Lawrence Kids, Spring 2026

Lawrence Kids Spring 2026

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Lawrence Kids / Spring 2026 Season’s Readings The Beat’s Seasonal Essentials

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Playing with the Band

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A Day at the Office

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A Game for All

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Cover photo by Meg Larkin (785) 766-5669 / info@lawrencekidsmagazine.com A project of Four Birds Media. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

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Season’s Readings

by Dan Coleman from the Lawrence Public Library

Basket Ball, written and illustrated by Kadir Nelson The call of the substitution horn in a basketball arena has become as much a sound of spring as birdsong, and Kadir Nelson celebrates the history of the game. This homage includes page after page of his hyper-realistic paintings of players and coaches. Lawrencians will recognize Dr. James Naismith and Wilt Chamberlain among them, along with informative text.

Is It Spring?, written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes Beautifully illustrated in Kevin Henkes’ typical style, think brightly colored critters and kids, this poetic ode to spring is the first picture book I’ve seen to acknowledge one aspect of the season familiar to anyone who lives in Kansas: a late snow.

Robin and the Stick, written and illustrated by E. B. Goodale Picking up sticks in the yard may be a spring chore for adults, but for the toddler protagonist of this picture book, it’s an obsession. When Robin encounters a fallen branch on a walk, however, the child’s mom steps in and defines sticks as only the ones Robin can carry. A sweet ode to collecting, problem-solving and walks with a parent.

Wind Is a Dance, by Debra Kempf Shumaker, illustrated

by Josée Bisaillon Strong spring winds knock down branches. This nonfiction picture book compares a variety of winds, including breezes, gales and hurricanes, to animals and objects such as butterflies, puppies and whisks and explains how forces of nature create them.

Watch Me Grow: Chickens, by Sara Forster, illustrated

by Bianca Austria Early spring means bins of chicks for sale at local feed stores, a fun outing with kids even if you’re not buying.

Keeping backyard chickens is permitted in Lawrence, and we’ve had a lot of fun with it in our family while also learning some tougher lessons about chores and the circle of life. This picture book for younger readers explains how chicks hatch and become chickens, and the library has many more in-depth chicken-keeping books for children and adults.

When Cherry Blossoms Fall, by Katrina Goldsaito, illustrated by Yas Imamura The Japanese have a term for the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms, a fleeting sight each spring: “mono no aware,” which translates roughly to “the pathos of things,” a simultaneous longing for and appreciation of impermanence. This bittersweet picture book explores the feeling of loving a grandmother whose time may be as short as that of the cherry blossoms she and her granddaughter watch bloom each year.

Papilio, written and illustrated by Ben Clanton, Corey R. Tabor and Andy Chou Musser What’s a list of spring children’s books without a caterpillarto-butterfly story? Here’s the new gold standard in the genre.

Three big-time illustrators each take a chapter, caterpillar, chrysalis and butterfly, to tell the story of one creature becoming itself.

A Dandelion’s Life, written and illustrated by John Himmelman Dandelions are a great example of the beauty to be found in the commonplace if we look closer. This book does just that, and after viewing these detailed illustrations of the plant’s life cycle, readers will appreciate the lowly dandelion for the lion among flowers that it is. And that’s a good thing, especially if you have a yard like mine, where looking at dandelions in spring is a way of life.

Salamander Song, by Ginny Neil, illustrated by Charli Vince This rhyming nature tale begins in the fall, when salamanders in a park frequented by children burrow underground to hibernate. Come spring rains, they must migrate across a busy road to reach their wetland spawning grounds. The same trek happens each year in Lawrence, as smallmouth salamanders make their way from higher ground to the Baker Wetlands, crossing 31st Street between Louisiana and Haskell on wet nights in early spring.

On the Farm, at the Market, written and illustrated by G. Brian Karas Lawrence has one of the best farmers markets around, and this picture book tour through the entire farming and market process is a great way for kids to learn more about a place they may visit every spring and summer.

999 Frogs Wake Up, by Ken Kimura, illustrated by Yasunari Murakami Nearly 1,000 siblings wake up for spring in this Japanese import. A lazy big brother leads the other 998 on a quest to wake up their friends: the turtle, lizard, ladybugs and snake.

Not much to think about here, just fun multiplied by 999.

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The Beat’s Seasonal Essentials Matt and Shannon Beat, with Reegan (11) and Lydia (14), love to make the most of the season. When they aren’t producing YouTube videos, and the girls have a break from their school activities, the family get outside and get moving. photos by Mallory Thompson

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Walking or biking along the Burroughs Creek Trail in East Lawrence is a favorite. There are interpretive panels to stop at along the way where you can learn about the local history... and we love history!

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Trips to the Mutt Run Off-Leash Dog Park with our dog, Patsy, are always a hit. She gets to run free while we enjoy the fresh air and exercise.

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Spring is the perfect time to shop and hang out downtown on Massachussetts Street at our favorite local spots.

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We always make it a point to stop for ice cream from Sylas and Maddy’s or Tad’s for shaved ice. Both are great for enjoying a treat in the warmer weather.

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We started a Monarch Waystation last year, so this spring we are getting it ready for the returning butterflies.

If you haven’t checked out the Monarch Watch Open House & Plant Fundraiser on the KU campus, you really should!

We love walking to local coffee shops as a family. Patsy,

6 our dog, usually tags along for a pup cup, of course.

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A new hobby of ours is browsing antique and thrift shops around town. We’ve been hunting for CDs, vinyl records and jewelry.

When the weather warms, you can often find us playing

8 tennis at one of the public courts around town.

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It’s hard to beat spring days spent relaxing in our backyard or jumping on the trampoline. We love spending time outside together.

stay busy supporting the local arts scene at a piano 10 We recital or choir and orchestra concerts. It’s a busy season!

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Playing with the

Band

KU Music Mentors pairs experienced students with aspiring Lawrence kids to expand their musical abilities and build their confidence... for free.

On any given afternoon in Lawrence, music drifts through living rooms, practice rooms and quiet corners. A few notes on a piano. The steady rhythm of a drum. A voice warming up for a song. But what makes these sounds special is not just the music. It is the connection behind it.

That connection is at the heart of KU Music Mentors, a program at the University of Kansas that brings student musicians together with kids from Lawrence. Their mission is simple. Share a love of music, build confidence and make lessons available to everyone.

The best part for families? Every lesson is completely free.

KU Music Mentors pairs college musicians with Lawrence students who want to learn or improve their skills. Some kids are picking up an instrument for the very first time.

Others already play and want to get better. All are welcomed with encouragement and patience.

“We want kids to feel excited about music,” Thomas Loub, a KU sophomore explained. “It is not just about getting the notes right. It is about discovering what you can do.”

For many families, private music lessons can be expensive. That means some kids never get the chance to explore their musical interests. KU Music Mentors works to change that. By offering free lessons, the program opens the door for young musicians.

of children eager to start lessons, and the program is always looking for more student musicians to volunteer.

Each new mentor means another child gets the chance to learn, practice and build confidence through music.

“Every mentor we add helps us reach another kid who’s been waiting,” KU mentor Arushi Gargsaid. “There’s so much interest, and we want to meet that need.”

The result is an experience that builds confidence.

That sense of purpose adds even more meaning to each lesson. A mentor leans over a keyboard, guiding a student’s fingers. Laughter mixes with music as mistakes turn into learning moments.

“It feels great when a student realizes, ‘Hey, I can do this,’” mentor Hannah Bacud said. “You can see their confidence grow right in front of you.”

For the kids, it is more than just a lesson. It is a chance to be heard, to try something new, and to express themselves in a safe and supportive space.

The lessons themselves are designed to be welcoming and fun. Mentors often tailor their teaching to each student’s interests. If a child loves pop music, they might learn a favorite song. If they are curious about classical music, they might try something new. There is no single path, and that flexibility helps kids stay engaged.

The program also creates something unique for the college students who volunteer as mentors. They are not just teaching. They are learning too.

KU Music Mentors is always looking to connect with more students and volunteers in the Lawrence community.

Working with younger students helps KU musicians develop leadership skills, patience and creativity.

At the same time, the need for mentors continues to grow. KU Music Mentors currently has a waiting list

Families and potential mentors can learn more and see updates from the program through their Instagram page, where mentors share highlights and celebrate student progress.

In a world where opportunities are not always equal, KU Music Mentors is making sure that music belongs to everyone. One lesson at a time, they are helping young musicians find their voice, their rhythm, and their confidence.

And sometimes, all it takes is one note to get started. LK

BRACES BRACES to fittoyour fit your LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE

A Day

at the

Office

Two local moms, with a little “help” from their kids, have teamed up to create a fun, welcoming boutique for Lawrence families. photos by Mallory Thompson

Tucked between familiar storefronts and the hum of weekend foot traffic, a children’s boutique is bringing a little extra joy, noise and energy to downtown shopping.

At 21 W. Ninth St. Little K & Co has found a new home filled with colorful racks, tiny sneakers racing across the floor and the occasional toddler “helping” behind the register.

That family atmosphere is exactly what owners Kaylee Nye and Katlyn Gress hoped to create.

Owned by the two local moms, Little K & Co feels just as much like a gathering place as it does a retail shop.

Their young sons are often right there alongside them, sorting bows, chatting with customers, snacking behind the counter or turning a quick workday into a full family affair.

“We’re moms first,” Nye said with a laugh. “So the kids are just part of how this all works. They’ve been there from the beginning.”

That beginning looked far different from the polished downtown storefront customers see today. It started with inventory bins stacked in a basement, late nights preparing for pop-up events and two moms taking a leap on a business they believed could become something special.

After purchasing the boutique, formerly known as Sweet Tea & Caviar, Nye and Gress began reshaping it into a store that reflected their own lives and parenting style.

They kept many of the brands loyal customers already loved while adding their own blend of fun, practicality and everyday realism.

“We want it to feel welcoming and real,” Nye said.

“Not intimidating. We want parents to walk in and feel comfortable immediately.”

Before settling downtown, the pair experimented with pop-ups and a temporary storefront in Eudira that acted as a test run for their bigger vision.

“It was kind of like, ‘Okay, will this actually work?’” Nye said. “We wanted to see what people connected with and what families were excited about.”

The answer turned out to be authenticity.

Today, Little K & Co carries more than 50 brands, offering everything from newborn essentials to clothing for kids up to age 14, along with toys, gifts, accessories and even a few items for moms. Customers can browse cozy basics, trendy statement outfits, soft organic cotton pieces and everyday clothes built to survive recess,

playgrounds and messy snack breaks.

“We try to have something for everyone,” Nye said.

“Some people come in for a special outfit, and some people just need a good everyday sweatshirt their kid can live in.”

That flexibility is intentional. Unlike larger retailers driven by trend reports and corporate buying decisions, Nye and Gress lean heavily on feedback from the families who walk through the door every day.

“We want parents to tell us what they’re looking for,” Nye said. “If there’s something you can’t find, let us know.

We’ll do our best to bring it in.”

As moms to young boys, the owners are also quick to admit they do not have every perspective covered.

“We’re always asking for input,” Nye said with a big laugh. “Especially from girl moms! We want people to feel like this is their store too.”

That collaborative spirit is part of what makes Little K & Co stand out. The shop evolves alongside the community that supports it.

Its downtown location has helped fuel that connection.

Families wander in during coffee runs or weekend strolls and end up staying longer than expected while kids explore toys.

“Honestly, sometimes it just feels like organized chaos in the best way,” Nye said. “There are usually kids running around, and we love that.”

Nye and Gress hope to build even more community through future events, including casual “sip and shop” gatherings designed for moms who want a relaxed outing where kids are welcome too.

“Sometimes you just want a place where you can bring your kids and not feel like you’re disrupting anything,” Nye said. “We want this to be that place.”

Little K & Co is still growing and evolving. The move downtown marked a major milestone, but the owners remain focused on adapting and creating a business that feels personal and sustainable.

Between the customer-driven approach and the children woven into the fabric of the store, Little K & Co offers more than shopping.

“It’s not perfect, and it’s not supposed to be,” Nye said. ”It’s real life and that’s what makes it special.”

LK

Game for All

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Under Coach Dan Fitzgerald, KU Baseball has made Autism Awareness a program tradition. photos by KU Athletics

On an April evening at Hoglund Ballpark, the rhythm of a college baseball game looks a little different. The crack of the bat is still there. So is the anticipation in the stands. But for the moments before first pitch, the volume softens, the pace steadies and a powerful message takes center stage. Everyone belongs here.

Each year, the University of Kansas baseball team hosts its Autism Awareness Game, an event that has quickly become one of the most meaningful nights on the Jayhawks’ calendar. Scheduled to align with World Autism Awareness Day, the game is more than a matchup. It is an invitation for families across Lawrence to experience baseball in a way that is welcoming, thoughtful and inclusive.

At the heart of it all is head coach Dan Fitzgerald, whose connection to the cause is deeply personal. His 13-yearold son, Max, is on the autism spectrum, and Fitzgerald’s journey as a father has reshaped how he sees both the world and his role as a coach.

“Everyone knows someone with autism or will know someone with autism,” Fitzgerald said. “Our goal is to be a small piece in bringing more awareness and attention to the number of people and families impacted.”

That awareness begins the moment fans arrive at the ballpark. On Autism Awareness Night, KU players wear specially designed uniforms and hats featuring bright, multicolored patterns associated with autism acceptance.

Information tables offer resources for families.

But the most impactful change is one you can feel.

Before the game begins, the usual bursts of music and announcements are dialed down. Stadium noise is intentionally minimized, creating a sensory friendly environment for fans who might otherwise find the experience overwhelming. As the innings progress, the volume gradually increases, allowing individuals to adjust at their own pace.

It is a simple adjustment, but for many families, it makes all the difference.

“This is one of the best nights of the year,” Heather Montrose said. “Our entire family can enjoy the game and the atmosphere and we don’t have to worry about if the environment will be too much for Theo.”

Theo is a 7 year-old that loves baseball. His autism makes most games an uncomfortable experience.

“Theo is sensitive to noise, so most games are a no-go

for us,” Heather said. “That makes this game so fun. He gets to watch the game in a comfortable environment.”

The commitment to inclusion extends beyond logistics.

It is woven into the culture of the program Fitzgerald has built since arriving in Lawrence in 2022. While the Jayhawks have enjoyed success on the field, including a strong start in Big 12 play and a return to national rankings, the focus inside the program reaches far beyond wins and losses.

For Fitzgerald, events like the Autism Awareness Game are part of life education. They give players a chance to engage with real world challenges, build empathy, and understand perspectives beyond their own.

And sometimes, those lessons unfold in unforgettable ways.

In past games, Max and his friend have served as “mini managers,” joining coaches at home plate for pregame traditions. Wearing headphones during the national anthem and experiencing the game in their own unique ways, they have become a visible and joyful part of the event.

At one game, Max simply sat down cross legged during the lineup exchange, completely at ease in the moment.

Moments like that capture the essence of the night.

Not perfection, but acceptance. Not spectacle, but understanding.

Fitzgerald admits that before Max’s diagnosis, autism was something he barely understood. Like many people, his perception was shaped by limited and often misleading portrayals. But through years of learning, guided in large part by his wife Kelly, a school psychologist, his perspective has evolved.

What once felt uncertain has become a source of clarity.

He hopes that events like the Autism Awareness Game spark curiosity, encourage compassion and challenge assumptions.

Back on the field, the Jayhawks continue their season, chasing wins and building momentum. But for one night each year, the scoreboard feels secondary.

Instead, the focus is on connection between teammates, families and a community learning to see through a broader lens.

LK