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!
How do you make an Airstream extra dreamy? Add a touch of Pottery Barn! The two popular brands have collaborated to release a new Pottery Barn Special Edition Travel Trailer—and it’s oh so splurge worthy!
The new Airstream trailer features the standard amenities, including a dedicated kitchen, bathroom, sleeping and relaxing areas. But it levels up with hardware, soft goods, fixtures and touches inspired by Pottery Barn. The includes a unique solid oak wood dinette table, matte black pull-down kitchen faucet, wall sconces and custom storage solutions in the bedroom, plus Pottery Barn’s Belgian Flax Linen Bedding.
Another unique touch? The outdoor hanging table that attaches to the trailer’s exterior, the perfect spot for a midday snack or evening drink. When you’re ready to pack up and move on, it stows in a rear storage compartment.
Of course, this high-end collaboration isn’t exactly cheap. But if you’re ready to travel in style (or work and learn on the road) it’s worth a look, especially since the Airstream sleeps up to five people. The MSRP is $145,500 and it’s available at dealers nationwide now.
If Winnie the Pooh has been warming your heart since your childhood, then you’ll love this new LEGO kit. Designed under the LEGO Ideas program where super fans get the opportunity to bring their ideas to reality, it’s simply as sweet as can be.
The LEGO Ideas Winnie the Pooh set brings all the beloved characters together including Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Rabbit and Eeyore. Each minifig also gets their own accessories!
photo: LEGO
In addition to the molded minifigures, the 1,265-piece set comes with a large oak tree, a house that opens and closes, a bee hive and lots of tiny details like honey pots, “Pooh sticks,” Tigger’s locket and more.
The set is geared for “kids” ages and older. The new LEGO Ideas Winnie the Pooh set is currently on sale, but on backorder at LEGO Stores and LEGO.com. However, you can order it now and it will ship in 60 days!
Did you know that February was “National Kindness Month?” With a little research (we are librarians!), we discovered that February 17th is designated “Random Acts of Kindness Day” in several countries, including ours. We are librarians and also teachers, so naturally we embrace any opportunity to promote kindness—whether random or well-planned—and are delighted to promote a month of kindness!
It is in that spirit that we curated this month’s selection of books. All six of our selections promote kindness—and related qualities like thoughtfulness, generosity, and empathy but do so in a way that is subtle, not dogmatic. The character education lessons are wrapped in memorable stories about interesting characters, unusual partnerships (a snail and a whale!), and challenging situations—often overcome with help from friends and their acts of kindness. The heroes of our February stories—a Syrian ambulance driver, a track coach, an oak tree—are ordinary in most ways except in their capacity to promote kindness.
Our recommended stories also highlight the fact that qualities like empathy, courage, and self-knowledge are not fixed or finite in any of us—but rather learned (and renewable) resources. In life, as in these stories, even good people, challenged by circumstance or past action, are sometimes unkind and cowardly, are sometimes bystanders when they could have been upstanders. But with self-knowledge that comes from experience—and some productive struggle—we all have a nearly infinite capacity to build our empathy muscle and renew our reservoirs of courage.
The richly crafted stories we are recommending will provide your children with hours of reading enjoyment and positive role models. Among the many books that celebrate kindness, here are our favorites:
Grades Kindergarten to Second
Love, Z written & illustrated by Jessie Sima
While out looking for adventure, a young robot named Z finds a message in a bottle signed “Love, Beatrice”. What is love? And who is Beatrice? Those two words are enough to pique Z’s curiosity. Unable to get an answer from the other robots, Z leaves to embark on an adventure to find Beatrice and learn about love. It is on this journey that he learns the powerful meaning of those four simple letters and discovers that what he has been seeking was closer than he realized.
The Snail and the Whale written by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
This is the tale of a tiny snail who dreams to see the world, so she hitches a ride on a humpback whale. Children will love the vibrant art of their journey together past icebergs, jungles, and caves. The story provides the suggestion that brilliant friendships do not necessarily have to be between two similar individuals. The two characters are brought together, and help each other with their differences, not similarities.
Grades 3-4
The Cat Man of Aleppo written by Irene Latham & Karim Shamsi-Basha, illustrated by Yuko Shimizu
This is the story about a kindhearted ambulance driver from Syria named Alaa. Alaa lives in the city of Aleppo and he loves everything about his city from the vibrant bazaars to the kind, gentle people. One day, a terrible thing happened and many people had to flee Aleppo. Alaa decided to stay and look after the injured people, abandoned cats, and other animals. His love and kindness soon spread and today he is known worldwide as the Cat Man of Aleppo.
Smile written & illustrated by Raina Telgemeier
The first in a series of insightful graphic novels about the trials and tribulations of childhood relationships. When Raina trips and smashes her two front teeth, she embarks on a long, embarrassing journey of dental treatments. Fitting in at school is hard enough, but this sweet, funny book will encourage kids to believe they can get through troubled times with the help of their true friends and a little bit of kindness.
Grades 5-8
Wishtree written by Katherine Applegate
This is a beautiful and touching story about nature and friendship. Red, an old oak tree, watches over the neighborhood and the many animals that live in its branches. For decades, the tree has been known as the “wish tree,” where each year people tie their wishes written on strips of cloth, giving Red a special place in the community. One day a new family moves in and they aren’t exactly welcomed with open arms. Red does what any wise, kind old tree would do, and decides to intervene.
Ghostwritten by Jason Reynolds
Castle “Ghost” Crenshaw is on his way to becoming a track star, but can he run fast enough to put his past behind? This book is full of complicated characters, difficult decisions, and opportunities to ask, “What is the right thing to do when you’re being bullied?” Ghost perfectly depicts the challenges kids face on and off the field. Ghost shows them how to face those challenges in an approachable way, and features diverse characters with whom kids can directly relate
Keira Pride is the Head Librarian at Stratford School, the leading independent private school founded with a vision of creating a unique, multi-dimensional, educational foundation for children. As Stratford's Head Librarian, she manages the library services department across campuses throughout Northern and Southern California.
Ready to hit the trails? Thanks to our friends at AllTrails, we’ve got the scoop on the very best kid-friendly hikes in the San Jose area—they’re perfect for your budding nature lovers. Keep reading for all the details for trails from Lake Cunningham to the Baylands.
Lake Cunningham
Lake Cunningham is a 2 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near San Jose, California and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips.
Distance: 2 miles Difficulty: Easy
Eagle Rock Loop
Kristen Cederquist/AllTrails
Eagle Rock Loop is a 4.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near San Jose, California that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking.
Distance: 4.1 miles Difficulty: Easy
Montgomery Hill
Mike Robinson/AllTrails
Montgomery Hill is a 1.6 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near San Jose, California that offers scenic views. The trail is good for all skill levels and is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running.
Distance: 1.6 miles Difficulty: Easy
Grant and McCreery Lake via Yerba Buena Trail
Garry Carl/AllTrails
Grant and McCreery Lake via Yerba Buena Trail is a 2.7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Mount Hamilton, California that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching.
Distance: 2.7 miles Difficulty: Easy
Hidden Lake Foot Path
Vijay Yallapragada/AllTrails
Hidden Lake Foot Path is a 0.4 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Milpitas, California that features a lake. The trail is good for all skill levels and offers a number of activity options. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Distance: 0.4 miles Difficulty: Easy
Guadalupe Oak Grove Park Loop
Thuy Tran/AllTrails
Guadalupe Oak Grove Park Loop is a 1 mile loop trail located near San Jose, California. The trail is good for all skill levels and is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips.
Distance: 1 mile Difficulty: Easy
Baylands Bike Path Loop
Cindy Lu/AllTrails
Baylands Bike Path Loop is a 1.2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Sunnyvale, California that offers scenic views. The trail is good for all skill levels and is primarily used for walking, running, nature trips, and bird watching.
Distance: 1.2 miles Difficulty: Easy
Spring Valley Trail
David Gleit/AllTrails
Spring Valley Trail is a 2.3 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Milpitas, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, bird watching, and horses. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Note: This trail is currently closed until further notice due to a landslide.
Distance: 2.3 miles Difficulty: Easy
Santa Teresa Mine Loop
Judy Tan/AllTrails
Santa Teresa Mine Loop is a 1.9 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near San Jose, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running.
Distance: 1.9 miles Difficulty: Easy
Penitencia Creek Trail
Joey Le/AllTrails
Penitencia Creek Trail is a 3.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near San Jose, California that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
AllTrails helps connect us to the outdoors and makes getting outside easier and more accessible. Home to the largest collection of hand-curated trail guides, with AllTrails you can search for and navigate trails, parks, and green spaces, or use filters to find your next favorite trail.
Many small businesses across the country are trying to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. In collaboration with five local coffee roasters, Keurig is launching its own line of limited-edition K-Cup Pods. Proceeds from the sales of the Keurig Love Blend will go directly back to support each of the five roasters to aid in their rebuilding efforts and road to recovery in their respective communities.
The Keurig Love Blend will be sold in a 40ct variety pack, including 10 light roast, 15 medium roast and 15 dark roast recyclable Keurig K-Cup Pods for $24.99.
In production now the Keurig Love Blend is expected to ship in the next four weeks and will be available for purchase while supplies last.
The Brew the Love Together roaster partners include:
Deaton and Chelsea Pigot, co-owners of Tectonic Coffee Roasters in Los Angeles, CA
Marcus Hollinger, Aaron Fender and John Onwuchekwa, co-owners of Portrait Coffee in Atlanta, GA
Michelle Martinez, owner of Hero Coffee Bar in Chicago, IL
Matt Cronin, owner of Mojo Coffee Roasters in New Orleans, LA
Sean Donnelly, owner of Mighty Oak Coffee Roasters in Astoria, Queens NY
With virtual classes still going strong around the Bay Area, it’s time to up your online game with free Zoom backgrounds that help kids show their Bay Area spirit. They can support local sports teams, feature their favorite zoo animal and even ride the iconic cable cars on the steep streets of San Francisco. Find your favorite to download and get those kids ready to Zoom!
The Redwoods
Michael Macor / The Chronicle
Step out into nature with this gorgeous Zoom background of our favorite tree, the California Coastal Redwood.
Hop on over to the Gallery of California Natural Sciences at the Oakland Museum of California where you can snag this gorgeous photo of a colorful crustacean.
What better summer combo than kids, dogs, and the great outdoors? While the pandemic may have put a damper on many favorite summer activities, our city’s public parks remain open and safe, with plenty of space for socially-distant exercise. Get your energetic small beings out for a romp in one of Portland’s many kid-friendly dog parks. Read on for the details on our faves!
Just beneath Sellwood Bridge and along the Willamette River, this park has an open grassy area officially designated for off-leash pooches to play (but locals know that dogs run the show along the sandy beach area as well.) Dogs who love to splash, swim, and fetch are happiest here. After playtime, snap on the leash again for a wander with your kiddo through the wooded trails that depart from the riverfront park.
With a duck pond and meandering trails through deep shade, this is the perfect oasis for a summertime run with kids and dogs. Keep your dog on-leash near the pond while your kid scopes out the baby ducks, geese, and maybe even a tadpole or two. The off-leash area abutting Oak Street is unfenced and large enough for letting Fido get his crazies out.
This sprawling park in the unassuming outer Southeast neighborhood of Lents has a popular unfenced off-leash area, located right near the community garden. There are plenty of trees, squirrels, and other dogs to keep things interesting for playful pups. Bags and a water spigot are available. After running your dog, watch gardeners at work in the community garden. Ask politely to enter and walk respectfully through the paths to admire the lush gardens. Dogs must be leashed in the garden as well as uphill from the off-leash area, where a ½-mile wooded walking loop offers more room to wander with a wiggly little one. Check out Walker Stadium or play in the sun for a little bit before you head home.
With plenty of room for your dog to run, this unfenced off-leash dog park is close to open areas for tennis, horseshoes and softball. Bring trustworthy dogs and kids who know to keep away from cars, as the off-leash area abuts a busy street.
The fenced dog park at the base of this beloved Southeast park (and dormant volcano!) is on an incline that dogs love running up and down. Let ‘em run, then leash up and hike up the winding trails with your little one. Bring a stroller or backpack for tiny hikers so you can take in the spectacular city views from the peak.
This city park in the Northeast offers a popular fenced-in dog park with water and a bag dispenser. It’s flat and well-shaded, making it a great option on hot days– and there’s even a separate area for smaller dogs. Trails, ball courts, and shaded open areas offer many options for outdoor play with your kiddo afterward.
This large 5-acre off-leash area is off the beaten path and completely fenced, though it’s a low-enough fence that truly motivated dogs might be able to get out. Large shade trees keep active canines cool, with a water spigot inside the dog park. Bring your own poop bags. There’s a pedestrian bridge connecting Chimney Park to nearby Pier Park, so pack a lunch and explore with your little one. Both parks tend to be less crowded than other popular parks close to the city center.
Just next to Joseph Lane School, this small fenced dog park has a bag dispenser. Bring water for your thirsty pooch! A great option for puppies and dogs who are still learning to listen. Bring wheels and scoot around on the tennis court or walk along the paths afterward (with puppy leashed, of course.)
Under large shade trees, this popular 2-acre dog park has picnic tables and benches where your kiddo can color or read while doggy plays. Afterward, leash up and take a walk through the park’s trails.
When you welcome a new baby into your family, you are equipped with a car seat, a stroller and a crib but have you given any thought to how you are going to prepare to send your little one off to college. Acorns Financial will provide Acorns Early free to babies born in 2020. Now it is even easier to invest in your child’s future.
With an Early, a UGMA/UTMA account parents have the tools to save and invest beginning at any age. Early funds can be used for anything that benefits the child, and custodians may see tax advantages while they invest, before easily transferring the account when the child is an adult. Acorns Early features automated Recurring Investments, an interactive Potential graph to view the power of compounding, exclusive Found Money offers, and custom financial literacy content, developed in partnership with CNBC. As part of the release, Acorns has introduced a $5 monthly tier, Acorns Family. Customers in this tier get Acorns Early, plus all-in-one investing, retirement, and checking accounts, Smart Deposit, personalized insurance options, and tools to earn more money. To support as many families as possible, Acorns will allow multiple children per Family account, at no added cost.
“We have always been guided by our mission to look after the financial best interests of the up-and-coming,” said Acorns CEO, Noah Kerner. “If we begin as early as birth, we have the opportunity to change the financial outcomes of an entire generation.”
To support its goal of 1 million Acorns children in one year, and boost customers on their family’s financial wellness journey, the company is kicking off a referral campaign today. Any new Early customers will receive a $50 bonus investment for every friend they refer, and each friend will receive a $10 bonus.
“Early is special for me as a mom, but it feels even more important this year,” said Kennedy Reynolds, mother of three, author of the children’s book, “Grow Your Oak,” and Acorns Chief Brand Officer. “Alongside our customers, we can level the playing field, and get our kids financially ready for whatever comes their way.”
Acorns is accessed simply and easily via the app for iPhone, Android or desktop. Visit Acorns.com for more.
To those of you who haven’t gone into full “shelter in place” yet, 20 tips from your friend on the other side:
1. Your local pharmacy will feel like Saks on Fifth Avenue before too long. Going in here is a treat. Don some gloves, grab a trolley and saunter those aisles as slowly as you please. Bypass the toilet paper aisle, we both know it will be futile.
2. Your local grocery store will feel like Harrods Food Hall. Spotting a jar of pasta sauce and a packet of penne will feel like you’ve found a truffle under an oak tree. Savor the moment.
3. Don’t buy tins of tuna. Not even the dog will eat it.
4. Buy pencils. Lots of them. Preferably pre-sharpened. They don’t make sharpeners like they used to.
5. Open a Zoom account. Stat.
6. Get an Ipad stand so you don’t have to use family heirlooms to keep the Ipads in place during class.
7. Get your hair colored immediately.
8. Buy root spray. If you were too late for #7.
9. Get your nails done.
10. Buy nail clippers and a nail file. Learn how to use them.
11. Get your eyebrows waxed. And other parts if you need to.
12. Buy razors. See above.
13. Realize that by Day 7 things are going to start to fall apart.
14. Set up Zoom cocktail hours with your buddies. See above.
15. Get 30 minutes of fresh air a day. From a distance.
16. Get your neighbors email addresses and phone numbers and don’t be afraid to use them.
17. Clear out your freezer of last year’s “I’m sure I’ll eat that one day” leftovers and fill it with pizzas, frozen fruit and veges and bread. ALL the bread.
18. Buy ice cube trays.
19. Wash your hands every time you say to yourself “when will this end?”
20. Take comfort that the whole world is in this together and we will all triumph together. And then we will hug.
I am an Aussie who has lived in the Bay Area of San Francisco for 6 years with my 2 adorable boys and their pretty awesome Dad. I believe we get to choose our mood and attitude each day and I ALWAYS choose positive!