Mighty Kind: A fun, compassionate, anti-racism, pro-kindness magazine for today’s kids
While a great number of people seem to be flipping out about kids learning “critical race theory” in elementary school [ed note: it’s taught in law schools, not elementary schools], we’re grateful that our readers have always been interested...
This list of the best YA books of all time is absolutely awesome
Not to brag, but here at CMP, we’re kind of kids’ books experts. We round up the best of the best lists every year, keep taps on the new releases, and share all kinds of YA book recommendations for parents. Which is why I was so happy when I saw that Time...
Try these must-read books for kids who like video games. Because all genres are good genres!
I’ve been searching the shelves of my local bookstore to find great books for kids who like video games. And I’m sharing them here, because I know I am not the only parent whose once-avid reader would much rather pick up an Xbox controller than a book...
Making a Baby is the diverse, inclusive, very frank children’s picture book about sex and reproduction that we’ve been looking for
When my kids were in early elementary school, every parent I knew seemed to be looking for the perfect children’s book about sex and reproduction. I cannot overemphasize how much I wish I’d had the beautifully inclusive and thoughtful Making a Baby by...
7 terrific new YA books with LGBTQ+ main characters: They’re not just for Pride Month
Happy Pride! It’s been such a joy finding so many terrific YA books with LGBTQ+ main characters for this post. I always turn to books when I am looking for resources to help more kids feel seen and understood — and to help kids see and understand other...
Download this free, printable summer reading list challenge for kids of all ages. (Yes, summer is here!)
When I saw this printable diverse summer reading list challenge for kids over at the Oaxacaborn homeschool group on Facebook, I immediately had to share it. Schools here in Nashville have already dismissed for summer break —I know the rest of the country is...
Broadway’s Ali Stroker on helping kids be proud of their disabilities | Spawned Ep 239
When we talk about diversity and inclusion, people with disabilities are often left out of the conversation. We think about gender, race, sexuality, cultural heritage — but not always disabilities. So was I a wee bit excited to talk to Tony award-winner Ali...
7 outstanding high school or college graduate gift books: On stepping into the arena, dreaming with eyes wide open, and professional troublemaking (in the best possible way)
When my daughter graduated from high school five years ago, the headmaster gifted each graduating senior a book with a personal message inside. Her class received Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson. The following year, my niece’s...
12 inspirational books for graduation gifts, beyond Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
While there are so many graduation gift ideas that we could give to this year’s accomplished graduates, from preschool to high school, we love the idea of giving sweet, inspirational books for graduation gifts. Especially when they deliver messages about empowerment,...
Amira’s Picture Day: A lovely children’s book about Eid
For years, we’ve gotten plenty of pitches from publishers for countless children’s books about holidays. And by holidays I mean, generally Christmas. But that’s starting to change, and we’re so thrilled to see more representation of all kinds...
7 must-read children’s books about inspiring Asian-Americans
When it comes to creating empathy and developing a commitment of justice and respect in my children, I tend to turn toward good children’s books. In fact, we’ve shared some of our favorite children’s books about important African American figures,...Hi! We’re Kristen + Liz!
We started Cool Mom Picks in 2006 to help make life cooler, more meaningful, and more fun for parents of all kinds.
Trivia: It was called Cool Mom Sh*t for the first two days. (Yeah, we rethought that.)
We had no idea our site would grow to become a major lifestyle network, that we'd end up sharing our finds with the TODAY Show and Martha Stewart, that we'd be able to make a real difference for so many small businesses and women-run companies, or that we'd end up with an incredible community of the coolest readers on the planet. (If we do say so ourselves).
We still love what we do every single day. And we're so glad you're here.
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