Think Outside the Books
Magazines make summertime reading fun!

By Amy Crelly

For a lot of moms, vacation time isn’t complete without plenty of hours relaxing with a good read. Set me loose in a bookstore or the library, and I’m like a kid in a candy store! I wish most children shared that enthusiasm for the written word, but picking up a book is often somewhere around #3,458 on a kid’s list of what he wants to do with his summer vacation. That’s understandable. We all need a break now and then.

Still, parents know that reading is key to preventing summer brain drain and making the transition back to school easier on everyone. More importantly, we want our kids to learn how exciting and how much fun reading can be! So, why not treat your child to magazines or comic books this summer? Those colorful, attention-grabbing little glossies full of bite-sized reads are the perfect way for both kids and parents to relax.

The perfect size
Magazines might seem fluffy, but if they keep kids reading and make reading fun, then consider them one of those un-guilty pleasures (like unstructured playtime and fresh fruit salad) that are actually good for kids. From dazzling comic book illustrations to amazing wildlife photos and hot fashion spreads, from laugh-out-loud humor pieces to Top 10 lists and quizzes you can take with your friends, magazines are made to capture our interest, no matter how short our attention spans.

The perfect subject
Just like us, kids want to read about the stuff they like. Magazines make it easy to match kids’ interests. From Sports Illustrated Kids to ask® (an arts & sciences magazine for kids) to American Girl and Ranger Rick, there are magazines for young animal lovers, sports fans, teen fashionistas, movie junkies, toy aficionados, and more. And from kiwi® (for green families) to FitPregnancy’s® mom & baby™ to Adoptive Families Magazine, there’s something on the newsstands for every kind of mom imaginable and every hobby or interest you’ve ever wanted to try: Runner’s World, Dance Magazine, ReadyMade, Cooking Light®… the possibilities are endless.

The perfect place
If you haven’t checked out Newsbeat’s new location at 20th & J in Midtown, then it’s time to take the kids on a stroll. Nestled right next door to Peet’s Coffee & Tea and not far at all from Jamba Juice, it’s a destination worth the walk. Grab a seat outside at a table or on a bench in the sun-dappled shade of the trees, or linger in the store’s beautifully designed, air conditioned space.

Owners Janis and Terence Lott have created a masterpiece in their new store. With close to 1,500 magazine titles, picking out something to read is as much fun as picking out a treat from their selection of hard candy, chocolates, licorice, gum and cold drinks. Their kids’ selection is truly remarkable, from story books for little ones to comic books to award-winning magazines like New Moon, independent zines for savvy teens and periodicals on every topic under the summer sun. They also carry adorable cards and stationary, sassy shopping bags and postcards, and a great selection of fun little gifts. Remember to ask for the latest copy of Sacramento Parent while you’re at the counter. Their super-friendly staff is always happy to help.