Left Bank Books

Author Nick Bruel Brings “Bad Kitty” to St. Louis for a Special Reading

When I told my seven-year-old I was going to be talking with children’s author Nick Bruel, she squealed like Shawn Mendes just walked in the room with a giant bag of Twizzlers. As a child who struggles with reading issues, my little one was taken in by Bruel’s slightly sarcastic, always funny Bad Kitty books.

Storytime with Miss Jonesey

Kids of all ages are welcome to Storytime with Miss Jonesey. These free storytimes are held on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Kids' Room at Left Bank Books in the Central West End.

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Celebrity Storytime: The Case of the Missing Carrot Cake

Author Deborah Zemke will read from her new book, The Case of the Missing Carrot Cake during this free story time at Left Bank Books. In the story, when food goes missing on Ed's farm, Detectives Wilcox and Griswold do what it take to track down the thieves. In this case, Miss Rabbit's carrot cake has disappeared. Has it been stolen? Eaten? Or both? And who did it?

10:30 a.m. at Left Bank Books in the Central West End. Free.

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The List, Some Nerds, and An Awesome Giveaway

Like most married couples I know, my husband and I have a celebrity “list.”

You know, that special list of celebrities where, if the opportunity arises, we can totally blow off dinner plans and dump the kids on the other to go to a book signing. No questions asked.

5 Questions For the Bloggess

A pet raccoon with a hand-washing obsession. A giant metal chicken with a filthy mouth. A homicidal monkey with mange. If you have a crush on any of these characters, you might just be a fan of writer and mom Jenny Lawson, known to the world as The Bloggess.

Teen Author & YouTube Sensation Headed to St. Louis for Book Signing

Just a little over a year ago, Zach Wahls stood before the Iowa House Judiciary Committee, introducing legislators to his family, which includes his two moms, Terry and Jackie. Through his three-minute, heartfelt testimony against a proposed amendment which would reverse the right of gay couples to marry in Iowa, the 19-year-old honored his parents’ commitment, became an icon in the fight for equality, and changed how people define the word “family.”

Wahls' testimony quickly became an Internet sensation, with more than 16 million views on YouTube. While his speech touched millions, it particularly resonated with children of same-sex parents whose message of tolerance was now broadcast worldwide.

7 Ways to Celebrate Children's Book Week in St. Louis

This week marks the beginning of our country’s longest-running literacy program, Children’s Book Week. It is an annual celebration with a simple and powerful message: Books change lives, so let’s share them with our kids. Started in 1919 by the librarian of the Boy Scouts, who sought to improve the standards of children’s books, Children's Book Week is now administered by Every Child a Reader.

Children’s books hold a particularly special place in our culture. In fact, I probably enjoy them more than most of the adult books I read. They are deceptively simple, and the memorable ones tickle our imagination. They are full of the play and discovery characteristic not just of being a child but, well, of being human. And the element of illustration adds a whole other dimension to storytelling.

Here are some activities you can do with your child to celebrate this week.

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Things to Do

Breakfast with Santa at The Magic House

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Sunday, December 21, 2025

This is one breakfast your family is sure to flip over! You and your little short stack are invited to enjoy Breakfast with Santa at The Magic House. Registration is required.

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Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo

Delight in brilliant, colorful light displays with spectacular photo opportunities throughout the Zoo during Wild Lights. Walk through two tunnels with dazzling lights, and enjoy themed displays featuring snowflakes, candy canes, gumdrops, penguins, polar bears, tigers, giraffes and much more at this St. Louis family-favorite holiday tradition. New this year: Visits with Santa!

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Supper With Santa at The Butterfly House

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Santa is making a stop at The Butterfly House before he makes his trip around the world, and he wants to enjoy a meal with your family! Enjoy a delicious dinner, visit Santa's Workshop and Mrs. Claus's Cookie Kitchen, and have your picture taken with the guest of honor - Santa!

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Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park

Experience the holiday lights at Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park, where you'll find two million beautiful holiday lights and animated displays.

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Breakfast with Santa at the Saint Louis Zoo

Your family can enjoy a gourmet, festive breakfast buffet complete with a visit from the man of the hour: Santa.

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Popular Stories

The St. Louis Children’s Choirs Give Every Singer the Chance to Shine on Stage

Something beautiful happens every time a child performs their favorite song. Even if they stumble over a lyric or tumble off key, the joy they find in exploring their musical journey can be felt by those lucky enough to listen. When hundreds of these young voices come together on one stage, that’s when something truly magical happens.

Your Guide to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra's New Season of Concerts for Kids and Families

Whether kids are exploring the savannahs of Simba’s kingdom or traveling through the Marvel Universe, their adventures are set to an incredible live soundtrack that inspires a lifelong love of music. Here is your guide to the 2025-26 St. Louis Symphony Orchestra concerts for kids and families (and teens!).

The Missouri History Museum Winter Getaway: Four Days of Free Fun and Learning for Your Family

This year’s annual Winter Getaway event is packed with free kid-friendly activities, performances, arts and crafts, and workshops that tie in with the Museum’s current collections and celebrate our city’s rich culture and holiday heritage.

Miriam Celebrates Neurodiversity, Supports Unique Learners

At Miriam School, students with complex learning differences are supported and celebrated as they grow academically, socially and emotionally. Miriam provides a tailored educational experience for learners in grades K-12 who have not found success in traditional classroom settings. Students’ challenges may stem from specific learning disabilities (i.e. dyslexia or dysgraphia), ADHD, level 1 autism, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, or speech and language disorders.

7 Signs Your Kids Are Ready For Their First Sleepaway Camp

It’s time to decide whether to send your kids to sleepaway camp, but how do you know that's the right thing to do? How can you tell whether your kids are ready for their first extended stay away from home? Here are 7 important signs that experts say should inform your decision.

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Families seeking festive fun over winter break are invited to join the Missouri History Museum for its annual Winter Getaway. Celebrate with make-and-take crafts, musical performances and wintery storytelling themes from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. Ring in the New Year with little ones at the Noon Year’s Eve Celebration. For a complete daily schedule, visit the Museum’s website.

December 27 | Wild Winter. Explore the history and importance of animals in our region with touchable artifacts, storytelling, interactive workshops and crafts.

December 28 | All Dressed Up. Learn about all things clothing, fashion, and design, from kids to adults. Drape mannequins, design sneakers, watch a fashion show, and make your own paper dolls.

December 30 | Christmas across Europe. Discover how European Christmas traditions became part of American celebrations. Enjoy Christmas carols in a variety of languages, make ornaments and play pretend winter market.

December 31 | Noon Year’s Eve. A family celebration of the new year that ends at noon, with TWO giant balloon drops, live music, crafts and storytelling.

Step into 36,000 sq ft of tropical, action-packed fun - built for kids and grown-ups! Climb through a massive 3-story jungle gym, race down the towering volcano slide, bounce on trampolines, dive into foam pits, and explore a toddler area made just for little adventurers. Hungry? Their in-house cafe has everything you need to fuel the fun: pizza, wings, mac & cheese, funnel fries, a coffee bar, and more!

Planning a birthday? Celebrate big in epic themed party rooms like the Princess, Space, Jungle & more! Ditch the screens - plan your ultimate indoor adventure! LEARN MORE

Plan your child's summer at the biggest Summer Camp Expo in the St. Louis area, featuring 60+ local and regional summer camps offering day- and sleep-away camp experiences all across the St. Louis region and beyond. Bring your kids to Summer Expo 2026 and learn about a wide variety of summer learning and summer camp opportunities for kids of all ages. The Summer Expo is presented by Parkway-Rockwood Community Ed, sponsored by STL Parent and STL Camps, and is open to all families from any school district across the St. Louis metro area. Admission is free! 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Parkway West High School. Stop by the STL Camps booth at the entrance and enter to win a free week of camp!

Learn more at summerexpostl,com

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