ML Interest Tag: supreme-court

Just Take a Look: Find DC’s Favorite Spots in These Books

by Meghan Yudes Meyers

Missing your favorite museums and monuments? For now, you’ll have to settle on visiting them virtually. Or you can flip open one these books that features our favorite local stomping ground, Washington, DC. Read on for 8 books that will inspire your next DMV adventure––post quarantine.

On The Loose in Washington, DC by Sage Stossel
Remember Where’s Waldo? Why not play where’s the wildlife? The animals from the National Zoo have taken themselves for a walk beyond the Smithsonian gates. Search each page for a missing animal; can you find the monkey at the Library of Congress? Bet you can’t spot the lion on the National Mall!

Available on Amazon.com, $14.95.

Washington, DC ABCs by Mr. Boddington’s Studio
A is for the Air and Space Museum. B is for Ben’s Chili Bowl. C is for Capitol Hill. Teach the alphabet with this delightfully illustrated book featured iconic DC landmarks. Preorder now (avail. June 22)!

Available on Amazon.com, $9.99

 

Urban Animals of Washington, DC by Isabel Hill
Go on a zoofari right here in DC! This book explores animals hidden within the District’s architecture and monuments. With cute rhymes and black and white photographs, this paperbound romp through the DMV will inspire your next walk outdoors.

Available on Amazon.com, $7.99.

 


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The Otter and the Owl go to Washington, DC, by Chris Collier
Best buds, Owl and Otter, fly to DC to check out all the city has to offer. Visiting sights made famous by history, wise Owl tells Otter all about what happened and why each place is so special. Otter can’t help but be awed by the stories and people, who courageously fought for our country, passed laws, and strove for equality. Owl and Otter visit the usual suspects such as 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (Otter may or may not have been chased by the Secret Service!), the Washington Monument, Library of Congress, and even manage to hit a few off the beaten path places too! Kiddos will love flying around with Owl and Otter, while Mamas and Papas will love the history lessons Owl imparts to us all.

Available at amazon.com, $16.95

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Good Night Washington, DC, by Adam Gamble
Pint-sized fans of the Goodnight Our World books will love reading about what happens in their own backyards. Good Night Washington, DC explores the city from a child’s point of view by visiting everything from the Library of Congress, Springtime at the Tidal Basin (hello Yoshino Cherry Blossoms), dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum, to making money at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and of course checking out the White House. Whether you’ve lived here for decades, or just moved here a few months ago, Good Night Washington, DC allows you to explore the city through your children’s eyes. Simple, beautiful and full of wonder.

Available at amazon.com, $8.45

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Larry Gets Lost in Washington, DC, by John Skewes and Andrew Fox
Uh Oh! Larry the pup is back and this time he’s lost in DC. Did he take the parkway instead of the beltway?! Help Larry find his owner, Pete by sniffing around the Capitol, nosing through Cherry Blossoms, and saluting President Lincoln. Not only does Larry go on an adventure through our capital city, but you can take your kiddos on a ride through time by teaching them facts (written within the story) about Arlington Cemetery, the Supreme Court, the founding of America and more. Larry might have gotten lost following the scent of treats, but your little ones will know the way to their favorite DC site after following this “tail”.

Available at amazon.com, 13.50

 

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Washington, DC, History for Kids: The Making of a Capital City, with 21 Activities, by Richard Panchyk
Older kiddos who fancy themselves history buffs should read this book stat. From the early 17th century (before DC was a twinkle in the founding fathers’ eyes) to the earthquake in 2011, Washington, DC, History for Kids: The Making of a Capital City tells the story of the District of Columbia through hands on fun including how to build a cornerstone (since there are quite a few residing around here), taking pictures of famous buildings, and visiting the Botanic Gardens. This book is perfect for at-home activities as well as helping with homework, collecting DC-centric items and even doodling some cartoon politicians.

Available at amazon.com,  $11.66

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Clifford Goes to Washington, by Norman Bridwell
Miniature purists who can’t get enough of the big red dog will be delighted when Clifford bounds off fur adventures in the nation’s capital with his pal Riley. Not only does Clifford meet the First Lady, but he also gets to check out some of the best parts of DC. Clifford swims in the Potomac (ick!), visits Abraham Lincoln, gets tackled by the Secret Service (!), and even visits a protest…err demonstration. Don’t be surprised when your little ones vote Clifford for President come November! And, maybe you will too!

Available at amazon.com, $3.99

––Meghan Yudes Meyers and Hilary Riedemann

featured photo: Daria Shevtsova via Pexels

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Ruth Bader Ginsburg Is Getting Her Very Own LEGO Minifigure & This Is Not a Drill

by Shahrzad Warkentin

The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part is headed to theaters soon and it will feature a surprising appearance by a real life hero. Not only will you be able to spot RBG in LEGO form on the big screen, but fans can take her home thanks to the new Ruth Bader Ginsburg LEGO minifigure!

“These movies are so full of surprises. And we were thinking, ‘Who’s the last person you would think to see in a LEGO film as a minifig?’ Ruth Bader Ginsburg!” director Mike Mitchell tells USA TODAY. “And we’re all huge fans. It made us laugh to think of having her enter this world.”

Producers and screenwriters Chris Miller and Phil Lord believe Ginsburg fits perfectly in the LEGO universe—and apparently she agrees. While Ginsburg doesn’t voice the character herself, the team did reach out to her for approval on using her likeness. “She said, ‘Of course, I’d love to be a LEGO figure. That would be cool,’ ” says Mitchell.

As an official LEGO Movie 2 character, the 85-year-old Supreme Court Justice will also get her very own LEGO minifigure to commemorate the role. “So there will be a real Ruth Bader Ginsburg toy that boys and girls can play with. It will even come with a gavel,” says Mitchell.

The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part opens Feb. 8.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Steve Petteway/SCOTUS via Wikimedia Commons

 

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This Baby Dressed as RBG, Frida Kahlo & More Is Adorably Empowering

by Erica Loop

She may only be three-months-old, but Liberty Wexler has already played many roles. Yep. She’s the baby dressed up as Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Instagram. Oh but that’s not all. Nope. This adorable infant is pictured as some pretty famous figures from history in a series of photos that have since gone viral.

Mom Jenelle Wexler started taking cute costume pics of toddler son River well before she got the idea to put baby Liberty in a RBG costume. So what was thinking behind the Instagram awesomeness? Wexler told Red Tricycle, “I feel it is important to pay tribute to the women who fought for an helped to protect and further women’s causes. I only hope these are the individuals that Liberty herself chooses to admire and aspire to be like.”

What famous women has Liberty played? Check out some of the most imaginative ideas that this creative mama had!

Frida Kahlo

This fab photo features the iconic artist. As the first in Wexler’s “Influential Woman” series, this post is more than just cute. It pays honor to a true pioneer.

Betsy Ross

This Betsy Ross photo portrait celebrates an American hero (hey, she made the first flag).

Amelia Earhart

Ah, the mysterious aviator. Baby Liberty keeps the historic theme going with this first female to fly solo across the Atlantic.

Jane Goodall

As one of the most well-known animal researchers, Goodall was an expert and and advocate for chimpanzees.

Hilary Clinton

With a remarkable career spanning decades, Clinton is much more than a presidential candidate. As a trailblazer and advocate for important issues, such as healthcare reform, she’s a true game-changer. Oh, and this version is aww-dorable too!

Sally Ride

It’s an out of this world adventure for baby Liberty in this pic! She plays the role of the first American female to go to space.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Those glasses. That gavel. This couldn’t be cuter pic of RBG highlights the accomplishments of the second female to be confirmed as a Supreme Court justice.

Madonna

You can’t have an influential women IG without including the “Material Girl” herself!

Wexler also added, “I am hopeful that when Liberty is older and looks back at these photos, she finds them to be fun yet informatively positive. In addition, I wanted to bring attention to specific stories, to show how important these women’s actions were in helping to shape our current society for the better. I believe these women continue to inspire the young females of present day to push boundaries and strive beyond equality.”

If these soooooo sweet photos inspire you (or just makes you squeal, “Aww!”), check out Wexler’s @photographyofliberty IG account!

—Erica Loop

Featured Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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D.C.’s Hot Spots for Kid-Friendly Public Art

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

D.C. is famous for its grand statues and huge memorials, which create the signature landscape of downtown. But there are also hundreds of lesser-known statues, sculptures, and outdoor artworks dotted around parks, public buildings, traffic circles and intersections throughout the DMV. Here are a few that are worth scoping out with your kids.

A Memorial with a View
Looking for President Buchanan? He’s been hanging out amidst the 12-acre sprawl that is Meridian Hill Park (also known as Malcolm X Park). This park has become revitalized along with the rest of the U Street area and is absolutely gorgeous, offering one of the most spectacular views of the D.C. landscape. It is set on one of the highest hills just north of the White House and runs along 16th Street in an area lined by immense 20th century mansions. In addition to the former president, you’ll find a finely “dressed” statue of Joan of Arc—all armored up and on a horse—which is the only equestrian statue in the city with a woman rider. The park also features an immense memorial to famous Italian philosopher Dante. One of the park’s central architectural features is an amazing stepped waterfall.

Good to know: Plan a visit on a Sunday between 3 pm and 9 pm to experience the popular neighborhood Drum Circle that convenes then. Après-park head towards bustling U Street, where you can check out some shops or grab a slice with your brood at Matchbox 14th Street or &Pizza.

An Epic Adventure
Around Chinatown and Gallery Place, there are treasures galore; it’s easy to make a half- or even full-day adventure out of this super fun neighborhood. A good starting point is the colorful Friendship Arch, a Chinese gate built over H Street at 7th Street that celebrates the historic Chinatown area of Washington. From there, take a stroll down a block or two and step into the Portrait Gallery’s interior Kogod Courtyard, where regardless of weather outside the little ones can wear their rain boots and splash up a good time with the floor’s artsy water feature. Afterwards, just a short trek out and around the block to the corner of 9th and G Streets will land you right in front of a very tall and brightly painted, wild looking metal sculpture titled Epoche.

Good to know: Afterwards enjoy a snack at Zaytinya (which is just next to where Epoche is displayed); the falafel and walnut ice cream are YUM.

Art Along the Avenue
One of the biggest sculptures in D.C. is nestled in the historic neighborhood of Anacostia. It’s a massive and exact replica of a wooden Duncan Phyfe antique chair. Your little ones won’t believe their eyes! Originally installed there in 1959 as an advertisement for a local furniture store, the Chair sculpture today sits 19.5 feet tall, is over 4,000 pounds, and is made entirely of painted brown aluminum with a white and brown striped seat.  After your kiddos get over their amazement, continue on and check out some other cool art and museum sites nearby. A sculpture installation that was just installed along New Hope Rd. in 2013 is titled Journey Anacostia, intended to reflect the “diverse history and heritage of the Anacostia community.” Also, don’t miss the Anacostia Community Museum lawn sculpture titled Real Justice, which is dedicated to the late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.

Good to know: If you need to take a break after seeing all these sights, drop into one of the nearby family-friendly places that are getting rave reviews: the Big Chair Coffee & Grill (right across street from the sculpture), Mama’s or Nürish Food & Drink, which is in the Arts Center. If your lil’ team still have some steam left in them, take them over to run around on the eight acres of beautiful grounds surrounding the historic home of Frederic Douglass at Cedar Hill.

Do you know of any other public artworks or statues that we should check out? Let us know in the comments section below. 

—Kristina Messner

Photos courtesy of Elvert Barnes via Flickr, pitchercrab via Flickr, Ted Eytan via Flickr

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