Some of Our Favorite Kids' Books

Family Fun in Massachusetts, Cape Ann Kids Summer Guide

Finding the right book for your kid can be a challenge but if you keep new ones coming, you may be on your way to raising a lifelong reader.

Here we've highlighted a few books for different ages - some exceptional titles could be the perfect thing to spark your kid's interest, introduce your reader to a new author, or rediscover an old favorite.

[amazon 0803736800 full]

by Adam Rubin and illustrated by Daniel Salmieri, a hilarious picture book that warns of the dangers of serving dragons their favorite food topped with spicy salsa. It will make them breathe fire, and they could burn your house down. It's silly fun from start to finish, with dragons of every size, shape, and color and heaps and heaps of tacos on its entertaining spreads. This one could become a classic.

[amazon 0062114689 full]

This touching, sweet, beautiful kids book shows both kids and adults how to visit their dreams and make them come true through wonderful illustration and narration. A simple, great story that gives kids the freedom to have passion, ideas and dreams.

[amazon 0374400156 full]

About a young girl who finds a lost baby bear on Broadway in NYC who is looking for his mama. There are certain things you should do when you meet a bear in Manhattan and one of them is to stick your gloved hand out (after you "suck in your breath") and say, "Stop there, Little Bear!" The book will charm young kids because of the bear's infantlike talk when interacting with the little girl who has found him. "How does your mama sing, Little Bear?", she asks.  Little Bear responds, "Oh! Sings like mama!". The cuteness continues to the very end.

This is an adorable book that has a beautiful flow (Amy Hest), from the first past to the last. The illustration (Elivia Savadier) and whimsical watercolors are a treasure.

The book opens up the opportunity to discuss what your little one should do in case they ever lose their Mama when they are out in public and, of course, have that never ending discussion about "strangers." This is a quaint little story you and your little one are going to enjoy.

[amazon 1423103009 full]

This wonderful story, written by Mo Willems, that's easy to follow and is filled with beautiful watercolors depicting the story as it progresses through Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and into the following Spring.

City Dog's life changed when he made to the country and had a chance meeting with a frog in a pond.  Their friendship develops through the seasonal life cycle of the frog and eventually ends when winter arrives.  The dogs spends the winter thinking of his friend, and mourns his loss. The following Spring brings renewed spirit to the dog as he implements what he learned from the frog during the previous year. 

[amazon 9780375851193 full]

The Harry books are great for language development because the names of the dinosaurs play a big role in the story line, plus there's a train. What could be better than dinosaurs and trains (ahem - Dinosaur Train)?

The underlying theme is that sometimes the best adventures don't necessarily require a brand new toy or game.  Sometimes the imagination just needs a little nudge by spending some quality time with something old and broken.  I can see myself using a Harry as a point of reference many times as we move forward with our own adventures into the future.

[amazon 9780670063154 full]

Follow the mini stories of Officer Mike, Officer Jan and Officer Carl as they are dispatched to different emergencies by Sargent Santole.  By the end of the first reading, your child will have a baseline of facts about what police officers do, how to identify them and where to find them.  With colorful illustrations and repetitive rhyming story telling, this will quickly become a favorite with your little one.

[amazon 078681988X full]

This is a book you read over and over and have great fun while doing it. With feathers flying and eyeballs popping, Pigeon is unflinching and hilarious in his determination to drive the bus. The genius of this book is that the very young will actually recognize themselves in it.

[amazon 1416948643 full]

Chicken Cheeks is sure to keep them laughing as all the different kinds of animal butts pile atop one another. From beginning to "end" this story is filled with visual jokes and amusing details. It helps to reinforce several concepts too including initial consonant sounds, rhyming pairs, and synonyms. This darling book is a must-have for any early elementary student.

[amazon 1445465817 full]

Little donkey on the hill, standing there so very still. Making faces at the skies, Little donkey close your eyes. A magical story from the hidden treasures of Margaret Wise Brown, perfect for sharing. This book is a marvelous bedtime story

Find these books online at Amazon or at one of the local bookstores here on the North Shore:

 

 

Art Academy Summer Program at Montserrat College of Art in Beverly MA

Todd Farm Market

Come to Todd Farm on Sunday - A classic New England Fleas Market in Rowley Massachusetts!
From early Spring to late Fall, Todd Farm is a great Sunday destination for families!  Head to the farm and explore the outdoor award-winning Market featuring up to 240 vendors from all over New England and New York!
5:00 am to 3:00 pm

StoryWalk Series at Maudslay

When Spring Comes Storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts!
When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes is the subject of this STORYWALK Series.  Watch the world transform when Spring comes!Enjoy this preschool storywalk at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time outside in nature!
7:00 am to 8:00 pm

Bluefin Blowout Family 5k to Benefit Alzheimer's Association

The Bluefin Blowout Family Fun Run in Gloucester Massachusetts raises funds to combat the diseases of Alzheimer's and all other dementias
On Sunday, May 19th, 2024, come to Stage Fort Park, Gloucester for the Bluefin Blowout Family Fun Run 5K, Presented by the Lyon-Waugh Auto Group - Benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association. Run, walk, or stroll from Stage Fort Park to Hammond Castle and back to Stage Fort Park for a 5K loop. Enjoy the...
7:00 am to 10:30 am

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Spring Birding Walk—Symphony of Bird Song!

You and your child can learn the basics of birding at Halibut Point State Park in Rockport Massachusetts
Stroll the trails of this seaside treasure while learning birding basics. Hear the symphony of spring bird song, watch for them in the woodland’s and at water’s edges. Learn about bird sounds, habits, and flight patterns. Enjoy extraordinary views. Bring binoculars if you have them!
8:00 am to 10:00 am

Newburyport Farmers' Market

Newburyport Farmers find organic locally grown produce, meat, dairy Newburyport
The Newburyport Farmers Summer Market celebrates local fresh produce every Sunday morning rain or shine!  Start your Sunday browsing fresh North Shore local produce, meats, cheeses, and seafood in an open air market atmosphere! Food and beverage vendors offer fresh hot coffee, breakfast treats and...
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Lungstrong 5k & 1.5 Mile Walk

Join the Lungstrong 5k in Beverly Massachusetts
Support the fight against lung cancer and join us for our 10th annual LUNGSTRONG LIVE & VIRTUAL 5K Run & 1.5mi Walk! This family-friendly event gives 100% of race proceeds and donations to Mass General Cancer Center for Thoracic Cancer Research under the direction of Dr. Justin Gainor. MGH...
10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

Swan Boat Boston North Shore Parent, North Shore Parents Summer Activities Guide
The Public Garden may be one of the most ideal picnicking locations in Boston. Well-groomed and overflowing with tulips, cherry-trees, with willows cascading over the duck pond, the Boston Public Garden is a great place to relax during Boston's most beautiful season.
10:00 am to 3:59 pm

Interpretation Station at Maudslay

Learn about the bloom cycles at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Join the park interpreter and discover more about the bloom cycle at Maudslay. View the beautiful varieties featrued throughout the park, and peak bloom locations through the growing season.Check the bulletin board in the parking lot for the Interpetation Station location each day.
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Home & Food Truck Show | Topsfield

Home and Food Truck show at the Topfield Fairground in Massachusetts
April 20th & 21st. FREE admission and FREE parking. All INDOORS & Enjoy the Food Trucks outside. Speak to leading home industry professionals to plan your spring home projects.
10:00 am to 6:59 pm

Touch a Truck Beverly

The Annual Touch-a-Truck event is hosted at the Beverly High School Massachusetts
The annual Touch-a-Truck Event is a unique, interactive, one-day event held in Beverly Massachusetts during National Public Works Week.
10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Long Hill Garden Tours

Tour the Gardens at the Trustees of Reservations Long Hill Gardens in Beverly, Massachusetts!
The Trustees of Reservations invite you to join our expert guides for a tour around Long Hill’s stunning Sedgwick Gardens and learn more about the special plants it’s most known for. In addition to learning about what plants are in bloom as well as the rare and unique species in our collection, you...
11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Befriend the Barnyard

Befriend the Barnyard is a hands-on barnyard experience at the Trustees of Reservations' Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts
Discover our special barnyard animals! Our Angora rabbits Violet, Mabel, Oiver and Charles; Nubian goats Maeve, Morgana, and Mordred; dairy cows Gray, Jasmine, their calves Gigi and Joanie and our friendly flock of heritage chickens will take center stage as we learn about what makes them so unique...
11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Revere Beach Kite Festival

The Annual Revere Beach Kite Festival is a great excuse to hit the beach!
On Sunday, May 19th, we will host our 8th Annual Kite Festival on Revere Beach. This is our way of kicking off beach season with fun for the whole family! Children will have the opportunity to build, decorate, and fly their kites.
11:00 am to 2:00 pm

NMYO Spring Concert

The Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras presents their Afternoon of Spring Concerts on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at the Dolan Performing Arts Center, 130 High Street, in Ipswich, MA. There will be two performances; a concert at 2pm and a second concert at 4pm. The concerts are free to the general...
2:00 pm

TitO presents Petrushka's Puppet Theater

Theater in the Open presents Petrushka's Puppet Theater at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Come one! Come all! Join us in Maudslay State Park for Petrushka and the Catapillar! What happens when your favorite stories need a new ending? Everyone's favorite clown upends iconic fables and fairytales in our signature storytelling style – with tons of imagination, humor, and heart. Join...
2:00 pm to 4:30 pm

Tuesday, May 21

Barnyard Story Hour at Appleton Farms

Kids can meet the barnyard animals and hear a story at Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts.
Barnyard stories really come alive when you get to see the main characters in real life! Bring the kids down to Appleton Farms for our farm-fresh version of story time. Explore the farmstead, visit our learning garden, see our cows and rabbits, and find a spot to play under a shady tree in our...
10:30 am to 11:30 am

Wednesday, May 22

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Fiddleheads | Preschool Drop-Off Series

The Fiddlehead program at Appleton Farms encourages kids 3-5 to explore their environment in Ipswich Massachusetts
Spring has sprung! It is an excellent time of year for exploring and learning on the farm. We will be planting and harvesting in our garden, taking care of our animals and finding all the signs of spring that nature divulges. Join us on Wednesday mornings from 9:30AM to 12:30PM for a preschool drop...
9:30 am to 12:30 pm

Music Together - Wednesday

Marblehead, Beverly Farms, Hamilton, Salem, Peabody Music Together
Music Together® is a research-based music & movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who love them. Music Together® classes make it easy for parents/primary caregivers to play a crucial role in activating their child's music development. Classes are 45 minutes...
9:30 am to 11:15 am

Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

Swan Boat Boston North Shore Parent, North Shore Parents Summer Activities Guide
The Public Garden may be one of the most ideal picnicking locations in Boston. Well-groomed and overflowing with tulips, cherry-trees, with willows cascading over the duck pond, the Boston Public Garden is a great place to relax during Boston's most beautiful season.
10:00 am to 3:59 pm

We Walk the Woods!

Walk the trails in a group at Harold Parker State Forest Every Wednesday at 10am
Walk the trails with a group at Harold Parker State Forest every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. – Meeting location varies weekly. Email trek.reef@mass.gov for location.
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Home & Food Truck Show | Topsfield

Home and Food Truck show at the Topfield Fairground in Massachusetts
April 20th & 21st. FREE admission and FREE parking. All INDOORS & Enjoy the Food Trucks outside. Speak to leading home industry professionals to plan your spring home projects.
10:00 am to 6:59 pm

LEGO-Palooza at North Shore Children's Museum

Kids are invited to a freestyle LEGO buiild session
Come and build Legos with us at NSCM! With TONS of Legos available, come and build your creations. This will be a casual club where all participants can follow whatever direction their engineering intuition takes them, we will not be teaching how to make specific models.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

D&D (Tween Session) at Amesbury Library

Dungeons and Dragons for Tweens at the Public Library in Amesbury Massachusetts
Come play in a Dungeons and Dragons ongoing campaign! You'll create your own characters and build the story session to session. Come if you're a beginner or if you know the rules. All are welcome!  Registration is required and is for all 7 weeks.
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Stargazing at Mendel Observatory

Mendel Observatory, with the support of volunteers from the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club, hosts public stargazing every Wednesday night
The Observatory, with the support of volunteers from the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club, hosts public stargazing every Wednesday night (weather permitting) starting at dusk or 7:30 pm, whichever is later.  When special astronomical events of interest occur (total lunar eclipses, etc.) the Obs
7:00 pm