Blog Archives - Page 22 of 25

August 30, 2018 by

We have some new winners that are perfect for Back-to-School time!

Snoozie Mat

This easy-to-pack sleeping bag is ideal for school naps, sleepovers, and blanket forts. The Snoozie-Mat is machine washable and folds into backpack. You can take the Snoozie-Mat anywhere you want by simply rolling it up and carrying it on your back.
$38.95
Ages: 2 to 6 years

Norton Core

A security focused WiFi router that also looks stylish in your home. The device not only protects your home network from malware, viruses, hackers, and cybercriminals, but also includes both network- and device-level (smartphones and tablets) Smart Parental Controls. These features allow parents to control what kids see and do across all their connected devices. The App is easy to use and can control your whole network. Parents can:

Set age appropriate content filters
Block unwanted websites
Manage screen time with daily limits
Pause the Internet – for an individual device or the entire household

$149.00
For Ages: parents with children under 15

Car Caché®

Great for the family car. It’s designed to hold your handbag so that it is accessible, upright, clean, and out of passengers’ way.
$19.99
Ages: All drivers

Our American Presidents – Their Lives and Legacies

Gives readers a concise look into all 44 Presidents of the United States. The book is easy to read and includes a listing of cabinet members from each presidency. Kids and parents will enjoy learning little known facts, the truth about many “presidential myths” and getting a glimpse into the presidents’ personal lives.
$29.95
Ages: For the entire family

Elena Epstein is a mom of two and the director of NAPPA Awards, the longest running and most respected awards program in the industry, celebrating the best in family products for 28 years. For more product reviews, visit nappaawards.com. #PlayLearnConnect

August 30, 2018 by

We have some great tunes for your whole family. Check out these great NAPPA Winners!

Howdy Do! Songs of the Urban Cowpoke

Hailing from the wilds of New York City, Hopalong Andrew populates Howdy Do! mostly with witty Western-style parody updates of old standards. He cleverly turns the old Gene Autry classic “Back In The Saddle Again” into “Back In The City Again,” and “Jingle Jangle Jingle” into “Ice Cream Dude,” for example. Most impressive is his nimble-tongued name-checking of NYC neighborhoods on “I’ve Been Everywhere In New York City (based on Johnny Cash hit “I’ve Been Everywhere”). See if you replicate his rapid-fire recitations! While Hopalong Andrew’s twangy tunes may be parodies they never cross the line into being camp hokum. Written with affection and a fun-loving spirit, his “urban cowpoke” music provides a great soundtrack for barn dances and cattle drives – or backyard parties and car rides.
$12
Ages: For the entire family

Songs for Sisters and Brothers

The songs on Songs For Sisters And Brothers are certainly for sisters and brothers, but they will entertain mothers and fathers too. Vered not only has composed a wonderful set of songs that explore various aspects of childhood and parenthood, but she has done so in an inspired variety of ways. She uses an African-style melody on the stand-out song “Little Bit Tough,” and veers into doo-wop on another highlight, “Library of the World.” Notable numbers too are “One Family,” with its “we are all brothers and sisters” message,” and “It’ll Be,” a charming duet with Walter Martin where they imagine growing old together. And parents, you will not want to miss the funny confessional “PR Agent” that closes this fantastic family album.
$10.99
Ages: entire family

Snorkel by Randy & Dave

Randy Sharp & Dave Kinnoin have established themselves as one of family music’s top duos on their first two collaborations. On album three they continue their high standards, filling Snorkel with a dozen great tunes. They are particularly expert on constructing wildly hilarious story-songs, and numbers like “Everybody’s Ignorant,” “Mr. Berschmicker,” “Oh, Wait, That Wasn’t Me,” and the title track will draw big laughs from listeners of all ages. Randy & Dave also excel here on their “maybe-not-as-zany” tunes, where they serenade you about curly cat, a berserk squirrel, a cute little dog, and the joys of having “absolutely nowhere to go.” Snorkel is a superb CD whether you have somewhere to go or not.
$14.98
Ages: 4-8 years

We Are One by Animal Farm

On We Are One, Animal Farm has assembled a marvelous menagerie of songs about animals – which probably isn’t a surprise considering the band’s name. These songs, however, aren’t your typical little ditties about lions, tigers, and snakes. There are imaginative tunes about an awesome possum and a two-headed tortoise. “Snow Bird” actually is about a penguin who longs to fly, while “Nocturnal Me” concerns a bat with a fear of the dark. Then, there’s the delightful “Ear Worm,” a funny, hummable number about getting a song stuck in your head. We Are One, in fact, is stocked with many songs that will stick in your head.
$15
For Ages: For the entire family

Move, Move, Move

Little ones will be shouting “more, more, more!” after listening to Move, Move, Move. As the CD’s title suggests, Vincent Nunes creates very active music. On his upbeat album, he sings about dancing, bouncing, walking a tight rope, moving his feet, playing guitar, and (on the “bonus track”) banging on the drums. While these tunes certainly add up to a highly enjoyable, energetic album, two other tunes are particularly worth noting: the clever alphabet song “ABC Jones” and the delightfully kooky “Fly Like A Dog.”
$15
Ages: 2-6 years

Shoebox Town by Tracy Newman

What will you find in Shoebox Town? There will be a “little bitty fish (in a) little bitty pond,” a “zilli billionaire,” and “a sticky little lollipop (and ) a little kitten curled up in daddy’s shoes.” It also has old-fashioned amusements like a “magic penny” and a merry carousel down by a pier. Tracy Newman’s follow-up to her equally excellent I Can Swing Forever reveals her gift for writing songs filled with a kid-like sense of wonder and whimsy that are dusted lightly with some gentle messages too. On the title track, for example, she lovingly sings about making her “Shoebox Town,” complete with a cereal bowl pool, while also portraying the brother as being helpful (and not destructive) to his sister’s creation. Newman makes Shoebox Town a great place to visit.

$14.99

For Ages: 0-7 years

On The Road with The Music Class

The Music Class receives high marks for their new album. Guided by Rob Sayer, the large ensemble of singers and instrumentalists takes listeners on an entertaining musical road-trip. The songs touch on some familiar kids music topics – animals, vehicles, counting – but the Music Class presents them in an impressive variety of songs and styles. Mixing originals and traditionals, the CD’s 20 tracks hold touches of African and Spanish music as well as jazzy and folky numbers. The enthusiastic performances and spirited songs make On The Road quite a fun ride.”
$9.99
Ages: 1 to 5

La Luna by 123 Andres

This is a truly lovely collection of lullabies from Latin Grammy winner Andrés Salguero and his wife Christina Sanabria. The songs basically are all sung in Spanish; however, the music has a soothing, gentle quality that is perfect for quiet times whether you know Spanish or not. They also welcome a number of guest musicians from around the Latin American world: Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Mexico, to name a few. While it would have been nice if the lyrics and translations were included in the CD package, they are available on the artists’ website.”
$15
Ages: 0 to 5

Enjoy the music! #PlayLearnConnect with #NAPPAAwards!Elena Epstein is a mom of two and the director of NAPPA Awards, the longest running and most respected awards program in the industry, celebrating the best in family products for 28 years. For more product reviews, visit nappaawards.com.

August 30, 2018 by

If you didn’t get the chance to see the great outdoors this summer, you certainly still have time. The incredible fall colors and crisp cool air make any autumn camping trip an incredible weekend outing for the whole family. Outdoor fun doesn’t have to be exclusive to summertime, so whether you want to take a day trip or stay overnight, these beautiful places will make fall your favorite time of the year.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (TN)

With camping options ranging from backcountry backpacking to developed front country campgrounds, the Great Smoky Mountains offers a wonderful experience for every type of adventure. With five different forests and scenic autumn drives and hikes, camping has never been more beautiful. Offering hikes that are specifically for kids as well as guided hikes, the Smoky Mountains has scenic landscapes that everyone can enjoy and even learn from. For more relaxed vacationers, the 800 square mile park has 384 miles of road to drive down where you can experience all the beauty the park has to offer. Experiencing deep fall colors for hundreds of miles, the awe-inspiring beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park makes it a can’t-miss destination for any autumn camping trip.

Julian (CA)

Julian is a quaint town nestled in the Cuyamaca mountains, just a short drive away from San Diego. Famous for their apples, Julian is the perfect place to go camping during the fall season. With activities from boating and hiking to touring historic gold mines and visiting a fall pumpkin patch, Julian is a great place to experience the great outdoors in the height of the fall season. The town even has a pie baking contest this September, as well as a country fair and scarecrow display.

White Mountain National Forest (NH & ME)

With 2018 being the 100^th anniversary of the forest, you don’t want to miss camping in this incredible location during the fall. White Mountain National Forest offers a ton of camping areas accommodating RVs and tents, and they also have cabins available. You can spend time collecting minerals and rocks, picnicking with your family, or simply taking in the scenic fall views. This forest also has incredible tree canopy colors, and it has miles of roads to drive down and take in the never-ending beauty. With landmarks like historic farm houses and old stone walls, you will never know what lies around the corner in this incredible forest.

Capitol Reef National Park (UT)

With unique landscapes from cliffs and canyons to domes and even something they refer to as a wrinkle on earth, you’ll want to check out Capital Reef National Park. A bonus feature of going in September are the apple and pear fruit orchards that are available to pick through the month. Experience the park both during the day and after dark with the incredible views of an endless starry night stretching for hundreds of miles. With a range of adventurous and laid-back campgrounds, Capitol Reef National Park is a unique and incredible place to visit.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park (MI)

Sleeping Bear Dunes is an incredible place to take your family camping this autumn. You can camp on the rustic mainland with or without modern amenities, or even camp on one of the park’s islands. There are close by towns full of quaint local shops and tons of kid-friendly activities that are engaging and educational. Take your family to one of the museums or lighthouses, or take a rewarding hike on their famous sand Dune Climb. Ranger-led tours, a breathtaking drive, and backcountry serenity are all features of this historically rich National Park perfect for your next family camping trip.

August 14, 2018 by

For me, getting a locker was the most exciting part of middle school. Having my own space, no matter how small, felt mature, and it gave me a sense of responsibility. As the years went on though, having a locker became more of hassle than a perk because of how messy and unorganized it became. Here at NAPPA, we’ve discovered some great tips to share with your kids to keep their lockers organized, decorative and functional.

Use a locker shelf

A great first step to keeping your locker organized and hassle free.

Visit your locker at least once a day

Lockers are great for easing your backpack load throughout the day and visiting your locker gives you an incentive and opportunity to keep it clean since nobody likes to open a messy locker.

Don’t make your locker a trash can

Lockers can go from storage units to trash cans in a matter of weeks. Make sure to empty out any unwanted trash at the end of each day.

Personalize it

Putting up photos, posters, artwork and magnets provide a great incentive to keep lockers clean and organized. And it’s a great way to express creativity.

Keep a place for reminders

Lockers are great places to keep small whiteboards or notebooks where you can write reminders for yourself throughout the school year. Writing down which materials you need for each class can make visiting your locker a breeze, and writing to-do lists for the week can help you keep up with your assignments.

#backtoschool #PlayLearnConnect #kids #school #organize

August 14, 2018 by

Your kids will love discovering the incredible world of technology with these STEM-related games. #PlayLearnConnect

Bright Creatures Kit

The perfect introduction to STEAM learning – Bright Creatures Kit gets kids building with dough and making simple circuits to add light to their creations. Part of the Dough Universe, the kit comes with three pots of dough, a smart controller, and LED light helpers. And with the projects and games in the interactive storybook app, they’ll be exploring and inventing for months to come!
$49.99
For Ages: 4+

Botley the Coding Robot

Meet Botley the Coding Robot! With the Botley, children as young as 5 can learn to code. Botley’s advanced features will allow your kids to grow with him. Botley is ready to use right out of the box, 100% screen free and includes a 77-piece activity set. Botley can detect objects, be programmed for if/then logic, follow looping commands and take on obstacle courses.
$79.99
For kids 5+

Itty Bitty City

Created for hobbyists, makers, inventors, and tinkerers, Itty Bitty City is a fun-filled collection of Microduino mCookie modules, sensors and accessories which creators use to build eight exciting projects, including a windmill, lighthouse, night light, piggy bank, and music box. Widely used by students and teachers within schools’ STEM/STEAM programs.
$129.00
For kids 10+

Robots on the Line

You’re one of the lucky robot factory workers invited to an exclusive event. Pick refurbished or out-of-date parts to build robots that meet eager buyers’ requirements. Sell your completed robots to earn points; but hurry because other players may be building their own robot. Can you outsmart your opponents and assemble a four-wheeler robot with two heads, or a robot with six eyes and four hands before they do?
$54.95
For kids 8+

Kidlo Coding Games For Kids

Get your kids coding in no time with Kidlo Coding Games For Kids, a fun app to teach kids (5-9 yrs) basic programming concepts like sequencing, loops and functions. Includes 50+ interesting games.
Free with app
For kids 5-9

mPuzzle

Designed for children ages 5 and up, mPuzzle is a collection of easy-to-use, snap-together magnetic components that teach basic electronic circuitry concepts. With mPuzzle, children learn how things work by seeing cause-and-effect relationships and outcomes. The product offers everything kids need to construct common objects found in our everyday world, such as a street lamp that illuminates at dusk, or a TV remote control with a red LED light that shines when it’s turned on.
$99.00
For kids 5+

mPie

Designed for children ages 7 and up, mPie builds upon mPuzzle’s foundational circuity lessons and hardware components to teach kids introductory hardware coding and more advanced electronic and product design concepts. With mPie, kids discover the world of hardware coding, which helps them visualize the logical and sequential order of things in a physical and engaging way.
$99.00
For kids 7+

August 14, 2018 by

Courtesy of Kristine Foley

If your family loves museums, Smithsonian has an incredible event coming up in September! Mark September 22 on your calendar for Smithsonian’s annual Museum Day, and enjoy free admission at participating museums across the world. This is a wonderful opportunity for your family to enjoy a day filled with art, history, science and culture.

Registration opens online beginning August 15. One ticket gets you complementary entry for two people on Saturday, September 22, 2018. This event is perfect for families with kids of all ages, as there is such a wide variety of museums participating. To check which museums will offer free admission in your area, go online to https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/.

August 14, 2018 by

We have some great products for your back-to-school shopping list!

500+ Sight Words Flash Cards Bundle Kit

Think Tank Scholar Sight Words Flashcards help children learn and practice reading the most common words found in a children’s book. Comes in a set of 500 basic words designed to make learning fun for young learners with a non-distracting design and large bold print that helps students automatically recognize words. The flash cards are made from high quality card stock with a smooth laminated coating and rounded edges for easy sorting and handling. Each pack comes with 100+ sight words to help prepare students from grades Pre-K through 3rd grade. Each pack comes with a sequence of six teaching techniques and six fun educational games for kids.
$28.95
For kids 3-9

Back to School Label Packs

Mabel’s Labels is North America’s leading provider of waterproof, personalized labels for all the stuff kids lose at daycare, school and camp. These Back-to-School Label packs are durable and adorable. They are dishwasher and laundry safe and guaranteed to withstand the toughest conditions. They’re perfect for putting your child’s name on all of their things that leave the house, from shoes, clothing, and backpacks, to lunch containers and school supplies. Just peel and stick. Labels are made in Canada and the USA and backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee and standard shipping is always FREE!
Starting at $18.99
For kids 0-10

Milo & Gabby Toddler Animal Shaped Backpack

The adorable Milo & Gabby friends are now on-the-go. The Milo & Gabby Animal-shaped Toddler Backpacks are perfectly sized for young kids and fully insulated. They are brought to life with 3-D details, including soft stuffed tails. Take Lola, Dylan, Tom or Lucy with you anywhere to carry your toys, snacks and lunch. Features detachable safety strap for freedom on excursions, reflective trim detail for extra safety during dark, cloudy and/or rainy outings, front chest strap to keep shoulder straps in place and 3-D air mesh padded adjustable shoulder straps and backboard for breathable cushioned comfort.
$38.00
For kids 18 months-4 years

Petit Collage Back to School Bundle

The Petit Collage backpacks and lunch boxes come in a variety of fun designs and are eco-friendly. The wipeable cotton canvas exterior is coated with a protective, solvent-free biodegradable laminate made from sugar cane. The 12 oz. lightweight stainless-steel bottle is vacuum insulated keeping drinks cold for 12 hours. The backpack features a side mesh exterior pocket which fits the matching water bottle perfectly and the lunch box is easily wiped clean of crumbs and leaks. They are all BPA, PVC, and Phthalate-free. This Back-to-School Bundle is perfect to start off a new school year.
$65.00
For kids 3+

Bento Value Pack

Packing healthy school lunches just got a little easier with the Bento Value Pack by Stuck on You. Your kids will especially love the personal touch of a cute design and their name. The Bento Value Pack comes with everything you need to pack healthy school lunches — personalized Bento Box, insulated Lunch Cooler Bag designed to perfectly fit into the Bento Box.
$59.95
For the entire family

Tot Cot® Daycare/Preschool Nap Mat

As kids get ready for daycare or preschool, The Tot Cot is a cozy and convenient alternative to the “pillow and blanket” required for families to bring. Includes a pillow, sewn-in-fleece blanket and a slim quilted lining. Easy to roll up with handle to carry. Elastic bands secure the nap mat to daycare cots and mats. Comes with a secret pocket to tuck in your child’s best pal from home. Comes in a variety of fun patterns.
$40.00
For kids 2-4

Nalgene Grip and Gulp with Cover

When on the go, the Nalgene Grip and Gulp with Cover is a perfect way to keep your kids hydrated. As with all things Nalgene, the bottle is incredibly durable to drop or toss in a backpack or diaper bag, BPA- and BPS-free and dishwasher safe. Leak-proof and durable “sippy”12-ounce bottle for toddlers with a germ sleeve that pops on and off! Made in the USA (Rochester NY).
$11.99
For kids 12 months to 5 years

#PlayLearnConnect with #NAPPAAwards

August 3, 2018 by

We all know the best way to cool off during the summer is with a nice dip in the pool. You and your family can splash all day long at these incredible water parks and resorts that are fun for the whole family!

Kalahari Resort (Wisconsin Dells, WI)

Courtesy of Kalahari Resort

With both an indoor and outdoor waterpark, this resort will bring your family adventure, fun, and relaxation. Bond with your family in the resort’s escape room, enjoy time with your kids in the arcade, and even enjoy a virtual reality gaming experience where your body is the controller! The Resort boasts tons of water rides for thrill seekers of all levels as well as a relaxing indoor and outdoor spa. You and your kids can even become a mermaid or learn to surf with one of the water park’s swimming lessons. This summer, experience a daily dance party with a fantastic DJ in the outdoor water park. With so much to do with the entire family, you’ll wish summer would never end at the Kalahari Resort.

For more info: Website Here

Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark (Boyne Falls, MI)

Courtesy of Avalanche Bay

Michigan’s largest indoor water park offers many fun-filled activities for the whole family. With rides and slides both big and small, there is so much fun to be had. Enjoy being splashed by 800 gallons of water that drop every fifteen minutes, or ride their newest thrill ride that you have to see to believe! Stay at the connected Boyne Mountain Resort and dare to go zip lining, eat some delicious food, and wind down with relaxing evenings at the spa after long days of summer fun. This summer and fall, enjoy annual events such as a family-friendly music festival and a Harvest Festival, plus so much more.

For more info: Website Here

Water Country USA (Williamsburg, VA)

Courtesy of Dollywood and Water Country USA

As the Mid-Atlantic’s largest waterpark, Water Country USA packs epic slides, splash areas, a wave pool, and more all in one place. With a 1950s surfing theme present throughout the park, you can soak up relaxing beach vibes while having never-ending adventures. Water Country USA offers raft rides big enough for the whole family, and you can even rent a cabana to take a break from the slides’ twists and turns. The park also offers a waterproof cashless wristband so you don’t have to worry about bringing your wallet to every ride. Being a sister park to Bush Gardens Williamsburg, you can enjoy park hopper passes and take your whole family from relaxing cabanas to thrilling rides.

For more info: Website Here

Enchanted Forest Water Safari (Old Forge, NY)

Courtesy of Enchanted Forest Water Safari

This water park meets a theme park with a land full of incredible water slides and classic carnival rides! There are so many unique sights to see at this park including a petting zoo, the Museum of Enchanted Memories, and even a forest where you will see famous storybook characters and scenes among the towering tree canopy. Ride the park’s newest water slide, Walter’s Wild Slide, with the entire family as you race down a 4-lane track to see who will make the biggest splash at the bottom. You won’t have to stress about hunger with Walter’s All-You-Can-Eat Summer Cookout served every evening until August 26^th! During your trip, experience the beauty of Old Forge, NY while staying in a cabin or hotel, or while camping in a cottage or tent.

For more info: Website Here

Great Wolf Lodge (Anaheim, CA)

Courtesy of Great Wolf Lodge Southern California

Splash, swim, and play at one of the best water parks in the country. The best part is that your family can enjoy this water resort all year round as The Great Wolf Lodge in Anaheim is completely indoors and has activities sure to satisfy every member of your family. With standard and cabin-themed hotel rooms, critter character appearances, and even a toddler-friendly bowling alley, the Great Wolf Lodge offers unique and inclusive experiences for everyone. Fun truly is around every corner with the immersive MagiQuest game where your child can choose a magic wand, play for as long as they want, and become the star of their own game. Take some time to relax with your kids at the Scooops Kid Spa and indulge with one of many dessert-themed spa treatments. With fun in every corner of the resort from a character breakfast buffet to thrilling water rides and even a forest friends show, you will not be disappointed with your stay at the Great Wolf Lodge.

For more info: Website Here

August 2, 2018 by

Get a first look inside Aurora Satler’s new book, The Ultimate New Mom’s Cookbook, with these two incredible recipes. The first, a sweet potato puree recipe for your baby, can be transformed into her southwest sweet potato cakes that can feed the whole family. For more incredible recipes like these, check out her new book, and for her tips on how to find time to create these amazing recipes, take a look at our exclusive interview linked below.

Sweet Potato Puree

MAKES 5 CUPS (1 L)

The roasting helps caramelize the sweet potatoes and makes them extra delicious. This puree mixes very well with meats later down the road once you begin combination purees with your child.

INGREDIENTS

2 medium to large sweet potatoes
1¼ cups (296 ml) water

DIRECTIONS

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Prick the sweet potatoes several times on both sides and bake on the sheet for 45 minutes. Allow to cool then remove the skin and puree in a blender adding water slowly, until completely smooth. (If you’re using smaller sweet potatoes, use less water.) Freeze in individual portions or allow to cool before serving.

Southwest Sweet Potato Cakes and Black Bean Salsa Fresca

MAKES 12 CAKES

Vegetable cakes are a great way to get your kids, or yourself, to eat more vegetables. My parents used to make us corn fritters, and I’ve always had a soft spot for latkes. These cakes are perfect for leftover mashed sweet potatoes and pair perfectly with Black Bean Salsa Fresca to make them a more substantial meal.

Nervous about the butter in this recipe? Don’t be! Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) are absorbed better when consumed with fat. And since sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, let’s make the most of them!

BLACK BEAN SALSA FRESCA

2 cups (320 g) small diced plum tomatoes (4 plum tomatoes)
½ cup (80 g) finely diced red onion
1½ limes, juiced
1 small jalapeño, seeded, deveined and minced, optional
1 cup (16 g) cilantro leaves, chopped
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
½ cup (90 g) black beans

SOUTHWEST SWEET POTATO CAKES

2½ cups (637 g) mashed sweet potatoes (2 large sweet potatoes)
½ cup (62 g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (12 g) sliced scallions (2 large scallions)
¼ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp cumin
¼ cup (30 g) grated cheddar cheese
4 tbsp (57 g) butter for frying, divided

TO MAKE THE BLACK BEAN SALSA FRESCA

In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients and stir until mixed. As this salsa sits, the tomato juice makes it a bit watery. For easiest serving, drain with a slotted spoon before adding to the sweet potato cakes. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to serve.

TO MAKE THE SOUTHWEST SWEET POTATO CAKES

In a large bowl, mix the sweet potatoes, flour, scallions, paprika, cumin and cheese together. Stir until well combined. Add 2 tablespoons (28 g) of butter to a large frying pan and heat until melted. Using wet hands, take a spoonful of sweet potato batter and pat into a thin, 3- to 4-inch (7.5- to 10-cm) diameter disc. It doesn’t have to be perfect. The batter will be a little sticky. You can spoon the batter into the pan and use a fork to mash it down. But it is important to keep it thin. Work in batches to prevent overcrowding.

Fry the cakes for 2 to 3 minutes per side on high until they’re a deep golden brown. The cheese may cause them to stick a little to the pan, so use a nonstick pan and plenty of butter.

Remove the cooked cakes to a plate and repeat with the batter until all the cakes are cooked. Serve warm with Black Bean Salsa Fresca.

Check out our wonderful chat with Aroura HERE!

August 1, 2018 by

A good book can touch our hearts for years to come. Taking us to magical worlds of wonder, teaching us valuable life lessons, and bringing us on adventures are just a few reasons we should all take time to bring out our inner bookworm. These recent NAPPA winners will help make reading your child’s new favorite hobby!

You’re My Little Cuddle Bug

Celebrate your little cuddle bug with this sweet and colorful rhyming board book, sure to become one of your family’s favorites! With chunky pages for little hands and die-cut cuddle bugs to add depth and interest, children will love the interactive features alongside the story in You’re My Little Cuddle Bug.
$8.99
For Kids 0-3

Bone Collection: Animals

From gorillas to kangaroos, get ready to explore the insides of some of your favorite animals and the specialized body parts that help these animals thrive in their habitats. Bone Collection: Animals features dozens of animals with detailed illustrations of their skeletons and information about how their bodies help them move, hunt, and avoid predators. After reading about animals on land, in the water, and in the sky, kids can build an elephant and a crocodile model. This is a fantastic book for your curious kids. Parents will enjoy it too!
$18.99
For kids 7+

My Illustrated Classics Collection

Featuring six beloved abridged classic tales, each with its own modern illustration style, My Illustrated Classics Collection is the perfect read-aloud choice for bedtime. This stunning edition features a beautiful cut out cover and ribbon bookmark, making it a special gift choice. The collection includes shortened versions of Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, Black Beauty, The Wind in the Willows, and Treasure Island. A perfect addition to any home library.
$14.99
For kids 3+

Bee Still: An Invitation to Meditation

Bentley is a lovable honeybee who does not participate in the frantic buzzing of other bees. Instead, he uses meditation to help calm himself and find inner peace. Soon the rest of the forest animals are joining along with Bentley as they sit, breathe, and “bee” still! A “Note to Parents and Caregivers” is included with information on how to teach children to practice meditation and its benefits.
$16.95
For kids 4-8

Sewing the Rainbow: A Story About Gilbert Baker

Sewing the Rainbow is the powerful story of Gilbert Baker and the creation of the rainbow flag. This book takes readers from Gilbert’s childhood in a small town in Kansas, to his historic artistic career in San Francisco. Includes a “Note to Parents and Caregivers” with more about Gilbert and the flag’s history.
$16.95
For kids 4-8

Marvelous Maravilloso: Me and My Beautiful Family

Marvelous Maravilloso is a story from the point of view of a young interracial child about what color means within the dynamics of race, ethnicity, and culture. This sweet, simple story is a wonderful celebration of diversity as it discusses the colors of the world and the colors of the people in a family—all of which make the world beautiful and unique.
$16.95
For kids 4-8

Eppie the Elephant (Who Was Allergic to Peanuts)

It’s the first day of school for Eppie the Elephant, and she’s a bit nervous about one thing: that her new classmates won’t understand her nut allergy. Like many kids today, this fun-loving elephant can’t partake in peanuts, pecans, or pistachios and has to be careful about what she eats. Eppie makes fast friends with Allie the alligator and Pearl the squirrel, but when Eppie’s allergy is explained at lunch, will her friends still stand by her side? Readers of all ages will relate to this heartwarming, lyrical story of understanding and acceptance.
$17.99
For kids 6-8

Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story About Racial Injustice

Something Happened in Our Town describes a traumatic event—a police shooting—from the perspective of a White family and an African American family. This story provides an excellent platform for discussing social justice and race relations with children. Includes a “Note to Parents and Caregivers” with other helpful resources.
$16.99
For kids 4-8

Happy Reading! And remember to PlayLearnConnect with NAPPA Awards!