Philip Pelletier is a talented musician/composer/conductor/producer and stepfather. His latest project, “Frogtown,” is a wonderful multimedia experience that has been described as a “parent’s dream.” Frogtown is a series of children’s books, CDs, and DVDs about a saxophone playing tadpole named Tad, who ventures out into the world in search of understanding. In the first installment, “One Night in Frogtown,” a recently released book + CD, Tad learns to appreciate different musical styles, which are delightful stand-ins for cultural and socioeconomic diversity.  read more »

Each month, a guest mama writes about what is on her mind.

Jen Peters and Ginger Highland, co-authors of the hilarious new book Mother of the Year: The Adventures and Misadventures of Parenthood, sat down with NW Kids to tell our readers what inspired them to share their adventures and misadventures of parenthood with the world. The book, which would be a perfect baby shower gift, is based both on their own personal experiences as moms, as well as some embarrassing moments culled from their friends and family. This is what the two local writers had to say about their journey as first-time authors.  read more »

By Camille Rynd

The Kids Marching Band was inspired by my little friends, Cyan and Eve (4 and 3) in our living room last winter, as they marched happily around making music and mayhem. Soon my imagination took off, and before I knew it, I was envisioning many children, decked out in their favorite costumes, making music, dancing and twirling! I love music, dance and art and thought I could share that with the kids, and perhaps even inspire them to take up an instrument.  read more »

Q &A with Stacee Wion
Co-owner/Founder, Spielwerk

Play is the work of children. And Spielwerk, a small community toy store in Sellwood, is aiming to get our kids back to work.

What is this place?
A delightful, cozy shop specializing in American and European toys of simpler times. Handcrafted wooden toys, beautiful blocks, and dolls made of recycled fabric are just a sampling of the traditional toys this store offers. Nothing on their shelves requires batteries or makes a lot of noise. These are the toys that foster creativity and cooperative play among children.  read more »

If you’ve ever hired a nanny, you know how much energy it takes. Asking around for referrals, posting ads on Craiglist, interviewing, checking references… not to mention Google searches and mines of myspace and Facebook. You may discover, as one local mama did, that your top pick has a predeliction for some, uh, unusual bedroom behaviors. This might turn you off, this being of course, the person who will be caring for your children.  read more »

Dana Bach Johnson founded Baby Star, a popular line of soft, soft blankets,brightly patterned bibs, and modern baby fashions, after the birth of her oldest son, 3.5 years ago. Today, Baby Star is a good-sized business (employing six, including her husband), and Dana is mom to three sons. NW Kids asked Dana about inspiration, design, and play. We discovered a company, and a mama, that’s pure Portland.
How did you start Baby Star?  read more »

Local Artist Lisa Golightly of Kiki & Polly creates custom mixed-media portraits

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NW Kids chats with interesting people in the Portland area.

One local mama’s quest to fund research on her daughter’s illness

“From the day Ella got diagnosed I have wanted to do something, anything, to make my baby better.” These are the words of Laurel Ackerman, a local mama-turned-determined-fundraiser. Laurel’s daughter is fighting a disease called Langerhas Cell Histiocytosis (LCH or Histio), which has entailed two years of chemotherapy treatments, constant pokes, surgeries, anesthesia, you name it.  read more »