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From the creator of the beloved picture books In a Jar and Out of a Jar, Deborah Marcero, comes the companion picture book HOPE IN A JAR where we follow little bunny and his friends as they collect their hopes and dreams for the future in jars. Also out, is the board book spinoff LITTLE BUNNY SPRING IS HERE! where Little Bunny and his friends look for the first signs of spring with sprinkling of rain, flowing rivers, blooming flowers, singing birds, and zooming bees!

Bluey and Bingo have two new adventures this holiday, with activity books like HAPPY EASTER! A PUFFY STICKER COLORING BOOK that includes over 50 puffer stickers and MORE EASTER FUN!: A CRAFT BOOK that includes Easter Pouch Cutout.

A classic character returns with Peter Rabbit in three lift-the-flap activity books, THE EASTER BUNNY HUNT: WITH LOTS OF FLAPS TO LOOK UNDER, EASTER FUN: A LIFT-THE-FLAP BOOK, and THE GREAT OUTDOORS TREASURE HUNT, as well as a new picture book THE WORLD OF PETER RABBIT: UP AND AWAY. We also get to say hello to beloved characters in Roald Dahl’s HOW TO HAVE AN EGGSTRAORDINARY EASTER and in Rosemary Well’s board book edition of MAX'S CHOCOLATE CHICKEN. These books are the perfect Easter gift for young readers that are just beginning to read or may be celebrating their first Easter.

Check out WHEN I TALK TO GOD, I TALK ABOUT FEELINGS by Chrissy Metz and Bradley Collins – the second heartwarming picture book in the NYT bestselling series all about using faith and prayer to explore the ups and downs of feelings. You can also read JESUS FEEDS THE HUNGRY by Pia Imperial and illustrated by Carly Gledhill for an Easter story for families that want to celebrate the power of prayer and faith together!

Hold The Magic - 1st Wiggly Tooth Collection

Price: $54.99

At Hold The Magic, they are a team of adults who haven’t lost their belief in fairies, magic, and imagination. Their mission is to create memorable, magical experiences with every lost tooth. They believe in nurturing creativity and wonder and passing it on to the next generation. Give your child the gift of imagination and inspiration before they grow up! Follow them on Instagram @holdthemagic.

Toothbrush Toys

Price: $19.95

Toothbrush Toys changes the mundane tooth-brushing experience into something children get excited about. With poor pediatric dental hygiene at alarmingly high numbers nationwide, Toothbrush Toys encourages children to engage with their brushes through captivating stories and animation. Its mission is to lower the resistance to teeth brushing and make it fun. A team of pediatric dentists has embraced the design of the brushes and the concept of the backstories. The brand's partnership with America's Tooth Fairy allows them to provide dental care products to those in need nationwide. Follow them on Instagram @toothbrushtoys.

Nancy Paulsen Books is excited to publish GOAT IS THE G.O.A.T. (Nancy Paulsen Books; on sale February 18, 2025), a funny misunderstanding sparks a sweet little goat’s joyful journey to self-discovery. When Goat hears he’s the Greatest Of All Time, he sets out to discover why and learns along the way what makes him so great.

Goat is thrilled to hear he’s the Greatest Of All Time!      Wow . . . Goat had no idea! But what makes him the greatest? Is he the fastest? Nope, Horse easily beats him in a race. Maybe he’s the strongest? No, that’s Donkey. Goat isn’t the highest jumper, either, or even the best spitter—and he’s definitely not the bravest. Out of ideas of what makes him great, he’s beginning to doubt that he’s great at anything when a sudden call for help gives him his chance to shine.

Bea Birdsong’s text is short and funny as Goat goes on his journey of self-discovery to find out just what makes him so great; and New York Times bestselling illustrator Kelly Murphy’s art is irresistibly silly in the best way. Young readers will get a kick out of Goat’s antics and cheer him on as he finally stops comparing himself to everyone else and discovers that there’s greatness in us all.

GOAT IS THE G.O.A.T.

By Bea Birdsong; illustrated by Kelly Murphy

Nancy Paulsen Books; On sale February 18, 2025

Hardcover: 9780593405420; $18.99; $24.99 CAN

Ebook: 9780593405437; $10.99; $11.99 CAN

This January, we have three all new books that explore beloved Dr. Seuss characters in ways never before seen by the Dr. Seuss publishing programs. With books inspired by unpublished Dr. Seuss sketches, featuring new versions of classic characters, and presenting in fresh graphic novel formats, there is sure to be something for everyone this season.

DR. SEUSS GRAPHIC NOVEL: GREEN EGGS AND HAM TAKE A HIKE by James Kochalka is an all new story featuring characters from the classic Green Eggs and Ham. 2024 marked the release of the first-ever line of graphic novels starring classic Dr. Seuss characters and this is the first book in a planned series for Green Eggs and Ham.

HELLO, SUN! by Lala Watkins is a bright and playful story about a worm enjoying a day in the sun with friends. Hello, Sun! is the first book in a new line of Beginner Books in the Dr. Seuss publishing program in which up-and-coming authors and illustrators create original books inspired by Dr. Seuss’s unpublished sketches and illustrations.

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY! WITH DR. SEUSS BABIES is a lift-the-flap board book featuring baby versions of Cat in the Hat, Thing One, and Thing Two that is perfect for celebrating baby’s first birthday! Seuss Babies is a new brand featuring adorable baby versions of classic Dr. Seuss characters that will delight and nurture the imaginations of babies while entertaining the entire family.

Easy start feeding set by Chicco:

Make mealtime fun and mess-free with the 3-piece Easy Start Feeding Gift Set! This set provides essential tools to help your little one on their journey to self-feeding success. Made using baby safe, 100% food-grade silicone, each piece is non-toxic and BPA free for parent peace of mind.

Little Camper Teether Toy Set:

Provide chewable fun for soothing sore gums with the Little Camper Baby Teether Toy Set

Every chewable moment with Lucy Darling's Little Camper Baby Teether Toy Set is a tender touch to soothe tiny gums. Ignite the wonder of childhood as your little one explores using all their senses, with simple yet engaging.

Baby Calming Massage Oil by Babyology:

Baby oil made of 100% edible ingredients! It's perfect for bonding with your little one. Babyology’s Baby Oil is designed to protect skin from dryness by locking in moisture for soft, smooth skin. This product is suitable for even the most sensitive skin and it`s perfect for a soothing massage.

As Halloween approaches, parents search for ways to create a fun and festive experience for their kids without compromising health. This year, we have an exciting solution that combines the sweet taste kids love with the nutritional benefits parents appreciate: freeze-dried fruit!

Why Freeze-Dried Fruit?

Freeze-dried fruit is a fantastic alternative to traditional sugary snacks and treats. It retains most of the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in fresh fruit, making it a guilt-free option for Halloween celebrations. Its crunchy texture and vibrant flavors make it an enticing snack that kids will adore. By incorporating freeze-dried fruit into your Halloween festivities, you can create delicious, nutritious snacks that everyone will enjoy!

Three Unique Ideas to Inspire Your Halloween Celebrations:

1. Spooky Snack Trays: Create a colorful Halloween-themed snack tray featuring a variety of freeze-dried fruits like strawberries, apples, and mangoes. Arrange them into fun shapes—think ghostly figures, pumpkins, or bats! Pair them with yogurt dips or nut butter for added flavor and nutrition. This encourages healthy snacking and makes for a visually appealing centerpiece at any Halloween party.

2. Monster Trail Mix: Mix freeze-dried fruits with nuts, seeds, and a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips to create a “Monster Trail Mix.” Package it in Halloween-themed containers or bags as treats for trick-or-treaters or party favors. This delicious and satisfying snack also provides essential nutrients to keep kids energized during their Halloween festivities.

3. Fruity Halloween Treats: Get creative in the kitchen by using freeze-dried fruit to whip up spooky treats! Blend freeze-dried strawberries into a smoothie and freeze them in ice cube trays for “blood-red” smoothie pops. Alternatively, crush freeze-dried banana slices to create a dusting for healthy Halloween-themed cupcakes or cookies, adding a fruity twist without all the sugar. 

Health Benefits to Celebrate:

Freeze-dried fruits are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent source of nutrition. They are lightweight, convenient, and have a long shelf life, ensuring parents can easily stock up for last-minute celebrations. Plus, they contain no added sugars or preservatives, allowing families to indulge in sweet treats without the guilt.

By embracing freeze-dried fruit, we can create a Halloween that is not only fun and festive but also healthy and nourishing. This approach ensures that kids can enjoy the treats they love while parents can feel good about what they’re serving.

I would love to share more ideas, recipes, and the benefits of Crispy Green’s Crispy Fruit, the top-selling freeze-dried fruit snack in the U.S., with your readers. Let’s inspire families to celebrate a healthier Halloween without sacrificing flavor or fun!

COLLECT YOUR FAVORITE Pudgy Penguins cute stuffed animal penguin’s have a variety of options - get your favorite and/or collect them all!

SOFT AND CUDDLY PLUSH TOYS! Each Pudgy Penguin stuffed animal is made from the softest and most cuddly materials.

ADOPT A FOREVER FRIEND. Each toy has an official, scannable, redeemable code that unlocks digital penguin customization using different trait boxes. You can obtain rare traits, have a unique Pudgy Penguin registered to your name on Pudgy World, trade traits on the Pudgy World marketplace, and play mini-games!

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR COLLECTORS AND PUDGY PENGUINS FANS. This toy is perfect for anyone who loves Pudgy Penguins, making it an excellent penguin gift for kids or adult collectors alike.

Pudgy Penguins are said to represent social virtues such as love, empathy, and compassion, and each one has unique traits like different hats, glasses, shirts, and backgrounds.

At Walmart and Amazon!

What’s a pair of bears to do when they can’t agree?

From the creator of Flubby and Maud the Koala series comes SHARING IS UNBEARABLE! (Penguin Workshop; ISBN: 9780593752029; ages 4-8), a new playful picture book about two bears who stumble upon the perfect napping spot.

When a bear named Orson goes for a walk in the forest one day, he finds a big rock that's the perfect place to take a nap. The only problem is that another bear named Izzy has also found the rock, and she wants to take a nap there, too.

Everyone knows that bears don't share. But can the duo come up with a resolution to decide who gets dibs once and for all?

AAA projects a record 60.6 million people will travel by car over Independence Day week

For this forecast, the Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as the nine-day period from Saturday, June 29 to Sunday, July 7. This number represents people who will travel 50 miles or more from home during that time.

Family Road Trip Checklist    

With road trips expected to set a new record this July 4th week, AAA teamed up with Chicco to share safety tips for families with small children.  

• Check car seat fit. Before you hit the road, check your child’s weight and height to ensure they’re in the right seat and mode of use – especially when it comes to transitioning from rear to forward-facing. Children should remain rear-facing as long as possible for better protection of their head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash. If you are unsure which car seat is best for your child, Chicco offers a car seat comparison guide.  
• Double check car seat installation. Even if your car seat is already installed in the car, it’s worth checking everything is safe and secure. An easy at-home way to do this is with the “inch test.” Simply grab the seat at the car seat belt path and pull side to side and front to back. If it moves more than one inch in any direction, uninstall and start over until a secure fit is achieved. For any questions, utilize the car seat manual, QR codes. or online resources, like those offered by Chicco.
• Secure loose items in the car. Take time to organize and clean up your car before hitting the road. Storage organizers that secure to the back of the driver and passenger seats are simple solutions to make sure everything has a spot, especially loose items that can become projectiles in case of a sudden stop.
• Be prepared for the unexpected. Pack an emergency kit with first-aid supplies, water, snacks, blankets, jumper cables, and flares. Make sure your phone is fully charged - and keep a charger in the car – to call AAA or request roadside assistance digitally if your battery dies, you lock yourself out, or you need a tow. 
• Map your route. Families with young children should plan for frequent and longer stops along the way. Map out your route ahead of time with AAA Triptipk  and browse hotels, restaurants, and other activities along the way on AAA Trip Canvas.
• Bring entertainment. Make sure to place toys and books within reach to keep children entertained. If your kids use tablets or other electronics, make sure the devices are fully charged and pre-downloaded before leaving home. Another fun way to get the whole family excited for the road trip is to create a family playlist of everyone’s favorite songs!  

All breast pumps are not created equal! Modern motherhood demands more from women today, and Zomee (www.zomee.com) truly understands and meets the real-world needs of busy nursing moms. Covered by most insurance and founded by a mother of four, Zomee breast pumps bring freedom to pumping with high-tech, hospital-grade, lightweight, super portable, powerful yet quiet pumps featuring numerous personalized settings and advanced technology, including alternative mode technology designed to promote synergy between each breast while pumping.

Top-sellers include the Z2 Double Electric Breast Pump with three pumping styles -  Massage, Expression, and 2-Phase mode (expression and massage) - as well as the Zomee Fit Wearable Hands-Free Breast Pump for pumping anytime/anywhere discreetly and comfortably (an exciting new version of the Zomee Fit will debut on Valentine's Day with even more thoughtful features!). At Zomee.com, expecting and new moms can also find fantastic nursing bras, belly support bands, maternity compression socks and more.

All Zomee pumps offer BPA-free silicone breast shields for maximum comfort and anti-backflow protection to prevent leaks and ensure that every drop of milk is pumped and not wasted. Zomee is portable and comes with a USB port for convenient on-the-go charging.  The company helps customers get measured properly and offers a one-time courtesy return if customers need a different size. All pumps come with a two year warranty.

Available at Zomee.com and on Amazon.