As our children continue to grow up in an ever-changing world, we can all do with a wider selection of inclusive books. That’s where Rebel Girls author, Francesca Cavallo, comes in.
Cavallo is embarking on another journey to bring inclusive stories to young readers with a new series of four illustrated books, Paralympians. The unique picture books will tell the stories of Paralympic champions Russian-American wheelchair racer Tatyana McFadden, Afro-French sprinter and long jumper Jean-Baptiste Alaize, Iranian archer Zahra Nemati and Italian fencer Beatrice Vio.
But in order to make these stories come to life, Cavallo and her new children’s media company, Undercats, needs your help. The books are currently on Kickstarter where they are garnering support to meet their goal and be published.
One of the illustrators for the series, Valentine Toro, shares “With this book series, we want to start creating a blueprint for the representation of people with disabilities in children’s books.”
The ParalympiansKickstarter campaign launches Jun. 22 and runs through Jul. 21, 2:59 PST. The books are available for pre-order in both English and Spanish, and at the time of publication, the campaign is already halfway to its goal of $20,000!
2020 wasn’t exactly jam-packed with goodness. That is, expect for the Strawberry Glaze craze.
Given the popularity of this sweet, spring-time flavor last year, Krispy Kreme made the decision to treat the brand’s fans to another round of limited-time Strawberry Glaze doughnuts. The pink pick is available starting Apr. 26, 2021 at participating Krispy Kreme locations.
photo courtesy of Business Wire
Dave Skena, Krispy Kreme Chief Marketing Officer, said in a press release, “Last year, fans couldn’t get enough of Strawberry Glaze and have been asking for it to come back ever since.” Skena added, “So we’re bringing it back. Hurry in and enjoy!”
The delish doughnut flavor is back in two forms—a Strawberry Glazed Doughnut and a Strawberry Kreme Filled Doughnut. The glazed version is similar to the Original Glazed Doughnut, but with a tangy strawberry taste. If that’s not enough strawberry sweetness for you, the Kreme Filled version is exactly what the name sounds like. This sugary selection is filled with the brand’s beloved Kreme, in a strawberry flavor.
Kellogg’s is releasing a new cereal just in time for Pride month! Together With Pride will hit store shelves nationwide this May—and you can’t miss this soon-to-be fave breakfast treat.
Fans of the beloved brand may already know the All Together Cereal well. While the All Together option was previously only available online, you can nab a box of Together With Pride in the cereal aisle of select retailers across the country.
photo courtesy of Kellogg’s
The new cereal selection marks an extension of the existing collaboration between the Kellogg’s brand and GLAAD. Kellogg’s will donate three dollars from each box of Together With Pride sold to GLAAD. Shoppers must upload a copy of their receipt for the cereal purchase to Kellogg’s Family Rewards to support the donation.
As if a cereal with a good cause wasn’t enough, this Kellogg’s breakfast pick also features a fab berry flavor and edible glitter-dusted rainbow hearts. Together With Pride cereal is available May 2021 for the suggested retail price of $3.99 (for a 7.8-ounce box).
What’s new from ALDI this spring? If you’ve had your fill of chocolate and marshmallow Easter candy, you’re in luck. ALDI has your sweet tooth covered—with two different churro options!
The sweet, cinnamon-y goodness of the churro is beyond compare. Not only will ALDI soon have churros you can heat and eat at home, the fave retailer will also sell a churro creme cookie sandwich.
Casa Mamita Churros make their ALDO debut on Apr. 28. Described by the manufacturer as “Crispy pastry bites,” this sweet selection comes with 20 bite-sized pieces and a cinnamon sugar packet to add as a toasty topping. The eight-ounce box of 20 will sell for $3.29.
As if churro bites weren’t enough, you can also find Benton’s Churro Sandwich Creme Cookies in ALDI stores, also starting Apr. 28. These creamy cookies may look just like other golden sandwich cookies—but they taste like the sweet cinnamon soaked goodies. Score a pack of Benton’s churro cookie treats for $1.95.
Spring is on the horizon—and so are Aldi’s awesome line of Easter cheese options. While you might think of neon sugar-coated chicks, marshmallow-filled chocolate bunnies, or peanut butter eggs as Easter staples, these new seasonal varieties are sure to become fast faves.
Emporium Selection has three different cheese tastes available for Aldi shoppers. Each English cheese in the Emporium Selection Easter Truckle Assortment has delish, distinctive flavor and comes in a spring-like Easter package.
What can you expect from the Emporium Selection Easter cheese line at Aldi? If you like your cheese with a hint of fruit and a subtle splash of chocolate, the Wensleydale Cheese with Raspberry and White Chocolate is a must-have. This candy-like cheese comes in a pastel egg-shaped container that’s almost as sweet as what’s inside.
As if a raspberry and white chocolate cheese wasn’t enough, the Emporium Selection line also includes a Wensleydale Imported English Cheese with Lemon and Honey. Not only is the package filled with cheesy goodness, it’s also shaped like a sunny yellow Easter chick!
If you’re a fan of cheddar, Aldi has something just for you. The Emporium Selection Aged English Cheddar is, “Smooth creamy cheese with a distinctive bite” and comes in an adorable Easter egg shape.
Find these completely cute cheese varieties (for $3.99 each) in Aldi stores nationwide starting Mar. 17.
Summer is months away—but that shouldn’t stop you from booking your family’s vacation. If you’re dreaming of warmer weather and a getaway for the whole gang, you need to know about Vrbo’s latest travel-related data for the 2021 vaycay season.
What’s in store for summer vacation travelers this year? While many families didn’t get to go on their dream getaway in 2020, in 2021 it looks like things are changing. According to Vrbo’s stats, travelers are booking some of the company’s top properties earlier this year.
Currently, under half of Vrbo’s vacation homes in some of the top travel destinations are available for July. This represents an increase of more than 25 percent (compared to other years).
Not only are families booking their summer trips earlier this year, they’re also choosing longer stays and planning double-cations. Vrbo’s data shows 44 percent of travelers in the United States will take more trips this year.
Jeff Hurst, Vrbo president, said in a press release, “In years past, we’ve recommended that families book their summer vacations on Vrbo by late April to stay ahead of the curve, but this year, there are several reasons why families are eager and ready to book.” Hurst continued, “These signs are telling us that families should start looking for the perfect vacation home now before the selection and available dates become more limited.”
How can you get in on the summer vaycay rush? Even though your kiddos may still have a few months left of school (or home/cyber school), go ahead and turn your daydreams into reality with an early booking. Along with planning your trip in advance, the travel experts at Vrbo also suggest reviewing your vacation property’s cancellation policy. This adds extra flexibility into your summer-time plans if needed.
Forget about chocolate, candy and roses—your heart belongs to all things cheese! Luckily for you, ALDI has plenty of heart-shaped dairy delights hitting stores in January.
Now that Valentine’s Day is on the horizon, the retailer has brought back some favorites for the holiday. In 2021, cheese lovers can share the joy in January with the Emporium Selection Valentine’s Day Cheese Assortment ($3.99 each). The heart-shaped cheese assortment includes Gin and Rhubarb, Mature Cheddar and Raspberries and White Chocolate picks.
If you’re really looking to steal a cheese-lover’s heart, swap the standard box of chocolates for a box of cheese instead! This box contains eight snack-sized bites of Emporium Selection aged English cheddar and retails for $4.99.
If you like something under your cheese other than crackers, ALDI’s Valentine’s lineup also includes Mama Cozzi’s Take and Bake Pizza My Heart Cheese Pizza ($4.99). The heart-shaped crust is topped with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, herbs, Mozzarella, White Cheddar, Provolone, Parmesan and Romano.
These finds will be available in ALDI stores nationwide starting Jan. 27, 2021.
Ah, the holidays. The tree is trimmed, the presents are bought, and you’ve spent days joyously baking with your kids while listening to Bing Crosby. Right. In reality, Home Depot sells trees right up until the last second, Amazon Prime can get it to you in two days up to Christmas Eve, and there’s absolutely no reason you can’t listen to the Bing Crosby Christmas CD en route to pick up your Christmas cookies from one of Atlanta’s best bakeries. So go ahead and fake it, already. We won’t tell a soul. Pick up these traditional holiday cookies—and don’t forget to hide the box.
This Buckhead bakery is known for its buttery shortbread cookies with a perfectly placed dollop of frosting in the middle—as well as its selection of almost-too-pretty-to-eat decorated cookies. But don't let the confection perfection fool you. You'll eat every crumb, and go back for more.
The Frosting: Henri's is now offering Christmas Cookie Gift Boxes for delivery, as part of their upgraded online ordering system.
56 East Andrews Dr Nw Atlanta, Ga 404-237-0202 Online: henrisbakery.com
Locations also in Sandy Springs, Marietta, and Upper West Side.
One of Atlanta's bakery standard-bearers, Alon's is a sure bet for a cookie home run. Whether you're shopping for Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanza, or oh-my-gosh-2020-is-almost-over, you'll find the perfect cookie here.
The Sprinkle: Don't wait to place your order if you're feeding a crowd. The cookie basket has an assortment of holiday cookies that are perfect for passing.
1394 North Highland Avenue NE Atlanta, Ga 404-872-6000 Online: alons.com
What was once just a restaurant located in Old Fourth Ward is now a restaurant rapidly expanding its locations to feed everyone closer to home—and their cookies (holiday and otherwise) will make you glad to be their neighbor. And while you might go for the fun pancakes and outdoor seating, you'll be missing out if you don't pack up a box of cookies to take home.
The Sprinkle: Cookie Trays are available so you'll have a fully stocked selection for your little elves.
655 Highland Ave. NE, Suite 10 Atlanta, Ga 404-586-0772 Online: highlandbakery.com
Locations also in Midtown, Emory, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, and Peachtree City.
If you're looking for an old school seven layer bar cookie, Canvas serves up a whopper of one, and it's better than the ones your mom used to make (sorry, mom).
The Frosting: Pick up a box of artisanal donuts from Canvas' sister company, Donut Dollies, while you're at it.
724 Cherokee Street Marietta, Ga 678-213-2268 Online: canvasfoods.com
My Sweet Things
My Sweet Things
If you're looking for a custom decorated cookie, My Sweet Things is buttercream perfection. Order online from Kathi, and you can arrange the best pick-up for your comfort level.
The Frosting: However you celebrate the holidays, if you can dream a design for your cookies, Kathi can make them.
If you want to kick your fancy level up a notch, order Holiday Macaroons from Southern Peach. They come in Peppermint White Chocolate/Dark Chocolate Swirl, Gingerbread Caramel Cream, Spiced Apple Cider, Hot Chocolate (Chocolate with Marshmallow Cream), Sugar Plum Fairy, and Eggnog flavors. Or, pick up a box of customizable holiday cookies, instead.
The Sprinkle: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation & A Christmas Story custom cookie sets are available, with sayings like "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out" and "I Triple Dog Dare Ya!" on them.
Schools back in session and it’s time to hit the books! Do it right at one of our favorite kid-friendly independent bookstores in NYC where the littles ones (and their parents!) can stock up, hang out, or spend a cozy rainy afternoon. Whether it’s for the awesome selection in the stacks or the popping children’s events, these NYC bookstores are the place to be for budding bibliophiles! Find the NYC kids bookstore for your family below!
Are you looking for that one children's book from your own childhood that you sort of know the color of the cover for but not much else? This bookstore can help you find it. The staff here are touted by visitors as being extremely knowledgeable and helpful for finding any children's book you need.
Bank Street Bookstore is specifically intended for kids. On the shelves, you'll find many classics and popular books of today, but you may also snag a locally written or indie gem you might not find elsewhere. On most Saturdays, you can come in and listen to a children's author read their own books for storytime, and lead the young audience in a themed activity.
This quaint independent bookshop in Cobble Hill is a sanctuary for book lovers young and old. Along with a vast selection of children's books, the shop has a little nook for relaxing with a book as well as many chances to hear your favorite authors reading their books at storytime. Books are carefully selected and displayed in a way that encourages kids to pick up a tome they might not otherwise even see (like a cookbook). Its calm and quiet vibes make this a, well, magical place to stop by and find your new favorite book. Plus, the store is open every day!
Book Culture has four stores in New York City—three on the Upper West Side, and one in Long Island city, Queens. (The Queens location's entire bottom floor is dedicated to kids books, games and toys.) The bookstore offers a robust schedule of programming at its shops; examples include musical storytimes, Mozart for Munchkins, TocToc Spanish Class, music with Hopalong Andrew, and storytimes in English, German and Spanish. The store is also a great place to pick up fun and funky gift items. Book Culture is raising money to get them over a financial hump and keep its doors open, with the goal of profitability in 2020. They deserve your support!
26-09 Jackson Ave. 718-440-3120 Long Island City Online: bookculture.com
Books of Wonder proudly declares itself to be NYC's largest independent bookstore and the city's "leading specialist in children's literature," and the stacks are, well, stacked with tons of children's literature. Besides having a large and well-kept children's books section, this bookstore is a hotspot for family-friendly events, author readings, launch parties, and more. Especially worth noting are the regularly held panels, for various ages and covering many different topics, which feature groups of authors talking about their work and taking questions from the audience — a potentially excellent inspiration for kids who are showing an interest in writing or illustrating their own works of art.
This little Upper East Side French bookstore for kids just oozes charm. (Customers report feeling transported to Paris when they step inside.) Head here for classics and new titles for kids in French, as well as games. The store hosts Petites Histoires, a thematic reading program in which kids learn French through stories, songs, crafts and play. Additionally French marionette shows will be coming to the store soon. (Adults can learn French here, too!) You can read our full feature from when they opened, here!
The Greenlight Bookstore has everything you'd expect from a great bookstore: Excellent selection (though listed at jacket prices — no savings to be found here), regularly scheduled staff and author storytimes, and friendly, knowledgeable staff. In addition to all that, though, Greenlight has a few special offerings to make it stand out among the rest.
Children ages 9-12 are welcome to join the Greenlight Young Readers Book Group with or without their parents, which meets once a month to discuss the book of the month (which is always on sale at 15% off), eat pizza, and make literary friends. Additionally, Greenlight is a partner of BAM, which means that in addition to 15% off for BAM members, you can also snag some BAM merch through Greenlight's kiosks on-site at the Academy. It also means that the bookstore often hosts events in collaboration with BAM, like author talks and music-infused book readings, on stage. Keep an eye on the events page for kid-friendly BAM performances!
From the same minds behind the home to book happenings in DUMBO, The Powerhouse Arena, Powerhouse on 8th is a cozy store that curates not only an excellent collection on titles for kids and young readers, but an event calendar as well. Storytimes and author appearances are common; you can check out what's coming up here.
You might already love this bookstore — now you can give your children a reason to love it, too. The large bookstore stocks an eclectic selection of books, many of which can be purchased at a discounted price. Visit the space for Family Hour, which includes storytime and readings for kids on Saturdays and some Sundays. You can also find plenty of old and new children's books here, as well as perfect gifts for book lovers like plushies and quirky toys themed around reading and learning.
828 Broadway at 12th St. Greenwich Village 212-473-1452 Online: strandbooks.com
This charming bookstore in the heart of Astoria is a welcoming place for families to browse and relax together. It hosts Thursday storytimes (you can even volunteer to read for storytime, if you want!), as well as unique events like chess lessons for 3-year-olds and a young adult reading book club (which offers 10% off on the month's book).
Many of its other events not specifically created for children are still welcoming to the whole family. Get the whole family in on the 2019 reading BINGO challenge!
Used books, events, and whimsy abound in this Staten Island location. This bookstore also sells coffee, chocolate, as well as records and DVDs, and hosts art and performances in its indoor and outdoor patio space. The space is small and selection is limited but the whole family can enjoy a trip to sip a hot beverage and browse the used books as live music plays.
208 Bay St. Staten Island 718-447-8256 Online: etgstores.com
If it just doesn’t seem like Christmas without the smell of a real Christmas tree in your house, this is the list for you. These spots around Miami sell fresh-cut Christmas trees and many even offer delivery. Get your holidays going and pick the perfect tree!
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Jack's Christmas Trees With three locations to choose from, Jack's is your spot to go if you are looking for fresh-cut Fraser Firs shipped in from North Carolina. They have trees ranging in size from 3-foot tabletops all the way to 14-foot tall full grown trees.
Bella Christmas Trees Bella Christmas Trees offers Christmas trees, wreaths, plants and tree stands to make your holiday shopping easy. You'll find Fraser, Balsam and Douglas Firs, as well as Blue and White Spruce. They will fresh-cut and package your tree for transport home or you can have them deliver it to you.
Firefighters Christmas Trees This spot sells only the best tabletop to 10-foot Fraser fir Christmas trees from North Carolina. Make your life easy and choose delivery and set up in your home.
Holiday Sales Holiday Sales has been selling Christmas trees at two locations in Miami for more than 65 years. They will flock your tree in your choice of color and can even add glitter if sparkle is your game. For additional Christmas decorations, choose from a large selection of fresh-grown poinsettias, live topiaries and handmade wreaths.
O Christmas Tree Miami North Carolina Fraser Firs are the name of the game at this spot that has been selling Christmas trees since 1994. Don't miss the fresh-popped popcorn!
