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As the days get colder, you may be looking for some educational indoor activities to do with your children. Whether it’s a New Year’s resolution to read more or you just want to snuggle up with a good book, here are the best books from 2021 for your family:

For Babies:

Woodland Dance! By Sandra Boynton - The latest from prolific children’s author Sandra Boynton, Woodland Dance! tells the story of a dance in a moonlit meadow with all the animals joining in the fun. This board book reads like a lullaby or a song. If your little one loves animals, dancing, or music, this would be an excellent addition to your library.

Curious Babies:

Dinosaurs by Emma Kastner - For the curious baby, Nerdy Babies: Dinosaurs is a colorful introduction to the Mesozoic Era. This board book has bright and fun information about dinosaurs. The question and answer format encourages your son or daughter to be inquisitive. Check it out if you’re looking for something new!

For Toddlers or Young Children:

Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho - This picture book made the New York Times bestseller list and won several book awards for 2021. This story is a celebration of self-love and diversity. The story centers around a young girl of Asian heritage who realizes her eyes are different from her classmates. Perfect for the little girl or boy struggling with self- confidence, Eyes that Kiss in the Corner is an excellent pick for any household learning about the world and themselves.

Where’s my Joey? A Heartwarming Bedtime Story for Children of All Ages by Wendy Monica Winter - This self-proclaimed bedtime story holds a “secret spiritual message” that readers have reported is a sweet teachable moment. A mama kangaroo looks for her baby before his dinner gets cold, and in the process, teaches your child about Australia, Canada, and the animals that live there. If your child likes maps or animals, this is a great pick.

For Preteens:

Frankie and Bug by Gayle Forman - This New York Times Best Children’s Book of the Year is interesting and full of important lessons. Frankie and Bug is set in the summer of 1987 and follows ten-year-old Bug, who is forced to hang out with her neighbor’s nephew, Frankie. The book speaks of family, friendship, and making the world better. With a bit of mystery thrown in, this is an excellent selection for your preteen’s next read.

Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan - If you’re a fan of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea but don’t think your preteen is ready for something that old, try Daughter of the Deep. Rick Riordan wrote this one as a tribute to Jules Verne’s classic novel. Daughter of the Deep is an undersea adventure with plenty of twists and turns to keep your young reader interested.

Some evidence suggests that increasing water intake can promote weight loss by slightly increasing your metabolism, which can increase the number of calories you burn daily. When we don’t get enough water, and our bodies get dehydrated. It can significantly impact our overall health. Dehydration can impair energy levels, impair mood, and lead to major reductions in memory and brain performance. Do you get headaches? Lack of water could be to blame. Drinking water may help reduce headaches and headache symptoms. Constipated? Increasing fluid intake is often recommended as a part of the treatment protocol.

Low water consumption appears to be a risk factor for constipation in both younger and older individuals. Kidney stones are a common but extremely painful health issue. If you have had them, you know how painful they can be. Increased water intake appears to decrease the risk of kidney stone formation. Even mild dehydration can affect you mentally and physically. Making sure that you get enough water each day is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.

- Kristine Dodge

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