Book Nook - Axolotol-Ella

 Bestselling author Kate Messner has flipped the classic Cinderella story on its fin with a funny, empowering re-tail-ing in AXOLOTL-ELLA (on sale June 2) and features a confident heroine who's way too practical for glass slippers. Complemented with laugh-out-loud illustrations by award-winning illustrator Lian Cho, and filled with amusing axolotl facts, AXOLOTL-ELLA is destined to become a storytime favorite. If you would like to read more about the creation of Axolotl-Ella, the character and the book;  SLJ ran an interview with Kate and Lian!

Axolotl-Ella is a quick and clever salamander with a daring, deliciously ambitious dream. All she needs to do to make her dream a reality is to meet the Prince at the King’s Festival. So with a little bit of magic from the lake of the night, Ella makes her skin gleam and her gills glow--and conjures the perfect outfit for a fancy party! But the Prince talks a lot, and the magic wears off at midnight. Can Axolotl-Ella find a way to make her dream come true, or will she be stuck at the murky lake with her annoying stepsisters forever?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kate Messner is passionately curious and has written more than seventy books for kids who wonder, too. Her titles include award-winning picture books like Over and Under the Snow and The Scariest Kitten in the World as well as bestselling novels for older readers like The Trouble with Heroes and Breakout. Kate also writes the popular History Smashers graphic nonfiction series and leads the multi-author team behind The Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class chapter books. She splits her time between Lake Champlain and South Florida.

 

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR: Lian Cho is the author-illustrator of picture books including Oh, Olive! and the Society of Illustrators Silver Medal-winning Pig Town Party and Don’t Eat Eustace. She is also the illustrator of bestselling picture books such as Oh No, the Aunts are Here by Adam Rex and 100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli by David LaRochelle. Over the years, Lian has lived in Taiwan, New Zealand, and New York. She now spends her time between Baltimore and Taiwan. In her spare time, Lian likes to draw funny comics about her life.

Fun Freetime - TurfMutt’s Tips to Embrace Your Community Park this Summer

The TurfMutt Foundation encourages families, pet owners and community members to embrace the power of their parks this summer. More than just scenery, community parks are vital outdoor spaces that boost mental health and physical wellness, provide critical cooling for urban environments and provide free venues for making summer memories.    

“Parks connect us to nature, our neighbors and our own well-being,” says Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation. “This summer, we’re encouraging everyone to expand their ‘backyarding’ mindset beyond their home’s fence line and into our shared community spaces.” 

To help you harness the power of parks, TurfMutt offers the following tips: 

•    Community Connection. If your personal outdoor space is limited, the park is your shared backyard. Use it for sprawling family reunions, intimate sunset picnics or walking clubs. 
•    Take the Office Outdoors. Swap your cubicle for a shaded picnic table. Natural light and fresh air provide a much-needed cure for digital fatigue. 
•    Nature’s Gym. Trade the air-conditioned gym for a patch of park grass to make your workout that much more effective and enjoyable. 
•    Prioritize Howling Good Times. Dog parks are essential for canine socialization and manners. Just remember to follow dog park etiquette and rules to keep everyone safe and happy. 
•    Utilize the Living Classroom. Mitigate the “summer slide” and lure your kids away from screens by visiting the park to identify local flora, fauna and wildlife. Use TurfMutt’s online resources to turn a nature walk into a fun, hands-on lesson. 
•    Practice a “Mindful Minute.” Sometimes the best park activity is doing nothing at all. Unplug and recharge by focusing on a park’s birdsongs or the breeze in the trees. 

Check out TurfMutt’s Park Personality Types on TurfMutt.com for even more inspiration about how to harness the power of parks this summer.

About the TurfMutt Foundation
TurfMutt, which celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2024, was created by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) TurfMutt Foundation and has reached more than 70 million children, educators and families since 2009. The Foundation is title sponsor of “Lucky Dog,” the Emmy Award-winning CBS broadcast television show in support of dog rescue and rehabilitation. Both TurfMutt spokesdogs have been rescue dogs, and Mutt Mulligan is a cast character on the show, where her “Mulligan Minute” segments teach viewers about the benefits of green space. In 2024, the Great Lawn at Louisville’s award-winning Waterfront Park on the Ohio River was renamed the TurfMutt Foundation Great Lawn as part of a $1 million sponsorship. Championed by Mulligan the TurfMutt, and through education partners such as Scholastic, Discovery, Weekly Reader, and the USBGC Global Learning Lab, TurfMutt has taught students and teachers how to “save the planet, one yard at a time.” TurfMutt has been an education resource at the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Green Apple, the Center for Green Schools, the Outdoors Alliance for Kids, the National Energy Education Development (NEED) project, Climate Change Live, Petfinder and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2017, the TurfMutt animated video series won the coveted Cynopsis Kids Imagination Award for Best Interstitial Series. More information at www.TurfMutt.com.

Healthy Habits - Summer Break Gives Families Timely Opportunity to Compare Braces and Clear Aligners Before School Starts

As families use summer break to schedule health, dental and orthodontic appointments before the school year begins, Cooper Orthodontics encourages parents and patients to learn the differences between braces and clear aligners before beginning treatment.

Summer Offers A Convenient Time To Start

Summer is a convenient time to start orthodontic care because school schedules are paused, families often have more flexibility for consultations and longer initial appointments. Children and teens have time to adjust to their braces and new routines before returning to class.

There is also dental-industry support for the seasonal pattern. Cain Watters, a dental practice advisory firm, says orthodontic, oral surgery, and pediatric dentistry clients are especially busy in June, July, and August, largely because children are out of school. It specifically notes that summer gives children time to get used to braces before fall. TempStars similarly says dental appointments often peak in June, July, and August because of school holidays, and mentions August as busy for orthodontic procedures before school begins.

What to Expect at the First Visit

Orthodontic treatment often begins with an initial consultation, diagnostic records and a treatment plan tailored to the patient. For braces, the placement appointment is typically one of the longer visits, while follow-up appointments for adjustments or aligner progress checks are usually shorter and may occur every several weeks.

Clear Aligners Offer Flexibility For The Right Patient

Clear aligners are one of the most popular options in orthodontic treatment, especially among patients who want a more discreet and removable alternative to braces. But according to Dr. Bryn Cooper, owner of Cooper Orthodontics in Houston and Lake Jackson, patients should understand one important point before beginning treatment: clear aligners are not simply “invisible braces.”

“The biggest misconception patients have is that braces and aligners differ only in appearance,” Dr. Cooper said. “They are very different systems. Braces use brackets and wires to guide tooth movement in a controlled way, while aligners use a series of removable trays that fit over the teeth.”

The Case for Traditional Braces

Traditional braces remain one of the most effective and dependable orthodontic treatment options available. Braces use brackets and wires to guide teeth into better alignment over time and may be recommended for children, teens or adults depending on the patient’s needs.

Unlike removable aligners, braces stay in place throughout treatment, which can be an advantage for patients who may forget to wear aligners for the required amount of time each day. Traditional braces also allow the orthodontist to make precise adjustments at each visit and may be especially useful for more involved cases, including certain bite problems, spacing issues, crowding or complex tooth movement.

“Traditional braces are still an excellent option for many patients,” Dr. Cooper said. “They give the orthodontist a high level of control, and because they are fixed in place, patients don’t have to remember to put them in or take them out. For some smiles, braces are simply the best tool for the job.”

About Cooper Orthodontics

Cooper Orthodontics offers both clear aligners and traditional braces, allowing treatment to be based on the patient’s orthodontic needs, lifestyle and ability to follow the care instructions required for each option. Cooper Orthodontics is a woman-owned orthodontic practice serving patients in Houston and Lake Jackson, Texas. Led by Dr. Bryn Cooper, the practice provides personalized orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults, including clear aligner therapy, digital treatment planning, 3D technology, and smartphone-supported progress monitoring when appropriate.

Parenting Pointers - Best & Worst Places to Raise a Family

With migration patterns in 2025 largely shaped by affordability, opportunity, and quality of life, the personal-finance company WalletHub today released its report on the Best & Worst Places to Raise a Family in 2026, as well as expert commentary, to help people find the best place to put down roots.
 
WalletHub compared more than 180 cities across 45 key metrics. The data set ranges from housing affordability to school-system quality to the unemployment rate.
 

Best Cities for Families		Worst Cities for Families
1. Fremont, CA		173. Hialeah, FL
2. Overland Park, KS		174. Birmingham, AL
3. Irvine, CA		175. Shreveport, LA
4. Plano, TX		176. Jackson, MS
5. Columbia, MD		177. Newark, NJ
6. Bismarck, ND		178. Baltimore, MD
7. South Burlington, VT		179. Gulfport, MS
8. Charleston, SC		180. Cleveland, OH
9. Seattle, WA		181. Memphis, TN
10. Boise, ID		182. Detroit, MI

 
Best vs. Worst

• Las Vegas has the most playgrounds (per square root of the population), which is 24.6 times more than in Gilbert, Arizona, the city with the fewest.
   
• Warwick, Rhode Island, has the fewest violent crimes (per 1,000 residents), which is 31.7 times fewer than in Memphis, Tennessee, the city with the most.
   
• Columbia, Maryland, has the highest median family annual income (adjusted for cost of living), which is 3.1 times higher than in Detroit, the city with the lowest.
   
• Scottsdale, Arizona, has the lowest share of families receiving food stamps, which is 21 times lower than in Detroit, the city with the highest.
   
• Overland Park, Kansas, has the lowest share of families living in poverty, which is 7.9 times lower than in Detroit, the city with the highest.

 
To view the full report and your city’s rank, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/best-cities-for-families/4435


 
“Finding the best place to raise a family is difficult, between balancing an affordable cost of living with good educational opportunities, safety and enough recreation to keep kids entertained. On top of all of these factors, people also often want to raise their children close to their extended family. Therefore, current or prospective parents can benefit from narrowing down their choices to a few of the best cities that are within a reasonable drive of their family.”
–
“Fremont, CA, is the best place to raise a family in 2026, with one of the highest median family incomes and the second-lowest share of families living in poverty. Fremont is especially good when it comes to children’s education, with nearly 71% of public schools rated at least a 7 out of 10. In addition, Fremont is a good city for children’s health, as only 1.6% of children lack health insurance and only 1.1% of the population lacks access to healthy food.”

- Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst


Expert Commentary

To what degree is child development and a family’s quality of life influenced by the city in which they live? How?
 
“A child’s development is significantly shaped by their environment, especially in a time where access and exposure are constant and immediate. Living in a city often means a faster-paced environment with greater exposure to diversity across culture, people, and experiences. This can support the development of well-rounded children who are able to engage with and appreciate differences, adapt to change, and take advantage of varied learning opportunities. At the same time, exposure alone is not enough. Guidance, structure, and safety are essential. When families are supported by safe communities and intentional parenting, children can thrive. Ultimately, the environment, available opportunities, and community support all shape a child’s lived and learned experiences.”
April Lancit, LMFT – Assistant Professor, La Salle University
 
“Where families live matters a great deal. Children don’t develop in a vacuum – instead, everything around them plays a role in shaping them – within their families, schools, neighborhoods, and communities. Research consistently shows that cities shape many of the experiences that influence short- and long-term health and wellbeing. Access to safe neighborhoods, good schools, parks, health care, and economic opportunity all matter. Just as importantly, communities that foster connection and support tend to help families thrive. Chronic stressors like violence, instability, long commutes, and lack of resources have been shown to negatively affect both parents and children over time.”
Jeff Temple, Ph.D. – Professor, UTHealth Houston
 
 
How can local officials make their cities more attractive to young families?
 
“If local officials are serious about supporting young families, they must recognize that policies and environments either strengthen or undermine family life. Communities that provide safe, accessible spaces for families to gather – parks, schools, and community centers – create natural opportunities for shared experiences that deepen connection. At the same time, reducing systemic stressors such as unreliable childcare or excessive commute times allows parents to be more emotionally present in their homes. When cities are structured in ways that promote stability, safety, and interaction, they foster not just residency, but belonging that then facilitates family flourishing.”
Angela Bradford – Associate Professor, Brigham Young University
 
“Local officials can make cities more attractive by intentionally building family-centered communities. This includes creating safe, vibrant neighborhoods that offer meaningful opportunities for children and families to learn, connect, and engage. A strong community includes accessible public spaces, family-friendly programming, and opportunities for enrichment. When cities invest in environments that promote connection, safety, and growth, families are more likely to see them as places where they can build and sustain their lives.”
April Lancit, LMFT – Assistant Professor, La Salle University
 

What should families consider when choosing a place to settle down?

“School quality and safety are the most commonly cited factors – and rightly so. But families often underweight a few others that matter just as much over time. Childcare costs and availability can rival housing as a budget line item for families with young children, and access varies enormously by city. Healthcare infrastructure – especially pediatric care – deserves a hard look. Community character is harder to quantify but worth assessing: Are neighbors long-term residents? Are there parks, third places, and opportunities for kids to build friendships organically? Finally, families should stress-test the economics – not just current housing costs, but job market depth, commute times, and cost-of-living trajectory. A city that's affordable today but trending sharply upward may not be the stable foundation it appears.”
Sampathkumar Ranganathan, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, The University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
 
“Families should consider several key factors when choosing where to live. Safety is critical to how a community addresses crime and violence matters. It’s also important to look at whether there are other families with children and if there is a sense of community connection. Access to resources is another major consideration. Families should assess proximity to parks, recreation centers, libraries, schools, and healthcare. Walkability and access to everyday needs also matter. Additionally, families should explore whether there are opportunities to engage in community dialogue and whether local concerns are addressed with transparency and accountability. Equally important is the presence of community life events, cultural celebrations, local markets, and spaces for leisure and connection. These elements contribute to a family’s overall quality of life.”
April Lancit, LMFT – Assistant Professor, La Salle University


More From WalletHub

• Best & Worst States to Raise a Family
• Best & Worst States to Have a Baby
• Best & Worst States for Working Moms
• Best & Worst States for Working Dads
• Best Small Cities in America
• Best & Worst Cities for First-Time Home Buyers

Fun Freetime - Rock the Cradle (Minneapolis, 6/14)

Rock the Cradle, The Current’s annual free event for kids and their grownups, returns Sunday, June 14. Explore music, art, and culture at the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) and Children’s Theatre Company (CTC).
 

This event is open to all and great for kids of all ages, but best suited for kids up to 10. Catch Rock the Cradle favorites such as the Kids’ Disco and an array of live music from local musicians Will Sings Songs, The Laamartians and Koo Koo.
 

“Rock the Cradle has always been about the littlest listeners and fostering a love of music, art, and community - and having fun doing it,” said Lindsay Kimball, programming director at The Current. “It's so delightful to see kids get inspired by music. The joy on their faces is priceless! But secretly, I think the grownups have the most fun sharing their love of music with the next generation. And that's what makes Rock the Cradle so magical.”
 

Mia galleries and museum spaces will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Families looking for a moment to take a break from the outdoor excitement or help a child reset can visit the Reception Hall between performances, where soft background music will provide a calmer space to pause and recharge.
 

“There is something special about seeing families fill Mia’s courtyard with music, movement, creativity, and play,” said Jenny Rydeen, Mia’s head of visitor experience. “Rock the Cradle gives visitors a chance to experience live music, visual art, and performance in a fun environment designed for exploration and connection.”

 

“We're excited to welcome families to CTC for Rock the Cradle,” said Ryan French, Managing Director of Children's Theatre Company. “We can't wait to see kids learning from our incredible teaching artists during Music in Motion, and rocking out to the Kids' Disco on our Cargill Stage.”
 

The event schedule includes:
 

Rock the Cradle outdoor stage – Target Park

• 10:30 a.m. – Will Sings Songs
• Noon – Koo Koo
• 1:30 p.m. – The Laamartians

Mia Reception Hall

• 10:30 a.m. – Young Dance
• 11:30 a.m. – House of Dance
• 12:30 p.m. – Young Dance

Kids’ disco at CTC Cargill Stage

• 10 a.m. – CTC Music in Motion
• 10:30 a.m. – DJ Gannon from The Current
• 12:30 p.m. – CTC Music in Motion
• 1:30 p.m. – DJ Barb Abney from The Current

Families can also find sponsor activities throughout Rock the Cradle, including “floss breaks” from Delta Dental and yoga from the YMCA. A full list of activities, along with details on stroller parking, ADA-accessible stage viewing, and bag check, is available at thecurrent.org. Want more programming for kids? The Rock the Cradle music stream is available any time for kids of all ages.
 

About The Current
The Current is an all-music, noncommercial, member-supported station from Minnesota Public Radio®. Since it began broadcasting in 2005, the award-winning station has grown into a far-reaching community, boasting members and online listeners from around the world. From local to legendary, indie to influential, The Current plays the best new music next to the artists you already love. Part of The Current’s mission is to champion emerging artists, support civic and cultural organizations, and give a platform to important voices that shape our community and make the Twin Cities a great place to live. Learn more and listen at thecurrent.org.

Travel Tidbits - Setjetting

You saw it on screen and now you want to go. SETJETTING is a significant booking behavior that's triggering vacation decisions and here are moments to take note of. WHITE LOTUS CHECKS IN- This series gave way to a ridiculously high spike in requests for Thailand + Sicily and now Paris is coming too! This itinerary has beauty sans drama! PARIS A MAIN CHARACTER- Emily in Paris showcases a dreamlike view of this city and these fairytale meet-cute moments can be crafted for any generation. MAMMA MIA- You've watched this 100 times and still don't know that Skopelos and Skiathos deliver the cinematic feel without the crowds so tell them. WALK LIKE THE GLADIATORS- The Colosseum, Fort Ricasoli in Malta and desert empire scenes shot at Ouarzazate, Morocco just like The Mummy and Lawrence of Arabia. Extraordinary destinations that can be combined all in one epic scene. GAME OF THRONES, STILL? Yes, people can't stop rewatching it...Mdina in Malta was King's Landing before King's Landing existed, the Dubrovnik city walls are iconically recognizable in so many episodes and you've got the dry remoteness of Iceland for those harsh winter scenes we could never forget. Plus guides in all of these locations that know everything and more about all the behind the scenes tea. KONG WAS HERE- Skull Island's Halong Bay in Vietnam is having a genuine screen moment with American audiences. It remains one of the best value-per-wow destinations in the world.

Movie Minute - Cheer Dad

Cheer Dad is fun for the entire family and just in time for Father's Day - a loving father begrudgingly joins his adoptive daughter’s squad as a coach. Based on a true story and the book "Dad in a Cheer Bow" by Patrick Riccards.

 
When a young girl and her family move, she yearns for a sense of belonging in her new home.  She finds it when she joins her school’s cheerleading squad. Inspired by her newfound love and dedication for the sport, her adoptive father comes out for support and is soon recruited as the assistant coach.  As the father and daughter grow together, they’ll see if they have what it takes to win the championship. 

Parenting Pointers - Parenting On the Move

As family lifestyles continue to evolve, many parents are beginning to move away from the idea that life after children should evolve entirely around staying home or stepping away from the experience they once enjoyed. Founded by a mother of three, Babygami was inspired by the realities of navigating postpartum life, outdoor activities, and parenting while continuing to build a lifestyle centered around movement, adaptability, and shared family experiences. 

I had a chance to learn more in this interview.

Why is it more important to families to have lighter, space-saving gear?

When you're on the go with a baby, every inch of space matters. Parents are often working with just a diaper bag or a carry-on, yet babies need a lot—diapers, extra clothes, toys, feeding essentials like bottles and formula, and more. It adds up fast. At babygami, we design with that reality in mind. Space-saving gear, like collapsible baby bottles, helps families reclaim valuable room and move through their day with more ease, flexibility, and freedom.

What role do multifunctional products play for families?

At babygami, we believe baby products should do more with less. Most items on the market are designed for a single purpose, which leads to clutter, overconsumption, and unnecessary waste. Our 3-in-1 collapsible baby bottle, sippy cup, and snack cup is designed to simplify daily life for parents. Instead of juggling multiple products, families can rely on one thoughtfully designed solution—saving space, reducing waste, and making everyday routines more seamless.

How are outdoor and travel lifestyles changing the face of baby products?

For too long, there’s been an expectation that parents have to put their lifestyles on pause after having a baby. At babygami, we challenge that idea. We believe parents should be able to keep exploring, traveling, and living fully—with their baby right alongside them. That’s why we create products that are portable, adaptable, and built for real life. Today’s families aren’t slowing down, and baby gear shouldn’t hold them back—it should empower them to go further, together.

Caring Causes - 9to5K (9/5, Nashville)

 Run Nash will bring a high-energy, Dolly-inspired twist to Downtown Nashville this fall with the launch of the inaugural 9to5K Run & Walk on Saturday, September 5, 2026.

Benefiting United Way of Greater Nashville and Imagination Library of Middle Tennessee, the one-of-a-kind event will celebrate music, movement, community and a little rhinestone-filled Nashville flair.

Designed to be as fun as it is meaningful, the 9to5K will feature a brand-new 5K course through Downtown Nashville, a 1-mile option for all ages and abilities, the Dolly Dash kids run, a fan-favorite Stiletto Dash, costume contest, themed photo opportunities and over-the-top entertainment. Participants are encouraged to come dressed in rhinestones, big hair, business suits or full Dolly-inspired glam.

“We wanted to create something that feels uniquely Nashville: fun, a little over-the-top and open to everyone,” said Malain McCormick. “Whether you’re racing for a PR or showing up in full Dolly glam, this is about celebrating the city and having a great time doing it.”

Participants will have the opportunity to support United Way of Greater Nashville and Imagination Library of Middle Tennessee through optional donations during registration. Funds raised will help expand access to age-appropriate books for children across Middle Tennessee, regardless of family income, while supporting broader efforts to strengthen families and communities.

“We are grateful to Run Nash and the 9to5K for choosing United Way of Greater Nashville and Imagination Library of Middle Tennessee as the supported nonprofit partners for the 2026 9to5K,” said Erica Mitchell, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Nashville. She adds “This partnership not only raises funds but also helps shine a spotlight on the importance of early childhood literacy and strengthening the building blocks families need to thrive. We’re excited to work together to create awareness, mobilize generosity and make a meaningful impact in our community.”

The inaugural 9to5K is expected to welcome more than 1,000 participants in its first year.

Event Details

Event: 9to5K Run & Walk

Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026

Location: Downtown Nashville

Distances: 5K, 1 Mile, Dolly Dash Kids Run and Stiletto Dash

Beneficiaries: United Way of Greater Nashville and Imagination Library of Middle Tennessee

Registration: https://www.runnash.com/events/9-to-5k/

About United Way of Greater Nashville

United Way of Greater Nashville unites the community and mobilizes resources so that every child, individual and family thrives. The organization fosters local systems of support by breaking the cycle of poverty, helping kids learn and succeed, building strong healthy communities, meeting neighbors’ basic needs and meeting community needs through volunteerism.

United Way of Greater Nashville is creating lasting change throughout Middle Tennessee by bringing individuals, businesses, nonprofits and government together to have the tough conversations, mobilize resources and make smart investments that create lasting solutions for the region’s most pressing issues.

For more information, visit unitedwaygreaternashville.org and follow @UWNashville on social media.

To learn more about Imagination Library of Middle Tennessee, visit unitedwaygreaternashville.org/imagination-library

About Run Nash

Run Nash is a Nashville-based event company focused on creating locally driven, high-energy running experiences that bring people together. From 5Ks to half marathons and community activations, Run Nash produces events that prioritize participant experience while supporting meaningful causes. With a deep connection to the Nashville community, Run Nash uses its events as a platform to celebrate the city, engage local partners and give back.

For more information, visit runnash.com and follow @werunnash on social media.

Book Nook - Grandpa's Still Watching

Dan Loftus’s father passed away just four months after Dan was married, never having the chance to meet his three grandchildren. As they grew older, they began to ask questions about him. That shaped the idea for Grandpa's Still Watching - a way to keep his memory alive and to remind others that those we've lost can still impact who our children are and who they become.