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Books & Beyond

Politics for Kids

More and more families are having open conversations about big issues, including politics. We most often associate politics with big moments in history, things like presidential elections. But when you boil it down, politics is how people in groups make decisions, at many different levels. Here are some ideas of how to introduce this concept of politics, voting, and what it means to be a citizen to your kid.

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Books & Beyond

Read and Celebrate El Día de los Muertos

Day of the Dead is a holiday full of symbolism and traditions that are meticulously practiced in Mexico, Latin America and some European countries. Beautiful memorial altars are made to honor the dead, decorated with calaveras (sugar skulls), marigolds, photos, and delicious foods.

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Books & Beyond

Back to School

Celebrate the milestone of a new school year with books!

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Books & Beyond

Juneteenth: Honoring Black History and Culture with Picture Books

The Juneteenth holiday is a time to celebrate as well as a time to examine our history, to reflect on the legacy of slavery, and to look toward the future.  Here are some picture books by Black authors and artists that celebrate African American culture, resistance and achievement.

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Books & Beyond

Disability Visibility

We've gathered together books for different ages that feature young people with disabilities. Many are memoirs or fiction that draw upon the authors' own experiences.  We hope you find books here to share with your family that can serve as mirrors for children with disabilities and doorways to deepen understanding and empathy for all.

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Mental Health for Kids

Providing the vocabulary to talk about our mental state is such an incredible tool in raising emotionally intelligent, supportive, and resilient kids. Not sure about how to start talking to your kid about mental health? We've gathered both Internet resources and books to talk to kids of all ages about their emotions, feelings, and mental health.

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Books & Beyond

Picture Books: Big Changes, Big Feelings

Starting a new school year, moving, swimming in the deep end for the first time -- big changes are often accompanied by big feelings. We've gathered some books for children about doing something new. 

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Books & Beyond

When Death Happens

In addition to wonderful first experiences, children also have their first encounters with less positively-associated subjects, including death. While no book is a substitute for gentle conversations and listening to your child, these titles seek to provide some structure and support for navigating the challenges of a subject often ignored.

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Books & Beyond

Rhyme Time: Inclusive Picture Books

Discover some great new inclusive rhyming picture books!

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Books & Beyond

Modern Classics

What makes a book a "classic?" Here are some of my recent favorites that I imagine will be finding readers for many, many years to come.

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Books & Beyond

Sharing Mindfulness with Children

These books encourage children (and their grownups) to slow down and bring their awareness to the present moment. Mindfulness for kids might mean taking time to explore a flower or to taste a single strawberry.  Just like grownups, being mindful can support children in navigating strong emotions or worry.  These mindful titles encourage us all to take a breath with awareness, to be in the moment, and to practice kindness to ourselves and others.

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Books & Beyond

Early Reader Levels…What Do They Mean?!

If you’ve ever browsed our Early Reader section, you’ve probably noticed numbers on the sides of many of the books, or friendly names or colors. To make it more complicated, your child might have really like a Level 1 of a particular series, but when you pick up a Level 1 of another series it’s way too hard or too easy. Why is it so difficult?!

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Books & Beyond

Very Beginning Readers

Is your kiddo ready to start reading? Each kid is ready in their own time, but sharing simple text with lots of repetition can help develop their literacy skills. The world of early readers can be a complex place with leveling (set by publishers), movie/franchise tie-ins (with complicated words), and lots of very little spines. Here are our suggestions of great first books to share with your kid.

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