Seattle's Child "The Book Bonanza Issue" January/February 2022

ROMP

Guided nature activities JA NUA RY/ FE B RUARY 2022

Ask

14

local KID LIT

authors

OUR

BOOKza bonISaSn UE

Make your own Little Free Library Elliott has a brush with the wild at Tacoma Nature Center

CHOMP

Johnson Candy Co.

SHOP

Family game events F RE E

YOUR GUIDE TO A KIDF RIE NDLY CIT Y

WHAT PARENTS ARE TALKING ABOUT

Socializing toddlers in a pandemic INSIDE/OUT

Stay active this season with indoor and outdoor activities

Terrific reads recommended by book experts

INTERVIEWS WITH > AMANDA ABLER > ASIA CITRO > BEN CLANTON > CHRISTINE DAY > DONNA BARBA HIGUERA > JD DAVIS > JESSIXA BAGLEY > JOY McCULLOUGH > KATHERINE PRYOR > KAZU KIBUISHI > KERRI KOKIAS > LIZ WONG > NINA LADEN > TYRAH MAJORS BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS FROM > OH HELLO AGAIN > SECRET GARDEN BOOKS R S E AT T L E S C H I L D.C O M

North Seattle Colleges Cooperative Preschools and Parent Education Program

p.16

northseattlecoops.org A program for children from birth to 5 years and their caregivers.

NOW ENROLLING FOR THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR AND FALL 2022

Morningside Academy Foundation Grades 2-8

Middle School Grades 6-9

206.709.9500 901 Lenora St, Seattle www.morningsideacademy.org

>>Contents Seattle’sChild

January/February 2022 // Issue 491

WHAT PARENTS ARE TALKING ABOUT....... 3 TOOLBOX................................. 5 DAD NEXT DOOR................ 7 ROMP........................................... 9 CHOMP....................................... 11 SHOP..........................................13 FEATURE ASK A CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR....................16 INSIDE/OUT..........................23 q Because many Seattle-area events have

OUTDOOR PRESCHOOL

been canceled or rescheduled amid concern over the coronavirus pandemic, there’s no Calendar in this issue.

CROWN HILL/ CARKEEK PARK

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• Ages 2-6 • Inclusive & 100% Outdoors • AM & PM classes 2-4 days per week

learning & playing together outdoors

LITTLEGARDENLEARNING.COM INSIDE/ OUT

The Sammamish Montessori School In Redmond

Call 425-883-3271 for a tour.

in g N o w E n r o ll

• Child-centered, joyful atmosphere with strong academic focus • Experienced, Montessori-certified teachers • Preschool, kindergarten, and STEAM Enrichment • Family owned and operated since 1977 • Summer, before & after school programs • Prep Program, (starting ages 2 1/2-3)

www.sammamishmontessori.com • 425-883-3271 2 2

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

p. 23

„ Find us online at seattleschild.com Cover photo by JOSHUA HUSTON

Don’t miss these stories on seattleschild.com

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Winter Fun Find snow just outside Seattle!

Things to Do Learn what’s happening all around town

Pitch In Making changes in big and little ways

»What Parents

„ Find more local news for families on seattleschild.com

Are Talking About Education, health, development and more

The pandemic made toddler social time challenging in all new ways.

Playtime in a masked-up world Parents and educators are learning new ways to ensure toddlers get the socialization they need P H OTO: S H U TTE RSTOC K

by K A T I E A N T H O N Y

COVID completely upended our communities. Togetherness, once a balm, became a risk. Separation, once a snub, became a gesture of love. That was a tough transition for older kids and adults.

But what has it been like for toddlers? How are families coping with socializing young kids in a continuing pandemic?

Bo Leong, the parent group manager at Families of Color Seattle and parent to twin toddler boys, believes that the word we are all looking for is “pivot.”

“Not just physical pivoting,” Bo says, referring to the pandemic retreat into the home, “but psychological, social, even cognitive pivoting as a parent.”

“We tell our kids, ‘Go out and play,’ but

during a pandemic there are some added steps,” Bo says. Wear a mask, wash your hands, be aware of how close you are to other people. For adults, these changes might serve as reminders of the dangers our children face. But to young kids, they register as simply another milestone in their lives, not wildly different from their pivot away from diapers, or learning that toilets need flushing.

Turns out toddlers are toddlers, even during a pandemic. Lindsey Denault, toddler CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

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Seattle’sChild

January/February 2022 // Issue 491 “Seattle is my town. I know this city inside and out… or so I thought until I had kids.”

Seattle’s Child is your guide to getting to know your city all over again.

Finding things to do, places to eat, and how to get around — it’s a whole new ballgame with kids in tow. We’re interested in how parents make homes in a space-challenged urban environment, how families create community, and what parents are really talking about.

Seattle’s Child reflects real Washington families and their broad range of parenting experiences.

ANN BERGMAN Publisher, Founder abergman@seattleschild.com JASMIN THANKACHEN Associate Publisher jasmin@seattleschild.com BOO BILLSTEIN Art Director JILLIAN O’CONNOR Managing Editor JULIE HANSON Website Editor and Copy Editor jhanson@seattleschild.com KATLEEN SNEDEKER Calendar Editor calendar@seattleschild.com JOSHUA HUSTON Photographer JEFF LEE, MD Columnist KATIE ANTHONY, NATASHA DILLINGER, HALLIE GOLDEN, BRETT HAMIL, DANIELLE HAYDEN, RENE HOLDERMAN, JASMIN THANKACHEN, ASTRID VINJE Contributors ADVERTISING AMBER ELBON Ad Production Manager amber@seattleschild.com JULANN HILL Senior Account Manager julann@seattleschild.com 206-724-2453 KRISTIN McCONNELL Account Executive kristin@seattleschild.com 360-682-3384

Seattle’sChild Seattle’s Child has provided useful information to parents since 1979. In addition to our magazine, look for our special themed publications — FamilyPages, School and SummerTime — distributed free throughout the Puget Sound area.

Seattle’s Child is published every other month.

ONLINE seattleschild.com Facebook facebook.com/seattleschild Twitter @SeaChildMag Instagram @seattleschildmag MAIL c/o Postal Plus 1211 E. Denny Way, Seattle, WA 98112 VOICE 206-441-0191 TO ADVERTISE advertise@seattleschild.com MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTION distribution@seattleschild.com STORY IDEAS editor@seattleschild.com CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS calendar@seattleschild.com Deadline is first of the month, one month prior to publication. Include date, time, cost, appropriate ages, address, contact information and description.

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«What Parents Are Talking About CONTINUED

class chair at Phinney Neighborhood Preschool Co-op, says when her 2-yearold son, Ben, returned to preschool it was, well, pretty normal. “Parents were all learning how to socialize again, and the kids were like, ‘This is great! Let’s go.’ ” Lindsey, who also has a 4-year-old daughter, Nora, reports that the toddler class is navigating standard 2-year-old challenges: sharing, waiting for turns and age-appropriate independence from parents.

Of course, COVID complicated early social development in some ways. For example, Nicolette Riggins, founder and head teacher of north Seattle’s Chrysalis Forest School, says, “It’s typical for young kids to have speech impediments. I didn’t realize how much I relied on lip-reading until everyone was wearing a mask.”

“Kids get frustrated when they have a clear idea of what they’re trying to communicate with me and it isn’t getting through.”

Heather Collins, whose 4-year-old daughter M attends Chrysalis, experienced that frustration firsthand. “M tends to be quiet, and when you add a mask, it makes it hard for her to be understood.”

As a teacher, Nicolette pivoted. She taught her students to draw pictures of their feelings and integrated sign language into her curriculum so they could sign for basic needs like food, water, bathroom and “stop.”

Heather says, “M is a better human, getting that interaction with other kids.”

In the north Seattle co-op where Bo’s twins attend preschool, their teacher utilizes gestures and call-and-response auditory cues, as well as multisensory pretend play, like imagining the smell of chocolate chip

cookies. These creative solutions seek to enhance both the social growth of the kids and the inclusion and equity of the class.

In a conversation about socializing children, it’s easy to zoom in on individual skills as parents see them: Can my child share? Can my child wait? Can my child use their words? Those skills are important. But now more than ever, we must also zoom out, recognize our children’s social growth as an act of community care, and cultivate their early understanding of inclusion and diversity.

Bo says a key element of pandemic navigation is commitment to community and to modeling behavior. “It’s not just about the pandemic, but about how the pandemic circles around culture, race, identity, values, socioeconomic status.”

“That’s what’s beautiful about these conversations. These families are growing together in a loving community.”

In 2021, FOCS parent educators for Waddlers (children 6 months to 3 years old) supported 77 families through issues like finding work-life balance, parenting kids of different ages and coping with the mental health challenges of the pandemic.

Another FOCS group, the Redmond Black Mothers affinity group, supports its members through facilitated discussions about issues like Black hair and beauty, the impact of systemic racism on children, Black feminism, anti-bias and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Maybe pandemic toddlers didn’t get Gymboree music classes, or a trip to Disneyland, or the chance to share snacks in new friends’ houses. But I would argue that they — and we — are still learning invaluable socialization: We are learning to communicate in new ways. We’re learning our personal choices, like wearing a mask, show love to people around us. And we’re learning that even upended communities can reach across loving distance and connect.

»ToolBox

What every parent needs to have on hand

Does my child have ADHD? Here are some signs that you should talk to your pediatrician

by D R . S U S A N N A B L O C K of K A I S E R P E R M A N E N T E

We’re back in school and so excited that our 5- to 11-yearolds can now be vaccinated against COVID-19. Kids have settled into school with masking and social distancing. We are also bringing back after-school activities.

While for some children the transition has been smooth, others are having difficulty with concentration, restlessness and worry. Those behaviors can be symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or they can have other causes. Let’s talk about how ADHD is identified and treated.

As always, thank you so much for your great questions. Keep them coming.

(Got a question for Dr. Block? Send it to jhanson@seattleschild.com.)

P H OTO CO U RT ESY OF KA I S E R P E RM A N E N TE

Does my child have ADHD, or is it something else?

This is a great question from a reader.

Let’s talk about it.

At the beginning of the school year, it seemed like all our kids were a little amped up with excitement and nervousness. We are now reacquainted with in-person school and after-school activity routines.

What about the child who is still struggling with attention, performance in school or impulsive behavior? If you are asking yourself if this could be something more, you’re not the only one. We’re seeing increased requests for ADHD screenings

for school-aged children. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference, so recognizing possible ADHD is important.

Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder

Let’s take a minute to talk about ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, approximately 9% of children have ADHD, and it is twice as likely to be diagnosed in boys as in girls.

ADHD is considered a chronic condition of the brain. Children with ADHD have difficulty controlling their behavior and difficulty paying attention in school, have challenges getting along with other children, and are often impulsive. This is not the occasional outburst but rather a pattern of chronic behavior that impacts their ability to live regular lives.

Children with ADHD have behavior challenges that fall into three categories, although many children have a combination of behaviors: Inattentive: These children have a difficult time paying attention, appear to be daydreaming and have challenges organizing themselves.

Hyperactivity: These children are in constant motion and have a very hard time sitting still.

Impulsivity: These children are noted to be very impulsive. They frequently interrupt, have a hard time taking turns and have impulsive behaviors, i.e., they might run into the street.

June 27 – August 5 Age 3 – Grade 12

Outdoor Adventures ● Arts & Crafts ● Creative Writing & Journalism ● Fun & Community

If I suspect my child has ADHD, what are the next steps?

If you notice your child having these CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

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impulsive, hyperactive or inattentive behaviors on a regular basis for more than six months and the behaviors are impacting their success in school and at home, talk to your healthcare provider. Often teachers are the first to notice these behaviors and will let parents know.

It is important that your child be seen by their provider in person.

A physical exam and time for your provider to talk to you and your child are important to be sure that there are no other reasons for the behavior difficulties. Your provider will then ask you and your child’s teacher to fill out an ADHD behavior assessment. Your child may also be screened for other things, including anxiety and depression.

ADHD treatment

ADHD treatment is individual, but it is important to have a longterm management plan with the goal of targeted behaviors. This could include better schoolwork, improved relationships, improved self-esteem and safer behavior. It is important that the goals be realistic and observable. It is also important to have close follow-up and ongoing monitoring. Education about ADHD and parent training in behavior management is helpful. Some patients and families benefit from individual and family counseling. Medication may also be part of the treatment plan.

This is something you will discuss with your provider.

Will my child outgrow ADHD?

Most people with ADHD will have it into adulthood. By learning organizational skills, how to structure their environment, and on some occasions continuing medication, adults with ADHD can do well. I might say that for many fields, having high-energy behavior is a plus.

What if it’s not ADHD?

During your evaluation, the provider will check your child for symptoms that do not fit ADHD. Sometimes other disorders such as mood disorders (depression or anxiety), learning disorders, sleep problems and certain types of seizures can have some symptoms that overlap with ADHD. It is also important to be sure there is nothing else going on, including bullying at school or substance use.

Working with your healthcare provider and your child’s teacher is the best way to be sure you have the correct diagnosis.

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„ Read all of Jeff Lee’s columns on seattleschild.com

»DadNextDoor

A little encouragement from across the fence

by J E F F L E E , M D

Harry Potter set me free My parents never read to us out loud.

In my dad’s case, that was understandable.

English was his second language, and he was a man of few words. My mom, though, was trained as a school librarian. Before having kids, she literally made her living reading to kids out loud. Maybe it was just the sheer kinetic energy of four boys bouncing around the house, and she was just too exhausted to bother. In any case, the books we knew as children we mostly discovered on our own.

When my own kids were born, I was determined to do it differently. I was an English literature major, by God, and no kid of mine was going to grow up without bedtime stories.

When my oldest was born, we filled her room with books, and we read to her every night.

That’s when I got a taste of what my mother had been up against. After a long, exhausting day at work, and the protracted push and pull of the bedtime ritual, I’d curl up with my daughter on her tiny bed and try to read. After about two minutes, I’d feel a sharp little elbow in my ribs, and a small, accusatory voice would say, “Daddy, you fell asleep.”

Sometimes I would drift off into a trance state and babble incomprehensibly, deviating wildly from the text,

which she had memorized as if it were Holy Scripture.

“Goodnight room … goodnight moon … goodnight clocks .... goodnight rocks … goodnight brush … good guy mush ... goo guy ... goom gum my ...”

“Daddy!”

I can’t imagine how my mom felt trying to wrangle me and my three brothers at bedtime, but I’m guessing it was more like The Hunger Games than The Very Hungry Caterpillar. People tell you having kids will be joyful and transformative, which it is. Sometimes they admit that it’s really hard, which it is. What they fail to tell you is that parts of it are also brain-numbingly tedious, and reading any kids’ book for the 125th time falls firmly in that category.

I had more or less resigned myself to the meager returns of reading to my kids when suddenly that began to change. My daughter got older, and her books started to get more interesting. Little by little the plots got more complex, the characters more compelling, and the themes more satisfying. Then one day, a little after her eighth birthday, we heard about a book that had been making a big splash, first in the U.K. and then in America.

We walked into our local bookstore (that’s an actual building full of books that you can buy — for those of you who’ve never seen one) and purchased a hardbound copy of Harry Potter and CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

June 20 – August 12 Preschool—8th grade Learning & Enrichment Outdoor Education Performing Arts Fine Arts Sports Day Camps

summertime fun!

How a young wizard saved me from tedious bedtime stories

Find registration information online:

www.evergreenschool.org

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«DadNextDoor CONTINUED

the Sorcerer’s Stone. That night, we opened it up, and I began to read it out loud.

I think we finished that first book in less than a week. We quickly bought and read the next two, and devoured them just as quickly. Every night we’d plunge into a fantastical world of magic and intrigue and heroism, which I’d recount in my best selection of phony British accents. When it was time to go to sleep, it was me who begged for one more chapter.

Once we’d caught up with the series, we had to wait for the next book to come out. As excruciating as that was, it allowed my daughter to grow up alongside Harry and his friends, getting older as they did. And as the months crept by, while we waited for the next book to be released, we explored decades’ worth of Newbery award winners — A Wrinkle in Time; Bud, Not Buddy; A Single Shard; Sarah, Plain and Tall; and Because of Winn-Dixie (a Newbery Honor Book). Middle-grade fiction became my favorite genre, so much so that I ended up writing a middle-grade novel of my own.

By the time the last Harry Potter book came out, my daughter was too old for me to read it to her.

That didn’t matter. I read it to myself. And when it was over, I went back to the first book and started all over again.

So, if you’re still reading the same insipid bedtime books every night to your 3-year-old, here’s what I want you to know: It gets better. A lot better. You may feel like a house elf, trapped in tedious servitude, at the beck and call of a master who blithely ignores your suffering, but help is on the way.

Somewhere out there is a boy with broken glasses and a scar on his forehead, sleeping in a cupboard beneath the stairs, waiting for his time. He is The Boy Who Lived, and he’s coming to set you free.

ABOUT OUR COLUMNIST

Jeff Lee lives and writes among the muggles in Seattle, WA.

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5 things to do

„ Subscribe to the Romp newsletter seattleschild.com/newsletter

Cures for the winter blahs

Right under your nose!

Seattle Pinball Museum One of the best ways to play vintage pinball in Seattle isn’t at an arcade or a bar, but at a museum. (Yes, this is certainly a louder variety of museum.) And it’s back and open once again: Players 7 and older can come by and flipper to their hearts’ content on 50 machines.

Adults: $20. Kids (7-12) and seniors: $17. — Jillian O’Connor 508 Maynard Ave S., ​Seattle, seattlepinballmuseum.com

Rainy, cold and wet weather can have families staying in with kids, clamoring for some active fun. Keep everyone busy with these five ideas to help beat winter boredom.

»Romp

1 Camp inside!

Pull out sheets and pillows, make a fort and set up camp in the living room. Get flashlights and grab a mattress from your kid’s bedroom. Sleep in front of the imaginary campfire! Tell stories.

Bake up s’mores as a special camping treat.

Things to do with kids

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Turn on your favorite tunes!

A dance party will get all the wiggles out.

Teach your child to do classic moves like the monkey or the sprinkler.

3

Slip on your socks and slide around!

On bare wood floors, pretend to be ice skaters or (safely) chase each other around the house.

Bonus: Your floors will be squeaky-clean.

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Serenity and Ryan Ulsberger with Elliott, 4, and Eva, 2, enjoy the Family Nature Experience at Tacoma Nature Center, led by a preschool teacher naturalist.

Bundle up and head outside

Wintry adventures With guided activities, kids can make maple syrup, try out snowshoes, and learn a lot about nature

by N A T A S H A D I L L I N G E R / photos by J O S H U A H U S T O N

Let’s face it. Getting out of the house in the middle of winter is a little more challenging. It’s chilly, it’s dark and someone always seems to be missing a mitten.

If your family has had one too many cozy days on the couch this season, you can capture some motivation from the experienced hosts of local guided activities and opt for an outdoor adventure.

Yes, especially when it’s raining! Examine fallen leaves, jump in puddles, stick your tongue out and catch a raindrop. Bring along hot chocolate and a snack.

Tacoma Nature Center Family Nature Experience You don’t have to drive for hours to have guided outdoor fun. Enjoy a private winter family walk and learn all about plant and animal adaptations to the seasons. (An optional indoor Turtle Time add-on is available).

When: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Select Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

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5 Make a sensory bin!

Fill an empty bin with rice or beans. Add toy cars, trucks, scoops and bowls. Pour, sift and sort the materials for hours of tactile play.

— Jasmin Thankachen

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Where: Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler St., Tacoma.

Cost: $35 per family up to 6 people ($30 for members). Must be from the same household or pod.

Age guidelines: Little ones welcome. Adaptable for most developmental stages.

Register: Request a time at least 1 to 2 weeks in advance by emailing tnc@tacomaparks.com or calling (253) 404-3930.

Mount Rainier Institute This partnership between the University of Washington and Mount Rainier National Park offers year-round family programming, but the sweetest option is their Big Leaf Maple Syrup Program. Families have hands-on opportunities to learn about these special trees and the process of syrup making, plus a chance to taste-test!

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on select dates between Jan. 21 and Feb. 13.

Where: Pack Forest at 9010 453rd St. E. in Eatonville.

Cost: $45 per family of 2, $60 per family of 3, $70 per family of 4, $80 per family of 5. Children 2 and under are free.

Age guidelines: Designed for kids 8 and up, but my toddler and

Elliott gets close-up Turtle Time at Tacoma Nature Center.

kindergartner have participated and loved this program.

Register: Go to rainierinstitute.org.

Wenatchee River Institute Take in the scenic views on a twohour guided snowshoe stroll. You’ll learn about the P’squosa (Wenatchi) people and the local plants and animals they’ve stewarded since time immemorial. Snowshoes are provided for participants age 6 and up. (Bonus: Poles and gaiters are provided at the fish hatchery.)

When: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in January and February (starting Jan. 6).

Various midday times.

Where: Choose between two Leavenworth locations: the Wenatchee River Institute (WRI) at 347 Division St. or the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery at 12790 Fish Hatchery Road.

Cost: $5 per person at the WRI, $15 per adult or $10 per youth (6 to 14) at the fish hatchery.

Children 5 and under are free.

Age guidelines: All ages are welcome, but there are no snowshoes small enough for kids under 6.

Register: Online at wenatcheeriverinstitute.org

Bellevue Parks Guided Hikes Outdoor programming has resumed in Bellevue and families

can choose from three locations: Lake Hills Greenbelt, Lewis Creek Park and the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center. Programs generally include a mild walk of a mile or less as participants examine flora and fauna.

Special programming (like a night hike) is occasionally available.

When: Various start times, but typically Saturday mornings at Lewis Creek and afternoons at Lake Hills and Mercer Slough.

Where: Lake Hills: 15416 SE 16th St. Lewis Creek Park: 5808 Lakemont Blvd.

SE. Mercer Slough: 1625 118th Ave. SE. (All in Bellevue.)

Cost: Free Age guidelines: Geared toward kids age 5 and up; all ages are welcome Register: Online at register. bellevuewa.gov. Groups are limited to 15 to 20 participants.

Outdoors for All This local organization focuses on supporting individuals with disabilities in outdoor sports and offers lessons in downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

When: Saturday and Sunday half-day sessions starting in January.

Where: Summit at Snoqualmie and Stevens Pass.

Cost: Starts at $500 for a seven-week session with scholarships available.

Gear rental and lift tickets are extra.

Age guidelines: Age 7 and up.

Register: Online at outdoorsforall.org.

It ’s so much more than a gift Washington State Heirloom Birth Certificate

A portion of the proceeds from each birth certificate helps children grow, thrive and learn in safe and loving environments.

This official birth certificate is personally signed by the Governor and State Registrar.

Certificate is 8 1/2 x 11 and includes the name, date and place of birth, as well as the name and birthplace of the parent(s).

Escape from Seattle!

For each $40 purchase of an Heirloom Birth Certificate, $25 is tax deductible.

To find out more information on Children’s Trust and child abuse prevention in Washington State visit https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/about/ government-community/communityengagement or visit Department of Health to order your own Heirloom Birth Certificate.

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In Everett, there’s a museum-like shop that warrants its own field trip. Enter this brightly colored, interactive toy store and be amazed by all the huge plastic Funko Pop! characters. This is the 17,000-square-foot flagship store for Funko, which sells every pop-culture icon figurine from Batman to Jimi Hendrix.

See colossal Pop! figures in rooms dedicated to Harry Potter, Marvel, Star Wars and more.

Get ready for pictures in the Batmobile — or to create your own Pop! figure! — Jasmin Thankachen 2802 Wetmore Ave., Everett, funko.com

P I N BA L L M AC H I N E S: SE ATTL E P I N B AL L M U S E UM F U N KO : P H OTO BY JOSH H U STON

A trip that will make your head bobble

Framable keepsake

„ More on feeding your family at seattleschild.com

New in town

ved ppro a d i dk ith „ Fin aurants w g atin rest io se m t a p ild.co great ch

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Dining rinkside The Kraken have settled into Seattle, and if families want to catch the team practicing, they can head to the Kraken Community Iceplex in Northgate. Hungry kids and grownups can grab a burger with a view of the ice at the site’s new 32 Bar & Grill, serving everything from poutine to pizza. (And, yes, there’s a kids’ menu.) — Jillian O’Connor 10601 5th Ave. NE, krakencommunityiceplex.com

»Chomp Eating with kids

Cheap eats

The hole deal

The third and fourth generations of the Johnson candy family oversee the chocolate confections at their Tacoma candy shop.

A family’s sweet legacy Hearts are full as candy company dating back to 1925 prepares for Valentine’s Day

by H A L L I E G O L D E N / photos by J O S H U A H U S T O N

For three generations, the Johnson family’s bread and butter has been a mix of delicate chocolates, crunchy peanut brittle and gooey caramels.

It all started in 1925, when Russell Johnson began crafting

and selling chocolates while working at his parents’ shop in Tacoma. He and his wife, Irene, soon bought the business, managing it as a restaurant with a decadent candy selection. By the 1940s, the pair moved a few blocks

away to the storefront in the city that the community now knows as the Johnson Candy Company.

Today, behind that same window-filled storefront, featuring rows of handmade candies, the family-owned shop has become a true fixture in the city, with many loyal customers, some of whom have been patrons for more than half a century.

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Many families with kids head to Ballard’s Dough Joy food truck for its egg-free, dairy-free, tree nut-free vegan doughnuts. But the flavors! Cookie Butta, chocoholic, strawberry milkshake, Over the Rainbow (a Pride tribute) and banana French toast, or mini doughnuts for dipping in caramel (or chocolate) will intrigue even avid consumers of animal products.

On some weekends, patrons can grab the Chik’n & Waffle Skewer, a decadent kebab of three extra-large doughnut holes and two vegan nuggets. Coming soon as a Capitol Hill storefront.

— Jillian O’Connor

Truck address: 5401 17th Ave. NW, doughjoydonuts.com

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The business is now coowned by Russell and Irene’s son Ron Johnson, and his wife, Bee Johnson. Now Ron and Bee’s son, Bill Johnson, who used to help out at the shop when he was just 12, serves as its production manager.

He says he hopes his own sons, ages 7 and 10, will be able to start helping out soon.

Over the years, the shop has had a few upgrades, including an expansion of its building, but at its core it has never strayed far from its roots.

Bill Johnson explains that the family still uses some of the candy recipes his grandfather bought from a retiring Greek candymaker in the 1920s. And several current pieces of machinery are from the business’s infancy, including a FireMixer, which the candymakers use to make caramel.

“I love to keep the old stuff going as long as I can,” he says.

“You just can’t beat that stuff.”

The candy company has also faced its fair share of challenges, the most recent being the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the family had to close the retail shop and quickly switch to selling candy boxes and ice cream bars through a window. The shop also launched an online store.

By the fall of 2020, with newly installed plexiglass and mask requirements, the family was able to reopen the business to walk-in customers.

For the Valentine’s Day holiday, one of the busiest times of the year, the candy company plans to sell its popular packed

The younger Johnsons: Kids in a candy shop.

heart boxes, which include an assortment of candies customers can select themselves, and also one of the biggest sellers, brandied cherries.

Bill Johnson, now 50, attributes the business’s longevity to his parents’ and grandparents’ hard work and commitment to not expanding it beyond what they could handle, as well as their small but dedicated team of employees.

The small business can be a challenge, he says, but over the years he’s come to understand and truly appreciate its importance for the community at large.

He says, “When you have people come in and they say, ‘We’ve been coming here with our family, and we just love coming here’ … you realize that it’s more than just somewhere where you come to work, but it’s a part of the community.” q 924 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma, johnsoncandyco.com

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Changing the Face of Private School Education

„ More shopping local on seattleschild.com

Q&A

Here’s the scoop

Where do you love to shop around the city?

Annie Garrett Parent education faculty at South Seattle College

My favorite place to shop with my kiddo is Twice Sold Tales on Capitol Hill. The cats (yes, cats!), the carpet and the friendly folks make me feel like we’re at Grandma’s house.

The books are all used, so even after walking out with an armful, we’ve got change to spare.

»Shop

The card game Stack the Scoops was created by Seattle’s Child writer Astrid Vinje and her family during the pandemic. You score points as you match bases (Cake cone? Waffle cone?

Doughnut?!) and ice creams and toppings.

You can build kids’ addition and multiplication skills as you angle to double or triple your points. It’s like a math workout at an ice cream shop!

Recommended for ages 5 to 10 and up.

3 vibugo.com

Lively + locally made

Quiet time

Kids bring their cards and learn how to build decks and play games at Meeples Games’ Pokémon Training Camp on Sundays.

Are you on board?

Local game shops are on a roll with tournaments and family events once again

by D A N I E L L E H A Y D E N / photo by J O S H U A H U S T O N

Gaming together as a family can help strengthen bonds as well as help kids practice taking turns. They learn the art of friendly competition and how to

Things we love

win and lose gracefully. These Seattle spots offer in-store pickup of games, but if you’re looking to venture out, they offer several activities and amusements on the premises, too.

Blue Highway Games Located in Queen Anne, Blue Highway Games encourages everyone to “unplug and reconnect.” The shop carries board and card games from around the world, specializing in those that appeal to kids, families and enthusiasts.

Ths shop’s extensive library contains hundreds of games — from puzzles and cards to chess and checkers. Guests can play at any CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

J a nua r y / Fe br ua r y 2 0 2 2

In this charming book, I Am Quiet: A Story for the Introvert in All of Us, debut author Andie Powers explores the rich inner life of Emile. Despite often being seen by others as shy and timid, this boy has many imaginative adventures.

The book offers a peek into a quiet child’s mind — and this kid is thinking big, bold thoughts.

Ages 3 to 7; illustrated by Betsy Petersen. Available for preorder at 3 penguinrandom house.com — Jillian O’Connor

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«Shop CONTINUED

time, including at the free Friday Game Night Meet Up or at the BHG Board Game Challenge. The challenge is held monthly, with a different game each time. Prizes are awarded for participation and players earn points toward yearly challenge awards. (Winners get their names on Blue Highway’s trophy wall!)

As a bonus, Ginger — the owners’ dog — makes occasional appearances on-site. q 2203 Queen Anne Ave. N., bluehighwaygames.com Meeples Games The staff at Meeples Games is well incorporated into the gaming community, and it includes experts in board games, collectible card games and role-playing games, helping visitors to find a niche. This West Seattle staple features a café, in case visitors get hungry between moves, as well as the Meeples store — a retail space specializing in a broad range of goods like board games, Pokémon cards, tabletop miniatures, toys and more. Families can come for tournaments or drop-in

play, whether for Family Game Night or at any other time.

Meeples events like Open D&D (Dungeons & Dragons, for the uninitiated), Star Wars/Marvel Night and Pokémon Training Camp are just a couple of the community favorites. q 3727 California Ave. SW, Suite 2B, meeplesgames.com Tabletop Village For both skilled Pokémon players and novices, Tabletop Village is the place to be. Masters are there to teach anyone willing to learn. Visitors can help build and modify decks, preparing for a casual game or more competitive play. On days with numerous participants, impromptu tournaments often take place. And kids can browse collectibles like Pokémon, Digimon, MetaZoo, Flesh and Blood and DBZ. Regular tournaments happen on Wednesdays and Fridays. Every Sunday is officially Family Day, but people are welcome to grab a table and play any time the doors are open.

Tech-savvy Tabletop occasionally streams players who want to be featured on Twitch, a live video-streaming service

for gamers. Tabletop Village, which is BIPOC-owned and operated, connects to youth in the International District/ Chinatown community and beyond. q 616 8th Ave S., tabletopvillage.com Mox Boarding House At first glance, Ballard’s Mox Boarding House may seem like it’s only for adults, but it’s indeed family-friendly.

You can play games at one of the restaurant’s long tables or reserve a private room. After being seated, guests are free to visit Card Kingdom next door to explore or to get a board game suggestion. Staff picks like Dragonwood, Fluxx and, of course, D&D can be played at the café, and customers can purchase games and other merchandise, such as miniatures, paint and supplies, in the retail section.

Mox has a full menu, which encourages famished families to stay for yet another round of play. Bonus: There’s an Eastside location, too (as well as a site in Portland). q 5105 Leary Ave NW; 13310 Bel-Red Road, Bellevue, moxboardinghouse.com

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northwestschool.org

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Book Corner

Celebrating Black history Here are four new standout titles to enjoy and learn from, in celebration of Black History Month. With beautiful illustrations, they offer an opportunity to explore meaningful journeys through both the authors’ and illustrators’ eyes.

— Rene Holderman, Children’s Book Buyer, Third Place Books

Dream Street

by Tricia Elam Walker and Ekua Holmes Dream Street shows a neighborhood through the kaleidoscopic lens of the inhabitants’ dreams. Based on author Tricia Elam Walker’s and illustrator Ekua Holmes’ own experiences as cousins growing up together, Dream Street is a delightful character exploration with richly vibrant art that will be sure to entertain.

Calvin

by JR and Vanessa Ford; illustrated by Kayla Harren Written by LGBTQ+ activists JR and Vanessa Ford, Calvin is the story of how young Calvin comes out as transgender to his family and the world. It’s not only a story about being authentically yourself, but also an excellent teaching tool for best practices to help ease a childhood transition. Calvin is a great read for all.

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water

by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renée Watson; illustrated by Nikkolas Smith Born on the Water is both poetic and educational. With captivating imagery, it’s the story of the Kingdom of Ndongo and how its people were kidnapped and forced aboard a slave ship. Told from the perspective of a young Black girl feeling unsure of how to represent her family tree, Born on the Water is a stunning telling of American history.

The Year We Learned to Fly

by Jacqueline Woodson; illustrated by Rafael López The Year We Learned to Fly is about how a sister and brother deal with unfavorable circumstances with a trick taught to them by their grandma. The story draws inspiration from African folklore brought over and passed down by the generations.

SUMMER k Get an early start planning for summer!

Check out the summer camps and classes being offered by these organizations—art, swimming, theater, dance and so much more!

snea k p

Look for our 2022 SummerTime Guide coming out in February!

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Ask a local childre

CULTIVATI

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en’s book author

ING WONDER When it’s the dead of winter, nothing can inspire a kid’s imagination like books. Here in the Seattle area, we have an abundance of local authors, and 14 of them took the time to chat with us about the stories they love, where they like to read, and what it takes to do what they do: help cultivate a sense of wonder in the minds of children.

by J I L L I A N O ’ C O N N O R / photos by J O S H U A H U S T O N

Donna Barba Higuera

Lupe Wong Won’t Dance, El Cucuy Is Scared, Too The Last Cuentista

You can be a writer What’s the hardest part about writing for children?

I have to remind myself at times that I’m not there to teach a lesson or preach to a child.

My job is to tell a story and let the reader determine if they learn something. I have to set my parent voice aside and be a storyteller.

If a writer tries to push a message or lesson, a child will sniff it out and won’t enjoy the story.

Did you read a lot growing up?

Oh, yes! To the point, I was that kid who got in trouble for staying up too late with a flashlight under the covers to read a book.

Would the kid version of yourself be surprised that you grew up to be a writer?

Yes! I wanted to be a writer, but kid Donna didn’t think it was possible. I think this is mainly because no one ever told me I could be a writer. I tell kids at school visits all the time: You don’t have to be known as the kid who is the “writer” or “artist” in your class.

You don’t have to be the best. You just have to want to do that thing and keep pursuing it and practicing.

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CULTIVATING WONDER

Ask a local children’s book author

Who is your favorite literary character?

Do you have advice for young writers?

[Bill Peet’s] Droofus the Dragon has been one of my favorites since I was 5 years old. A kind, helpful, fun vegetarian dragon is all the sort of stuff I aspire to.

Ben Clanton The Narwhal and Jelly series

Get to know your characters so well that they become real to you, then they’ll share their stories.

Did you read a lot growing up?

Favorite place to read in Seattle?

I love to listen to books while walking around Seattle, especially by the water.

I struggled with learning to read as a kid. Or rather I should say I struggled with reading words. I loved books with lots of pictures and would devour comics.

Amanda Abler

The Spirit of Springer

How do you get ideas for new books?

I get ideas all the time from articles I see or interesting scientific facts I read. Often, a friend or family member will say, “You should write a book about XYZ ...”

When I die, there will be a long list of obscure and unfinished book ideas on my phone.

What are your favorite bedtime stories to read to children?

Some of my favorites are The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman and the Bunny Planet books by Rosemary Wells because on a rough day, everyone needs a trip to the Bunny Planet.

Tyrah Majors

Traffic anchor/reporter, KOMO-TV Grammy and Me

What books do you most remember from childhood?

[Eric Carle’s] Pancakes, Pancakes! was my favorite at the time. Debbie Allen’s Dancing in the Wings was another childhood favorite. It’s the first memory I have of seeing a character in a fiction book who looked like me. It centers on the story of a young Black ballerina.

Do you have tips for young writers?

My advice for any young writer would be to write about what you are passionate about.

Everyone has something or someone that is important to them. For me, it was family.

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Jessixa Bagley

Henry and Bea

Books: to honor and devour Favorite place to read in Seattle?

I don’t leave the house much these days, but I used to love reading on the bus when I commuted to my day job. When else are you in one spot for a specific amount of time twice a day and don’t have to explain your time?

How do you inspire your child to read?

I read to Baxter every night and have ever since he was an infant. I read picture books and chapter books and try to do voices or make

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the characters expressive so it’s fun for him as a listener. I stop and ask him questions about the story to keep him connected. I love that he can listen, really listen, to what I am reading and think about the story.

Did you read a lot growing up?

I remember my mom taking me to Powell’s Books in downtown Portland and getting this huge stack of picture books to sit and read in the café while we ate shortbread cookies. We’d be there for hours. It was such a special ritual and really gave me the feeling that books are to be honored, read and devoured.

JD Davis

Rodney Raccoon in Special Delivery

What book made you want to write?

I don’t recall a specific book that sparked my interest. I do remember getting an assignment from my firstgrade teacher to write a story. That story was one of my first introductions into capturing my imagination on paper. I later went on to write songs, scripts and ... books.

How do you get ideas for books?

Ideas are all around. An idea may come when I’m having a conversation with my 9-yearold daughter or driving down the street on any given day. My best ideas come when I can get away from everything and just sit quietly, allowing my thoughts to run free.

Katherine Pryor Bea’s Bees

How do you inspire your children to read?

I’ve read aloud to my twins since they were newborns. I remember reading New Yorker articles out loud because it seemed to calm them and I literally had no other time to read. (Bonus: Sometimes we all fell asleep.)

Kazu Kibuishi The Amulet series

Live, and stories will follow What’s the hardest part about writing for children?

How do you get ideas for new books and new characters?

When I started writing, it was difficult to write for children because I was so young, and I was not yet a father or someone who spent much time with kids. Since then, I’ve become a father of two. I’ve encountered many readers, and I’ve learned from other parents, teachers and librarians about what being a children’s book author means to them and the kids.

Most of the ideas I’ve been working on are ideas I’ve had since I was a teenager. I hope to eventually get to some of my newer ideas!

As far as how they come about, I think they generally start as something small, like a joke, or a random thought. Then they start growing into something bigger, and eventually they just need to get made.

What’s on your reading list now?

Do you have any tips for young writers?

Recently I’ve been revisiting Something Like an Autobiography by Akira Kurosawa and The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells.

What’s the hardest part about writing for children?

What do you read at bedtime now?

I’ve been parenting 2-, then 3-, now 4-yearold twins through a global pandemic, so I’ve been reading a lot of parenting books to help get us all through a very challenging time. I try to alternate parenting books with page-turning fiction to keep things interesting.

Live an interesting life and the stories will follow you.

Liz Wong

The Goose Egg

Self-doubt. I ask myself if something is “good” a lot and find myself comparing my work to other people’s work. It’s easy to start thinking that your work isn’t as good as everyone else’s so you shouldn’t even try. You really just

need to focus on yourself and what you can control instead of worrying about what other people will like.

How do you get ideas for new books and new characters?

I usually get new ideas by drawing something. Fellow author/ illustrator Elizabeth Rose Stanton calls it “procrasti-doodling.”

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Ask a local children’s book author

Kerri Kokias

Clever Hans: The True Story of the Counting, Adding, and Time-Telling Horse

What book made you want to become a writer?

I don’t think there was a specific book but definitely the experience of reading to my daughter when she was a toddler made me want to write specifically for kids. … I loved that period of time when she was just beginning to talk and I could see her observant little mind putting everything together when we read.

Who is your favorite literary character?

I’m going to have to say Charlie Brown. Yes, I consider comics literature, and Chuck and I go way back. I’ve always appreciated how philosophical the Peanuts comic strip could be.

Christine Day

I Can Make This Promise

Read a book on a ferry!

What are your favorite stories to read to children?

What’s your favorite place to read in Seattle?

I love sharing board books with my 1-yearold daughter. Lately, our favorite is Little You, written by Richard Van Camp and illustrated

by Julie Flett.

Onboard the Puget Sound ferries.

What do you read at bedtime now for yourself?

Joy McCullough

Champ and Major: First Dogs

Who is your favorite literary character?

Recently, I’ve been reading a lot of parenting memoirs and books about early childhood development. I really enjoyed There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather by Linda Åkeson McGurk, and The Montessori Toddler by Simone Davis.

Did you read a lot as a child?

Yes! I was an avid reader and a regular patron of the Shoreline and Richmond Beach libraries.

Would the kid version of yourself be surprised that you grew up to be a writer?

No, because it has always been my dream job, and I’ve always been determined and stubborn enough to make it happen.

I can’t pick one! But [Beverly Cleary’s] Ramona Quimby is way up there.

How do you inspire your kids to read?

One thing I do is give them free rein on what they want to read. Graphic novels are reading.

Audiobooks are reading.

There is no need to push classics or what might be deemed “high quality” over what kids want to read. The main thing is to encourage a love of reading.

Forcing kids to read boring, “important” books is sure to squash that love really quickly!

Who is your favorite literary character?

Snake in the Elephant and Piggie book Can I Play Too? He is hilarious and so creative.

Did you read a lot growing up?

Asia Citro

The Zoey and Sassafras series

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Absolutely, yes. I always checked out the maximum number of library books possible and pretty much whenever I was awake I had my nose in a book. My parents joke that they

had to pry books out of my hands to get me to do anything else!

How do you inspire your child to read?

By checking out giant stacks of books from the library as often as possible.

The Seattle’s Child Review of Books

CULTIVATING WONDER

Give these books a look

It’s a cozy time of year to curl up with a book!

Here are some picks from a few adults who really know what young readers enjoy.

Kari Ferguson

Owner, Oh Hello Again, Capitol Hill AGES 4–6

This Is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from Around the World

by Matt Lamothe

“A really great book to introduce children to the lifestyles of other cultures around the world.”

Oh Hello Again on Capitol Hill offers a comfortable browsing experience for all ages.

Chirri + Chirra

by Kaya Doi

“This super-adorable duo goes on a lot of fun adventures.”

How to Make Friends With a Ghost

Mia Mayhem

by Rebecca Green

by Kara West; illustrated by Leeza Hernandez

“A beautiful, supersweet read-aloud picture book.”

“Perfect superhero adventures for little readers.”

AGES 8-10

Snow & Rose

AGES 6-8

by Emily Winfield Martin

A History of Music for Children

“A sweet, beautifully illustrated fairy-tale chapter book by a Pacific Northwest author.”

by Mary Richards and David Schweitzer; illustrated by Rose Blake “A perfect primer for young musicians.”

Mr. Wolf’s Class series

Princess in Black

by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale; illustrated by LeUyen Pham

by Aron Nels Steinke

“A fun graphic novel series by an Oregonbased teacher.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF XXXXXX XXXXXXXXX

“A princess AND a superhero.”

What book made you want to become a writer?

Nina Laden Roberto: The Insect Architect

I started making books before I could write. I used to tell my mother the story and we’d fold paper and she’d write it down so I could illustrate it.

There wasn’t one book that did that. It was books in general.

AGE 10 AND UP

The Chronicles of Prydain series

by Lloyd Alexander “A classic fantasy series that entertained both me and my kids.”

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

by Dusti Bowling

“A great novel tackling physical disabilities.”

Holes

by Louis Sachar “A perfect classic for boys and girls.”

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

Do you have advice for young writers?

q For more fun with books, see these questions asked by JiaYing Grygiel in our June 2017 Book Bender issue at seattleschild.com

Read, read, read. Read everything. Even the cereal box. And keep a journal. It doesn’t matter what type of journal. I prefer blank sketchbooks so I can write and draw, and paste things in there. And I have only one rule: You can’t tear the pages out. You have to keep everything you’ve done.

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CULTIVATING WONDER < Book

picks CONTINUED

Annie Garrett

Parent education faculty, South Seattle College AGES 0 TO 2

“At this age, children are learning through their bodies. If the book isn’t squeezable, crunchable, singable, bangable, or edible, I question who it was really made for. Here are a few that engage the little ones without losing the big ones (that’s us): There’s a Monster in Your Book by Tom Fletcher, Press Here

by Hervé Tullet and good old Jamberry

by Bruce Degen.”

Little Free Libraries

AGES 2–4

Building up communities of young readers

Belly Button Book

by Sandra Boynton

“If you’re having fun, your kid probably is, too.

The prolific Sandra Boynton brings the generations together via her silly, playful board books. If play is the work of children and silly is their language, then her books are more than just a good time.

They’re a tutorial in modern parenting.

Although you can’t go wrong with Boynton, my personal favorite is Belly Button Book.”

How to start your own book-sharing site

by A S T R I D V I N J E

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Owner, Secret Garden Books, Ballard I N FA N T S

Black & White

by Tana Hoban

“Some brilliant designer had the idea of folding it into a frieze that you can prop up for your child on the floor around their playmat. Very striking black and white art of common everyday things, and that’s what they respond to in the early months.”

PICTURE BOOKS

Negative Cat

by Sophie Blackall “The first part of the book is all about the child begging and begging and begging [for a cat]. They bring a cat home and the cat is really a stinker! … It’s a great read-aloud.”

AGE 9 AND UP

Ophie’s Ghosts

by Justina Ireland Ophie’s family flees Georgia in the 1920s South. “As she gets to know her up north family, she learns her aunt also has the gift of seeing dead people …

It’s mystery. It’s historical fiction. It’s adventure. It’s really good.”

— Jillian O’Connor

Besides promoting literacy, Little Free Libraries also help families introduce a culture of community service. Kids see how their actions can have a positive impact on others.

“There are many ways kids can participate, from organizing to restocking the library,” says Jennifer Kelty, executive director of The Children’s Center (TCC) at Burke Gilman Gardens in northeast Seattle, whose Little Free Library serves not only TCC families but also families from the neighborhood.

“It’s a great way to build community,” adds Kelty. “We meet more of our neighbors because they’re donating and also stopping by to pick out books for their kiddos.”

Establishing a Little Free Library is simple. Families can purchase building supplies from LittleFreeLibrary.org. Or, for a more low-cost option, they can upcycle old furniture or appliances and use those parts to build the box.

“There’s no specific designation for any design,” explains Jenson. “You just need to make sure no moisture can get in because that can really wreck books.”

Jenson suggests visiting used and sal-

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vaged building materials stores like Ballard Reuse to source the materials. Or families can reach out to their local neighborhood groups to gather donations of materials and labor.

“A retired Boeing engineer offered to build my library,” recalls Woods. “He wanted to do something for the community too, so I bought the materials and he donated his time.”

Families who don’t want to set up their own Little Free Library but still want to contribute books can use the maps on the Little Free Library website to find libraries in their communities. For popular libraries, having multiple families adding books can be an immense help. Kelty says that kids’ books tend to get frequent wear and tear. Both she and Woods take advantage of local Buy Nothing groups to stock up on books when the need arises.

Woods is quick to point out the role her community has in making her Little Free Library successful. Local families add books; her kids help decorate the library for different seasons.

Their effort shows how reading can truly bring communities together.

PHOTOL I COURTESY XXXXXXXXX TTL E F RE E L IOF B RAXXXXXX RY P H OTO

BY JI L L I A N O’ CON N OR

When Andrea Woods found herself in pandemic lockdown in 2020, she wanted to do something to cheer up her community so she started a Little Free Library, a neighborhood book exchange where families can take a book to read or leave a book for others.

That Little Free Library became a hit.

“I get messages from people thanking me for starting the library, saying how they got a new book they wouldn’t have known about, or sharing how much their kids love it,” observes Woods, who owns an event space in Ravensdale called Ravenwoods Farm.

In a time when community gathering isn’t always easy, Little Free Libraries are a wonderful way to establish a sense of community. They also offer families access to books and help kids understand the importance of reading.

“If you introduce books to your kids early and engage with them, you can really start a lifelong interest in reading,” says Paula Jenson, a Little Free Library steward and former lead for the Little Free Library project at Sustainable Ballard.

Little Free Libraries are an easy way for families to get started on reading.

With over 50,000 registered Little Free Libraries in Seattle and its surroundings, families can take advantage of access to free books in virtually every neighborhood in the area.

Christy McDanold

URJ CAMP KALSMAN SUMMER 2022 REGISTER

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GET READY FOR THE SUMMER OF A LIFETIME!

INSIDE OUT cial g e p S n tisi r e Adv ction Se

Stay active this season with indoor and outdoor activities!

Our special Inside/Out Section offers opportunities for ice-skating, winter gardening, a visit to the museum, art classes, places to snowshoe, sled and so much more to keep your child engaged all winter long.

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INSIDE Burke Museum

All Ages Special Needs Friendly 4300 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98105 206-543-7907 theburke@uw.edu

burkemuseum.org With working labs you can observe, one-of-a-kind objects and galleries filled with curiosity and conversation, the Burke Museum offers an opportunity to see and feel a world alive.

The Burke focuses on dinosaurs, fossils, Northwest Native art, plant and animal collections and cultural pieces from around the globe.

Chess4Life Ages 5-17

Online Premium Classes 425-283-0549 kids@chess4life.com

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The right enrichment program will prepare a child for life while having fun! Chess4Life Online Premium Classes provide an engaging environment for participants to build a growth mindset while enjoying the proven benefits of chess.

Creative Dance Center Ages 2 months to adult Birthday Parties Special Needs Friendly 12577 Densmore Ave. Seattle, WA 98133 206-363-7281 info@creativedance.org

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YOUTH ART CLASSES REGISTER TODAY! GAGEACADEMY.ORG/YOUTH 206.323.4243 | @GAGEACADEMY 24 24

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The Creative Dance Center nurtures creativity and learning through joyful, meaningful dance experiences. Using innovative teaching methods to unite body and mind, we provide an environment where people of all ages communicate, collaborate and create using the art form of dance. Classes for babies, children, teens, and adults.

Crossroads Bellevue All Ages

15600 Northeast 8th Street Bellevue, WA 98008 425-644-1111 info@crossroadsbellevue.com

crossroadsbellevue.com Crossroads Bellevue is a oneof-a-kind shopping, dining, and entertainment destination with year-round fun for the whole family. Find unique shops, 30 international restaurants, live

music every weekend, an 8-screen cinema, a rock climbing gym, art classes, and much more.

Gage Academy of Art Ages 7-18

1501 10th Ave. E, Seattle, WA 98102 206-323-4243 info@gageacademy.org

gageacademy.org/youth-programs At Gage Academy of Art, we strive to ensure children and teens have a fun, safe and creative learning environment throughout the year. With our roster of top-notch youth instructors, we offer both in-person and online classes to fit each family’s needs. From traditional painting and drawing to digital storytelling and character creation, each child will have the opportunity to thrive while learning creative skills at Gage Academy.

Hibulb Cultural Center & Natural History Preserve All Ages

6410 23rd Ave. NE, Tulalip, WA 98271 360-716-2600 info@hibulbculturalcenter.org

hibulbculturalcenter.org The Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve is a place to learn about the cultural values and history of the Tulalip Tribes. Interactive displays give you a historic perspective of the connectedness of the Tulalip Tribes. Celebrate the traditional, usual and accustomed territories of Tulalip that serve as a constant reminder of the Tribe’s historic connection to the land.

KidsQuest Children’s Museum Ages Newborn-10 Birthday Parties Special Needs Friendly

1116 108th Ave. NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 425-637-8100 info@kidsquestmuseum.org

kidsquestmuseum.org KidsQuest Children’s Museum is all about providing hands-on learning opportunities for children newborn to 10 and their families to continue playing, growing and exploring. The museum features free programming and events for the whole family all year long.

We’re back and better than ever!

OPENS FEBRUARY 12 Burke Museum

Tickets and information: burkemuseum.org/lifeinonecubicfoot Photos: © David Liittschwager

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Enroll Now for Winter/Spring! creativedance.org

Hover your phone camera over this code to visit our website.

Nurturing Baby Caregiver-Toddler Caregiver-Child Virtual Family Dance Creative Dance Modern Jazz + Pop Adaptive Dance

Curiosity CORNER How many BANANAS would it take to fill up:

a washing machine?

On the Go exhibit at KidsQuest Children’s Museum a toaster oven?

(Answers at kidquestmuseum.org/curiositycorner) 26 26

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a garbage truck? a 747 airplane?

the KidsQuest Children’s Museum?

Choose the # of bananas below and draw a line to its ‘container.’

A. 37,260 B. 25 C. 315 D. 1,059,230 E. 5,322,798 HINT: Multiply internal volume of the space by .0044 (packing efficiency)

and divide by the average volume of a banana (110 cm^3). No squishing!

» 8299 161st Ave. NE, Suite 103 Redmond, WA 98052 » 13122 NE 20th St., Suite 100 Bellevue, WA 98005 » 15400 SE 30th Place, Suite 102 Bellevue, WA 98007

Adult Classes, too!

kidsquestmuseum.org

themakersclub.org

Ages 5-18

Hip Hop

Where learning begins with play.

2428 32nd Ave. W, #3202 Seattle, WA 98199 206-741-8405 hello@themakersclub.org

Russian School of Mathematics

Ballet

Visit KidsQuest Wednesdays through Sundays and enjoy FREE STEAM-based learning programs and classes for all ages!

The Makers Club: Seattle Arts Preschool

The Makers Club is an after-school program located in Magnolia. We believe in purposeful play and creativity as a way for students to develop social-emotional skills, perseverance and a knack for thinking outside the box. Indoors, we offer design challenges, guided projects and endless materials to help students create. Outdoors, we play sports at Magnolia field and spend time at the community center playground.

Classes

Keep on playing!

C O N T.

Ages 5-11 Special Needs Friendly

Home of the BrainDance Joyful self-expression and transformative learning for all ages, babies through adults! We focus on creativity, collaboration, and developing mindbody connections. Students learn and grow in an environment where personal uniqueness is celebrated.

INSIDE

425-616-3511

russianschool.com RSM is an after-school K–12 math enrichment program with locations in 11 states and a virtual classroom. Recently featured on NPR and in Atlantic magazine as one of the key players in the “Math Revolution,” and ranked one of the best schools in the world by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, RSM helps children of all levels build a solid math foundation and develop their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

Sno-King Ice Arenas All Ages Birthday Parties

» 14326 124th Ave. NE Kirkland, WA 98034 » 12620 164th Ave. SE Renton, WA 98059 » 35323 SE Douglas St. Snoqualmie, WA 98065 425-395-6464 wendy.rogers@snokinghockey.com

snokingicearenas.com Sno-King Ice Arena is a sports facility offering both hockey & figure skating programs for all ages and skill levels.

Tilth Alliance Winter Farm and Garden Programs Ages 1-15 Special Needs Friendly

» 5513 S Cloverdale St. Seattle, WA 98118 » 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N Seattle, WA 98103 206-633-0451 info@tilthalliance.org

tilthalliance.org Dig into the worlds of the farm, garden and kitchen this winter.

Students will discover where food comes from, care for crops and engage in outdoor science, art and play at our youth programs this winter. Programs are available in Wallingford and Rainier Beach.

Vertex Arena Ages 3 and older Birthday Parties

10700 231st Way NE, Suite 100 Redmond, WA 98053 425-728-7298 rsvp@vertexarena.com

vertexarena.com At Vertex Arena, bounce on trampolines, be a warrior on our ninja course, win (or lose) at Nerf/ Archery tag, field dodgeball, or duke it out on the battle-beam!

Complete with arcade, games, pinball, restaurant and full bar, Vertex Arena is the perfect venue for birthday parties, social gatherings, family-friendly and team-building events.

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OUT

www.NeoArtSchool.com AWARD-WINNING HEATED OUTDOOR

CHILDREN’S ART CLASSES & SCHOOL BREAK CAMPS!

Full Day Camps

Full Week Camps

Sign up for one day or as many as you’d like!

WINTER BREAK February 21-25 SPRING BREAK April 4-8 and 11-15 SUMMER CAMP Begins June 20

9 AM - 4 PM $80 per day 8 AM - 6 PM $95 per day

Check website for details!

After School Classes TUES, WED, & THURS 3 PM-4:30 PM or set up your own class at a different time!

Check the website for more details!

206-632-2530 • NeoArtSchool@gmail.com

Crystal Mountain Resort All Ages

33914 Crystal Mountain Blvd.

Enumclaw, WA 98022 1-833-279-7895 gservice@skicrystal.com

crystalmountainresort.com Ski, snowboard, snowshoe, and enjoy the views at Crystal Mountain. Take a scenic gondola ride to the top of the mountain and dine at the Summit House Restaurant. There are plenty of options to explore at this mountain resort.

Kong Academy LLC Parkour Adventure Camp Ages 6-12

Carkeek Park and Seward Park 206-485-4222 info@kongacademy.org

kongacademy.org Get ready to learn, play and grow with Kong Academy’s Parkour Adventure camp. Parkour camps will teach and grow your child’s parkour skills, no matter if they are a brand new student or an experienced camper. We’ll make sure everyone is growing, having fun and coming home exhausted each day.

Neo Art School Ages 6+

4649 Sunnyside Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98103 206-632-2530 NeoArtSchool@gmail.com

NeoArtSchool.com Join our award winning art camps and classes during our Winter, Mid-Winter, Spring Break, Summer Art Camp session, or after school classes all school-year long! During Covid, we are OUTDOORS in our HEATED canopy area outside our room. We have created a safe and clean environment for

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students to learn, create and stay safe during the pandemic!

Students will make a variety of art - painting, drawing, pottery, and more. Young artists can learn about art aesthetics, color theory, art philosophy and the creative process in our advanced art classes. We look forward to seeing you at a future camp, event or class!

Stevens Pass Snowboard Shop All Ages

617 Croft Ave., Gold Bar, WA 98251 360-799-0613

FUN!!

stevenspasssnowboardshop.com Make a stop at SPSS in Gold Bar before heading to the mountain.

Serving skiers and snowboarders since 1969, at SPSS we have a retail shop, selling winter sporting equipment. Want to give a winter sport a try, without purchasing all the equipment? SPSS is also a rental and tech shop, providing x-country gear, snowboards and snowshoes for all ages.

Rent or buy all your winter gear from SPSS for your next winter adventure.

Tilth Alliance Winter Farm and Garden Programs Ages 1-15 Special Needs Friendly » 5513 S Cloverdale St. Seattle, WA 98118 » 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N Seattle, WA 98103 206-633-0451 info@tilthalliance.org

tilthalliance.org Dig into the worlds of the farm, garden and kitchen this winter.

Students will discover where food comes from, care for crops and engage in outdoor science, art and play at our youth programs this winter. Programs are available in Wallingford and Rainier Beach.

Washington State Parks All Ages

360-902-8844

parks.state.wa.us A resource for all your winter outings, get the necessary information you need about sno-park permits, weather conditions, avalanche warnings, snowshoe and ski trails, and more!

3 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

SNOQUALMIE

KIRKLAND

RENTON

We offer a variety of options for Ages 4 to 18

LEARN TO SKATE

LEARN TO PLAY

ages 4+

ages 4+

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

SKATING CAMPS

all ages

ages 4+

HOCKEY CAMPS

PUBLIC SKATING

ages 4+

all ages

REGISTER AT

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Building Powerful Minds

through Math The Russian School of Mathematics is an award-winning,

Schedule a FREE Math Evaluation!

afterschool math enrichment program. We use the rigorous study of mathematics as a vehicle to develop our students’ math fluency, intellect, and character, empowering them for

Math Classes Now Enrolling!

life. Hybrid and in-person courses may be available; please inquire with our office for more information.

3 Locations in WA

RussianSchool.com

Bellevue

(425) 518-6114

Factoria

(425) 230-6452

Redmond

(425) 616-3511

Your guide to a kidfriendly city

delivered to your home

1/2H OPEN/HOUSE

Seattle’s Child magazine subscription Get a

for $12

» seattleschild.com/subscribe 30 30

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the

history and culture

of the Tulalip Tribes

CRAFT EVENTS AND MORE! Visit our website for info.

HibulbCulturalCenter.org 6410 23rd Ave NE Tulalip, WA 98271 360-716-2600 info@HibulbCulturalCenter.org

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