u/beginswithanx

We’re an American family but we live abroad (and have ever since kid was a toddler). We’re starting to visit the US to see family and I’d love to get some “All About America” types of books that aren’t super rah-rah patriotic. Visiting California in specific, but we’d love for her to start learning about the US in general.

Looking for something more factual (not fiction/story book) that covers geography, history, culture (preferably diverse), etc. Ideally for a 7 year old (2nd grader) but us grown ups will read it to her mostly (she’s still learning to read English).

I’ve got a beach wedding in Northern California this August. It will be in the morning, so I’m fully expecting chilly weather, and then we’re driving inland for dinner. I’ve getting a nice big loose “tent” dress, but am having trouble deciding on a layer to wear over it when it is cold. I feel like i need an actual jacket? A blazer will look to business, I’ve got chunky cardigans so that’s a possibility? Or maybe too blah?

Any other ideas?

I just finished reading Cressida Cowell’s “Wizards of Once” series to my 7 year old who ADORED it. It really grabbed her.

​Spoiler alert: >!it’s revealed at the end to be related to the tale of King Arthur. All the main characters will become key roles in that story.​!<

My kid doesn’t know the tale of King Arthur, she now wants to know more. But of course I’d like to find something that’s well written for a younger kid to keep her attention. Arthur, Lancelot, Morgana, etc…

Any suggestions? Even perhaps an illustrated picture book of the tale could be good, though we’d love another chapter book.

I’m considering getting my 2nd grader a Colorsoft Kid version so she can read popular books and comics like Dogman, etc.

I have a basic paperwhite Kindle for myself, but I’ve never played around with the kids models.

Does anyone have the Colorsoft for a younger elementary school kid? Or really any model for that age group? How do you like it for a young kid?

I’ll preface this by saying that my child has lots of access to physical books, library at school, books at home, etc.

However, we live abroad, and getting books in English for her now that she’s in second grade and finally starting to read in English (she reads in our local language, Japanese), is expensive and slow.

So I’m considering a Kindle Colorsoft for her so she can read popular English illustrated kids books and comics like Dogman, etc. That said, I’m wary of inviting another screen into her life to replace the physical option.

I read on a Kindle, but my literacy was also established through reading physical books as a child. I’m not sure if there are disadvantages to having her go to the digital version so early? Or should I go for a Kindle due to the ease of access?

We own our apartment, and in general get good cross breezes (corner unit, upper floor).

As we come into the spring/summer months, I’m thinking about keeping things cool as usual, and I was was thinking about a ceiling fan. Our aircon units don’t have a fan function (only cool, heat, dehumidify), and it would be nice on the days where it’s not crazy hot to just have a fan going to circulate the air in more. Our living room space is the corner of the unit, and it has a big open space into the dining/kitchen, so I thought it might be nice there.

Anyone have a ceiling fan? Do you find it useful? Or should I just use some floor fans for the short ”hot but not too hot” period and then use the AC?

Planning on taking my family (four adults including grandparents, one 7 year old kid) to Okinawa in December for winter holiday.

We’d love a chill resort hotel holiday, but want to make sure we choose a place with a good indoor pool, maybe some indoor activities etc in case it gets rainy. Higher end hotel resorts preferred (we love Hoshino Risonare type places).

Any recommendations for a hotel with a good indoor pool? Most articles showcase the spectacular outdoor pools and beaches, but I know we won’t be able to count on those being accessible.