light adventure heavy on friendship and self-actualization."
When it comes to movies for kids, there’s nothing like a few Disney movies to fit the bill. We sorted through dozens of expert reviews and popular opinions in order to curate this list of the top 17 Disney animated movies of all time, so if you’re looking for endearing storylines and characters your littles can look up to, look no further. Scroll down to find your next pick for family movie night!
Luca (2021)
Common Sense Media
Luca may look like an average boy. Even though he has two legs, two arms and all the other aesthetics of a human, he’s really a sea monster from another world that lies just below the surface of the ocean. Follow along as an unusual friendship develops along the Italian Riviera between a local human and a sea monster in this new original movie from Pixar.
The first Disney movie to feature a Black heroine, this fun and sometimes spooky film has a great message for kids about ambition, hard work and friendship. Tiana is a girl whose goal is to open the finest restaurant in New Orleans, and she is very clear about the fact she doesn't need a prince to be happy. Of course, she inadvertently finds one anyway when she meets Prince Naveen, who has been turned into a frog by an evil witch doctor. Naveen convinces Tiana to kiss him to break the spell—which backfires when it turns her into a frog as well. Adventures ensue as the duo journeys through the bayou in search of a spell to turn them back into humans.
If you've got kids who love video games, this is one way to switch up the screens and get them watching a movie instead. The story follows Ralph—a hulking brute who is tired of always being the bad guy in his video game and so sets out to prove he's not so bad after all. In his quest, he abandons his own game and hops through a variety of others—which causes some major trouble in the arcade world and threatens to wipe out everything. Through it all, of course, he learns important lessons about friendship.
Note: There are some scenes with guns and shooting (they take place in shooter-style video games), plus some potty humor ("butt" and "doody") that kids will likely love.
Rapunzel is no helpless maiden in this retelling of the famous fairy tale. This spunky modern heroine isn't afraid to stand up for herself, fight the bad guys, leap from towers and explore the big, wide world while searching for her true identity. There is mild violence—and the fact that Rapunzel has been kidnapped and manipulated by a witch who seeks only youth and beauty may be a bit heavy for kids who get it—but all in all, kids will love the action, music and romance in this sweet story that teaches kids to follow their dreams.
Disney's musical retelling of the age-old Hans Christian Anderson story follows the innocently rebellious Ariel, a mermaid princess who gives up her life in the ocean in an effort to be with a human prince. Of course, she must make a precarious deal with a devilishly evil sea witch to make it happen. With award-winning songs (the movie won an Oscar for Best Original Score and a Grammy for "Under the Sea") and a fair share of peril and action, the story will satisfy even kids who aren't into mermaids or princesses.
It's hard to believe that this is the first Disney movie of all time, as its story is as popular today as it was 83 years ago. The story of the "fairest of them all" and her plight to stay safe from the vain and wicked queen is a timeless one, though it does contain some dated concepts about women. There are some frightening moments, including when the queen orders her huntsman to kill Snow White and she must escape through a spooky enchanted forest (and, of course, there's that famous poisoned apple). But still, generations of kids have watched and loved this classic Disney film—and yours likely will, too.
Note: Since this film was made in the early 20th century, it depicts dated gender stereotypes that some people might find offensive (i.e. Snow White decides that the dwarfs must need a woman around to clean their house). As long as you can put that aside, this movie still belongs on your go-to list of classics.
Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
This movie has a huge cult following and it's no surprise why. Pumpkin King Jack Skellington wants to spread Christmas cheers to children far and wide but will his efforts put Santa in jeopardy? You'll have to watch to find out!
Disney's second animated film still holds timeless lessons about honesty and love. Pinocchio is a wooden puppet who must learn to listen to his conscience and resist temptations (like skipping school) in order to become a "real boy." While all ends happily, there are some scary visuals—including a scene where droves of naughty little boys are turned into donkeys and carted away, as well as another scene where Pinocchio and his father are swallowed by a giant whale. Goodness and heroism prevail, of course, so kids should be sufficiently cheered by the movie's end.
Travel to the fantasy world of Kumandra, where humans and dragons live together in harmony. When evil arrived in the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. No, 500 years later, lone warrior Raya must track down the fabled last dragon to battle the evil that has once again returned to the land.
Parents will love the fact the main character in this film is a girl who doesn't need a prince to find her happily-ever-after. Littles will love the catchy songs, fun characters (Dwayne Johnson's Maui almost steals the show) and lighthearted peril as they watch Moana, the daughter of the village chief, on her quest to restore her island's vitality and return the heart of the ocean.
A. A. Milne's beloved classic stories come to beautiful life in this classic Disney film. Kids will learn sweet lessons about friendship and loyalty as they watch Pooh-bear bumble his way through the Hundred Acre Wood with his beloved pals. And, the fact there's no bad guys or scary parts means even the tiniest of Pooh-fans can get in on the fun.
Delve into deep questions like, "What makes you, YOU?" with this Pixar feature that takes you from the streets of New York City to The Great Before. Main character Joe Gardner (voiced by Jamie Foxx) teams up with a precocious soul to try and get back to Earth.
Cinderella may be the classic damsel in distress sort of fairy tale, but this kind cinder girl's journey toward happily-ever-after can actually be a great way to get your kids thinking about empathy and kindness (talking about how the stepsisters treat Cinderella, for one, is a good way to address the importance of kindness). Plus, who can forget those classic songs, including "A Dream is A Wish Your Heart Makes" and "Bippety Boppety Boo" There's a reason Cinderella has been Disney's most popular princess for 70 years now, so hop aboard the pumpkin-turned-carriage and let it take you away, too.
The Circle of Life takes center stage in this dramatic story about a lion who steps up to fulfill his destiny and save his pride. There are some scary moments—namely, the orchestrated death of young Simba's father by a stampede of wildebeests as well as a vicious lion-on-lion fight—but the movie is, in the end, an inspiring one filled with memorable music (Elton John wrote many of the songs) and important lessons of bravery and responsibility.
If you haven't already gotten your share of "Let It Go" or "Into the Unknown," now's as good a time as any. With (clearly) Broadway-caliber showstoppers and a storyline that's as fun for adults as it is for kids, it's clear to see why these two were record-breaking blockbusters. Both films emphasize the importance of friends and family, with the bond between sisters Elsa and Anna prioritized above all. Kids will love seeing the sisters each surmount their personal challenges while staying true to themselves. There are a few scary moments in both films, but most kids over five will be unequivocally entranced.
One day you’re reading board books to your baby (while he or she simultaneously tries to chew on them). The next thing you know, that little one has grown into a big kid who’s ready to read independently. Scholastic’s early reader line, Acorn, is perfect for children ages 4-7. Here’s why kids (and their parents!) love them:
The Format Is Fun!
Each book contains three to five short stories about endearing characters. Kids can read the stories in a row or in any order they’d like. FYI: Giving kids this simple choice in how they read creates a sense of accomplishment. In addition, each page contains vibrant full-color illustrations—making them inviting and accessible (not intimidating!)—and text is easy to read and its humorous tone is a crowd-pleaser for silly kiddos. Some of the books have color-coded speech bubbles, just like graphic novels. This feature helps introduce dialogue, making reading aloud even more entertaining.
They Build Confidence
It can be a challenge to find early chapter books that kids actually enjoy. Acorn make them feel confident in their reading abilities and encourage them to keep going! Activities at the end of each book maximize the reading experience with “how-to-draw” instructions and writing prompts (hello, future authors and illustrators!). These extension activities give kids additional ways to engage with the characters, while offering parents insight into their reading comprehension.
There’s a Series for Every Reader
There are 12 series in the Acorn line, with more in the works. From friendship to magic, the wide array of genres makes it simple to find a just-right read for your kiddo. There’s even a “horror-lite” series on the list for kids who like spooky stories, called Mister Shivers! The Dragon series by Dav Pilkey (author of Captain Underpants and Dog Man) is a fan favorite. BFFs Unicorn and Yeti are great for those who love magical creatures. Princess Truly is an empowering series about a young girl. And Hello, Hedgehog is an adorable friendship series focused on achieving big childhood milestones and helping pals overcome fears.
No Levels, No Problem.
Kids are used to seeing levels on their books. Not on these! Although books align with leveling guidelines, Acorn doesn’t put levels on the covers to keep kids from feeling pigeon-holed. They meet kids right where they are on their reading journey.
They’re Educator Approved.
Acorn executive editor Katie Carella was a teacher herself! She saw how difficult it was to find high-quality, interesting early readers for her students, which inspired her to create this line. Teachers across the country are big fans—making sure their classroom bookshelves are stocked with Acorn essentials! “The format made it feel similar to the higher-level books they see their older siblings reading, such as Captain Underpants and Dog Man, so they were excited to read it by themselves,” says a first-grade teacher, Sharon.
If you’ve got a dinosaur-obsessed kid at home, we’ve got the ultimate list of movies just for you. From classics like The Land Before Time to documentaries like Walking with Dinosaurs, there’s something for everyone. Scroll down to see our top picks for the best dinosaur movies for kids.
Bob the Builder: Big Dino Dig Movie
Amazon
Ideal for tots who love Bob the Builder and dinosaurs. There is nothing scary, kids watch the characters work together to build an amusement park and see what happens when they dig up some dinosaur bones! The catchy song at the end will have little kids up and moving, too.
Rated NR
Recommended for kids ages 3 & up.
Dinosaur Train: Dinosaur Big City (2011)
Amazon
A sweet movie that’s a spin-off of the popular PBS series. Kids will learn about dinosaurs in a fun and educational way, and they’ll also get a sense of community and social responsibility when they watch the diverse group of dinosaurs working together.
Rated: G
Recommended for kids ages 3 & up.
The Land Before Time (1988)
IMDb
The classic dino movie you loved as a kid is just as sweet for kids today. Follow Littlefoot and his friends as they try to reach the Great Valley, all while outsmarting the scary Sharptooth, escaping volcanos and earthquakes and being separated from family. There may be some tears when Littlefoot’s mom dies, so be ready to explain things to your littlest viewers. There are over 10 more sequels, but the original is by far the best.
Rated G
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009)
IMDb
Dawn of the Dinosaurs is the third installment of the Ice Age series. This is the first one offered in 3D and is a little bit more intense than the previous two films. Sid gets the gang into trouble (no surprise there) when he swipes three eggs, and they turn out to belong to a T-Rex mama. This third film focuses more on action than friendship, but it’s still a lot of fun and will appeal to both preschoolers and older kids.
Rated PG
Recommended for kids ages 6 & up.
We’re Back! A Dinosaur Story (1993)
IMDb
In this ‘90s film, a set of prehistoric animals are given a dose of magic cereal that gives them the ability to talk, and then, via a time machine, they're taken to modern-day New York City. Filled with a quality cast that includes John Goodman, Walter Kronkite, Julia Child, Martin Short and others, this film is best for older kids who understand the difference between real and pretend violence. There’s a spooky villain, the dinosaurs go “native” for a time, and the child protagonists are transformed, but ultimately, this is a fun flick for dino lovers.
Rated G
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
The Good Dinosaur (2015)
IMDb
Arlo the Apatosaurus makes an unlikely friendship with a little cave boy in this visually stunning Pixar film. The pair will have to fight against some scary forces of nature (think flooding, waterfalls, carnivorous dinosaurs) on their journey, and the advanced animation will make this movie seem more realistic, especially to younger kids.
Rated PG
Recommended for kids 8 & up.
Dinosaur (2000)
IMDb
This Disney film is visually stunning but can be extremely scary at times. Several of the featured dinosaurs battle to the death, and even with the comic-relief lemurs, this is a good choice for older kids.
Following up on the success of Jurassic Park, this six-part BBC series is made in documentary form with impressive CGI animation. Narrator Kenneth Branagh takes viewers on an educational but entertaining journey that covers all things dinosaur in a factual way that's easy for kids to understand. The series spans the globe, featuring dinosaur hot spots like Chile, Tasmania and New Caledonia, among others, while following the evolution of the prehistoric creatures from their known beginning to their demise.
If you have a kid, you probably have a zooful of stuffed animals living with you. These “stuffies” are more than just cute clutter—they actually serve a fundamental purpose in a child’s life. Their favorite teddy or doll is their first friend and allows them to explore their emotional life without judgment, helping navigate all the ups and downs of early childhood. Their stuffed friend’s unconditional love and acceptance teach a valuable lesson about what it means to be a caring human. That’s why a new book that celebrates this particular (and essential) bond,Bear Is a Bear, caught our attention.
Bear Is a Bearis written by popular children’s author Jonathan Stutzman and illustrated by Dan Santat, a Caldecott Medal-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author/illustrator. This moving story with a heartwarming reveal is akin to books like TheVelveteen Rabbit and Corduroy—Bear Is a Bear reads like that classic you cracked opened over and over again as a child, but with a modern twist.
Bear is...a new friend, a fellow mischief-maker, a protector and a dreamer. Through all the many ups and downs of a little girl’s childhood, Bear is there to provide love and support. Until it is time to say goodbye...and hello again.
Bear is a Bear is a deeply touching story of an ever-evolving friendship. Have the tissues nearby—it’s the final reveal that will bring tears to your eyes and make this book an instant classic in your household.
Bear Is a Bear is a moving tribute to the beloved companions of our childhoods—our “stuffies.” (We bet you can remember the name of your favorite as a child right now.) The oversized picture book is also gorgeous, making it the perfect baby shower or birthday gift. Grab your copy, a favorite stuffed friend and snuggle up for storytime with Bear Is a Bear today, and enjoy for years to come!
Whether you’re cuddling up on the couch for a mid-afternoon story or winding down at bedtime, a great book brings families together for quality time and important conversations. A must-have for your kiddo’s bookshelf is Stick and Stone: Best Friends Forever, a new adventure for beloved BFFs Stick and Stone.
In Beth Ferry’s latest book, beautifully illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld, Stick searches for his family tree (Is it an oak? A maple? Who are the other sticks he’ll get to meet?). As any wonderful wingman would do, Stone accompanies his pal on the journey to find his roots. Throughout their adventure, this sweet picture book delivers a big message about friendship and unconditional love.
Stick and Stone: Best Friends Forever brings to life the idea that people who are not born into your family can fill spaces in your heart. From friends to neighbors, “family” takes many forms over a lifetime. A good friend brings comfort and support. They’re by our sides through happy times and sad times and especially when the world feels scary. (As any parent navigating the uncertainty of a pandemic knows, these special relationships are everything!)
Clever illustrations visualize the playful rhymes in this relatable tale that resonates with kids and adults alike. Reading this heartwarming book with your children gives parents the opportunity to explore the importance of learning about where we came from, as well as the ability of “found family” to help us grow!
“Kids say the darndest things.” How many times have we thought that and wanted to permanently capture our kids’ words? With the help of their adults, these young authors published and captured their best thoughts and words . . . and then some! Find a few of our favorite books by child writers and make sure to check out the options below to self-publish your mini’s best sayings. If the future belongs to our children, it is certain to be a bright and brilliant one with these young writers leading the charge.
Once "a Pun" a Time
At six years of age, Chloe’s world turned upside down with a global pandemic and COVID-19. Feeling sad that so many people were getting sick, Chloe decided to work on something she was good at: bring smiles to faces and thus, the Once a Pun a Time joke book and later, art-ivity book was born. Chloe’s gift for family-friendly jokes and colorful art is delightful and a sure bet to have in every home.
The origins of dragons through a compilation of short stories is explained by Lazarus Q. Boutwell who, at age seven, wrote The Magic of Dragons: A Book About Dragons. He followed this up with The Monster Survival Guide in a valiant effort to ensure that all who come across shape-shifting goo or giant monsters that freeze kids have the best chance for survival against these ghastly beasts.
Becoming a New York Times best-selling author is a distinguished achievement but imagine doing that at age 11! Nancy Yi Fan accomplished that very feat with her debut novel, Swordbird, which was written in response to a world at war then followed it with Sword Quest and Sword Mountain. Young readers will love soaring into Nancy’s fantasy bird world in which avian friends and enemies alike search for peace while displaying loyalty, heroism and courage.
My Book for Kids with Cansur: A Child’s Autobiography of Hope
Seven-year-old Jason offers a glimpse of life with “cansur” and how he coped with the treatments, operations and hospitalizations. Along with the illustration help of his twin brother, My Book for Kids with Cansur: A Child’s Autobiography of Hope is heartwarming and candid and aims to help both those afflicted with cancer and those without (Jason’s tip: don’t laugh at the baldness). Cured of lymphoma, Jason ends the book with his phone number for anyone to call for support and advice.
Enioluwanimi Solaru, also known as Eni, wrote Lena Carls and the Power of Friendship this past year about a girl who moves and deals with making and keeping new friends. From Silver Springs, MD, Eni plans on writing an entire series based on the main character, Lena, so be sure to be on the lookout for future books to complete the series!
Mattie Stepanek lived with a rare, debilitating disease similar to muscular dystrophy that ultimately took his life but not before he wrote five best-selling books of poetry and two books. He regularly appeared on Oprah, Good Morning America and Larry King and lobbied for people with disabilities on Capitol Hill. His first poetry book, Heartsongs, was written at the age of 10 and rings distinctly with a message of hope and peace in words wise beyond his years—indeed, his legacy lives on.
Recommended for readers ages 8 & up Available on Amazon: Heartsongs
Kylo Finds A Friend
10-year-old Juliana Villarreal’s book, Kylo Finds A Friend, is about overcoming shyness and making new friends. Based on her own dog, Kylo Finds A Friend is a lovely rhyming story that aims to encourage reading in reluctant readers like herself. In the book, Kylo stops by a dog park and attempts to make new friends. Who will be his friend? Kids will laugh along with Kylo’s adventures and love the bright illustrations of adorable dogs by Juliana’s mom. Talk about a team!
An enthralling world of fantasy will sweep readers into 10-year-old Jacob Shaw’s Pastaland, where wizardry and magic reign. In The Magnificent King of Pasta, King William and his son, Prince Daniel fight with valor to save their kingdom from the evil Salastro. Beyond just magic potions and spells, this is a story of integrity and courage when faced with adversity and readers will not be able to put this one down!
Inspired by her preacher stating that God can use kids to change the world, eight-year-old Kamille Mohler decided to write a book to address bullying. I Am Not is a 24-page poem form book that addresses who people are and are not—for instance, in an interview, she says, “I’m not my hair. My hair’s not too curly, my hair’s not too coarse. I am me!” She is currently working on a second book, If You Want to Be My Friend, also centered on anti-bullying.
Recommended for readers ages 8-12 Available on Amazon: I Am Not
How to Talk to Girls
It is not often that an eight-year-old can call himself a New York Times best-selling self-help author but Alec Grevan can! As the youngest author ever to have a book on the distinguished list, How to Talk to Girls is a practical guide for any male, eight to 80, looking to impress and win over their girl of interest. Tips like: comb your hair, don’t wear sweats and control your hyperness (cut down on the sugar if you have to) will almost guarantee successful results according to Alec. His other books are: How to Talk to Moms, How to Talk to Dads and How to Talk to Santa.
Third-grader Alexandra Maria Proca was only eight years old when she both wrote and illustrated her first book, One Morning I Looked in the Mirror and Saw... Young readers will be drawn to the colorful illustrations and eagerly follow the author along in her unusual day which starts the moment she looks in the mirror and ends with an unexpected surprise.
Why does an autistic kid stand so close? Why won’t he look at me? Why does she talk about the same topic over and over? 14-year-old autistic teen Daniel Stefanski answers these questions and more in his candid book, How to Talk to an Autistic Kid. An insightful look on autism, Daniel uses humor and gives advice on how to understand and befriend autistic kids. Daniel’s book will equip kids of all ages with the tools to confidently include their autistic friends who are not different, just special.
As we head back to school, 11-year-old Alice Paul Tapper’s Raise Your Hand is the perfect empowering book to read! While in class, Alice noticed that girls were less likely to raise their hands to answer questions and wanted to do something about it. She wrote this book and also created a Girl Scouts badge to encourage and help girls feel more confident in speaking up in class. While geared towards girls, boys will also benefit from the confidence-boosting and empowering message of this book.
Recommended for readers age 6-9 Available on Amazon: Raise Your Hand
Self-publishing platforms
Kindle Direct Publishing
Offered by Amazon, KDP offers first-time publishers an easy and seamless approach to self-publishing of both eBooks and paperback for free while earning up to 70% in royalty fees.
BookBaby
Despite its name, BookBaby is a giant in the self-publishing world and also capable of printing small quantities of books, including one single copy of your pint-sized penman’s very best words and thoughts for $49.
What do you get when you combine an award-winning children’s book series and a powerhouse producer? An awesome new kid’s show on Netflix! Ada Twist, Scientist is coming to Netflix on September 28 and we have the details on what to expect!
The show is produced by Chris Nee, the creator of Doc McStuffins and Vampirina, in collaboration with Higher Ground, the production company of President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama. It follows the adventures of eight-year-old Ada and her two best friends, Rosie Revere and Iggy Peck. Ada is determined to discover the truth about absolutely everything and the show focuses on scientific discovery, collaboration and friendship. Watch the official trailer right here!
Today Netflix Kids also released the official cast list for the show, with some big names popping up! Taye Diggs will be Dad Twist, Susan Kelechi Watson will be Mom Twist and Amanda Christine will play Ada. Each episode clocks in at about 26 minutes and there will be six lined up to watch this fall. Episode 3 is available to watch as a sneak peek right now!
The Ada Twist book series were originally inspired by historical women scientists like Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie. The original book is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestseller. It champions diversity and brings girl power to science picture books. In the book and the series, Ada discovers that her questions might not always have answers, but that curiosity is key.
