Every U.S. President since 1976 has designated the month of February as Black History Month, along with an accompanying theme. This year’s theme being Black Health and Wellness. Also known as African-American History Month, this annual celebration gives us the perfect opportunity to support black-owned businesses in Chicago and recognize the achievements and contributions of African-Americans to the success of our city. We’ve gathered a wide-range of virtual and in-person events, walking tours, exhibitions, activities and learning opportunities to honor Black History Month with kids in Chicago. Let’s celebrate!
MUSIC & FILM
Chicago Children's Choir
Chicago Children's Choir Chicago Children's Choir is presenting a free virtual Black History Month concert, Preserving and Persevering, on Feb. 26. Preserving and Persevering explores how the power of black music has been a cultural key in both preserving African traditions in America and in helping millions persevere in the face of racial injustice. Online: ccchoir.org
College of DuPage Experience two hours of nostalgia and joy with the heartfelt musical journey at McInich Art Center's Whitney Houston Tribute, Feb. 4. Online: atthemac.org
ART
Art Institute of Chicago (ARTIC)
Southside Community Arts Center We Are Here: Women in the Center's Collectionfeatures artworks made by women artists in the Center's collection. The exhibition provides an opportunity to think about the materiality of Black women's art, while also expanding biographical and visual information on Black women artists. Online: sscartcenter.org
The Art Institute of Chicago Artist Bisa Butler's portraits quilts vividly capture personal and historical narratives of black life. Art Institute of Chicago displayed 20 of her works in 2021 and you can watch a video of the exhibit. Online: youtube.com
Cleve Carney Museum of Art The Cleve Carney Museum of Art located on the College of DuPage campus presents Ayanah Moore:I Wish I Could Be You More Often, Feb. 10-Apr. 10. Moor is an artist whose work explores blackness, gender, desire and language. Online: theccma.org/ayanah-moor
MUSEUM EXHIBITS
Field Museum
Museum of Science & Industry MSI's Black Creativity: Juried Art Exhibition is the nation’s longest-running exhibition of African-American Art, presenting nearly 200 works of art from emerging and established African American artists, thru Apr. 14. Online: msichicago.org
The Field Museum The Field Museum is hosting a variety of online programs throughout February that highlight and amplify Black voices and stories. The live and pre-recorded events include a mix of Black History-themed behind-the-scenes tours, virtual exhibition viewings, and panel discussions with museum scholars. Online: fieldmuseum.org
DuSable Museum of African American History The groundbreaking immersive, The March, recreates one of the most iconic moments in American history, the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The video features a selection of noteworthy individuals and activists reading sections of the speech, underscoring the parallels between the Civil Rights Movement of the 60s and the global non-violent demonstrations of today. Online: dusablemuseum.org
American Writers Museum Originally on view at the American Writers Museum in 2019, Frederick Douglass: Agitator is now available virtually. Visitors can see the original content from the exhibit that explores the later life of writer and orator Frederick Douglass, learn about his use of portraiture, download curriculum and more. Online: americanwritersmuseum.org
Monument to the Great Northern Migration At Martin Luther King Jr. Drive & 26th Place, you'll find Alison Saar's bronze figure that stands as a testament to the thousands of African-Americans who migrated to Chicago in the early 20th century in search of greater freedom and opportunity. One of the traveler's hands is raised in salutation to his new home and in his other hand, he carries a suitcase symbolic of his journey, dreams and talents. The statue is oriented to the north to symbolize the traveler's destination. Online: chicago.gov
Victory Monument The Victory Monument is one of the most famous landmarks for Chicago's African-American Community and is part of the National Register of Historic Places. The monument was built to honor the 8th Regiment of the Illinois National Guard, which became the 370th Infantry of the 93rd Division upon the start of World War 1. They saw action in France as the last regiment pursuing retreating German Forces in the Aisne-Marne region just before the war broke. Online: choosechicago.com
Obama's Kissing Rock Black History Month also happens to encompass Valentine's Day. So, in the spirit of marrying the two, visit the sweetest Presidential memorial. On. The. Planet. Barack and Michelle Obama shared their first kiss in 1989 in front of a once-upon-a-time Baskin-Robbins on Chicago's southside and it's been commemorated with a simple rock with a metallic plaque. Online: atlasobscura.com
Home of Emmett Till Emmett Till was a 14-year-old African-American who became an icon of the civil rights movement after he was lynched while visiting Mississippi in 1955. The South Side Home (6427 S. St. Lawrence Ave.) he shared with his mother was granted landmark status this past January to shield it from demolition or alteration. This is the first step for non-profit owners Blacks in Green to convert the home into a museum.
Bronzeville Walk of Fame The honorees in the Bronzeville Walk of Fame have made extraordinary contributions to the African-American community, including Ida B. Wells, Gwendolyn Brooks, and astronaut Robert H. Lawrence. Ninety-one bronze plaques on medians, sidewalks and crosswalks stretch 10 blocks and the Monument to the Great Northern Migration and Victory Monument frame the permanent outdoor exhibit. Online: enjoyillinois.com
FOOD
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Chicago Black Restaurant Week The 6th annual Chicago Black Restaurant Week runs Feb. 6-20 and celebrates the city's black-owned restaurants with incredible food and delicious deals. Check their website for a list of participating restaurants. Online: chiblackrestaurantweek.com
Mariano's Mariano's is honoring Black History Month with a line-up of events celebrating influential members in the Black food community. Online: marianos.com
Chicago Public Libary Join Ms. Anna via Zoom for Preschool Storytime featuring stories, songs and activities honoring traditional African American rhymes, authors and history. Offered Wednesdays in February. Online: chipublib.bibliocommons.com
Chicago Public Libary's monthly craft program will focus on Black History Month with clay model constellations celebrating Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to travel into space, Feb. 5. Online:chipublib.bibliocommons.com
On Feb. 16, PIck up a Healing Bead Bracelet Grab and Go Kitcomplete with supplies and instructions in celebration of African American Heritage Month and its 2022 focus on mental health and physical awareness. Create the bracelet at your leisure and then join a Zoom presentation with Miss Stephanie on Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. Online: chipublib.bibliocommons.com
Zoom with Chicago Park District for a one-hour interactive virtual program presenting a variety of art from dance and theater to poetry and music to highlight the achievements of historical African American heroes, Feb. 24.
A celebration at Loyola Park will include black-owned businesses located in Rogers Park, music, spoken words, historical remembrances and a pop-up display featuring artwork by Chicago Public School students and other educational programs, Feb. 27.
Visit the Chicago Park District website for on-demand activities and the "Named in Their Honor" series featuring iconic individuals with namesake parks that contributed to the fabric of our city.
If a week or weekend filled with adventure, art, museums, and maritime fun sounds like a recipe for an epic family vacation, then it’s time to take your crew to Astoria! Whether you are yearning for adrenaline pumping fun, a little education with your adventures, or some hands on fun, this Oregon coastal city has it all. Grab your young seaman and seawomen, pack up the car and scroll down to find out all about the fun we dug up that makes for an epic Astoria getaway.
Astoria
A gorgeous two-hour drive from Portland, Astoria is located near the coast at the mouth of the Columbia River. A port city that was once a thriving boomtown during the late-19th century when large immigrant populations primarily made up of Scandinavians and the Chinese flocked to the area to work in the canning and fishing industries, Astoria has since become a beloved destinations for active families and avid Oregon history buffs. With easy access to the Columbia River and Oregon Coast beaches; a multitude of art and historical museums; plenty of cute shopping spots and easy access to outdoor activities—your clan will have a hard time fitting in everything there is to do.
Play
The Astoria Column
One of your first stops while staying in Astoria should be the iconic Astoria Column. Overlooking the mouth of the Columbia River from its stone base on the top of Coxcomb Hill in Astoria, the Astoria Column is a 91 year old tower that was built in 1926 as part of a 30-acre city park. The trek to the top takes visitors a jaw-dropping 600 feet above sea level, where your family can take in breathtaking views of Young's Bay, the Coast Range, the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean
Getting to the top of the column is a surprisingly thrilling activity. Entering through a small doorway your family will take a winding metal staircase with 164 steps that shoots straight to the top where a second doorway takes you out to a viewing deck. The trip up and the views are surprisingly exhilarating and give your crew the opportunity for a little adrenaline rush if they dare to step out to the edge. Be prepared for some wind and if they skies are clear you will be able to see for miles and miles and miles.
Fun Fact! The column itself is a stunning work of art that will enchant imaginations both young and old while serving up a small history lesson. Its design was inspired by the Trajan Column in Rome and the spiraling artwork was created using a technique called sgraffito—an Italian art form. If unwound, the length of the artwork would be more than 500 feet long and at the top of the column your little explorers will find the State Seal of Oregon.
Annette Benedetti
The Columbia River Maritime Museum
When you are done at the column, grab your little sailors, and head straight to The Columbia River Maritime Museum. This historical spot explores the history of the Columbia River from the days of dugout canoes, through the age of sail, to present. Visitors witness stories of the legendary Columbia River Bar, one of the most dangerous passages in the world. Your kids will love explore boats, legendary fishing runs, lighthouses, the science of storms and more.
Located on the city's waterfront, the Maritime Museum is home to artifacts from the Columbia River and the Pacific Northwest. It currently has 22,000+ objects, 35,000+ photographs, and a 20,000+ volume research library. Your little crewmen and crewgirls will love exploring The United States lightship Columbia docked just outside the museum. The Columbia served as a floating lighthouse and was stationed 5.3 statute miles from the mouth of the Columbia River from 1951 until 1979 when it was decommissioned. It is the first vessel in Oregon to be placed on the National Register and your kids are sure to enjoy seeing where it's inhabitants slept, ate and relaxed.
High Life Adventures
Feel the need for speed? Your young (and older) adrenaline junkies will enjoy an experience of a lifetime with an incredible and unforgettable zip line adventure at High Life Adventures. This tour isn't just for adults and teens. Children weighing 60 pounds or more can brave the zip lines on their own. For smaller kids or children who are feeling timid, there's the option to zip tandem with a parent.
High Life Adventures is located approximately 15 minutes from Astoria in Warrenton, Oregon. This zip line tour takes you on eight zip lines that run through timber and over ponds and a lake. It starts with shorter and easier zips, that slowly increase in length allowing the kiddos to build up to being brave. Then the height and thrill increases as the tour progresses. By the time you and your young adventurers find yourself stepping off of a 75 foot tower, you will have already built up a tolerance for the the rush. If you aren't quite done with the thrills and excitement at the end of your zip, try axe throwing. Family members 12 years and up can take their turn throwing axes at a target for upto an hour!
Astoria Art Loft
The Astoria Art Loft is guarunteed to bring out the artist in everyone! Your family can attend fused glass, drawing and watercolor painting classes for artists of all ages and experience. Plan an artsy night out with family.
Shop
You can't leave Astoria without hitting the quirky and cute local shops. Check out Astoria’s Underground Shops. Below the surface, in an underground village, a collective of local artists, makers and proprietors offer a unique experience for visitors that stumble down the stairs. You'll be entertained in this cool spot for hours. Be sure to check out Weird Sisters for unique and unusual finds and Kit's Apothecary for one-of-a-kind gifts and memorabilia.
Lucy’s Books is the perfect spot for the readers in the family. It's packed with all things bookish. You'll be able to find all of the books on your reading list and they are located in Downtown Astoria in the historic Sanborn Building. Finally, Forsythea is a great little must-see spot for browsing unique home and garden décor by local artists.
Bowline Hotel
The Bowline Hotel
Why not enjoy a little luxury when you book your basecamp stay in Astoria? Located right on the river, The Bowline Hotel is the place to be if you want front seat views to a water show that includes river pilot boats, freighters and an abundance of sea life right outside your door. Don't let the industrial aesthetic fool you. This gorgeous spot is a sardine cannery that has been turned into a lux hotel that is home to 40 rooms that feature plush king beds, luxury linens, flickering fireplaces, tubs and French press coffee to start your mornings with. You can choose between river view or Trolley view rooms and you don't have to go far to enjoy delectable bites because the hotel has an on-sight restaurant and bar—The Knot.
The Knot Bar offers guests locally sourced menu items that are Scandinavian-inspired and pay homage to Astoria's seafood history. Some of our favorites include the Oregon beef tartare, Tre Fin Black Cod, and the Crepe Cannelloni. That's not all! Mom and dad can enjoy deliciously handcrafted cocktails that celebrate local distilleries.
While the luxurious features that the Bowline offers make it a fantastic option for families visiting Astoria, the location is a huge bonus. If you and your crew like to explore by foot, the Bowline Hotel is walking distance from incredible restaurants, cafes, event venues, and all the shopping you could hope for. You can easily spend a day (or weekend) without getting into your car once.
Eat
Street 14 Café serves more than coffee, it's brunch is a must for hungry families. Grab a sunrise sandwich a breakfast a brisket bowl or some French toast. There's literally something for every appetite! Start your day with their coffee, then come back for wine and cocktails after exploring Astoria. Head to South Bay Wild Fish Houseis a family-owned restaurant featuring a menu of the freshest seafood dishes caught straight from their local fishing vessel. Enjoy ceviche, tuna poke, and incredible fish tacos. Don't forget to order the kiddos the kids root beer float.
The Astoria Bistro & Coffeehouse is a bustling European-style coffee shop and sit-down spot serving baked pastries, breakfast, lunch and Café Vita coffee. But breakfast isn't all this spot offers. At night it becomes an intimate bistro offering offering neo-regional cuisine using direct caught seafood, all natural meats and wild local produce "foraged" from the area.
If mom and dad have the opportunity to sneak out and steal a romantic hour or two away from the kids, with over 200 whiskeys to sip, craft cocktails and shareable food boards the Blaylock's Whiskey Bar is the perfect spot for one-on-one time. WineKraft is another great choice. Offering spectacular views of the Columbia River where it meets the Pacific Ocean, it is a PNW specialty wine bar, featuring Pacific Northwest wines but you can also sip beer and cider from the area with their six rotating draft offerings.
—Story and photos by Annette Benedetti
This trip was paid for by Maxwell PR + Engagement but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.
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.
Ben White via Unsplash
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.
Find your little bibliophile a great new read they won’t be able to put down. Nothing compares to the magic of browsing rows of bookshelves and cracking open the spine of a book so the story inside can spring to life in a young reader’s imagination. San Diego is home to some very cool bookstores with equally inviting kid’s sections where you’ll find everything from comics and sci-fi to storytime with beloved children’s book authors and Where’s Waldo scavenger hunts. Read on for 8 local shops to dog-ear for your next adventure with your little bookworm!
The only bookstore in San Diego that’s dedicated entirely to children. It was founded by a mother of three who wanted kids to have the most magical experience with books. Kids can work on story-related craft projects while their parents read aloud or browse. Storytimes come to life here with related props, crafts and sing-a-longs. Check out their fun birthday party celebrations with fantastic literary experiences. They even have recommended award-winning book lists for different ages.
NEARBY: Walk a few shops over to the cute little coffee booth at Kini Koffee or grab breakfast or lunch on the patio at Pacifica Breeze Café; both have stunning ocean views. Plan ahead to drive a few minutes over to Powerhouse playground for a play session just steps away from the beach with stunning ocean views; and the train runs by every so often.
Sandcastle Tales 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar 858-777-2086 Online: sandcastletales.com
Central Library Shop
This downtown shop is located on the ground floor of the San Diego Central Library and is a partner of the Public Library Foundation. That means proceeds from the well-curated Library Shop purchases benefit the San Diego Public Library system — an extra bonus in our "book." If that's not enough to love, the shop hosts awesome literacy-themed gatherings for kids like a Where's Waldo scavenger hunt, card-making workshops for Mother's Day and Father's Day, visits from famous authors of children's books and storytime events. A visit to this shop is sure to be an epic day for readers of all ages.
NEARBY: Across the street is Hob Coffee East Village or further down is the ultra-trendy Holy Matcha or walk-up coffee bar at Achilles Coffee.
Central Library Shop 300 Park Blvd., Downtown 619-236-5802 Online: libraryshopsd.org
Bay Books
Considered San Diego's largest general independent bookstore, Bay Books has been catering to local (and visiting) bookworms for more than 20 years. Boasting an extensive children's section, with books for those tackling their ABCs as well as good reads for more accomplished readers, the shop is roomy enough for families to sit together and read while still offering plenty of cozy nooks for those who prefer some quiet time. Be sure to check out their party supply section where you can pick out the perfect decor for your thoughtful reader's next birthday party.
NEARBY: Inside Bay Books is a coffee + pastry shop so you don’t have to go too far. Down the street, you have a choice from Moo Time Creamery for ice cream, Nado Gelato or across the street for an old-timey landmark at Clayton’s Coffee Shop for classic American meals, coffee, pie and jukebox tunes.
Replenish your supply of bedtime stories at Warwicks, the country’s oldest family-owned and operated bookstore, located in La Jolla. The well-stocked shop offers a kid's section filled with a wide selection of books, educational toys, colorful artwork and comfy beanbag chairs. The store used to have storytimes so check back in case they start those up again later on.
NEARBY: This is in the middle of the village so you can shop, eat and people watch all morning long. Walk across the street to trendy Parakeet Café or a few blocks further to Better Buzz.
Warwicks 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla 858-454-0347 Online: warwicks.com
Recently opened in 2017, and very welcome addition to the South Park neighborhood. They have a wonderful children’s room full of books, while also focusing on new literary fiction, short stories, narrative nonfiction, science and nature writing.
NEARBY: Buy a book and walk 2 blocks down to Communal Coffee for a quick outdoor reading session.
This long-time book store has been around since 1967 and is very well-known with the well-read crowd in town. There’s a great kid’s section with a variety of new books, including Level 1, 2 & 3 and summer beach reads. Donate to their ongoing Baby Book Drive where they collect books for tots 0-5 years old that are enrolled in the local UCSD high-risk infant follow-up program. These babies get a free book and parents get the encouragement to cuddle up and read; all from the donations of their customers.
NEARBY: Plan to grab breakfast, lunch or coffee at any one of the wonderful restaurants that are surrounded nearby; a favorite is Snooze A.M. Eatery 1 ½ blocks north.
A local’s favorite bookstore for used and rare books, but in a fun and hip art-filled space. They stock quality editions of classics, favorites and new discoveries, including over 200 local authors. You’ll find lots of cozy antique chairs for reading and discovering something new.
NEARBY: Walk to your choice of coffee shops from here, Dark Horse, Subterranean Coffee or Holsem Coffee; but the kids would love a stop at Flap Your Jacks (a make your own pancake grill restaurant!).
Verbatim Books 3793 30th St., North Park 619-501-7466 Online: verbatim-books.com
Mysterious Galaxy
Lea S. via Yelp
Books about martians, magic, mayhem and more? Yes, please! Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego specializes in science fiction and fantasy and even offers customers a kid's indie reading list. The recommended books are curated by age and hand-picked to inspire tiny bookworms to keep reading.
NEARBY: Walk across the parking lot to Crumbl Cookies and you’ll be planning a return trip before you know it.
Mysterious Galaxy 3555 Rosecrans St., Midway District 619-539-7137 Online: mystgalaxy.com
Comickaze
If your family is into comics and pop culture, then Comickaze is the bookshop for you. Comickaze stocks San Diego's largest and most diverse selection of comics, graphic novels and collector supplies. The store is chock full of merchandise so plan ahead for some extra browsing time here.
NEARBY: Two shops down is GuilTea Cravings for milk & boba teas, lattes, sweet macarons and Asian bites.
Black History Month is historically celebrated every February, but learning about and honoring Black History with purpose can and should happen year round. One way to do that, especially with young kids, is to read Black history books by BIPOC authors and illustrators. Our friends at
Reading Partners, a National early literacy program who always have education and equality in mind have put together a year-round reading list to celebrate Black History Month every month.
January: Carter Reads the Newspaper by Deborah Hopkinson
This children's biography about the man known as the "Father of Black History" learn all about this author, editor, publisher and champion for Black rights. Illustrated by Don Tate.
February: Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford
Hyperion
A Caldecott Honor Book, children can learn more about Harriet Tubman, the champion of the Underground Railroad who earned the nickname "Moses" for leading hundreds of enslaved people to freedom. Contains religious overtones. Illustrated by Kadir Nelson.
April: Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson
HMH Books
Beatuifully written from the point-of-view of a young African-American girl living in Birmingham, Alabama, who hears MLK's call for a peaceful protest. The girl's parents are fearful, but the children march instead. Illustrated by Frank Morrison, this book won the Caldecott Honor Book Award for illustrations in 2019!
May: Ida B. Wells: Let the Truth Be Told by Walter Dean Myers
Armistad
Ida B. Wells was the leader of the movement to include Black women in the charge for women's right to vote. Children will learn about this fearless, outspoken woman who fought for equality through her words, actions and teachings. Illustrated by Bonnie Christensen.
The story of the first Black girl to attend an all white school after desegregation, children everywhere will relate to this incredible journey of one girl's whose example made a lasting impact on history. Illustrated by George Ford.
August: Frederick Douglass: The Last Days of Slavery by William Miller
Lee & Low Books
A beautifully illustrated look into the life of Frederick Douglass, born enslaved, who found reading as an escape in his early years, and credited it to helping him become the abolitionist and champion of Black rights he is remembered as being today. Illustrated by Cedric Lucas.
September: Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-ins by Carole Boston Weatherford
Puffin Books
Four black teens sit down at a lunch counter in 1960's segregated South and young Connie sees how change is on the horizons. Though Connie is young, she is mighty and we can all learn from this child's eye view of the Civil Rights Movement. Illustratrated by Jerome Lagarrigue Lagarrigue.
October: Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters by Barack Obama
Knopf Books for Young Readers
President Barack Obama writes a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans, from Jackie Robinson to Georgia O'Keefe to George Washington, in the form of a letter to his two young daughters. Illustrated by Loren Long.
December: Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt, by Deborah Hopkinson
Dragonfly Books
Clara was born into slavery and is known for being a renowned seamstress. This talent proves invaluable later when she uses it to create a quilt with a map of the Underground Railroad. Illustrated by James Ransome, a Caldecott Honor Award winning artist.
Reading Partners is a New York Times-endorsed organization uses volunteer tutors across the country to work one-on-one with kids to foster early reading skills.
To learn more about Reading Partners, and learn how to volunteer or donate, visit: readingpartners.org
Now your kids can tune in to their favorite PBS KIDS series in an exciting new way. Three fun and educational podcasts will take young listeners deeper into the exciting world of their favorite characters from Molly of Denali, Pinkalicious & Peteriffic and Odd Squad: Odd Squadcast. Audiences can listen along on pbskids.org and anywhere you listen to podcasts.
“Our approach at PBS KIDS is to seek learning opportunities in every new technology and medium. As families continue to seek out meaningful entertainment and creative approaches for at-home learning, we are glad to offer them fresh content with engaging storylines through podcasts,” Lesli Rotenberg, Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, Children’s Media and Education, PBS. “Each podcast allows young fans to get closer to their favorite characters, adding another dimension to their story and the chance to join them on more exciting new adventures.”
Molly of Denali Podcast (8 episodes)
Premieres Sept. 30, with two episodes debuting weekly
Fans can join Molly on a brand-new adventure as she and Trini take a train from Denali to Anchorage, Alaska. But, this is no ordinary train – it’s the mystery train! When a jewel necklace goes missing, it’s up to Detective Mabray and her assistant, Dr. Mumford to solve the case. Listeners can follow along as Molly and Trini search for clues with some unexpected guests, decipher some strange bird calls, and even get stuck in a spooky town, all while riding the mystery train.
Pinkalicious & Peteriffic Podcast (10 episodes)
Premieres with two episodes Oct. 28, followed by one new episode per week
This new podcast will take kids on pinkatastic adventures, encouraging them to dance, sing, make-believe, and more. To extend the series-inspired fun from the podcast, families can also sign-up for the Pinkalicious Activity Guide to receive engaging activities, reading list recommendations and other helpful resources tied to each episode’s theme via email.
Odd Squad: Odd Squadcast (7 episodes)
Premieres Nov. 25, with two episodes debuting weekly
The Odd Squad: Odd Squadcast follows The Big O as she hosts a weekly radio address for agents all over the world and tries to stop an odd invasion on headquarters at the same time.
Enjoy story time at home. Build-A-Bear Radio today announced a story time program featuring a few HarperCollins Children’s Books authors. Grab your little one’s favorite furry friend and tune in for some new adventures.
New York Times Bestselling Margaret Peterson Haddix, Soman Chainani, and more children’s authors will be reading excerpts from their biggest releases all summer long exclusively on Build-A-Bear Radio.
Build-A-Bear Radio is available to stream for free through iHeart Radio and iHeart Radio Family apps and enabled devices with Story Time airing weekdays at 2 p.m. CT/12 p.m. PT beginning Jul. 20. New authors and books will be featured each week.
Visit www.buildabear.com/radio to download a free reading list to follow along all and track your progress.
As children become exposed to reading at an early age, they may advance quickly and be ready to enjoy more challenging books to read. Finding the right books that are both age-appropriate and captivating to young readers may be a growing challenge for some parents.
At Stratford School, we have found that helping students craft a reading list—one that will challenge them and provide interesting topics to enjoy—all while avoiding subjects they may not be emotionally mature enough to handle, can be a delicate balance. Many such books are written with young children in mind, but with vocabulary and literary complexities typically associated with older readers.
Below is a curated list of books specially designed with young readers in mind. These great books will make them want to read more while fulfilling their desires for heftier literature. Enjoy and happy reading!
Preschool and Kindergarten
I Can Read! Series (Various Levels): With titles like Amazing Snakes! and Beyond the Dinosaurs, your preschooler will love the fun pictures, and the pronunciation guides will help them learn new words. Start with level 1, then as your child progresses introduce some of the level 2 titles. Arthur’s Loose Tooth is a great way to get your reader ready for the inevitable day when that tooth will come out. There are also favorite characters like Batman, Flat Stanley and Marley. These colorful books are lots of fun and will have your child reading them again and again.
First to Third Graders
Who Was (Is) Series by Various Authors: This exciting, illustrated biography series is perfect for children who are beyond easy-to-read books about famous people, but not quite ready for thick, lengthy biographies. The books cover sports heroes, presidents, musicians, authors, and scientists. The books will give young readers a good sense of who these people were (or are). There are little blurbs on what else was going on in the world at certain moments in history, which helps put the subject in context.
Fourth to Fifth Graders
The Doughnut Fix (Series) by Jessie Janowitz: Tristan’s family has always loved living in New York City, but all that is about to change. His dad announces that they are moving to a dilapidated, purple house on a hill on the outskirts of the very small town of Petersville in upstate New York. Tristan is devastated because he is a city kid through and through. They won’t be starting school for several months, and Tristan’s parents tell him that he must complete a project. Tristan, who loves to cook like his chef mom, decides to start a business making and selling the supposedly mind-blowing chocolate-cream doughnuts once famous in Petersville but now no longer made. His business plan leads to adventures, new friends and a sense of acceptance. Tristan’s doughnut endeavor will hold wide appeal as a pleasure read and may inspire young foodies or entrepreneurs to think beyond the lemonade stand.
The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, the Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dogby Adam Gidwitz: Join William, an oblate on a mission from his monastery; Jacob, a Jewish boy who has fled his burning village; and Jeanne, a peasant girl who hides her prophetic visions. They are accompanied by Jeanne’s loyal greyhound, Gwenforte . . . recently brought back from the dead. Told in multiple voices, in a style reminiscent of The Canterbury Tales, the narrator collects their stories, and the saga of these three unlikely allies begins to come together. A fantastic story set in the middle ages with beautiful characters, fast-moving action and creative artwork in the marginalia. This book transmits a strong set of values. Enjoy this author’s Grimm series as well.
Middle School
How To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems by Randall Munroe: Former NASA robotics scientist Randall Munroe considers unlikely solutions to common problems. The book is written in a question and answer method. Questions are presented and followed by scientific answers. The book covers subjects such as forces, properties and natural phenomena, with the aim of encouraging readers to reach for revolutionary ideas by considering unusual and fun approaches. Calculating how thick a wall of cheddar cheese would need to be to support an above-ground pool leads to a discussion of nuclear weapons testing and the engineering disaster that formed California’s Salton Sea. If your child loves this book, there are more by this author. Munroe also wrote the following books: What if?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions and Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words.
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.
Now that most schools are officially out, out, many parents worry that their kids will suffer from what experts call ‘summer slide.’ Summer Slide is when kids fall behind in reading skills due to summer break.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, students can lose as much as two to three months of academic progress if they don’t stay engaged in their learning, making it crucial for parents to take an active role in working with their children.
From local reading challenges and free storytimes to podcasts, here are some tips to set your child up for a successful summer of reading:
Participate in a Library Reading Challenge: Most public libraries offer summer reading challenges where kids can sign up to read selected books for their age group. Many also host book discussions and accompanying activities related to themes from the books to keep up the excitement among kids. Often times, kids who participate in these programs can earn stickers in a special program book. Check with your public library for a program near you.
Sign Up for Incentive Programs: Does your kiddo need a little extra incentive to practice their reading skills? Lucky for them, there are several national programs that offer just enough freebies to get your little bookworm making reading a habit that they’ll grow to enjoy. Programs include Chuck E. Cheese Reading Rewards (free tokens), Meatheads Voracious Readers (free burgers), Pizza Hut Book It (free pizza) and Six Flags Read To Succeed (free theme park tickets).
Join a Bookstore’s Summer Reading Program: Did you know your kids can earn free books and prizes when they commit to reading? At Barnes & Noble, kids can earn a free book after they read eight books and log them on the reading sheet. Children who read any four books from the suggested reading list provided by Books-a-Million will receive a free “Diary of a Whimpy Kid” drawstring backpack. At Half Price Books, little ones who log 300 minutes of reading are eligible for ‘Bookworm Bucks’ that can be used to purchase children’s books. Through Scholastic’s Read-a-Palooza, kids who read can unlock digital rewards. As more kids log reading and hit goals, Scholastic will also donate to local organizations in need of books.
Take Them to a Little Free Library: Little free libraries, small collections of books placed around communities that residents can take for free, as well as leave books of their own for the next person to take, are growing in popularity. Take your child to one nearest you to uncover new books!
Attend Free Storytimes and Book Readings: Many local libraries and book stores offer free storytime events. This is a great opportunity for kids to hear a story and many times, engage with the local authors who wrote them. Barnes & Noble, for example, hosts a free national storytime every Saturday morning at 11 a.m. No storytime is the same, as the books rotate weekly.
Read a Few Books Yourself: Children take cues from their parents, so it is important to let them see you reading. Often times, reading can seem like a chore for young readers, making it essential for little ones see their parents or caregivers reading as a means of enjoyment.
Listen to a Children’s Book Podcast with Your Child: There are so many children’s book podcasts out there, each with a different focus. Make it a habit to pick one or two podcasts and listen to them with your child. BookRiot recently named these podcasts some of the best in children’s content.
Stock Your Child’s Bookshelf with a Few New Books: Investing in some new books for kids can spark their imagination and let them learn about new, exciting and timely topics. Plus, since they chose the book, they’ll be much more excited to start reading.
Lori Orlinsky is a Chicago-based mom of two little ladies. She is the author of “Being Small (Isn’t So Bad After All),” a children's book available to order now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Barbara's Bookstore and in select stores nationwide.
Spring forward into this exciting publishing season for children’s books! From worms to bears to the wisdom and poetry of Mr. Rogers, March is peak season for reading kids books! Scroll down for our favorites.
Pigs in a Blanket
Chronicle Books
You know you're in for a real treat when the fun of the book begins before even opening the first page. In this board book by Hans Wilhelm with illustrations by Erica Salcedo, kiddos open the "blanket" flaps of the book to discover three cozy pigs. As they turn the pages of Pigs in a Blanket, readers are greeted with fun rhymes as the three piggies start their day, embark on adventure and eventually go to sleep. With colorful illustrations, this book will help reinforce daily rituals like getting dressed for the day, playtime, brushing teeth and winding down back to bed.
Interactive reading goes next level with this new book written by Stephanie Babin and illustrated by Thierry Bedouet. Each spread features three pull tabs that showcase things that baby animals do. Pull up and down to see how the mommy dog feeds her baby pups milk or pull the tab left to right to see a baby calf eat grass and plants.
This picture-book retelling of Gloria Steinem is as inspiring as it is enjoyable to read. The perfect, abbreviated biography written by Jessica M. Rinker is beautifully illustrated by Daria Peoples-Riley and offers kids a summary of the important events that shaped Steinem's childhood and lead her down the path of changing women's rights, and changing the world.
This book is part counting books, part funny tale about worms. Written in the same vein as The Book with No Pictures, the simple but brightly colored illustrations follow the adventures of 10 worms, And, although author/illustrator Will Mabbitt claims he can only draw worms, you'll still feel like it was a story about so much more. On sale March, 19th 2019.
A book about kids and finance that’s not a snooze? We’re all ears. The second of Cinders McLeod’s Moneybunny Books, Spend It! Is an adorable way to introduce young children to the concept of spending money and what things cost. Your kids will listen to how Sonny the bunny gets three whole carrots for an allowance each week and wants to spend it all! With a little help from mom, he adds up costs and makes choices on how he wants to spend his carrots.
Andrea Zuill (author illustrator of Wolf Camp) has done it again with this wonderful story about Sweety, the naked mole rat who is not like all the other naked mole rats. She's very unique, and is even called "a square peg." She's awkward, likes collecting fungi and is a passionate young mole rat—sometimes her peers look at her like she's another kind of creature altogether. But with the help of her cool Aunt Ruth, Sweety learns to be herself and that one day she will find her people. And they will want to do a secret handshake. A great story about acceptance, diversity and love of self. Available Mar. 26.
African-Americans didn't have the same rights as others, and Katherine Johnson knew that was wrong. As wrong as 5+5=12. And in A Computer Called Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Helped Put America on the Moon Katherine fights for equality as she surpassed her classmates and went on to make history by helping NASA to put Americ'as first manned flight into space and the world's first trip to the moon.
Award-winning author Suzanne Slade and illustrator Veronica Miller Jamison tell the story of a NASA "computer" in this delightfully written, richly illustrated book.
Camper and Clam are happy friends. They live in The Happy Book, and there’s nothing to get them down ... until Camper eats all of Clam’s cake. Follow the friends as they have a disagreement and travel through other "books": the sad book, the angry book and the scared book—each one designed to express all the feelings (ala Inside Out) kids experience. Camper and Clam will meet other characters, learn how to support one another and eventually make their way back to a safe space. A wonderful way to support emotional intelligence in kids, the cartoon illustrations and the strong ties of friendship make this a sweet read.
Aspiring Japanese speakers will love this thoughtfully-designed book by Aurora Cacciapuoti. Flip through to pair words and characters with fun illustrations. The book covers the three main Japanese writing systems: Kanji, Hiragana and Katakana.
This month brings a new addition to the beloved Gossie & Friends series by Olivier Dunrea. Ruby & Rufus Love the Water find the two playful goslings swimming everyday. They swim in the rain, they dive into the pond and they swim underwater. But what happens when they arrive at the pond and it's frozen? Any young reader who is enchanted by the Gossie & Friends series will immediately fall in love with this new book.
The publishers tell us this book is for anyone ages 0 to 100 because it's about following your dreams—and nobody is ever too young or too old to do that! You may recognize the title character from the popular Chickapig board game, created by musicians Brian Calhoun and David Matthews. But for those who don't (and are wondering) a chickapig, is a half-pig, half-chicken and Brian Calhoun brings this Little Joe Chickapig to life with adorable illustrations by Calhoun and Pat Bradley. Little Joe Chickapig wants to explore the world, like his grandpa. He wants to leave the farm and sail the seas, visit castles and more. It turns out, he's not the only one. Mouse wants to be come an astronaut, dragon wants to join a band...the message is clear. Everyone has a dream, and you should follow yours! Available Mar. 10.
Everybody has bad days and can feel a little like a curmudgeon themselves. This adorable book by Matthew Burgess with beautiful illustrations by Fiona Woodcock will help kids laugh at themselves (and their siblings/besties) when they become curmudgeons themselves. For any kid or parent that's having a bit of a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, this book is an instant pick me up. Great for siblings, too! Available Mar. 12.
We don't often include books without words on our round-ups, but even our Managing Editor's avid reading 8-year-old had to agree: this book makes the cut. Created and illustrated by Christian Robinson, who illustrated Last Stop on Market Street and Gaston and Antoinette, pick this book up and you'll quickly be transported to Another world. In bright and beautiful pictures, you and the kids can ask yourself "what if you encountered another perspective, another world, another you?" With diverse characters and scenarios, this book is more interactive than many books chock full of words. It's obvious why Robinson won the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor for his art. Available Mar. 5.
This endearing little picture book is about love, acceptance and understanding that one sister, Piper the crow, has for her brother Otto. Otto is on the autism spectrum and this book is a beautifully-illustrated and thoughtfully-written way to teach children about differences and acceptance. Otto does some things and likes some of the same things his sister does. But he also does some things differently, and other kids don't always understand this. The author, Meg Raby,holds a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology with a certification in Autism Spectrum Disorders from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and has several years of experience working with children ages 2–17 on the autism spectrum.
Tiny T. Rex is well, tiny. So, what will Tiny T. Rex do when his friend, Pointy needs cheering up and a hug? Follow along Tiny's adventure in this sweet book written by Jonathan Stutzman and illustrated by Jay Fleck.
The mystery-loving fox from Apples for Little Fox is back in this book by Ekaterina Trukhan. Follow along as Fox dreams the moon is missing, and he and his friends go on a quest to return it to the sky.
Love Jon J Muth's Zen book series? This new title, which is a companion book to the award-winning author and artist's popular series, features simple sayings and Muth's recognizable watercolor illustrations. The book puts Stillwater, the beloved bear from Zen Shorts, front and center to show your kids positive sayings that might just make you all find your zen.
It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Poetry of Mister Rogers
Quirk Books
From 1968 to 2001, Fred Rogers sang songs and taught valuable lessons of kindness and compassion to generations of kids. Now, you can hold those sentiments and lyrics in your own hand and heart with this collection with four-color illustrations by Luke Flowers. With topics like Caring; Curious; Imaginative and Reflective, the songs are written here for generations more to appreciate.
Gorgeous illustrations by author-illustrator David Litchfield won't surprise anyone who is familiar with the bestselling The Bear and the Piano. This follow-up is just as delightful and an excellent discussion about the beauty of music and the power of friendship. Fiddle-playing Hector’s best friend is his dog, Hugo. When Hector decides to retire, Hugo secretly learns the fiddle himself and cajoles a certain famous piano-playing bear to join his animal band. But their fame comes quickly and Hector must overcome his jealousy at their success to be happy for his friend. Available Mar. 5.
Fox and Chick are at it again in this second volume of the popular series. Created by Sergio Ruzzier, Fox & Chicken: The Quiet Boat Ride finds this dynamic, but contradictory duo off on more adventures as they take an early morning trip to see the sunrise. For early readers just tackling longer form chapter books, this book is a great one to add to their reading list. With its comic book form and sweet characters, this book will win over your kids and we can't wait to see what antics Fox and Chick are up to next.
This middle grade comic follow-up Georgia Dunn's Breaking Cat News will have your kiddos giggling and smiling while they read up on the adventures of cat reporters Lupin, Elvis and Puck. They're breaking headlines on subjects that really matter to cats, and kids who love cats. We also love the "More to Explore" section which shows kids how to draw the BCN crew, expressions, your own pet as reporters and more. Available Mar. 5.
Secret Agent Max & Jack Stalwart Book 3: The Fate of the Irish Treasure
Hachette
The crime-solving brothers head to Ireland for the third in this exciting series of young reader chapter books. This time the beloved Book of Kells has gone missing from a library in Dublin and the boys must discover who has stolen this national treasure before he strikes again!
Secret Agent Max & Jack Stalwart Book 4: The Race for Gold Rush Treasure
Hachette
The brothers are out for another adventure, this time to the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, where an amazing discovery has been made: $10 million in rare coins that date back to the California Gold Rush. The brothers must protect the treasure, and that's a lot harder than it sounds, considering the treasure vanishes not long after they arrive.
