Human beings are designed to do life together. Days feel infinitely more full and joyful when we share them with others. But it isn’t just moments of celebration that draw us close. It is the act of calling upon each other in times of desperation that truly knits us into a unit.
When my mother’s health took a turn for the worse last month, I discovered anew how laying groundwork within relationships pays off. It is the solid foundation of forever friends and familial bonds that provides strength and support when we need it the most.
In this season of gratitude, I feel especially thankful for the friends who cared for my husband and kids so I could take a few days off from mom life to focus on my role as a daughter and care for my ailing mother.
My mom prides herself in being a strong, successful and independent woman. She has her life under as much control as possible—an immaculate home, thorough files, strategically-planned retirement and detailed travel itineraries. She had plans to visit her seventh continent this fall, but a pesky tumor forced her to slow down and reach out for help.
Neighbors and friends covered the first week until I was able to fly out. Like mother, like daughter. Just as my mom called upon her own network, so did I. I enlisted the help of my “village” so that I could travel across the country to serve as a crucial member of her support network in her season of need.
I ached for ways to help, both tangibly and emotionally. My primary love language is Acts of Service. This is how I both feel loved and express my love for others. So, the best way for me to care for my mother was to show up in person and provide some helping hands and feet.
I tucked my mom in to her nest on the couch and baked fresh bread, changed lightbulbs and typed up her financial affairs, rolled the recycling bins out to the curb and listened to stories about family heirlooms. In other words, I got to be a grown-up daughter.
In the process of helping my mother in California, I opened myself up to experience the love of my friends in New York. They stepped up to take care of the needs around my home that arose because of my absence. Yes, my husband could have managed dinner each day, but I cherished the opportunity to say yes to friends offering to deliver meals. I could feel their love flowing clear across the country on the evenings they stopped by our apartment. Rotisserie chicken, bread and broccoli showed up at our door to nourish my kids and husband, and in that instant my heart was fed as well.
I have four kids and a life full of responsibilities in New York City, but the foundation I’ve laid over the last decade made it possible to step out of my regular routine for five days to make a difference in my mother’s quality of life. Here are three ideas to make this feasible in your life too.
1. Nurture relationships with a few dear family friends who understand and love your kids. It helps if they also have the bandwidth and desire to help. Should an emergency come your way, it will be less of a shock to their system if your kids already know and trust these friends.
2. Empower your spouse by encouraging them to foster friendships too. How? Chat up other parents at birthday parties, invite another family along apple picking, or join forces navigating the trick-or-treat crowds. I had lined up friends to help with school pickups and drop-offs during my trip so my husband could work, but I left the weekend schedule open for him to figure out. Because my husband had already invested in some neighborhood friendships, he was comfortable texting several families to plan playdates for the weekend I was away. The result? They had a blast! They cheered on a friend running the marathon, hosted an impromptu pizza party, and swung from tree limbs in Central Park.
3. Look out for ways to give and receive help, and in so doing, you will strengthen your relationship web. There’s something beautiful about shouldering one another’s burdens. Sure, we can take care of our own basic needs. But isn’t it lovely to let others care for you in a way that frees you up to, in turn, care for others? It makes life less lonely and more purpose-filled. It’s not lost on me that I have been granted these loving friendships so that I can turn around and pour out that love on others in my life. I am blessed in order to be a blessing.
Will my kids inherit this culture of generosity and care? I hope so! I pray that they will grow up to truly value the relationships in their lives. Then, when I am old and gray and need my adult children to come take care of me, it will be their turn to joyfully draw upon their own foundational friendships.
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.
There’s nothing quite like snuggling up in a cozy reading nook and getting lost in a good book. With so many titles out there, how do you know what will be a hit and what will be a bust? To help you out, we’ve created the ultimate list of 100+ classic kids’ books they’ve got to read before they turn 12. How many new titles can you add to your regular reading list?
1. Wonder by R. J. Palacio Fifth-grader Auggie Pullman is about to enter Beecher Prep for the first time. But unlike most of the kids there, he’s never been to school with his peers because of a birth defect that kept him from attending a mainstream school. What challenges will Auggie face? Your whole family will marvel at this debut novel by author, R. J. Palacio. Ages 8-12. Buy it here.
2. We Are Water Protectorsby Carole Lindstrom and Michaela Goade Inspired by Native-led movements to protect the environment, this beautiful book won the Caldecott Medal in 2021. Written by an Indigenous-author-illustrator team is an urgent cry to protect the Earth's water from pollution and harm. Ages 3-6. Buy it here.
3. The Crossover by Kwame Alexander Written in fast-moving verse that mirrors the pace of bouncing balls on the basketball court, this novel follows the life of two brothers, Josh and Jordan Bell as they navigate life both on and off the court. Ages 10-12. Buy it here.
4. Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn Proving books can be a point of inspiration, young bookworm Lola decides to grow a garden of her own after reading a garden-themed poem. With her Mommy in tow, they head to the library to research before choosing seeds and flowers and then get down to planting. What a great book for growing imagination! Ages 2-5. Buy it here.
5.The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein "Once there was a tree ... and she loved a little boy." It only takes one read for this story of unconditional love to stick with your munchkins forever. Read it before bedtime or have them tackle it on their own. Ages 5-7. Buy it here.
6. Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt Written by mom Dorothy Kunhardt, this classic lets hands-on tots get interactive with fur, sandpaper, mirrors, and more. There's even an app version for the iPad and iPhone that comes with background music and sound effects. Ages 18 months & up. Buy it here.
7. The Day the Crayons Quitby Drew Daywalk This clever picture book, released in 2015, will leave your kids in stitches as they read compliments and legit complaints written as an epistolary to young Duncan from his crayons. It seems they’ve unionized and won’t go back on duty until Duncan listens to their concerns, which he does in the most colorful and creative of ways! Ages 3-7. Buy it here.
11. Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson Harold and his big imagination take a purple crayon out for a walk under the moon one night. As he draws his own adventures, he comes across a pie-only picnic, a monster guarding an apple tree and a friendly policeman who finally points him in the right direction—back home to the comfort of his own bed. It’s a classic for a reason. Get the scoop on more classics to read with your sidekick here. Ages 4-7. Get yours here.
12. Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld Fans of Toy Story and Cars are not going to get enough of this one. Complete with catchy rhymes for smooth read-aloud flow, old-fashioned illustrations and machines with personality, Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site will be sure to cement going to bed as something to look forward to. Ages 1-3 (& up). Buy it here.
13. The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles This is a beautifully illustrated and well-told true story of the six-year-old Ruby Bridges who, in 1960, was the first African-American to attend an all-white school. Children will relate to the emotions and courage throughout the story. It’s an excellent example of connecting kids to history in a way they won’t forget. Ages 5-9. Buy it now.
14. Pinkalicious by Victoria Kann It's a modern fairytale that could have inspired Katy Perry's entire career. After reading about a girl who turns blushing-red from eating too many pink cupcakes, your princesses and princes will be happy to eat their greens. Filled with bright colors, humor and a surprise at the very end, Pinkalicious is a great energetic read for pink fiends. Ages 5-7. Shop it here.
15. Chameleon's Colors by Chisato Tashiro Chameleon wants to stop changing colors, but Lion, Hippo, Elephant and all the other animals of the jungle would love to change their stripes. But the chaos that ensues with these colorful coats, soon makes Chameleon very grateful with his own skin. Your tiny animals will love the bright colors and patterns, but may not like how the entire jungle chases Chameleon at the end. Ages 4-8. Get it now.
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16. The Bee Bookby DK, Emma Tennant & Fergus Chadwick Get ready to learn all about one of the hardest-working creatures out there: the honeybee. Kids will learn how bees talk to one another, the life of a queen bee, and what a worker bee actually does. Discover how much bees matter, why they're declining, and what everyone can do to help the bee population. Ages 5-8. Get a copy here.
17. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson Jacqueline Woodson’s novel, written in verse, chronicles her life growing up in the Civil Rights era. Caught between two worlds, one black and one white, one New York and one South Carolina, each of the book’s poems weaves in another strand of her life’s history, as she tries to both find and define her place in the world. Ages 10 & up. Buy today.
18. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Dayby Judith Viorst Looks like Alexander’s got a case of the “Mondays.” He’s got gum stuck in his hair; he gets the hump seat on the ride to school; He’s served lima beans at lunch. What else could go wrong? Find out when you read this classic kids book. Ages 6-9. Buy it now.
19.Llama, Llama, Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney Infectious rhymes make this book an ideal and memorial bedtime tale for your sleepers. On top of the amazing artwork and detailed facial expression of the baby llama, Llama, Llama, Red Pajama also teaches kids patience and reassurance that mom is not far away. Ages 2-5. Buy it here.
20.Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems With Dad in charge, a trip to the laundromat is blissful fun until Trixie leaves her Knuffle Bunny behind. New Yorkers will especially love the black and white photos of Brooklyn, which are paired with colorful illustrations. Get your mini-me's favorite toy ready, they'll be asking for it after the last page. Ages 2-5. Get your copy here.
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21. Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh There's no sugarcoating friendships and mean girls when it comes to Harriet the Spy. When Harriet's friends find her notebook with all the truthful but awful things about them, Harriet has to find a way to mend her friendships. It's a lengthy, but great, beginner's read into the world of novels. Age 9 & up.Buy it here.
22. The Princess in Black series by Shannon & Dean Hale Princess Magnolia may live the frilly life of a typical pink-ified princess, but her alter ego, the Princess in Black, lives the life many little girls dream of—fighting monsters to save sheep in this beginning reader chapter book series. But don’t worry, she does typical princess things too, like throw a rocking party and vacation at the beach. It’s all in a day’s work for this power girl! Ages 5-8. Buy it here.
23. On the Night You Were Bornby Nancy Tillman It turns out you weren’t the only one celebrating on the night your sweet baby was born. In this magically illustrated tale, kids discover all the other creatures and elements from the natural world who lauded their arrival. From the polar bears who danced until dawn to the smiling night moon and the whispering wind and rain, everyone in this book is excited to meet this newly-minted one-and-only you. Ages 1-4. Get your copy here.
24. The Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park If you’ve got a kid with sass (or were a kid with sass!) this is the series for you. Start with Junie B.’s adventures in kindergarten and read along as she progresses through school dealing with all the typical issues, like a stupid, smelly school bus, friend jealousy, tooth loss and more. Ages 6-9. Buy yours here.
25.Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd For cuddlers who are embarking on their first night alone, Goodnight Moon is a perfect fit. Everything (mostly) rhymes in this story as Bunny says goodnight to everything around him. Ages 2-6. Get it here.
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26. The Harry Potter seriesby J.K. Rowling Got a pre-teen who hates reading? Hand them Harry Potter. Praised for inspiring kids to read, the Harry Potter series is an entirely new world to explore. And thanks to Rowling's penchant for being extremely detailed, things from the book have become real-life—Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, anyone? Of course, read the books before watching the movies. Ages 11 & up. Get your set here.
27. Sweet People Are Everywhereby Alice Walker This gorgeously sweet poem by the beloved writer Alice Walker is a testimonial to the goodness throughout the world, accompanied by illustrations QuimTorres. Ages 5-8. Buy it now.
28. Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing by Judy Blume By popular children's author Judy Blume (Are You There God, It's Me Margaret), Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing is an entertaining read about Peter, a nine-year-old boy, who learns how to get along with his lil' brother Fudge. Ages 9 & up. Get in now.
29. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl Candy lovers who will get a sugar high from all the delectable descriptions in Roald Dahl's arguably most famous work. When Charlie Bucket gets the most coveted golden ticket to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, a tasty adventure that'll stretch kids' creativity like everlasting gum. Ages 8-12. Buy it here.
30. Mama, Do You Love Me?by Barbara M. Joosse A gorgeously illustrated picture book that answers the question every kid wonders about—mama, will you still love me if I … With thoughtful reassurances this Inuit mother lets her daughter know that yes, even when she puts lemmings in her mukluks or pours water onto the fire, she will love her always and forever, dear one. Ages 2 & up. Get it here.
31. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle Who knew a hole puncher was an inspiration to one of the most famous children's books in the world? Kids will delight in reading (and counting) all the treats that the caterpillar combs through while learning about metamorphosis. Plus, there's almost nothing as much fun as poking your finger through the holes of each food. Ages 2-6. Get it here.
32. Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesa Cavallo Don’t let the title fool you: this recent collection is appropriate for boys and girls, anytime, day or night. Beautifully illustrated, the book contains the life snapshots of 100 heroic women, told in a voice that kids can relate to. Ages 4-101. Buy it now.
33. The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch Princess Elizabeth has a very nice life until a dragon burns it all (including her clothes) to the ground and takes off with her prince. Follow along as the spunky and brave protagonist dons a paper bag and rescues the prince (who turns out to be a dud) instead of waiting to be rescued herself. This classic children's book has a strong feminist message and is a lot of fun. Ages 4-7. Get your copy here.
34. Elephant & Piggie series by Mo Willems Pink and grey may become your sidekick's favorite colors after getting through this early reader series. The comic book style sets it apart from most children's books, with Piggie's speech in pink and Gerald's (the elephant) in grey. Ages 3-5. Get it here.
35. Caps for Sale: A Tale of a Peddler, Some Monkeys and Their Monkey Businessby Esphyr Slobodkina This humorous story of a peddler chasing after mischievous monkeys for his hats will have your teeny rascal holding their stomach in stitches. A twist on the saying, "Monkey see, monkey do," Caps for Sale is a timeless read-aloud with repetitive sentences that invite listeners to join in. Ages 4-8. Buy it now.
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36. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr and Eric Carle Does your toddler have the makings of an Eye-Spy pro? Designed to help tykes associate colors and meaning to objects, Carle's memorable illustrations along with Bill Martin Jr.'s sing-song text will really get their search gears kicking. Ages 2-5. Get your copy here.
37. Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper As Mazie listens to the tale of her great-great-great Grandpa Mose, she learns about the history of African American freedom that started in the cotton fields when Texas slaves finally learned they were free—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It moves through other Civil Rights milestones before Mazie heads off to celebrate freedom with her own family. Interested in reading more about the history of African Americans in America? Put some of these on your reading list. Ages 6-9. Get it today.
38. Diary of A Wimpy Kids series by Jeff Kinney Originally a web series that was brought to life by popular demand, Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a fictional middle schooler's musings of his daily adventures. Just like a kid's diary, the series' books are filled with hand-written notes and simple drawings to go along with the text. Ages 8-12. Get it now.
39. Holes by Louis Sachar Wrong place, wrong time, but nevertheless extremely lucky—Stanley Yelnats IV's time in Camp Green Lake will have you0 campers swallowing the book whole. Ages 8-12. Buy it now.
40. The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood This is a lovely ode to the quiet things in life: “coloring in the lines quiet,” “right before you yell, ‘SURPRISE!’ quiet,” “bedtime kiss quiet.” The tone and gentle illustrations (featuring porcupines and teddy bears and other humorous animals) make it just right for settling down before sleep. Ages 3-8. Buy it here.
41.The Sisters Grimm Series by Michael Buckley After their parents disappeared, sisters Sabrina and Daphne Grimm were passed from one foster home to the next. Until a grandmother they thought died long ago comes to claim them, and the story she tells them changes their lives forever! Living among the Everafters (we have a feeling you’ll recognize them all), they solve a different fairy tale mystery in every book. Ages 8-12. Shop them here.
42. El Deafoby Cece Bell Introduce your kids to a new kind of superhero with Cece Bell’s autobiographical graphic novel, El Deafo. Losing her hearing at age four, and getting a Phonic Ear to help her hear separated Cece from her classmates, family and friends. But once she figures out she gained some “super” abilities too, she finds her place in the world. Ages 8-12. Get it now.
43. Schomburg: The Man Who Built A Library by Carole Boston Weatherford Afro-Puerto Rican immigrant and hero Arturo Schomburg was a law clerk with a passion: he collected books, letters, art and music from Africa and the African diaspora. Find out how he turned his passion into the curated “Negro Division” collection at the New York Public Library in 1905 when you read this picture book replete with little-known history. Ages 9-12. Get yours here.
44. Last Stop on Market Streetby Matt de la Peña It all starts with a question—“Nana, how come we don’t got a car?”—and the story of young C.J. and the wisdom his grandma imparts is off and running, just like the bus they ride down Market Street after church on Sundays. This simple story about the perspective only grandparents can give their grandkids won the Caldecott Honor award in 2016. Ages 3-5. Buy it now.
45. No, David! by David Shannon The story behind this story is almost as cute as the book itself. When he was five, author David Shannon wrote a book about how he broke all of his mother’s house rules. This is the re-telling of that story. It’s a simple one where David keeps getting into trouble, as curious kids are want to do, and his mother keeps reminding him, “No, David!” Ages 4-8. Get it here.
46. Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood From seventeen acclaimed Black male and non-binary authors, and edited by bestselling author Kwame Mbalia, comes a vibrant collection of stories, comics, and poems about the power of joy and the wonders of Black boyhood. Get it here.
47. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak With only 338 words and beautiful illustrations, Sendak's chronicle of Max and the Wild Things will stick with your lil' king long after they've grown out of their tantrums. Reign over curious monsters, and find comfort in a bowl of soup with this classic story. Ages 4-8. Buy it now. .
49. The Fun Jungle series by Stuart Gibbs For any kid who wished they lived at Disney World, this story’s for you! Teddy Fitzroy’s parents work with exotic animals at the world-renown theme park—Fun Jungle—one as a photographer, the other a biologist, which puts Teddy and his mystery-solving sidekick Summer at the center of things when animals go missing. Currently, there are four books in this entertaining series by Stuart Gibbs. Ages 8-12. Get them here.
50. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis Despite not having a single clue what Turkish Delights were, our mouths were watering for some right at the beginning of C.S. Lewis' most famous work. Pick The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (or start from the beginning of The Chronicles of Narnia with The Magician's Nephew) for a truly epic tale of good versus evil. There's magic, talking animals, complex characters and a huge battle at the end. Ages 8 & up. Buy it now.
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51. There’s a Wocket in My Pocket by Dr. Seuss Sometimes we all feel quite certain there’s a jertain in the curtain ... this classic, wonderful, whimsical book of rhyme encourages young readers to get creative and silly with language. Ages 2-3. Get it here.
52. Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan In a story about overcoming the obstacles life throws at you, this book by Pam Munoz Ryan stands out. Forced by circumstances, Esperanza and her Mama trade a pampered life in Mexico for the life of Mexican farmworkers in California during the Great Depression. As uplifting as it’s the title, this is a must-read for older kids. Ages 8-12. Buy it now.
53. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Skyby Kwame Mbalia The first book in a trilogy, this book punched a hole in the amazing-novels-for-middle-graders scene. During a month at his grandparent's house which he thinks is going to be boring, Tristan Strong, ends up on an unexpected adventure encountering figures from both West African gods along with African American folk heroes. Not the summer he was expecting. Ages 9-12. Get it here.
54. Stone Soup This folktale hails from many countries, but the core message of cooperation and kindness remain the same. Read this story while boiling away, it really does make a clever recipe. There are dozens of variations available. Ages 4-8. Get it now.
56. My Heart Fills with Happinessby Monique Gray Smith What makes your little one happy? Reflect on the joy of simple things, like holding hands, drumming and the smell of warm bannock baking in the oven (psst … it’s a type of fry bread) as you turn the pages of this brightly illustrated board book. A gorgeous vehicle for an oft-needed reminder! Ages 2-4. Buy it here.
57. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats Explore a tranquil winter wonderland with Peter, an African-American boy who dons a rather iconic red suit. Keats' illustrations have a humble and peaceful aura that makes us eager for winter. Ages 3-5. Buy it today.
58. Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans This seven-year-old French girl will have your maestros claiming how much they love their bread, butter and most of all, each other. Madeline's chic outfits and polite behavior will have you saying, "Oui," whenever this story is pulled from the shelves. Age 3-8. Get it now.
59. Forest Worldby Margarita Engle This newly released novel follows Edver as he travels from America to Cuba to visit family he barely knows, including an older sister Luza. The two work together trying to get their mother to visit, and get mixed up in some serious business while they’re at it. A blending of culture, technology and time, this book is an engaging read for older kids. Ages 10 & up. Buy it here.
60. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle Travel between universes and go on an adventure that digs into the meaning of family bonding and friendship. Note to sensitive bookworms: The plot can get dark and teems with unsavory characters. Ages 10 & up. Get it here.
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61. Make Way for Ducklingsby Robert McCloskey There's a statue in Boston Public Garden of McCloskey's mother duck and her eight ducklings. Your fluffy waddler is going to want to visit the Boston park after seeing all the popular spots on paper. Ages 6-8. Get it here.
62. Corduroy by Don Freeman Everyone loves teddy bears, and there's no furry friend more lovable than Corduroy. This small teddy bear in overalls, waiting to become someone's best friend, is a classic story for all generations. Ages 3 & up. Buy it now.
63. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman This award-winner is a fanciful tale about a boy named Bod, who was raised in a graveyard by the ghoulies and ghosts who live there. Caught between two worlds, the living and the dead, he’s got challenges to face. Will he be up to the task? Ages 10 & up. Get it here.
64. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by John Scieszka For those who know that the truth is out there, you’ve gotta get your hands on The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. Told by the Big Bad Wolf (from the comfort of his jail cell many years after the incident) he proclaims his innocence and insists it was all a misunderstanding. Ages 5-8. Buy it here.
65. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss Written using only a variety of 50 words, Green Eggs and Ham is a great pre-reading book that even we enjoy perusing through again and again. The pickiest toddlers might even learn a thing or two about trying anything once. Ages 3-7. Get it here.
66. The Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen and Kevin Hawkes A lion in the library should cause chaos, but not in this case! This charming story teaches kids to follow the rules but also helps to develop their own judgment on when it's okay to break them. Ages 4-8. Buy it now.
67. Little Kunoichi, The Ninja Girl by Sanae Ishida She trains in a secret ninja school on a secret island. But, truth be told, Little Kunoichi has lots to learn about being a skilled ninja. She trains shugyo style, with determined enlightenment, alongside her friend Chibi Samurai, in preparation for the schools’ Island Festival. Ages 3-7. Get it today.
68. Charlotte's Webby E. B. White and Garth Williams Many of us can credit Charlotte's Web for teaching us the words "humble," "radiant" and "salutations." Remember to prepare tissues for this story of love, friendship and community. Ages 8-11. Buy it now.
69. Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Behar A compelling coming-of-age story, Lucky Broken Girl remembers the author’s early years, her immigration to New York from Cuba and the devastating car crash that left her confined to bed in a body cast. A powerful read about the strength of the human spirit. Ages 10-12. Get it here.
70. The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds For anyone who’s ever felt they weren’t creative enough, this uplifting story was written for you. Vashti, a young artist, turns a simple dot she drew out of frustration into a prolific installation all her own. Ages 4 & up. Get it here.
71. The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf All timid bull Ferdinand wants to do is sit under his cork tree in the shade and smell the flowers. But a case of mistaken ability leads Ferdinand to the bullfights in Madrid, where he comes face to face with the Banderilleros, Picadores and the brave Matador who, try as they might, just can’t get him to fight. Ages 3-5. Get it here.
72. Who's Driving? by Leo Timmers Figure out who is driving what vehicle! Is it the rabbit, the snake, the pig or any of the other adorable animals that trot through the pages? Timmers' book is a guessing game and story all in one. Ages 2-5. Buy it here.
73. Olivia the Pig series by Ian Falconer Featured on stamps, TV shows and even on an iPad app, Olivia the Pig is one of the most beloved characters of children's stories. Olivia's love for life will rub off on even the quietest of kids. Ages 3-5. Check them out here.
74. I Stink by Kate & Jim McMullan It’s hard to pick just one of these books, told from the POV of the machine and detailing a night on the job. In I Stink we find a belching dual-op garbage truck. We’re also fans of I’m Dirty (backhoe), I’m Cool (a Zamboni) and I’m Brave (fire truck). Get them all! We won’t stop you. 4 & up. Buy it here.
75. I Dissent, Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy A non-fiction picture book that walks kids through the life and accomplishments of the Notorious RBG, readers will learn tons about this famous sitting Supreme Court Justice. From her early life New York to her days in law school where she was one of nine women in a program of over 500 men, to the fact that according to her family, she can’t cook a pot roast to save her life, little tidbits of inspiration are scattered throughout this easy-to-read bio. Ages 4-8. Get your copy today.
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76. Love the Worldby Todd Parr The latest bright and boldly illustrated book by Todd Parr, Love the World sends a message of positivity to young readers everywhere. With Parr’s trademark simplicity, the author invites everyone to love—the world, your face, your space, your walk … and the list goes on. Ages 3-6. Buy it now.
77. Click, Clack, Moo, Cows that Type by Doreen Cronin A book that answers the question, what would happen if farm animals could communicate, this fun romp details a long-coming standoff between Farmer Brown and his cows. Their demand? Blankets to keep them warm in the barn at night. The hilarious back-and-forth negotiations will leave you and your kids LOL-ing during story time. Ages 5-7. Get yours today.
78. Frog and Toad collection by Arnold Lobel Sledding in winter to eating ice cream on hot summer days, Frog and Toad are best friends who go on leisurely adventures. These five poignant short stories are an ideal start for new readers. Ages 4-8. Buy it now.
79. Old Turtle by Douglas Wood If illustrations are your kid’s jam, put this picture book on your bookshelf. In it, Old Turtle explains the nature of creation and God through a series of wise and spiritually focused answers. Simply beautiful storytelling. Ages 4-8. Get yours today.
80. I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen Have you seen my hat? Gentle bear is on the lookout for his missing red cap, and guess where he finds it? This is one of those books that doesn’t require words on every page to tell the story and will leave your kiddos guessing and giggling. As fun to read for grown-ups as for littles. Don’t miss: This Is Not My Hat and We Found a Hat. Ages 4-8. Buy it now.
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81. The Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo Mr. & Mrs. Watson don’t have any children, but they do have Mercy, the porcine wonder, and she keeps them just as busy. You can always count on wild romps in these early chapter books by Kate DiCamillo, like Mercy’s hankering for buttered toast that requires a fire department response, or her search for buttered popcorn that leaves an outdoor movie theater in shambles. Ages 6-9. Get yours today.
82. The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan With the release of The Lightning Thief, author Rick Riordan proved what English majors have known for generations—myths are some of the coolest stories around! Follow the adventures of ADHD high schooler Percy Jackson as he diligently works to figure out who stole Zeus’ lightning bolt (in the first book), and then keeps Kronos from taking over the world (throughout the rest of the series). Ages 10-14. Buy it now.
83.Press Here by Herve Tullet A totally interactive book that asks readers to press dots, move the book around and all manner of things making each page a surprise. Watch as each page brings multiplying dots and more. It’s funny and clever. They’ll read it on repeat. Ages 2-6. Get it today.
84. My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett This classic and Newbery honor book was first published in 1940, starring Elmer Elevator. Elmer packs his bag (with two dozen pink lollipops, rubber bands, chewing gum, and a fine-toothed comb) and heads out on a rescue mission to save a flying baby dragon. Ages 4-8. Buy it now.
85. Clementine by Sara Pennypacker Clever, creative and not-so-common third-grader Clementine lives in an apartment building in the city with her artistic parents: she’s like a modern-day Ramona Quimby who tackles all the big issues: being sent to the principal’s office, getting a new sibling, having a best friend who is opposite of her, and more. There are more books in the series too! Ages 7-10. Get it now.
86. The Mysterious Benedict Society books by Trenton Lee Stewart This excellent collection features genius orphans battling an evil villain. Older kids will love trying to solve brainteasers and mysteries. Ages 10 & up. Get it here.
87. Rainbow Fishby Marcus Pfister Sometimes being special makes you feel like an outsider. But when the Rainbow Fish learns to share his gift with others, he makes friends easily. This classic from your childhood is another good one to share with your little bookworm. Ages 4-8. Get it now.
88. Goodnight Ganeshaby Nadia Saloman Told with stunning illustrations by Pooam Mistry, Nadia Saloman's bedtime story explores the rich beauty of an Indian night. Children will follow along with the rhyming prose as grandparents and grandchildren get ready for bed. Ages 3-7. Get it here.
89. The Spooky Old Treeby Stan & Jan Berenstain Simple rhymes and repetition make this Berenstain Bears book a good one for beginning readers. The illustrations make the larger-than-life spooky old tree come alive, as the three bears make their way across alligator-infested waters, through a creepy hall and over a great sleeping bear, before finally landing safely back at home with Mama Bear. Ages 2-5. Buy it now.
90. Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis This Newberry Award winner is set in Flint, Michigan in 1936, and centers around the story of Bud Caldwell, a 10-year-old orphan. After escaping an untenable foster situation, Bud and his friend Bugs head West in search of his father, Herman E. Calloway, a musician. What Bud learns and who he finds, in the end, will keep you turning the pages of this novel. Ages 8-12. Buy it here.
Pixaby
91. Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty This best-selling book about a little girl with big dreams has equally fun spin-offs (Iggy Peck, Architect and Ada Twist, Scientist). The illustrations support the theme with a blocky font and grid background, and the bouncy rhyme begs to be read aloud. The awesome hook here is that Rosie is the great-niece of the famous Rosie the Riveter and is determined to follow in her aunt's groundbreaking footsteps. Ages 4-8. Buy it here.
92. The Ramona Quimby books by Beverly Cleary Short of simply writing “anything ever written by Beverly Cleary” we’re going to be choosy by adding her star novels featuring Ramona Quimby. Spend a few years hanging out with Ramona, Beezus, Howie and the other regulars on Klickitat Street. Ages 8-12.Shop them here.
93. Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin One of several books by the dynamic duo of author Adam Rubin and illustrator Daniel Salmieri, you’ll find yourself suggesting this one for story time again and again. Dragons love tacos but they can’t eat spicy food. When your house burns down, lesson learned. Right? We also love Secret Pizza Party and Robo-Sauce by this duo. Ages 3-7. Get your copy today.
94. The Quickest Kid in Clarksville by Pat Zietlow Miller Alta is the quickest kid in Clarksville, Tennessee, just like her idol, Wilma Rudolph, who went on to win three medals in the 1960 Olympics. Even though Alta has holes in her shoes and faces her toughest competition yet (a new girl with new shoes), she knows she can win, just like Wilma. From foot races to the big parade in Wilma’s honor, Alta shows what it means to be a true champion. Ages 5-8. Get it here.
95. The Lorax by Dr. Seuss It’s hard to not keep putting Dr. Seuss books on this list, but The Lorax holds a special place in the library of children’s books. In true Seussian genius, the greater issue of deforestation and industrialization is told in jolly, lulling rhymes. The best part is the message at the end: kids can help! Ages 6-9. Get it here.
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96. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry An important work of historical fiction, Lois Lowry’s Newberry Award winner offers young readers a glimpse into the Holocaust. Centered around two families living in Copenhagen during WWII, one Jewish, one not, the story chronicles the way a family helped rescue their Danish Jewish neighbors from being sent to a Concentration Camp. Ages 10-12. Get it here.
97. Stellaluna by Janell Cannon When a young fruit bat is separated from her mother, a bird family takes her under their wings to raise her. It doesn’t take long to see her bat behavior is different from that of the daytime adoptive family. But one night, Stellaluna is reunited with her bat family, but she learns that differences really make us all the same. Ages 4-7. Buy it today.
98. The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak Comedian B.J. Novak has written a book that is, not surprisingly, guaranteed to make kids laugh, mainly because it makes parents say ridiculous things. Designed to be read out loud by a grown-up, kids will request you read it again and again, even though it actually has no pictures. Ages 5-8. Get it here.
99. Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai A Newberry Medal and National Book Award signal the significance of this debut novel by Vietnamese writer Thanhha Lai. Loosely autobiographical, the story follows Ha and her family during the Vietnam War, when they are forced to sail to America (Alabama to be specific) after the Fall of Saigon. The free-verse style will capture your kid’s imagination as much as the compelling story will. Ages 8-12. Get it here.
100. Cuddly Critters for Little Geniusesby James and Susan Patterson. This follow-up to the Patterson's best-selling first book (Big Words for Little Geniuses) takes kids on an animal journey that leaves the cows, chickens and sheep in the barnyard. From swimmers to flyers and beyond, kids will discover the sloth, the wombat, the tarsier and much more. Charming illustrations complete the equation, making this book a must-have bookshelf addition. Ages 3-6.Buy now
101. The Night Diaryby Veera Hiranandani In 1947 India, 12-year-old Nisha is not sure where she belongs as a half-Muslim, half-Hindu in her country. When her father decides to leave Pakistan, Nisha and her family become refugees and embark on a long and challenging journey to find a new home. The hopeful and personal story of this family is told through Nisha's letters to her mother. Ages 8-12. Buy it today.
102. Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle Who doesn’t love the sing-songy rhymes of this toddler fave about a little blue truck, his animal friends and the need to slow down every once in a while? Blue and the farm animals he meets along the way help a big dump truck get unstuck from the mud with a bit of teamwork and a chorus of moo’s, baas and beep beep beeps. Ages 4-7. Get it now.
103. Goodnight Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann This adorably illustrated wordless picture book about a tired zookeeper and a mischievous gorilla puts kids in the narrator’s seat. They’ll have to pay close attention to the illustrations to get the full, hilarious story here. If books that put your kid to sleep are what you’re looking for, try these. Ages 1-3. Get it here.
104. Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin This touching story of a young girl with Asperger’s and her beloved dog, Rain, is set against the backdrop of a fictional hurricane that floods Rose’s rural town. During the storm, Rose’s dog disappears and her quest to find him brings her closer to friends, classmates and family. Ages 9-12. Buy it today.
105. One Crazy Summerby Rita Williams-Garcia One Crazy Summer is the story of three young sisters who set out from New York to spend a month in California with their poet mother. The year is 1968, and they soon find out the summer they have envisioned is far from the one they experience during their stay. This award-winning book is a fantastic snapshot of a moment in America’s history. Ages 8-12. Get it now.
This is a literary town, and not just for adults. NYC is home to not only many amazing children’s book authors and illustrators, but also spirited independent bookstores that sell — and support — their work. Read on to see some of the new fall releases for kids from local writers and illustrators we’re excited about. And don’t forget!: The Brooklyn Book Festival returns as a hybrid event with in-person and online programming from September 26 to October 4. Children’s Day is October 2, and is packed with events at which kids can meet authors and artists for kids of all ages—even some of the people below!
Major Makes History: From the Shelter to the White House
Harper Collins
From the mind that brought you New York Times best-selling bunny Marlon Bundo (and other animals advocating things like kindness and equity) comes the tale of President Biden’s friendship with his German shepherd, Major, the first shelter dog in the White House. Written by Jill Twiss and illustrated by Maribel Lechuga, the book is told in Major's voice, and is filled with Twiss’ signature humor and heart. Bonus: this picture book for ages four to eight also includes back matter about past presidential pets and information on adopting shelter animals.
Queens-based author Traci N. Todd and renowned illustrator Christian Robinson (Last Stop on Market Street) have collaborated on the first-ever American picture book biography of legend Nina Simone. This vibrant and illuminating book tells the story of little Eunice who grew up to become the acclaimed singer Nina Simone and her bold, defiant, and exultant legacy.
The latest in the New York Times best-selling series from Karina Yan Glaser, this book for kids ages eight to 12 follows a Harlem family as they try to find the perfect 40th birthday present for dad. Along the way, they learn a lot more about their mysterious grandparents. The fun and funny tale all goes down in Harlem, the NYC neighborhood Glaser calls home.
Writer Matthew Burgess and illustrator Kara Kramer (both Brooklyn residents) tell the story of artist, nun, educator and activist Corita Kent in this biography for ages six to 12. Made in close collaboration with the Corita Art Center, it includes reproductions of her colorful works, a chronology, and author and illustrator notes.
Brian Selznick (author of The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Wonderstruck and more) is back with Kaleidoscope, a story of two people bound to each other through time and space, memory and dreams. At the center of their relationship is a mystery about the nature of grief and love which will look different to each reader. Selznick brings his masterful storytelling ability to the book, illuminating how even the wildest tales can help us in the hardest times. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
On a Saturday morning, baby Dracula visits the zoo with his family, where baby Penguin lives with hers. But these intrepid young adventurers are not content with staying in their proper places. Baby Dracula slips into the Penguin House to spend the day eating, swimming, and hanging around, while baby Penguin waddles into the stroller to explore the rest of the zoo. Dracula’s family doesn’t even notice the switch—will they bring the right baby home?
Author of the smash hit Wonder R. J. Palacio's latest is Pony, a coming-of-age adventure that explores what it means to be courageous. After a harrowing night, a boy sets out on a quest to rescue his father, with only a ghost as his companion and a mysterious pony as his guide.
Set in the summer of 1987, this coming-of-age story is the debut middle-grade novel from best-selling author Gayle Forman. Bug's looking for someone to hang out with, but mom's busy and her brother is down on the boardwalk with his friends. The only one around is her neighbor's nephew Frankie, and she's less than thrilled. Over the course of the season, two become friends, helping each other learn about family, friendship, allyship, and finding your way in a complicated world. (P.S. the audio book is narrated by Stockard Channing!)
For the kids who spend a lot of time at the dojo (or watching Cobra Kai), check out this story of imagination and determination from Dan-ah Kim. A picture book featuring a young, female black belt, The Grandmaster’s Daughter is a celebration of teamwork and friendship for fans of The Three Ninja Pigs and Hello, Ninja.
The narrator wants to play hide and seek with Gordon and the reader, but kooky Gordon just wants to stand out. This madcap, fourth-wall–breaking picture book from writer Adam Jay Epstein and illustrator Ruth Chan is packed with humor and full, zany spreads with details kids will love to point out time and again. Recommended for kids ages four to eight.
Note: Chan will be participating in the Brooklyn Book Festival's popular illustrator draw-off event, which is always a good time!
Do you believe in jumbies? Naya does, and she sets out to go find one. In this picture book for kids ages four to eight, New York Times bestselling author Tracey Baptiste takes readers on a fun, creepy romp through a forest filled with creatures from Caribbean folklore. Amber Ren provides illustrations.
Most parents agree that a silver lining of the pandemic was it brought over-the-top birthday parties in check. In keeping with our new-found love of the toned-down birthday bash, we’re serving up our favorite mobile birthday party outfitters that will bring the party to you. Keep reading for our favorite ideas—from backyard pizza kitchens to inflatable bull riding in the neighborhood park—below.
Whether you want a Video Game Party or your own LaserTag Arena, GameTruck’s unique mobile video gaming theaters and arenas can make your ultimate party wishes come true. GameTruck@HOME offers contactless video game rentals, delivering the equipment—sanitized, safe, and secure—to your front door. GameTruck LaserTag will turn your yard, playground, or park into a custom laser tag arena for up to 12 players.
For your budding scientists, Big Thinkers brings the lab to your location and leads your party-goers in experiments, from making rainbow glasses and slime to launching rockets and creating bubbling potions. The 45-minute show—best for ages 4 and older—is sure to please, especially when guests learn how to make their own cotton candy, or leave with their own home-made batch of slime.
Having a blockbuster of a party is easy when you roll out the red carpet and screen your kid’s favorite film from a giant inflatable movie screen. While there are many local outdoor movie rentals in Atlanta, we like that A-1 offers a FM stereo transmitter for drive-in movie theater action, plus cool LED outdoor furniture you can rent. All screen rentals come with a free popcorn machine, too, so winner winner.
Park it almost anywhere, and two Fun Bus instructors will lead up to 15 children (party size may be affected by Covid conditions) at a time, ages 18mo-7yrs, for one hour (or more - depending on your package) of Fitness FUN. Tumble, bounce, slide, and swing along the bus' obstacle course in this climate-controlled environment.
For a good old-fashioned pizza party without heading to the parlor, Atlanta Pizza Truck will bring the brick oven (and all the toppings) to you! Guests can select among pizzas on an inventive menu or create their own, and the brownie dessert pizza will be talked about for years to come.
Want to make your life just a little bit easier and check grocery shopping off your list entirely? We’ve got you covered. These grocery delivery companies are the easiest way to get your fresh fruits and veggies, meat, cereal, La Croix and even wine dropped off on your doorstep in no time. Check out our favorites below!
This article is sponsored by Misfits Market—the grocery delivery service dedicated to making affordable, high-quality food more accessible while helping break the cycle of food waste. Misfits Market works directly with farmers and makers to rescue organic produce and other grocery items that might otherwise go to waste, then deliver them to your door—all at prices up to 40% less than the grocery store. Every Misfits Market box you order benefits farmers, helps prevent food waste and saves your family money.
*As of this publishing, all of the below services had availability and supply.
Thrive Market
Thrive Market
As an online, membership-based marketplace, Thrive Market delivers the highest quality, healthy and sustainable products at member-only prices, while matching every paid membership with a free one for someone in need. Thrive Market carries over 5,000 organic and non-GMO products, and offers 70+ filters and values, allowing you to shop by diet and lifestyle. Read all about the service here.
Cost: Try free for 30 days and then pay $59.95 for a yearly membership. Shipping is free on orders over $49.
If you don't mind your fruits and veggies having a few imperfections (a bent cucumber here; a "scarred" watermelon there), Misfits Market gets you tons of fresh produce at a cost that's almost half what you'd pay at a grocery store. Plus, ordering Misfits ensures that no good food goes wasted. It's a win for the environment—and for your wallet (not to mention your families' tummies).
Hungry Harvest partners with farmers and suppliers to bring fresh produce to more people, and in turn, fight food waste and hunger by turning rescued fruits and vegetables into boxes of fresh ingredients delivered to doorsteps around the country. To date, Hungry Harvest has rescued over 27 million pounds of food from going to waste and provided 1.7 million pounds of produce to people in need through reduced-cost markets, an emergency food box program and donations.
Cost: Hungry Harvest Rescued Harvest boxes are available in seven sizes ranging from $15 to $42. There's also the option of additional weekly add-ons, including grocery staples like bread, eggs, coffee and its own line of soups, pickles and other plant-based products.
Perfection is out and “ugly” is in, at least when it comes to food. Imperfect Foods takes fruits and veggies that might not have made the cut for mainstream grocery stories and gets them to consumers. Start by choosing a weekly or biweekly delivery schedule with both regular and organic boxes available. There are additional add-ons available like a meat and fish pack, snack pack, dairy pack and grains pack. Everything is fully customizable from skipping your delivery entirely to swapping out items you know your family won't want.
If you want to get your little ones eating more fish, Blue Circle Foods is an excellent option. Sustainably-sourced, their fish is delivered to your house frozen and ready to cook. We especially love their Happy Fish for kids as they come in a cute fish shape and have only three ingredients: salt, pepper and fish! Add on some smoked salmon for your next bagel bar and you'll be set! Free shipping is available on orders of $60 or over.
Amazon Prime members, this one's for you. You can have thousands of items including produce, meat, seafood, snacks and household essentials delivered right to your door. This includes fresh, heat-and-eat options from Whole Foods like the family meatloaf meal and the spaghetti and meatballs option. Select a two-hour delivery window with same-day delivery often available.
Cost: There's no minimum to order but you'll pay a delivery fee if your order is under $35.
Go back to the farm with Grass Roots Farmers' Cooperative. This farm-to-fork company delivers high-quality meat straight to your door including grass-fed, grass-finished beef, forested pork and pastured poultry. All meats are free from GMOs, antibiotics and growth hormones and arrive to your home frozen. You can feel good about what you are feeding your family and you are supporting small farmers at the same time.
When you are looking for products to keep you and your family healthy, iHerb is the spot. This online retailer sells everything from vitamins and hair products to baking supplies and dog food. Save 10% on orders over $60 with code VALUE60.
Cost: no membership fees, just pay for what you order
When you are looking for the highest quality lamb for your holiday or dinner table, Superior Farms is the spot. Lambs are set to pasture across vast grasslands, sustaining on the natural vegetation as they have for centuries. This employee-owned company takes pride in bringing a sustainable, delicious, nutritious change of pace to the table. Get their rack of lamb for your next holiday feast or go for the family dinner lamb pack that comes with 8 cuts (about 5 lbs.) of hindshanks sliced perfectly to make savory Lamb Osso Buco, 2 packs of boneless stew meat (about 4 lbs.), and a delectable leg roast (about 10 lbs.).
Code REDTRI will get you free shipping on your order.
If you need delivery and you need it now, goPuff is the perfect solution. Download the app and order groceries, alcohol, diapers and anything else you could need. Delivery happens right away so it's perfect for when you forgot the pizza and the pizza party is starting in an hour.
Cost: a delivery fee of $1.95 is assessed to each order and the minimum order is $8.95.
Big sizes and bigger savings are the name of the game at Boxed. Shop via the Boxed app or their website and you can find family-sized cleaning supplies, a 40 oz. jug of pretzels, those mini bags of chips that kids love and, our favorite, massive boxes of diapers so you never have to leave the house.
For three generations, Nuts.com has been committed to re-stocking healthy pantries with the highest-quality nuts, dried fruit, snacks and pantry staples. An ever-growing offering of more than 3,000 products includes artisan and hard-to-find products, as well as hundreds of gluten-free and organic items.
If avocados are your jam, we've got the delivery service for you. Ace Ranch will deliver a dozen organic California avocados right to your door so you can get avo toast action on pronto. Add on some nuts and dried fruits like the chili pistachios and you'll have a snack that everyone loves.
Cost: a dozen avocados will cost you $35.99 with free shipping
Shop for everything you need from Walmart and never leave home—that's the beauty of Walmart Grocery. You can purchase anything that Walmart sells including groceries, clothing, electronics, diapers and more and have it delivered to your home.
Cost: Delivery fees range from $7.95-9.95, or sign up for Delivery Unlimited at $98/year
Farmbox offers various size boxes packed with seasonal, farm-fresh fresh fruits and vegetables to your door. You select the shipment size and customize your box, and check your doorstep for easy monthly deliveries.
If juicy, ripe peaches are on your fave fruits list, you might want to sign up with The Peach Truck, a Nashville-based company that specializes in bringing fresh Georgia peaches right to your door. Founded by a husband-and-wife duo who began by selling just-off-the-tree Georgia peaches right out of their 64' Jeep Gladiator in Nashville's farmer's markets, the small biz now delivers nationwide and has a guarantee that means if you don't love your peaches, you can get your money back.
The bad news? You've got to wait 'til prime peak season, which is late May through August (peaches begin shipping the first week of June). Until then, you can get your taste buds prepped with The Peach Truck's Georgia pecans or signature peach jam.
Cost: Peaches start at $42 a box; jams are $33 for a set of three. Deliveries run early June through late July.
Want fresh fruit—or a huge box of nutritious snacks—delivered to your door every week? The Fruit guys will send you generous-sized boxes of fruit and/or healthy snacks to your door on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis. Fruit boxes contain a cornucopia of different seasonal fruits, and snack boxes have things like Chocolate Blonde Coconut Energy Bars or Spinach & Kale Fruit & Veggie Leather.
Cost: Fruit boxes start at $26; snack boxes start at $32
If you live in the Tri-State area, Pennsylvania or Delaware, this grocery delivery service offers much of what you'd find at a traditional grocery store, including seafood, dairy, deli & cheese, prepared foods, bakery items, frozen food, household essentials (like pet food and cleaning supplies), and beer and wine. There are also ready-to-eat meal kits for those days when cooking and cleaning just aren't on your to-do list.
Go to the traditional grocery store from the comfort of your computer. Basically: Anything you can get at your neighborhood grocery store is available online as well. When you enter your zip code, the site redirects you to whichever Albertsons Company grocery chain is in your area, including Safeway, Acme, Vons, Haggen, Albertsons, Star Market, Tom Thumb and more.
Cost: $9.95/delivery fee on orders over $150; $12.95/delivery fee on orders under $150. (Note: These fees can vary and/or be waived if you use certain coupons and/or purchase specific items).
If you don't mind paying an $8.95 membership fee, Shipt offers next-day and same-day (sometimes) delivery from local drug and grocery stores including CVS, Target, Smart & Final, Gelsons and Petco—which means you can get everything from household essentials and hair care to children's toys and pet food.
Cost: $8.95 monthly membership fee plus delivery fees (orders over $35 are delivered free, orders under $35 come with a charge of around $7)
If you can score a delivery slot and you don't mind the added fees, Instacart is the next best thing to going to the grocery store yourself. It sends a personal shopper to gather your groceries at stores including Whole Foods, Costco and Smart & Final. The good news is that Instacart is available all over the country; the bad news is that it's also one of the most popular grocery delivery services—which means getting a shopper to do your bidding takes patience. While you may place your order today, the next available delivery slot may not be until a few days from now (if any slots are available at all). Our tip? Try placing your order late at night; it seems to up your chances.
Cost: $7.99 for one-hour delivery slots/$5.99 for two-hour delivery slots. Tip strongly encouraged.
Flying pepperoni! Now your kids can play with their food and not get in trouble. Hog Wild’s Pizza Party Throwdown is a crazy new pizza toppings game.
Players have 30 seconds to toss their ingredients onto the rotating pizza game board. It’s a rush against time to land your ingredients on the pizza before it finishes baking. Each player selects their color coded ingredient – pepperoni, peppers, mushrooms and anchovies. Launch the ingredients onto the pizza using the special pizza chef launcher game piece.
The game has three different challenges to deliver various levels of difficulty, like trying to fill only half of your pizza or land your ingredients on only one slice.
The game includes a rotating pizza game board with a built-in timer, four launchers and 32 ingredients.
Pizza Party Throwdown is available for $19.99 on Target and Amazon.
Hooray, its almost National Pizza Party Day! If you’re looking to celebrate the big day this Fri., May 15th then keep scrolling.
In honor of the annual holiday, as well as the 25th anniversary of the first Toy Story film, Disney is releasing a tasty pizza recipe the whole family will love. Whip up some alien veggie meatballs with funny faces on whole wheat dough and you not only have a tasty meal, but a healthy one, too!
Looking to dress up for the occasion or stock up on Pizza Planet gear? shopDisney and other retailers have stocked plenty of must-have Pizza Planet gear!
Some of our favorite restaurants have put together take and make family meal kits that you can whip into a meal in your own kitchen. They include all the ingredients you’ll need to create your favorite restaurant dishes at home––and you’ll be supporting local restaurants at the same time. Whether you get a brunch, dinner or dessert kit, you’ll be guaranteed a restaurant quality meal that will make you feel like a superhero in the kitchen.
Burger Lounge has elevated the basic burger to something extra special. This is one of our favorite go-to spots for take out, and now to make at home. Burger Lounge Box Kit includes: 4 grass-fed burger patties with buns, tomato, onion, pickles, lettuce, organic cheese and their proprietary lounge sauce. They’ll have an optional quinoa burger soon. For the price this is one the best take home meal kits offered at $6 a person!
What: Burger Lounge Box Kit
Serves: 4
Cost: $25.95
Order: online, call in
How to get it: pick up curbside, delivery
Locations: Kensington, Hillcrest, Little Italy, Gaslamp, Coronado, La Jolla, Del Mar, Carlsbad, Del Sur/4S Ranch, Temecula
If you’re missing out on some cultured travel to far off places, pick up a Ramen Family Meal Kit to bring the flavors home. Includes: noodles, tonkotsu broth, pork chashu, ramen egg, bok choy, bean sprouts, green onions, fried garlic, sesame seeds, spices and a side of edamame.
What: Ramen Family Meal Kit
Serves: 4 people
Cost: $43
Order: online, call in
How to get it: walk in, delivery
Locations: Convoy St., Mercury St., Hillcrest, East Village, North Park, College Heights, Tijuana
Bring Taco Tuesdays home with a DIY Taco or Quesadilla Kit! Includes: choice of barbacoa, chicken tinga or sautéed mushrooms; plus tortillas, black beans, barley, chips, guacamole and flan de la casa!
Go ahead, take the family to Italy…from your kitchen! Pick up one of these fresh pasta meal kits from favorite restaurant North Italia and you’ll be transported to another place. The Family Kit includes: choice of fresh pasta (tagliatelle, bucatini, rigatoni or strozzapreti), choice of pasta sauce (bolognese, marinara, garlic parmesan cream or basil pesto), large caesar salad and parmesan garlic bread. Add on a sweet treat with their salted caramel budino, lemon curd bambolini or my favorite dessert of all time their hazelnut torta!
What: Fresh Pasta Meal Kit
Serves: 4-5
Cost: $65
Deal: take $10 off of $40 orders when you order via DoorDash, use code “NORTH10”
Deal: get a free $10 gift card when you buy one online for $50
Order: online, call in
How to get it: pick up curbside, delivery
7055 Friars Rd. Fashion Valley Mall 619-343-2301
3715 Caminito Ct. One Paseo in Del Mar 858-252-7720
This is personally one of my family’s favorite pizza spots and we get cravings for their polpetta meatball pizza all the time. Looks like we’ll be making a stop here for one of their DIY Pizza Packs! Includes: small dough ball, sauce, cheese, pepperoni.
What: Pizza Kit
Serves: 3-6
Cost: $11 for cheese, $13 for pepperoni, $3 extra for gluten free crust
Order: call in
How to get it: pick up, delivery
3085 University Ave. North Park 619-255-7300 Online: urbnnorthpark.com
Treat your family to brunch in your kitchen! Get the Brunch Kit from the Lazy Dog Restaurant and you’ll have everything you need to start your day off right. Includes: 1 lb. bacon, 15 eggs, breakfast potatoes, pancake mix, fresh bananas, Nutella, whipped cream, syrup, coffee and fresh OJ. Don’t forget to add on some DIY Bellinis or Mimosas!
If you prefer something for lunch or dinner, they've got you covered there too with a pizza kit or a backyard bbq kit. The Pizza Kit includes: 2 balls of pizza dough, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, DIY Caesar salad kit, and fresh baked white chocolate chip brownies. The Backyard BBQ Kit includes: 2 flat iron steaks, 8 hot dogs + buns, DIY coleslaw and potatoes, plus all of the fixins to put on top like shredded cheese, relish, onions, tomatoes, jalepenos, even ketchup and housemade mustard
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at home with these Family Fiesta Packs! Includes: choice of tacos, fajitas or enchiladas with either vegan, chicken, carnitas, short rib, shrimp or salmon. Side dishes are included, as well as dessert and even a roll of toilet paper. Quench your thirst with their Bloody Mary kit or the Michelada kit that you can take and make at home.
What: Tacos, Fajitas or Enchiladas Kits
Serves: 4
Cost: $55
Order: call in
How to get it: pick up curbside
4340 La Jolla Village Dr. La Jolla 858-291-8360 Online: redorestaurant.com
Get outside and grill up some burgers in the backyard with the Family Burger Box Kit. Includes: choice of burgers made from either brisket, chuck or short rib patties; Ciabatta buns, organic onions, lettuce, Heirloom tomatoes, thick cut bacon, smoked gouda cheese, chipotle aioli ingredients, Brussels sprouts and glaze. They also have a Family Brunch Box if you want to feast in the morning with gluten free options and an add-on DIY mimosa kit.
What: Family Burger Box, Family Brunch Box
Serves: 4, 6 or 8
Cost: Burger Boxes: $54 for 4, $78 for 6, $90 for 8; Brunch Box $45
Bring the family in the kitchen to help make these easy Spring Meal Kits for dinner. Includes: choice of pan-roasted chicken, salmon or ribeye with artichoke dip, sourdough bread, Caesar salad kit and roasted fingerling potatoes. Included dessert tops off these Spring Meal kits with a Butter Cake and vanilla Haagen-Dazs ice cream. They also have Taco Meal Kits, Lettuce Wrap Kits and of course a Kids Build Your Own Pizza Kit. You can add-on the butter cake separately to these if you’d like.
Cost: Spring Meals: chicken meal $40 for 2 or $70 for 4, salmon meal $45 for 2 or $80 for 4, ribeye meal $65 for 2 or $120 for 4. Taco Kit $15, Lettuce Wrap Kit $12, Kids Pizza Kit $5
Order: online, call in
How to get it: pick up, delivery
Locations: Fashion Valley Mall, Otay Ranch, La Jolla, Solana Beach, Carmel Mountain, Temecula (Escondido location is temporarily closed)
“Eat Better” at home with natural ingredients, fresh fish and clean meats with lots of vegan options for everyone alike! Choose one of their Meal Prep Kits like Fajitas, Taco Bar, Street Corn en Fuego, or the Keto Bowl packs. They include a variety of protein options (achiote chicken, chicken tinga, beef chorizo, chicken d’arbol, carne aside, vegan chick’n, arbol tofu), cauliflower rice or cilantro lime rice, sautéed peppers, cabage, olives, sliced avocados, cheese, black beans, cilantro lime rice, chips & salsa
What: Tacos, Fajitas or Street Corn Kits, Keto Bowl Pack
Serves: 4-6
Cost: $40 for Fajita or Street Corn pack, $50 for Keto Bowl pack or $65 for Taco Bar Meal Kit
Deal: get $5 off if you order from their app
Deal: order with Postmates for a free side of guacamole with order of $20, use code “GUACISGREAT"
Order: online, call in, app
How to get it: pick up, delivery
4301 La Jolla Village Dr. La Jolla 858-333-7920 Online: tocayaorganica.com
Let the kids try their skill at tossing some dough the next time you have pizza night! Grab a Pizza Party Box Kit that includes fresh pizza dough, house marinara, mozzarella & parmesan cheeses, pepperoni, 3 mini cannolis and a bottle of house wine.
What: Pizza Party Box
Serves: 4-6
Cost: $30 for pick up, $35 for delivery, add an extra pizza kit for $10
Order: online, call in
How to get it: pick up, delivery
8131 Broadway Lemon Grove 619-825-7112 Online: giardinosd.com
For those who savor a good piece of filet mignon, here are some Family Meal Packs from internationally acclaimed Morton’s Steakhouse. The Home Cooking Burger Pack includes: 4, 10oz prime beef patties, brioche buns, lettuce, onion, pickles, tomato, potato chips. The other Family Meal Packs include choice of meat (filet mignon, New York strip, double cut pork chops, prime ribeye) with all of these sides included: grilled asparagus, smoked gouda and bacon au gratin potatoes and creamed spinach. You can also choose from seafood options (lobster tails, shrimp boil or crab cakes) and prepared sauces, butters and pasta.
What: Burger Pack, Family Meal Packs
Serves: 4-6
Cost: $40, $60, $100 & $130 price points
Order: online, call in
How to get it: pick up, delivery
285 J St. Downtown Gaslamp 619-696-3369 Online: mortons.com
Upgrade your Taco Tuesday with these Fish Taco Boxes! Includes: frozen mahi mahi, frozen sword fish cubes, frozen salmon, gluten free tortillas and their anti-inflammatory Healthy hot sauce. It’s a little pricey but keep in mind that this box makes 3 meals and each meal serves 4-6 people. You could go in on this one with your neighbors and drop off their portion on their door step or save the rest for later in the week.
What: Upgraded Fish Taco Boxes
Serves: makes 3 meals, each meal serves 4-6 people
Cost: $125
Order: online, call in
How to get it: pick up curbside, delivery
512 Via De La Valle Solana Beach 858-461-0092 Online: ranch45.com
Top off your dinner with an elegant at home treat! Yes you can make Tiramisu at home just like Chef Filippo, he’ll even show you how to make it step by step (see Instagram stories or YouTube for his demonstration from last week). This Tiramisu Kit has everything you need to feel like you belong on the cooking channel. This would be a super fun activity to get the kids involved in the kitchen to help create a family masterpiece you all won't soon forget!
What: Tiramisu Dessert Kit
Serves: 8
Cost: $28
Order: call in
How to get it: pick up
2820 Roosevelt Rd. Liberty Station in Pt. Loma 619-270-9670 Online: solarelounge.com
Note: Every effort was made for the information in this story to be current, however restaurants and businesses may change their offerings based on availability.
There are dozens of reasons to get a pizza delivered in NYC right now: the kids love it, you don’t feel like making dinner, classic comfort food, etc. But don’t forget: NYC also makes the best pizza in the world! New York City eateries need our support now, and local pizzerias are delivering and making pizzas for pickup. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite NYC restaurants delivering pizza right now, so you and the kids can still have a family pizza party with the best pies on Earth! Note: If at all possible, order from the restaurant directly (call them), not via an app or service, to ensure the people preparing your food receive the most financial support.
A classic New York slice, Sal & Carmine Pizza is an NYC institution, and they deliver to a large swath of the Upper West Side. (Specifically, W. 118th Street to West 76th between Central Park West and Riverside.) you can also pick up your pie on Broadway at 102nd St.
Sal & Carmine Pizza 2671 Broadway Upper West Side 212-663-7651 Online: salandcarminepizza.com
Roberto Caporuscio (owner of the popular Kesté Pizza & Vino), and Antonio Starita, the third-generation owner of one Naples’ oldest and most revered pizzerias are coming through big time for NYC. The restaurant is delivering pizza (and wine) in Manhattan AND Brooklyn. (They are also donating pizzas to first responders.) Made in the Neapolitan tradition, the pies are wood-fired and the mozzarella is made in-house. Many people say the lightly fried pizza, the “Montanara Starita,” is a must. They also make a mean gluten-free pizza! See the latest news on its Facebook page.
Don Antonio 309 W 50th St. Midtown 212-693-9030 or 212-243-1500 Online: donantoniopizza.com
Mark Iacono achieved rock star status with his Carroll Gardens pizzeria, which die-hard fans say turns out the best pizza in NYC. (His legend grows: see this heartfelt Instagram post of him announcing a community kitchen for those in need .) The pizza?: Expect a delicious mix of sweet marinara, thin crust, aromatic herbs, and heavenly cheese. Currently, pickup starts at 1 p.m.; check Lucali Brooklyn’s Facebook page for updates.
Lucali Brooklyn 575 Henry St. Carroll Gardens 718-858-4086 Online: lucalibrooklyn.com
Now’s the time to try one of the most legendary pizzas in New York! (Some people will go to the mat for this one; Anthony Bourdain was a big fan.) Since 1965, Domenico DeMarco has been personally hand-crafting the famous pies in the Midwood section of Brooklyn. Head to DiFara’s Facebook page for the latest info on when they will be open for pick-up orders—call yours in at 718-258-1367 ahead of time. They are also working with Seamless and Grubhub for delivery, using their drivers. Finally, you can order frozen DiFara through Goldbelly and have it shipped anywhere in the country!
The pizza pride of Bushwick continues to serve! The Brooklyn storefront is open for takeout and delivery, and you can also pick up some frozen Roberta’s pies there, too. Want to share some Roberta’s love? They are also selling frozen pies through Goldbelly.
Astoria’s best is open and delivering! Home of the “Original Thin Crust Square” pizza, a Sicilian pizza made with just cheese and sauce (no toppings), Rizzo’s Fine Pizza in Astoria, Queens has been family-owned and operated for more than 60 years. They now also turn out ultra-thin Neapolitan pies and specialty pizzas as well.
Rizzo’s Fine Pizza 30-13 Steinway St. Astoria 718-721-9862 Online : rizzosfinepizza.com
Prince Street Pizza is open for pick-up and delivery every day of the week! The shop is known for delicious pizza (the Spicy Spring Pie, with fra diavolo sauce, spicy pepperoni and fresh mozzarella is a favorite) as well as pepperoni cooked into cup-shaped perfection, perfect for holding drops of savory oil. Need pizza delivery downtown? Prince Street Pizza is the way to go.
Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop on Franklin Street in Greenpoint is taking order for pizza delivery (as well as wine and canned beer) via Caviar. The shop is also offering walk-up takeout option, with one person allowed in the store at a time.
Sottocasa’s Neopolitan pizza can be yours if you live near Boerum Hill in Brooklyn or Harlem in Manhattan. These generous folks are also donating sustaining pizza to hospital staff—as well as those sheltering in place; they’ve recently offered a free pizza with the purchase of a bottle of wine!
298 Atlantic Ave. Boerum Hill 718-852-8758 Online: sottocasanyc.com
227 Malcolm X Blvd. 646-928-4870 Harlem Online: sottocasanyc.com
Home to a Sicilian square slice with chewy dough, cheese on the bottom and sweet sauce on top, this Gravesend institution was founded in 1939. Yes, you can get round pies here too, as well as its namesake spumoni, a molded gelato, typically made with three flavors and candied fruits and nuts.
No one rises to the occasion in stressful times like New Yorkers. Businesses all around the city are offering classes, workshops, singalongs and more to help you and the kids have fun while you’re spending a lot of time inside. Many of these are free activities, but if you can spare the change, kick a little to one of these providers to thank them for coming through big time! (A note: things are changing quickly, so plans may have been adjusted due to circumstances and staffing.)
New York Kids Club
New York Kids Club
To help ease the burden on people who cannot work from home, New York Kids Club will be open in select locations and offering offering modified services and classes starting March 17. The company has worked in partnership with the Department of Education, the City Council and the Mayor's office. Each class environment has been adapted to ensure total compliance with all recommended and mandated recommendations by the Department of Health and other entities. In need of their services? Fill out this form here.
The Chelsea/Flatiron play space is serving up new fun content every day to families! In addition to a new "Songs for Seeds" singalong video daily, you'll find activities ranging from art projects, cooking and dance from the Apple Seeds teaching crew. Plus: a special section for parents and stuff to make you and the kids laugh. (Important!) Log on every day to the virtual classroom for a new, link, and get updates via Apple Seeds' Facebook and Instagram feeds.
The New Victory Theater is bringing an "Arts Break" to you every single day. About 20 minutes long, these videos explore a theme (for example, percussion) through videos of performances, guided sessions with New Victory Teaching Artists, and exercises.
Head to the Kidville Playground for tons of virtual free fun indoors for kids. This interactive digital playground includes curated resources, projects and classes all from Kidville play professionals. Options include gym, art, music, dance, storytime and more. We love the Livestream classes hosted by subject experts each day. the schedule is packed with all kinds of activities: Rockin’ Railroad: Unplugged with Ms. Dana & Mr. Matt, My Big Messy Art Class with Maker Morgan, Ballet Tea Party with Ms. Petra, Kidville Gymnasts with Mr. Bradley—and even morning warm-ups and evening cool-downs. Check out the schedule and register for livestream classes here!
Got a birthday coming up? Kidville is now hosting a giant online community birthday block party hosted on the 15th of every month! This virtual pop-art party is led by Maker Morgan and her messy mascot Painty. Guests get an easy-to-procure supply list and then create a craft live at the party! This reimagined Bob Ross-style interactive party provides a fun way to say "Happy Birthday" to kids celebrating the big day. The party ends with a mega birthday song singalong. Click here to party!
Always felt a little guilty because you never really explored The Met with the kids enough? Now's your chance. The Museum has launched #MetAnywhere, which draws upon the rich and deep digital resources, available through the museum's website. Visit virtually, via web-based highlights, including 360-degree views of iconic spaces, behind-the-scenes videos, and dynamic explorations of exhibitions. The Met will also continue to share weekly favorites like #TuesdayTrivia and #MetSketch on its social channels, while introducing new ways to feature unique stories from the Museum's followers.
Union Square Play is serving up amazing content for both the kids and you. Head to its website for three good things every day: one offline at-home activity, one children's class (live or recorded) and on online community event for parents. And it's all free!
Treasure Trunk Theatre is rooted in the belief in the power of imagination, and the crew there are ready to help your kids stay creative in this time. Sign up for free Facebook Live classes (consider making a donation) or book a private one-on-one class via FaceTime or Skype with a favorite teacher!
92Y Shababa is bringing interactive musical gatherings to you with Home Sweet Home Facebook Live events. Rebecca Schoffer, 92Y Director of Jewish Family Engagement, performs folk and family tunes with a focus on the concept of "home." Schoffer recently led a Shababa Saturday Morning Live that was watched by thousands, and drew viewers from all over the country, from states including Ohio, Texas, California and Florida.
So much good stuff from The Story Pirates, who know a thing or two about making learning fun. The hugely popular Story Pirates podcast will continue to roll out new episodes throughout the spring, and you can access podcast bonus content here. You can also check out the Story Pirates University library for standards-aligned writing curriculum and livestream classes on subjects ranging from creative fiction to expository writing, all hosted by expert teachers.
Tune in to Story Pirates Radio, a special limited that features fan-favorite songs, play-at-home games, hilarious bits, and listener call-in kid interviews. Finally, the group is souping up and expanding its Creators Club, which you can get for $5 a month with the first month free; join and you get full access to all-things Story Pirates! Aaarrggh! (In a good way.)
Kids' favorite Laurie Berkner is bringing a "Berkner Break" to families live from her house! These concerts will be streamed most weekday mornings at 10 a.m. ET on her Facebook page, found here. Rock out to lots of Laurie favorites (“We Are The Dinosaurs” and “The Goldfish (Let’s Go Swimming),", “Waiting For The Elevator” and “Look At All The Letters" as well as playful movement activities, stories, and more. The musician also created a 50-minute "Educational Music Videos" set on her YouTube channel (Find that here.) The compilation of over 20 music videos focuses on counting, the alphabet, telling time, emotions, and more.
Take a breather and take a disco break once a week with the Brooklyn Museum. (Where you can visit its exhibit dedicated to Studio 54 one day.) The museum partnered with Michiyaya Dance so you and the kids can learn a new dance move every week!
Perhaps it's time for the whole family to appreciate opera! The Met will be streaming encore presentations of productions nightly at 7:30, and the shows will remain on the site for 20 hours.
Miss the theater? Long on to Trusty Sidekick's site to watch videos of their past productions for free. They're kicking things off with Shadow Play for kids ages two and up, which asks "Have you ever wondered what happens to your shadow while you sleep?".
Everyone's favorite cowpoke who sings for kids is taking the show online. Hopalong Andrew promises, "a campy, retro-tinged, one-man variety show" from his apartment. "It’s gonna be fun, interesting, and sloppy. Think Mr. Rogers meets Bob Ross meets Pee Wee’s Playhouse on a train wreck." Sounds awesome! Catch him live Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m., but the fun will be taped, too. Ten bucks a class via Venmo.
Got a brick-crazed kid and a bin full of LEGO at home? Kensington's Brooklyn Bricks is offering LEGO challenges, with intro video tutorials, and of course, the sharing of creations are they take form.
Baby in Tune is offering remote classes for kids--they have one for little ones seven months and younger, and one for older kids up to five. Each class encourages parents and kids to take deep breaths, sing joyfully and play together, incorporating puppets, scarves, balls, drumming, shaking and dancing. You'll also share and feel supported by other caregivers through discussion and song (something we all need right now!). Classes can be bought a la carte, in a 6-pack bundle for a reduced price or as a private group session for a further reduced price.
Lavender Blues has a lot of fans in NYC, and you don't have to go without! Online classes are taking place Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m. Write lavenderbluesmusic@gmail.com for info on how to join!
Cooking school for all ages Freshmade NYC introduces Freshmade at Home its new suite of family-friendly online classes. Check out Virtual Taco Tuesday (homemade tortillas and use-what-you-have taco feast), Virtual Pizza Party (pizza faces, calzones and breadsticks), Virtual Snack Attack (energy balls and baked apple chips) and more! Each class will highlight new recipes, new teachers and open the door for Q&A to help you navigate your fridge, pantry, and freezer while cooking with your kids. Classes are $12.99 each. Want one-on-one attention? Book a private class!
Got a new baby in the house and looking for some support and guidance? We Grow Together is offering online classes helping parents learn to bond with their baby baby using hands-on techniques of touch and movement which support development. (The classes are also geared toward helping you feel supported, centered and confident as a parent.) Classes are available for babies as young as five weeks old and help with tummy-time, self-soothing, reflux, late milestones and other topics. Private online sessions are also offered for delays, torticollis, other concerns. Taught and developed by Dan Rindler, Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner and music educator. New online series of eight weekly classes are beginning March 23, March 24 and April 1.
Blue Balloon has been doing group and individual "Long Distance Lessons" for over a year, so they are ready for you! Kids three and up can learn how to sing, play and record their own songs all while learning how to play an instrument.
Fight brain drain with tutoring from Bee Tutored. The company offers academic support for grades K-12 and can help your family with test prep, homeschooling & curriculum planning—all online. Contact learn@beetutored.com or call 917-482-4880 for more information
The popular cooking school for both adults and kids is hosting a free, online cooking class each week using basic pantry supplies you likely have in the house. (First up was pancake mini muffins). Not only is it free, for every signup, Taste Buds Kitchen will donate $1 to No Kid Hungry. You can also book a live online cooking class or party for kids or adults, with prices starting at $20 per family.
Need a little mindfulness right now? Check out The Rubin Museum's archive of Mindfulness Meditation talks and guided meditations with some of the leading teachers and practitioners. Want to go deep? Head to the museum's two-hour video of a Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room complete with chanting.
