The kids and I love watching Harry Potter and making themed foods. I decided to try my hand at a new Harry Potter food. In the past, we've made Butterbeer Milkshakes as our go-to Harry Potter movie treat. I decided to turn that butterbeer goodness into a cookie. I've made cake mix cookies and cakes before and this one was so yummy! Butterbeer Cookies Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix 1 (3 oz) box of butterscotch pudding 3/4 cup melted butter 2 eggs 1 tsp rum extract 1/2 cup butterscotch chips 1/2 cup white chocolate chips tablespoon Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, mix together the cake mix and pudding mix. In a small bowl, cut butter into small pieces and microwave 30 seconds at a time until melted. Mine took about 1 minute. Add the melted butter, eggs, and rum extract to the bowl with the cake mixture. Mix well. Fold in your butterscotch and white chocolate chips. Scoop the dough into rounded 1 tablespoon balls and place on a baking sheet, pressing down slightly. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool on baking sheet for a 1-2 minutes before transferring to cooling rack to finish cooling. This makes about 24-30 cookies. Store in an airtight container and enjoy! For more Harry Potter food check out our Mad Eye Moody Meatballs and Gillyweed Pasta.

School has just started back here in Arizona and back to school season is in full swing! We did our back to school shopping, we talked about back to school expectations and we're excited to see our teachers and friends again. We love good, themed books and back to school can be full of first day, new school, or new friend jitters. Here are some of our favorite back to school books for kids aged preschool to middle school! Back to School Picture Books for Kids The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg A Letter From Your Teacher by Shannon Olsen The Crayons Go Back to School by Drew Daywalt If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes Llama Llama Back to School by Anna Dewdney The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson School's First Day of School by Adam Rex My Mouth is a Volcano by Julia Cook The Invisible Boy by Patrice Barton Eraser by Anna Kang Sorry, Grown-Ups, You Can't Go To School by Christina Geist Butterflies First Day of School by Annie Silvestro Meet August by April Martin How to Get Your Teacher Ready by Jean Reagan Brave Like a Lion by Megan Piphus All The Ways We Learn by Chloe Ito Ward The Yellow Bus by Loren Long Back to School Books by Grade for Elementary School On the First Day of Kindergarten by Tish Rabe Kindergarten Here I Come by D.J. Steinberg My First Day of First Grade by Louise Martin Junie B Jones First Grader (at last) by Barbara Park The Night Before Second Grade by Amy Wummer The Best Seat in Second Grade by Katharine Kenah How Not To Start Third Grade by Cathy Hapka and Ellen Titlebaum Horrible Harry Moves up to Third Grade by Suzy Kline Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume Carter Avery's Tricky Fourth Grade Year by Rob Buyea The Truth About 5th Grade by Kim Tomsic and Mark Parisi Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade by Barthe DeClements I may or may not be making a post about middle school books for kids! Stay tuned!

Tomato flights are the perfect summer lunch, appetizer when you get back from the pool or even girl dinner! Here's how I made my tomato flight for a summer appetizer. Start by slicing 2 vine ripened tomatoes and add the toppings below to create a fun summer appetizer or girl dinner! Pro tip, dry your slices with a paper towel and I added salt and pepper to my tomatoes to help bring out the flavors before assembling. Summer Tomato Flight Let's break down each tomato individually and give you some ideas for your tomato flight! *Lox and Bagel Tomato Whipped cream cheese smoked salmon pickled red onions *Greek Salad Tomato crumbled feta sliced cucumbers kalamata olives, halved *Pesto and cheese Tomato goat cheese spread pesto drizzle *Hot Honey Tomato cottage cheese red pesto hot honey red pepper flakes This was actually a family favorite! *Italian sandwich Tomato whipped cream cheese salami pepperoncini Another family favorite! *Turkey Sandwich mayo sliced turkey dill pickle slice Other ideas for your tomato flight BLT avocado romaine lettuce bacon Caprese salad tomato Mozzarella slice Basil leaves Balsamic glaze drizzle What would you put in your tomato flight that we didn't include? Check out more of our favorite summer recipes!

Now that summer is in full swing let's add some new books to our TBR pile! If you're taking a summer vacation or just want a book to read by the pool, we've got a little bit of everything in our roundup of books for summer vacation. For some reason, so many summer books are focused on summer romance. And while we like a good romance, sometimes we need something different. Here you will find romance, old friendships, new friendships, magic and the supernatural, lost love, scandal and revenge, ice cream, sun and sea, and lots of self discovery! The books are set in Greece, California, Athens, Hawaii, Maine, Cape Cod, Belize, Florida, South Carolina, and made-up seaside towns. Books for Summer Vacation Let's jump right in! People we Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry - A slow burn romance following two best friends over the course of a decade of summers, fall in love. Lots of character development as well as plenty of twists and turns! The Seaside Sisters by Pamela Kelley - Two sisters find themselves at Cape Cod for the summer, yearning for a slower pace and the magic of books and beach! Spend the summer making new friends and rekindling old high school flames. Beneath the Orange Blossom by Emma Cowell - Published in May of 2026, this new beach read features a widow and her best friends trying to recreate a summer in Greece from their teenage years including a long-lost teen love. But there is a secret that could ruin everything! The Summer Pact by Emily Giffin - Four college friends make a pact that they never actually thought would happen. But, in the wake of tragedy, the pact comes into play. A reminder that when things fall apart it's who is by our side that really counts. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren - A fun filled romantic comedy with two sworn enemies to lovers trope while on a trip to Hawaii. It all started when a wedding party all got food poisoning and suddenly a free honeymoon trip is up for grabs. The more they play pretend, the more it starts to feel real. Maine Characters by Hannah Orenstein - Two half-sisters meet for the first time at their father's cabin after his death and have to untangle their hidden family past. With one raised in NYC and the other in small town in Maine the two sisters couldn't be more different. Is it too late for them to learn to be family? Like parent trap for adults! Check out our books and bakes pairing for a more in-depth review and a blueberry recipe link! Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt - The quiet aquarium custodian befriends the octopus while working the nightshift. While trying to deal with the grief of loosing her son on the ocean 30 years ago she is also figuring out where this new chapter of life should take her. A touching story of friendship and strength. Beautifully written! Summers at The Saint by Mary Kay Andrews - A mix of scandal, mystery, romance, and humor as a hotel owner tries to bring her historic coastal resort back to it's glory days. Featuring budding romances and long buried secrets. The Layover by Lacie Waldon - The flight attendant decides to take one last flight before putting down roots and hangin up her wings. She discovers she is on the plane with her nemesis. And not only that, but then they get stranded in Belize. An enemies to lovers getaway for readers who liked The Unhoneymooners. Summer Skies over Starr's Falls by Kate Hewitt - Another new read for 2026. A cozy, small-town romance about an ice cream shop owner who has a falling out with a teenager in town, only to then get a crush on her dad. Awkward! Fans of Virgin River will enjoy this book. 25 days in Athens by Jack Strange - this new release came out on June 5, 2026. This is a MM queer romance where the main character broke up with his boyfriend and is now invited to his wedding years later. Did he make a mistake? A story of self-discovery and second chances. The Seaside Book Club by Helen Rolfe - Another new read, released in May 2026, this book features an online book club of women that find connection in one other. When one of them suddenly goes missing from the meetings they band together to find out why. A story of found family and true friendships. One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune - When Alice's grandmother has a fall, Alice decides to take them back to the place they spent a summer in the past, the lake. She's also a burnt out photographer looking for a time when photos were just for fun. She stumbles upon a flirt from a past photograph. A slow burn romance that reminds me of the string theory - everything is connected! The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune - A fantasy novel about the caseworker for magical children who is tasked to visit a mysterious house on a mysterious island. I loved this unique cast of characters and seeing the MC development through the story. Secrets abound, it's a story of found family and acceptance and maybe a little bit of love. Rules for the Summer by Meghan Quinn - a lighthearted tale of two strangers in this "opposites attract" romance. She bought a failing shop; he proposed as a dare to escape his family's control . He needs a wife and she needs the money. But is this more than just a summer fling? Can they follow their own rules? Duma Key by Stephen King - Looking for a spooky summer read? We got you. This is a suspenseful ghost story set in Florida where a disabled man discovers new gifts that hold a lot of supernatural power. What happens when the barrier between our world and the supernatural are breached? Paintings become portals to the past. The Getaway Girls by Dee MacDonald - Three very different women set out on a getaway to remember. As they drive along the French seaside and Italian countryside in their campervan, there are sparks of romance on the road, surprise inheritances, and secrets that will eventually catch up to them no matter how far they try to go. The California Dreamers by Amy Mason Doan - a coming-of-age story about a nomadic family in the 80's who live in their van and chase the waves to surf along the coast of California. This book is chock full of complex family relationships and finding beauty in the simple life. Decades later, the siblings reunite but a picture from their past is hiding secrets that could tear them apart. My Magnolia Summer by Victoria Benton Frank - Escape to South Carolina where low country boils and family drama are piping hot. A tale of complicated relationships between mothers and daughters when Maggie comes back home to SC after living in NY to chase her dreams but rediscovers her own happiness. This book will transport you to the magic of the low country. Fever Beach by Carl Hiaasen - A wonderfully awful picture of Florida following a group of white men who want to "take back America" and a hot-headed environmentalist with a passion for revenge. Featuring crooked Florida politicians and evil developers in an almost dystopian satire of life in Florida. For more adult books check out Books If You Liked Project Hail Mary, 13 Witchy Books for Fall, or Taylor Swift Eras Inspired Books. For kid book roundups be sure to check out Pride Books for Kids and Teens, Books about Diversity and Kindness, and our favorite Earth Day Books.

Books and Bakes Book - Maine Characters by Hannah Orenstein Bake - Blueberry Hand Pies About the Book Book - Maine Characters by Hannah Orenstein This book has been described as Parent Trap but for adults and I kind of agree! Two half-sisters (one didn't know each other existed), come together after the death of their father and not only have to deal with the grief of losing their dad but then dealing with the family drama of being kept apart their entire lives. Maine Characters is packed full of family drama, betrayal, and jealousy from both sides! Is it too late for the sisters to be family? They are so very different. One is raised by her parents in NYC, she's outgoing, brave and confident. The other sister was raised by her mom in a small town in Maine and only got to spend 1 month a year with her father at his lake house. Now, her existence is coming to light. This book is laced with forgiveness and courage, as the two sisters learn to build those family bonds that were never there and rediscover themselves in the process. The middle was a bit slow to me; however, I enjoyed the complex characters and messy grief and overall family drama. I needed something that wasn't JUST a summer romance although there are some romance subplots. This one was a great overall read. About the Bake Bake - Blueberry Hand Pies Blueberries are such a staple for Maine I felt it only fitting to pair the two together. These blueberry hand pies are inspired from our own trip to Maine last fall. They are sweet and a little tart and perfect for taking to the lake for picnic. In the book they even go to a local farm to pick their own blueberries and make their own blueberry pie! This recipe uses frozen blueberries and refrigerated pie crust so you can make them any weekend you would like, lake house in Maine or not! For more books and baked goods pairings, check out our past Books and Bakes posts. For more books to read this summer check out our 20 Books for Summer Vacation. Maine Characters is on the list as well as 19 other great reads to pack in your bag for your next summer adventure.

If you're looking for a quick and easy, but delicious crowd-pleaser party food, these mini pretzel dogs are just the thing! I used to make my pigs in a blanket using crescent rolls but switched it up this year and these are a game changer. These mini pretzel dogs are the perfect ratio of bun to hot dog and have much better flavor! I like to keep these mini because they work so well for a party, appetizer, summer lunch, or when you are watching the game. But, you could totally make these full sized using regular hot dogs if you would like. Mini Pretzel Dogs 1 roll refrigerated pizza crust little smokies mini franks 2 cups + 1 tablespoon of water 2 tablespoons baking soda 1 egg Directions: Preheat your oven to 350. Roll out your pizza crust, cut into 40 small strips. I start by cutting mine in 4 rows and then 10 columns going down. Roll each strip around a mini frank. In a small bowl, mix together 2 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Dip each rolled frank in the baking soda water for about 15 seconds before placing on baking sheet. This helps give that unique flavor and creates a chewy crust with soft inside. It also helps create that rich brown color we associate with pretzels. In another small bowl, mix together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of each dog with the egg wash and a sprinkle of coarse salt. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 mins. This may take a few batches to get them all baked. Serve warm with dipping sauce of choice. For more party food or appetizers check out our Pizza Bagel Bites, Veggie Pizza, and Cheesy Rotel and Sausage Dip.

We're so ready for a low key, whimsical summer! We already shared some fun and silly holidays to celebrate with the family this summer. Here are some other ideas to make your summer entertaining without breaking the bank. While we shared this roundup of summer fun ideas, keep in mind this is just SOME of our summer posts, for everything summer related, head over to our Summer page! Summer Activities DIY Cyanotype Shirt Crafts Tie Dyed Shoes 20 Books To Read This Summer DIY Puffy Sidewalk Chalk Paint DIY Moon Sand Coffee Filter Butterfly Craft Bookworm Library Bag How to Light Paint with Fireworks Printable Summer Reading Bookmarks You may also like our roundup of outdoor toys that help with child development. Summer Foods No Churn Chocolate Ice Cream Blueberry Hand Pies Lobster Rolls Berry Patriotic Popsicles Asian Cucumber Salad Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad Butterbeer Milkshake Seafood Pasta Salad Banana Pudding If you're looking for a summer trip idea, check out our 7-day Hawaiian Trip for Families! Celebrate the simple things with these Fun and Silly holidays this Summer! Random holidays for June, July and August to celebrate all summer long!

I had my first blueberry hand pie at a little restaurant off the side of the road in Maine last year and I was hooked. I already like blueberries and this is like a blueberry pie that you can hold. I knew I was going to make some of my own when I had the time. I decided this summer I was going to make my own blueberry hand pies and man they did not disappoint. These little handheld blueberry treats are to die for. Whether you just want a sweet treat or are looking for something to bring to a picnic or BBQ these blueberry hand pies are a go-to for me now! Blueberry Hand Pies 12 oz frozen blueberries 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon butter juice from 1/2 lemon sprinkle of cinnamon 2 tsp corn starch refrigerated pie crust all-purpose flour 1 egg granulated sugar for dusting In a saucepan over medium heat, cook your frozen blueberries, butter, sugar, and lemon juice. Once the blueberries start to release their juices and simmer, add in the cornstarch and whisk together to incorporate. Continue to simmer on medium low heat about 10 more minutes until the blueberries are soft and the liquid becomes thicker. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Roll out the pie crust and dust with flour. I used an upside-down bowl to cut out my circles as my cookie cutters were not big enough for my hand pie size I wanted. Add a scoop of your cooled blueberry mixture in the middle of your circle and fold over into half-moon shapes. Gently fold over and crimp the edges with your fingers. I prefer this to using a fork. Mix together 1 egg with a splash of water and brush over the top. I also sprinkled mine with some granulated sugar before baking. Bake at 400 for about 12 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly and dust with sugar if desired or serve as is. Chanel more Maine inspired foods by checking out our Lobster Rolls recipe.

Let's face it, dads can be hard to shop for sometimes. I'm sharing my Dad Gifts Shopping Guide with tons of gifts for just about every kind of dad. With 11 different dad categories and over 45 different gift ideas, there is bound to be something for everyone! Gamer dad, check! Dad who is outdoorsy, we've got that! A dad loves to cook, we got some fun stuff for him! Nerdy dads, we rounded up some unique finds! Dad who would rather stay home and chill, yes! Dad Gifts We love all kinds of dads! Shop our gift guide below and be prepared to show Dad just how much he means to you! Dads with a Home Bar Cocktail Smoker Kit - Dad can make his cocktails come to life with this smoking kit for extra smoky flavor. Map Whiskey Glasses - Celebrate Dad with his favorite cities maps etched onto whiskey glasses. Wine Saver - Dad can preserve his wine for days with this airtight stopper for wine bottles. Horn Mug - Viking, Thor, Dad? This horn mug is a unique gift for Dad who likes watching Game of Thrones or Vikings. Dads who Cook Blackstone - He will be the coolest Dad on the block with this fancy new blackstone grill. Perfect for the Dad who likes to entertain big crowds. National Parks Cookbook - Recipes inspired by National Parks will keep Dad on his toes while cooking. Steak Stone Grill Set - Dad can cook up his famous steaks on this hot stone that sears the outside while keeping all the juices inside. Hydroponic Herb Growing Kit - Dad can grow his own herbs for the kitchen with this unique hydroponic kit with a built-in water pump and grow light. Nerdy Dads Smartphone Paper Airplane - Dad can make a paper airplane and then attach it to a mini motor and fly it with his smartphone! The plane charges in just 30 minutes, so the fun starts faster! Build your Own Movie Projector - This 3-d wooden puzzle will be a fun brain teaser for Dad. Once he completes it, he can watch the included film reel because it really plays movies! Color Change Dice - Is Dad into D&D? Then these will be right up his alley. Dad Jokes Shirt - Dad the master of the Dad Jokes! Let him show it off with this cute graphic shirt. Light Saber Chopsticks - "You are my Father", Star Wars Dads will get a kick out of these glowing chopsticks (and they would make a great stocking stuffer) Gifts for Quality Time with Dad 100 Things to Do with Dad poster - This poster is chock full of fun ideas to do with Dad throughout the year! Scratch them off as you go and celebrate the new year all year long! Escape Room in a Box - Stay indoors and try out this fun escape room game! Three different exciting games to play. Pickleball Bag - learn to play a new sport together. Surprise Dad with this adjustable pickleball tote and some group lessons or time at a local pickleball court. Give Stories Not Stuff - This gift box is customizable with an experience voucher for 1-2 people (800 things to choose from) in over 50 countries! Give the gift of an experience. Coffee Dads Whole Bean Coffee Sampler - Bones is a small batch roaster with delicious coffee flavors. This sampler pack is a great place to start. Coffee Bean Grinder - This coffee grinder set has everything Dad will need to grind his own coffee beans at home. Keurig Smart Coffee Maker - Go all out with this coffee maker that is wifi compatible, makes lattes and cappuccinos, and has a built-in milk frother. Temperature Controlling Mug - If Dad is particular about his coffee, this mug keeps it exactly the right temperature, warm, hot, or piping! Thoughtful Gifts for Dads Custom Reel Viewmaster - preserve your memories with Dad, vintage style, with this custom Viewmaster. Creating your own reel with your photos is a creative way to show Dad how much you love him. Personalized Keychain - Turn your child's artwork or handwriting into a personalized keychain Dad can take with him everywhere. Why a Daughter Needs a Dad Book - Sweet and thoughtful gift idea for those girl Dads. Custom Puzzle - Create a puzzle just for Dad with your favorite picture of him and the kid(s). Outdoorsy Dads Hiking Stick and Medallions - This a fun way to inspire Dads to get outdoors and get moving while collecting cool things like a medallion from each National Park. Monocular Telescope for Smartphone - If Dad likes hiking, hunting, or birdwatching this is a super cool gadget! This monocular has a 60 mm lens with 12x zoom. It comes with a smartphone holder to get clear pictures and videos. Man Box - Show Dad he's "the man" with this box full of goodies for the outdoor enthusiast. Survival Kit - Let Dad know "We couldn't survive without you", and Dad can't survive without this cool 17-piece outdoor survival kit. Also, check out our Camping Gift Guide for more ideas for your Outdoorsy Dad! Musical Dads Record Player - Dad is old school and so is this record player. Dad can bring back the good old days with this record player and speakers set. Hit up your local record store to get a vinyl of one of Dad's favorite bands to go with it! Wireless Karaoke Microphone - Encourage Dad to belt out his favorite tunes with this wireless karaoke mic that can Bluetooth stream music and has 6 different voice changers. Vintage Handcrank Music Box - Dads will think this music box is pretty neat when they play the song you write. It comes with a few pre-made songs and blank paper to create your own. Game That Song - A fun and interactive music-themed game that anyone can play! Sporty Dads Stadium Blueprints - Frame the blueprints of his favorite stadium. Perfect to hang in his office or man cave. Couple it with tickets to see his favorite team play and you might become his favorite child! Golf Sensors - Help Dad up his golf game with these sensors for his clubs. Stroke analytics, personalized advice, automatic shot tracking, and more! NFL desktop organizer - Dad can wirelessly charge his phone and keep his desk organized. Stadium Seat Watch - Get Dad a watch made from authentic wooden seats salvaged from iconic MLB ballparks. This is no longer available but you can find similar watches on Etsy. Homebody Dads Couch Caddy/Tray - Make couch time easier with this all-in-one cup holder, phone charger, and caddy/tray for the couch. Snack Subscription Box - Try Treats is a fun, monthly subscription box full of snacks from around the world! Hoodie Blanket - Keep Dad cozy in this oversized hoodie blanket, perfect for chilling out around the house and watching movies. Hammock - Dad can relax in this hammock out in his backyard. Holds up to 400 lbs and comes in a variety of colors! Home Security System - Dad can help keep his family safe with this security system complete with indoor and outdoor cameras. Compatible with Alexa and Google. Gamer Dads Headphones - Dad will enjoy playing with these memory foam headphones with personalizable color lighting. Gaming Keyboard Combo - Dad can take his PC gaming to the next level with this keyboard and mouse combo made just for gamers. Retro Gaming Shirt - Dad is just leveling up, not getting older, in this retro-inspired gamer t-shirt Gaming Storage - Dad can store his controllers and headphones on this cool stand. Lego Pac-man Arcade - Lego is releasing this non-functional gaming system Lego set with a lot of fun retro details. This lego set is brand new, and was just released this Summer! For more gift guide ideas, check out our post about Best Camping Gifts.

This bright and flavorful green veggie orzo pasta salad is packed with green vegetables and makes a great side dish or summer lunch. I've been making more pasta salads to make ahead and have in the fridge as summer is upon us. It's one of those dishes that feels like it can be a poolside dish or eat on the patio with some grilled chicken or steak. Green Veggie Orzo Pasta Salad Salad ingredients 1 cup uncooked orzo 2-3 zucchinis, halved and sliced 1 bunch green scallions 10 oz frozen edamame 3 cups arugula 10 oz jar of marinated artichoke hearts Salad dressing 2 tsp avocado oil 6 garlic cloves, whole, charred (The white parts of your scallions from above charred) 1 lemon - zest and juice 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 1/4 cup fresh dill 1/4 cup olive oil Directions: Bring a medium sized pot with salted water to a boil. Cook your orzo as directed on the package for al dente. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl. I cook these while I'm prepping the following steps as well. Trim the roots off your scallions and cut them into light and dark parks. Slice your zuchinni into half moons. Cook the frozen edamame as directed on the package and remove from shells if needed into a large mixing bowl. Heat a griddle to medium heat with a little avocado oil and add the white parts of the scallions and the whole garlic cloves and zucchini moons to the griddle for a few mins, turning over to char them and soften them. Chop the green parts of the scallions and add them to your mixing bowl with the edamame and cooked orzo. Once the veggies are done grilling add the zucchini to the mixing bowl and add the white parts of the scallions and grilled garlic to a blender. In the blender you'll also add the ingredients listed above for the dressing (olive oil, lemon zest and juice, white wine vinegar, fresh dill and olive oil). Blend together until smooth. Salt and pepper to taste. Drain and roughly chop your artichoke hearts and arugula and add to the large mixing bowl. Pour your dressing over your pasta salad and stir to combine. Taste test for more salt/pepper and enjoy! We like to serve ours as a side for grilled chicken but it's also delicious on it's own, especially the next day after sitting in the fridge over night. For more summer pasta salads check out our seafood pasta salad and our Greek tortellini salad. If you want more veggies, the chickpea and cucumber salad is always a hit too!

Let's start off summer with a bit of whimsy! We scoured the internet to find some fun and silly holidays to celebrate this summer. Life is too much fun to be serious all day. Fun and Silly Holidays for Summer June Dinosaur Day - June 1, 2026 Bicycle Day - June 3, 2026 - We shared our favorite toys for outdoor play Donut Day - June 6, 2026 Drive in Movie Day - June 6, 2026 Best Friends Day - June 8, 2026 - Make your friends some friendship bracelet glasses Corn on the Cob Day - June 11, 2026 International Picnic Day - June 18, 2026 - We plan to take some books and start our summer reading challenge. World Juggling Day - June 20, 2026 Yoga Day - June 21, 2026 National Sunglasses Day - June 27, 2026 June is also pride month and camping month! Check out our Pride books for kids of all ages and camping gifts and gadgets! July International Joke Day - July 1, 2026 World UFO Day - July 2, 2026 - Check out our Project Hail Mary Books and Bakes Sidewalk Egg Frying Day - July 4, 2026 World Chocolate Day - July 7, 2026 - Try our easy chocolate fondue Blueberry Day - July 8, 2028 Gummy Worm Day - July 15, 2026 - We made gummy worm mocktails Ice Cream Day - July 19, 2026 - No churn chocolate ice cream is perfect for today! Space Exploration Day and Moon Day - July 20, 2026 - make some Star crunch or DIY moon sand, or both today! Shark Week - June 20-26, 2026 Carousel Day - June 25, 2026 Take Your Houseplants for a Walk Day - July 27, 2026 Harry Potter's Birthday - July 31, 2026 - Celebrate with some butterbeer cookies or butterbeer milkshake! July is also national ice cream and hot dog month! So you can enjoy those treats all month long! August Sandcastle Day - August 1, 2026 Watermelon Day - August 3, 2026 - Parents might like this watermelon sangria National Water Balloon Day - August 7, 2026 Book Lovers Day - August 9, 2026 - Search our bookish posts for your next read Smores Day - August 10, 2026 Calligraphy Day - August 12, 2026 National Creamsicle Day - August 14, 2026 Honey Bee Day - August 15, 2026 Black Cat Appreciation Day - August 17, 2026 National Lemonade Day - August 20, 2026 - Lavendar Lemonade is a floral twist Poet's Day - August 21, 2026 - Shop our Tortured poets guide Hawaiian Shirt Day - August 22, 2026 - Check out our trip to Hawaii Waffle Day - August 24, 2026 Dog Appreciation Day - August 26, 2026 - Spoil your pup with our favorite dog finds National Bow Tie Day - August 28, 2026 Whale Shark Day - August 30, 2026 August is also national peach month and family fun month. Check out our family fun game night board games! What silly summer holidays will you celebrate with us?

I mentioned before how much our whole family enjoyed reading Project Hail Mary! I decided to find other books that are similar to Project Hail Mary. Below are six books to read if you liked Project Hail Mary! Books To Read If You Liked Project Hail Mary The Martian by Andy Weir - Another book by the same author, featuring an astronaut who is stranded on a base on Mars and what he will do to get home. He has to use is engineering skills and wit to overcome impossible odds. The Three Body Problem by Cixin Liu - A little heavier than Project Hail Mary, with a looming threat to humanity and big science ideas. Scientists discover a virtual reality game that is a bridge between humans and aliens. Here, the scientists have to solve problems to save each civilization. As the games unfold things get chaotic, scientists commit suicide, and players confront their moral beliefs and responsibilities. Seveneves by Neal Stephenson - If you liked the science part of Project Hail Mary. you'll enjoy this science fiction book. What if the moon blew up for no apparent reason? And all the nations of the world had to band together to try to save humanity in outer space. How do we prepare for the end of the world? Children of Time by Adran Tchaikovsky - As the last surviving humanity flees dying Earth the race is on to get to single terraformed planet. But, these are evolved aliens (spiders) that don't want the humans to land there. Yikes and yes please! Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid - A professor of astronomy and physics finds an advertisement seeking the first women scientist to join a NASA space shuttle team. For the STEM girlies who want to read about human connection and queer love while dealing with existential dread. About a woman finding her voice and her passion! All Systems Red by Martha Wells - The murderbot is half human, half AI, and has freed itself from the governing module. Uh oh... It despises humans and would rather binge watch videos all day. But, someone is hiding a secret that the Murderbot knows. How long can it keep the secret? A novella length story but the first in a series.