L I V E • PLAY • DO
magazine
Holiday Lights and Performances Hanukkah Events Gift Ideas
nwkidsmagazine.com
DECEMBER 2019
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Editor’s Note Welcome, December and the beginning of winter! Whether you trust any of the early predictions of snow or not, this month is gearing up to be special. Portland is always beautiful, but adding lights seems to be the ticket to creating true magic in the City of Roses. Check out our guides to this month’s holiday events, lights and performances and make a game plan. We hope that you find a new tradition to mix in with your favorites. May this final month of 2019 be filled with peace, love, comfort and happiness for you and yours. Cheers,
Mary
Cover photography by EMILY NASH for OREGON BALLET THEATRE
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Contents DECEMBER 2019 8 Holiday Lights Guide 12 Holiday Events & Performances 22 Hanukkah Events 25 PJA Perspectives 26 Great Wolf Lodge’s Snowland 28 Bits & Bytes 30 December Picks
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magazine Publisher Michelle Snell michelle@nwkidsmagazine.com Editor/Westside Account Manager Mary Brady mary@nwkidsmagazine.com Advertising Director Laurel Carrasco laurel@nwkidsmagazine.com Graphic Designer Robyn Barbon robyn@folkloremedia.com
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NW Kids is published monthly by Miche Media, LLC. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy; sometimes we make errors. Please let us know when we do and accept our apologies. Printed locally; Please recycle.
Listings All Families Surrogacy..................................... 7 Bamboo International School........................11 Bennett Suzuki...............................................24 Brain Balance.................................................29 Cedarwood.....................................................14 Engineering for Kids......................................20 Grasshopper...................................................27 Hillsboro Parks & Rec....................................... 7 Hollywood Miniature Golf.............................24 Imago Theatre.................................................. 7
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Jack & Jill........................................................20 ILA..................................................................24 Little Fruit Farm..............................................20 NWCT.............................................................32 NWK Camp Expo.............................................. 3 OCTC................................................................. 2 OMSI...............................................................21 Oregon Ballet Theatre....................................14 Oregon Episcopal School...............................28 Oregon Symphony.........................................20
Oregon Zoo.....................................................10 Play Fit Fun.....................................................11 Portland Revels..............................................16 Portland Spirit................................................16 Pottery Fun.....................................................24 Presents of Mind............................................27 Salem Carousel................................................ 7 Thinker Toys....................................................29 Washington Square.......................................18 Xstream Learning Center...............................11
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Dazzling Lights for Magical Nights! One of our favorite parts of the holiday season is checking out the light displays - whether it’s our neighbor’s yard or a professional production. Grab a cup of cocoa and a scarf and check out our list of this year’s holiday light displays to plan some magic!
ZooLights Experience the zoo in a whole new way--ablaze with more than 1.5 million lights! Attendees will also experience a lighted train or carousel ride and a visit with Santa. Nov 29-Jan 5. $12.95 for Youth 3-11, $17.95 for 12 and up, oregonzoo.org/visit/zoolights
Christmas Festival of Lights at the Grotto
Christmas in the Garden in Silverton
Enjoy indoor concerts in the Grotto’s chapel and family entertainments from puppet shows to petting zoos in the plaza. Holiday treats and gifts will be available for purchase. See website for concert schedule. Nov 23-Dec 30. $3 for children 3-12, $6 for 12 and up, thegrotto.org/ christmas-festival-of-lights
Enjoy an immersive holiday event based on a traditional European-style Christmas Market, where you can experience the sights, sounds and smells of the season. Stroll through the forest and our one million lights, while sipping a warm, spicy gluhwein. Nov 29-Jan 5. See website for pricing and tickets, christmasinthegarden.com
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PEACOCK LANE
VICTORIAN BELLE
Christmas Ship Parade
Peacock Lane
The Christmas Ship Parade started in 1954 with one lone sailboat from Portland Yacht Club. Bows of green with some ribbon where tied along the rails and it paraded on the rivers. The next year the parade started to grow. Today, The Christmas Ship Fleet averages about 55 to 60 boats between the Columbia and Willamette River fleets. Things have changed from the first lone ship. Now the displays are brightly lit and can be seen from bank to bank on each river. Dec 5-22. Free, christmasships.org
This Portland holiday tradition is popular for a reason! Due to the potentially heavy traffic, visitors are encouraged to explore on foot if possible. Dec 15-31. Free, peacocklane.org
Lighting of Maddax Woods Enjoy a magical walk down a lighted, accessible path through the Woods and to the viewing platform on the Willamette River. Search for creatures of the Woods, see Dorothy Maddax’s garden and view new Maddax’s boat history. Nov 16-Dec 3. 1Free, westlinnoregon.gov/parksrec/ lighting-maddax-woods
Miracle of a Million Lights at Victorian Belle Explore 2.5 acres of holiday lights! Then come indoors to tour the themed rooms and enjoy hot chocolate and other holiday refreshments. Children will also have the chance to visit with santa and to watch a nightly outdoor movie! Dec 8-28. See website for pricing and tickets, victorianbelle.com/ the-miracle-of-a-million-lights.html
Wenzel Farm: Christmas Fantasy Trail Come down to Oregon City to explore the many delights of the Christmas Fantasy Trail lighted with thousands of holiday lights. Families will also enjoy exploring the 40 foot castle full of Christmas scenes and exploring the onsite maze. Dec 2-28. $6 children 12 and under, $7 for 12 and up (cash only), fantasytrail.com/xmastrail.htm
Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway Recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest as the “Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi”, the 27th annual Safeway Winter Wonderland powered by Advantis Credit Union, will grab your attention with glimmers and glows around every corner. Nov 29-Jan 4. $7-$60, winterwonderlandportland.com
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Get Out & Sleigh!
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Holiday Events and Performances The year is coming to a close and it’s time for all of the colors, lights, family and traditions that come with it. Whether you want to try something new or partake in the classics, we have a list that is sure to make your season bright!
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BLACK NATIVITY 2019
PORTLAND REVELS
PORTLAND SPIRIT
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
PERFORMANCES Nov 29 - Dec 15 Black Nativity 2019: A Gospel Songplay
Come enjoy the classic Nativity Story in true gospel style presented by a majority African American cast. People from all backgrounds will enjoy this vibrant play! $10-$25. passinart.org/index.php/ shows/54-black-nativity-2019-agospel-songplay
Nov 30-Dec 9
It’s A Wonderful Life at Washburn Performing Arts Center Frank Capra’s film classic has been brought to vibrant theatrical life through the remarkable collaboration of Pulitzer Prize and Tony Awardwinner Sheldon Harnick and Grammy and Emmy Award-winner Joe Raposo. An uplifting chronicle of the extraordinary lives of ordinary folk, It’s A Wonderful Life exhilarates the mind and heart as it celebrates the innate goodness in us all. $12$15. journeytheater.org/shows/awonderful-life-fall-2019
Dec 1-30
A Christmas Carol at Portland Playhouse Portland Playhouse provides a wonderful opportunity to introduce young people to this Christmas classic. This fun musical adaption will be a hit with the whole family. $19-$39. portlandplayhouse.org/ shows-events/christmas-carol-11
Dec 7-26
Oregon Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker Whether it is your family’s first visit or your tenth, you’re bound to enjoy the beauty and magic of the Oregon Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker. Come see what all the fuss is about! $29-$146. obt.org/18-19-season/nutcracker
Dec 13-15
Gospel Christmas What could make the most wonderful time of the year even better? Celebrate the joy of the season at the 21st annual Gospel Christmas! Clap your hands and stomp your feet along with the region’s premier gospel singers and the Oregon Symphony at this beloved annual concert at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. $35-$115, orsymphony.org continued on p. 15 NW Kids Magazine | 13
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PORTLAND YOUTH PHILHARMONIC
OREGON BALLET THEATER
Dec 13 - Jan 5
Dec 20-23
Imago is bringing back to Portland its globe-trotting production ZooZoo this holiday season. Bugeyes, hippos with insomnia, arrogant anteaters, and many more characters fill the stage with wonder and humor! $15-$33. imagotheatre.com/ zoozoo_portland.html
This season marks the 22nd year Columbia Dance performs the Nutcracker. Tiny mice, toy dolls and tin soldiers will dance to life for audiences of all ages! $15-$20. columbiadance.org
Imago ZooZoo
Dec 14-22
Portland Revels’ “The Ghosts of Haddon Hall: A Celebration of the Winter Solstice” It’s their 25th year, and ghosts will return to haunt the stage during Portland’s annual Christmas Revels performance as they inhabit Haddon Hall, the setting for the original Christmas Revels. Of course, there will be opportunities for the audience to get involved! A Lord/ Lady of Misrule will once again grace the stage, and the 12 Days of Christmas will be enacted with typical Revels frivolity. $19-$85. portlandrevels.org/shows-and-events IMAGO ZOOZOO
The Nutcracker presented by Columbia Dance
Dec 21 (two performances) Cirque Nutcracker
The awe-inspiring talents of Troupe Vertigo join forces with the Oregon Symphony, bringing their unique hybrid of cirque, dance, and acrobatic art to Tchaikovsky’s beloved holiday masterpiece, The Nutcracker. This concert is sure to be a delightful treat for the entire family. $30-$80, orsymphony.org continued on p. 17
CHRISTMAS REVELS
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TRACKERS
GOSPEL CHRISTMAS
Dec 26
EVENTS
Come to the Schnitz’ after the holidays for the Portland Youth Harmonic’s biggest performance of the season! Their 58th annual Concert-at-Christmas will have you on your feet to the sounds of French composer Georges Bizet’s Selections from “Carmen,” Aaron Copland’s Cuban inspired Danzón Cubano, John Williams’s legendary Yoda’s Theme from “The Empire Strikes Back,” and much more. $10-$60. portlandyouthphil.org
Visit Santa’s Headquarters at Washington Square Mall
Concert-At-Christmas: Dance Party
Dec 27-28
Portland Revels’ “Haddon Holiday – A Children’s Celebration of Light” A very special one hour Revels story for children ages 2-7. Laughter, songs, and fun at Haddon Hall with the Revels Children’s Chorus, three silly ghosts, and a magical fox! See website for pricing and tickets. portlandrevels.org/shows-andevents
Nov 8 - Dec 24
Santa will be available for visits and photos at his Headquarters, presented by HGTV, and located in Center Court between the escalators. This year’s features include: online reservations, Elf-Ray Vision, a Naughty-or-Nice ‘O Meter, Holiday Fun Photo Options & More! See website for pricing and schedule. santa-hq.com
Nov 29-Dec 24 (various hours and dates) Photos and Visits w/ Santa at the Carousel
Head to Salem’s Riverfront Carousel for a visit with Santa! Visits are always free. Photo Pricing: Carousel Keepsake Photo $10 Each (also includes 3 shots with your own camera). Want to Take Your Own Photos? 5 Shots for $5 (rate is per device). See site for hours. salemcarousel.org continued on p. 19 NW Kids Magazine | 17
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Nov 29 - Jan 1
Winter Village at Jerry Willey Plaza at Orenco Station The area’s only open-air ice skating experience brings the magic of the holidays to life with music, dining, shopping, and family fun. This outdoor ice skating rink transforms Jerry Willey Plaza, making it a seasonal family centerpiece in Hillsboro and the region! $10-$55. hillsboro-oregon.govdepartments/ parks-recreation/recreation-fun-/ special-events-/winter-village
Nov 30 - Dec 27 (various dates)
Portland Spirit Cinnamon Bear Cruise Enjoy holiday treats while a cast of fanciful characters entertain you with storytelling, music and magic. Have your picture taken with the Cinnamon Bear himself atop his magical throne! $15-$43. cinnamonbearcruise.com/ cruise.htm
Dec 7
Winter Faire at Cedarwood Waldorf School Each winter, the Cedarwood community works together to transform the school into a magical, wintry wonderland for hundreds of children and their families. There are wizards, fairies, princesses, food, and live entertainment — as well as a very special holiday marketplace for attendees to shop! See website for wristband pricing. cedarwoodschool.org/winter-faire
Dec 8
Black Santa Stop by Matt Dishman Community Center to take a photo with Black Santa! Sponsored by Portland Willamette Valley Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., all proceeds benefit Albina Head Start. There are games and vendors, a can drive and a $700 raffle. $20 (cash only) for a framed 4x6 photo. jackandjillportland.org
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OMSI: How Does the Cookie Crumble? Gingerbread Workshop Recent scientific “discoveries” have uncovered a revolutionary new building material that could change how we prepare for earthquakes – gingerbread! Come to OMSI and learn how buildings are designed to withstand quakes. Design, build and test your own quake-proof gingerbread building. Put your tower on OMSI’s shake table to see if it will survive “the Big One”! $20 per building. omsi.edu/calendar/soldout-how-does-the-cookie-crumblegingerbread-workshop-
OMSI continued on p. 21
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TRACKERS
Dec 14
Trackers Holiday Party: Cookies, Crafts & Archery Celebrate the Yule with Trackers Earth at their 7th annual holiday party! Join the Trackers Family for a seasonal celebration of skills, scrumptious food, and a craft fair featuring the wares of local artisans. Shop for holiday gifts while singing along to holiday classics! Free. trackerspdx.com/ community-events.php
CRAFTY WONDERLAND
December 14-15
Crafty Wonderland Carefully selected handmade goods from over 250 of the best and brightest makers. This twice yearly event happens to be right in time for some holiday shopping for a loved one or maybe just for you! Free. craftywonderland.com
Dec 14 & Dec 21
Breakfast w/ Santa at the Carousel Head to Salem’s Riverfront Carousel for a breakfast buffet, a visit and photo with Santa, a gift from Santa and free Carousel rides. This event is by reservation only. Please see site for more information and to reserve your spot. $20/person. salemcarousel.org
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CELEBRATE THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: 2019 Hanukkah Events Dec 1-6
Dec 22
The Hanukkah Fair at the MJCC
Chanukah Donuts and Dancing
This is ORA: Northwest Jewish Artist’s first Hanukkah Fair. Find a unique gift for your friends and family from our beautiful selection of jewelry, glasswork, artisan soaps, prints, photography. Free admission. northwestjewishartists.org/ category/events
Head to Mittleman Jewish Community Center to make decorations for your home, take part in Israeli dancing, and eat some delicious sufganiot (jelly donuts) at this family-friendly Chanukah celebration. $10/family. oregonjcc.org/arts-culture/artsculture-events/donuts
Dec 12 (deadline)
Dec 22
Oregon Chanukah Essay Contest
Congregation Neveh Shalom Community Chanukah Party
This contest is hosted by Maimonides Jewish Day School and Jewish Federation of Greater Portland. Enter to win $200. $150 in cash & $50 to give to your school of choice. Essay question: How can I use words to be a helpful person, or a good citizen, or a friend to the Earth? Eligible students: All Oregon students in 3rd - 5th grades and 6th - 8th grades. For more info, visit facebook.com/events/ 423053381733362/
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Celebrate the festival of lights with your Neveh Shalom Family. Remember to bring your own chanukiah to light with the community. Latke dinner: $18/ adults, $12/kids, $54/family max. (Dinner included with Young Family Shul Pass, though RSVP is still required) RSVP for dinner at: tinyurl.com/CNSChanukah2019
Dec 22
Dec 28
Sharing the Light Concert
LGBTQA+ Hanukkah Happy Hour
In the spirit of one another’s unique and beautiful holiday traditions, join at Congregation Beth Israel for a joyful musical collaboration between Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Portland Community Orchestra, Pacific Youth Choir, and Congregation Beth Israel. For tickets, please visit trinity-episcopal.org/events
On the seventh day, join the Shir Tikvah community from 5:30-7:30pm for an inclusive happy hour event. Details to come at shirtikvahpdx.org
Dec 22 Chanukah Party at P’nai Or Join the P’nai Or community on the first day of Chanukah for their annual celebration. Details to come at pnaiorpdx.org
Dec 29 Family Hanukkah Celebration Join the Havurah Shalom community for a family celebration from 6-6:30pm. Details to come at havurahshalom.org/calendar
* At the time of publication, many 2019 Chanukah event details had not yet been announced. Please see jewishportland.org/events for updated and newly added events.
Dec 23 Chanukah Jewish Heritage Night with the Portland Trailblazers Chabad of Oregon & the Portland Trailblazers are once again partnering together for Chanukah Jewish Heritage Night! Watch the Menorah lighting being viewed on the Jumbotron, wear your Hebrew “Blazers shirt” with hundreds of other Jews as the Trailblazers take on the New Orleans Pelicans on the 2nd night of Chanukah! $30-$102/ticket. jewishnortheast.com
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Jewish Academy (pjaproud.org) provides a rich ThePortland PJA Perspective academic and cultural learning experience for kids from early childhood through 8th grade. We’ve invited budding journalists from PJA’s after-school writing club and sixth-grade Humanities class to join our team for a series that gives you a glimpse into thoughts and life - from their perspective.
Blueprint
My Life
by Ami
by Anna
see the way a piece of fresh parchment with a dab of yellow can Metamorphose to the desires and hopes Of the artist in a still studio, encircled in a Matrix of imagination. He has created and destroyed withdrew and dove into the circle of creation With ideas that saunter out, fresh as a daisy. Some take pennies; others leave it for another. You praise this system But soon enough, you must log out, for another soul is looking to sculpt their blueprint. Ami is a current seventh grader at PJA. In addition to writing, he enjoys playing sports and hanging out with friends.
Waking Sleeping Waking That’s my morning Reading Thinking Reading That’s my brain Listening Playing Singing That’s my music Shuffle Hop-step Ball-change That’s my dance Thinking Creating Watching That’s my movie Laughing Talking Laughing That’s my life Anna is a current sixth grader at PJA. In addition to writing, she enjoys reading, basketball, singing, dancing, and playing with her dogs. NW Kids Magazine | 25
Get in the Holiday Spirit with Great Wolf Lodge’s Snowland If your family loves the local holiday events but could also use a little escape, Great Wolf Lodge’s Snowland may be just what the doctor ordered. About a 90-minute drive from Portland, the Grand Mound Great Wolf Lodge will be transformed into a winter wonderland from November 29th-January 5th. Between all of the fun in the 84-degree indoor water park, favorite Snowland activities continue this year with daily snow showers in the lobby; visits from Santa Claus; North Pole University, where kids complete fun, holidaythemed assignments around the resort for the chance to earn a Snowploma; the Polar Wolf Walk, where a tour of a lobby teaches lessons about polar bears
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and penguins, and more. During the winter howliday, guests can also enjoy hot cocoa with a Great Wolf Kid. All of the Snowland activities are included complimentary as part of an overnight stay, but there are also a limited number of themed Snowland suites that include a decorated Christmas tree, snowflakes hanging from the ceiling and a number of other festive touches. In order to book a Snowland suite, the code SNOWFLAKE must be used. Great Wolf is also teaming with Make-A-Wish®, donating $2 from the sale of each specially-themed Santa hat wolf ears sold to benefit children facing critical illnesses. greatwolf.com/grand-mound
Holiday Gift Picks
FROM
DIY Record & Remix
Meow! Balancing game
Build your very own remix module out of the box and start recording and distorting sounds. Discover how music is made by creating and layering sounds. $35
Try to stack the balls of yarn on this adorable kitten without them falling to the ground! Made in Spain from recycled wood. $32
Women in History Tea Set
Bunny Car
Have a tea party with your favorite women from history! A darling tin tea set illustrated by Ingela P Arrhenius. Packaged in an illustrated storage suitcase. $28
An adorable first push car with a removable bunny driver. Handcrafted in the EU form Maplewood. $32
by Technology Will Save us
by Londji
by Omm Design
by Briki Vroom Vroom
grasshopperstore.com
Holiday Gift Picks
FROM
“Flock of Gerrys- Gerry Loves Tacos” Oregon Coast Musical Art Book Local Artist Author Seasons Kaz Sparks’ story of Gerry the Seagull & his “Flock” discovering their love of tacos & music in Tillamook, OR. $14.95
Flock of Gerrys Octo’s Tacos kids Tee from Salty Raven Local t-shirt & gift guru Salty Raven makes a whole collection of Flock of Gerrys character t-shirts & onesies in sizes Newborn-14/15. $25
Salty Raven Mt Hood Forest Onesie Celebrate Oregon’s crown jewel with Salty Raven’s classic Mt. Hood Forest design. Available in newborn-18mo onesie or 2T-14/15 tees. $22
Jellycat Amuseable Fried Egg & Toast Cutest breakfast ever, no plate required! Squishable Playful Pals based on your favorite foods for the win! $20 each
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BITS & BYTES Portland Music School Portland Music School offers group keyboard classes for kids, teens and adults. Children’s classes are scheduled in close-age groupings of 6-7, 8-10 and 10-13. Find out about free preview lessons for all ages at pdxmusicschool.com, by phone 971-777-0320 or visit in person at 4848 SW Scholls Ferry Road in Portland.
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NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Holiday Gift Picks
FROM
Hexbugs Battlebots
Timber Tots Tree House
BattleBots are miniature versions of remote-control robots seen on a popular TV show, fun to compete with – some even have the option to build your own! $34.99
A classic toy is back! A pop-up tree house with woodland critters that live inside. Perhaps best of all, it’s portable and everything fits inside. $49.99
Smartmax My First Animals Series
Airfort
The animals click together magnetically with Safari, Farm and Dinosaur Sets, ideal for little hands to build and mix-and-match in a safe introduction to magnetic discovery. $24.99
A game-changer for fort building: simply attach the tent to any standard box fan, and in less than 30 seconds the fort inflates and is ready for play! $49.99
thinkertoysoregon.com
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THINGS WE
THIS
Greentop Gifts After unsuccessfully searching for wrapping paper that featured a Santa Claus of color for her son’s presents, Jackie Rodgers wanted to create a solution. She later found that her friends and family were having the same challenges finding paper with a brown Santa. So with the help of her husband Shaun, they founded Greentop Gifts.This is how Clarence Claus came to be - another jolly old man from the North Pole, but with chocolate skin. Gift wrap sells for $7.50/roll. Apparel and other Clarence gifts are also available. greentopgifts.com
VertiPlay STEM Marble Run Oribel’s VertiPlay Marble Run sets provide options for imaginative play with this fully extendable and modular system. It sticks to the wall, which differs from many marble runs that are magnetic and keep little ones underfoot in the kitchen. The only limit to this set is wall space and imagination. Kids will have so much fun playing that they won’t even realize they’re actually learning some really amazing STEM concepts and expanding their minds. Sets start at $59 and go up to $200. Recommended for ages 5+, loveoribel.com
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MONTH The Ables and Strings by Jeremy Scott Jeremy Scott, best known for his popular YouTube channel CinemaSins, has stepped into the Teen/YA realm with his first two books. The first and second of what will be a 4-part series, The Ables and Strings center around Philip and his friends, a group of secret superheroes, all of whom have what might frequently be viewed as disabilities. Phillip is blind but has the power of telekinesis. His best friend, Henry, is paralyzed but has the power of telepathy. Bentley suffers from cerebral palsy but has the power of hyper intelligence. The town (all filled with superheroes) all believe that certain disabled ones won’t become real superheroes. “In some cases, their disabilities do directly impede their use of superpowers,” Scott says, “so they sometimes have to rely on each other to get hero work done.” If you have a Teen/YA reader on your list, we highly recommend this groundbreaking series. Paperback, $16.99/each
Supernatural® Plant-Based Sprinkles Supernatural®, known for its plant-based food dyes and baking sprinkles that are free of artificial colors and the top8 allergens, have introduced a line of holiday sprinkles this year and we could not be happier about it. We have many friends and family members with food allergies and sensitivities and can’t wait to show up at this year’s holiday events with something that is festive, delicious and safe. $7.99/each
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