BLOG

An excavator-driving alligator and his swamp crew pals learn that it takes teamwork to build it right!

Penguin Young Readers is proud to publish EXCA-GATOR! (Flamingo Books; on sale February 17, 2026; ages 3-7), an adorable rhyming picture book about an over-enthusiastic, construction loving alligator who discovers that the best things are built when everyone shares the fun and work together. With a powerful lesson in accountability and asking when it's appropriate to help, this book isn't just a funny book about an alligator with an excavator, it's also a powerful learning tool that can have a home in any nursery or classroom, perfect for fans of Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site and Crocodiles Need Kisses Too!

Exca-Gator is so excited for a new day of building and constructing with all of his buds! He may be even a little too excited, when he overestimates his abilities and causes a big old construction site mess. Can Exca-Gator make things right with his friends and save the day?

Author Brooke Hartman was inspired to write Exca-Gator when her daughter was a toddler and struggled to say the word "excavator," instead saying "excagator," and thus our main character was born.  Told in rhythmic bouncing rhyme from Brooke Hartman, this book is a can't-miss pick for any young readers who love books about construction vehicles and adorable animals. The book is also packed with gorgeous and colorful art by picture book veteran Michael Slack, not to mention construction vehicles galore and classic picture book hooks that will teach readers the importance of teamwork.

EXCA-GATOR!

By Brooke Hartman; illustrated by Michael Slack

Flamingo Books; On sale February 17, 2026; ages 3-7

Hardcover: 9780593693339; $18.99; $24.99 CAN

Ebook: 9780593693346; $10.99; $11.99 CAN

Brooke Hartman is an Alaskan mom who seriously loves to write not-so-serious books for kids. Her writing has garnered multiple awards, including honors from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Writer’s Digest, Pacific Northwest Writers Association, and the Alaska Writers Guild. Her debut picture book, Dream Flights on Arctic Nights, received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews, while her 2020 release, Lotte’s Magical Paper Puppets: The Woman Behind the First Animated Feature Film was a Poetry and Pose First Edition Book Club selection. Her latest, Klyde the Kraken Wants a Friend, is outfrom Hazy Dell Press. Brooke also serves as an occasional instructor of writing for Alaska Pacific University and member of the board of directors for the Alaska Writers Guild, and was an SCBWI Tribute Fund Scholarship Recipient. When she isn’t writing, you can find her flying, fishing, and having fun with her family, enjoying all the magic life has to offer. Learn more at BrookeAHartman.com, or on social media at @BrookesBooksAK.

Michael Slack is an artist, illustrator, character designer, and award-winning app designer. He has illustrated many funny picture books, including Kitties on Dinosaurs, which he also authored, and the Nugget and Fang books by Tammi Sauer. He lives with his family in the San Francisco Bay area.

Whether you're gifting family, friends, or even yourself, our gift box is the perfect way to spread holiday cheer. Share the joy of Cooper Street's collection with a variety of Twice Baked Cookies and Granola Bakes. Each bite brings a pop of flavor, a smile, and maybe even a new favorite. These low-calorie snacks are peanut free, dairy free, soy free, and low sodium, making them an easy choice for even those with dietary restrictions. 

Each box ships free, wrapped up in colorful packaging turning every delivery into a happy surprise.  All Products – Cooper Street

New NATPAT data uncovers a surprising Daylight Saving side effect: bedtime chaos spikes up to 28% in key states.

As Daylight Saving Time approaches, new data from NATPAT reveals how clock changes fuel bedtime chaos, especially for families in the 48 states that ‘spring forward’ and ‘fall back’ each year, while those in Arizona and Hawaii, which do not observe DST, escape the struggle altogether.

In states observing Daylight Saving, sales data of NATPAT’s SleepyPatch surged up to 28% in California, 25% in New York, and 22% in Texas during the week after the March 2024 clock change.  Data on online purchase behavior also highlighted parental urgency: 35% of orders in DST states were placed after 8 p.m., reflecting how parents scrambled for natural solutions as bedtime chaos set in.

The Daylight Saving Divide

Forty-eight states spring forward and fall back each year, but Arizona and Hawaii stand apart, providing a unique “control group.” Families in Phoenix and Honolulu aren’t fighting the same bedtime wars as those in Los Angeles, New York, or Chicago.

“Every time the clocks shift, we hear the same thing from parents that bedtime gets harder,” said Michael Jankie, NATPAT co-founder. “Kids aren’t ready to sleep because their body clocks haven’t caught up. Our data reflects that frustration, with families turning to solutions to help smooth the transition.”

Putting The Problem To Rest, Naturally

NATPAT’s SleepyPatch sleep-promoting stickers use a calming blend of lavender, mandarin, and sweet marjoram. Through NATPAT’s patented AromaWeave® technology, the patches release a gentle scent for up to eight hours, helping kids wind down naturally without melatonin, sugar, or chemicals. Unlike melatonin gummies or liquid sleep aids, NATPAT’s SleepyPatch is non-ingestible.

But beyond the science, NATPAT is also child-friendly, with kids seeing the sticker as a bedtime “superpower badge,” which helps reduce resistance. Furthermore, it provides a consistent sensory signal for sleep, which is especially helpful for children aged 2–11.

As Daylight Saving Time interferes with children's sleep patterns, NATPAT's SleepyPatch offers parents a natural, non-invasive solution to help their kids adjust without the need for chemicals or nightly struggles. SleepyPatch can be purchased online from NATPAT's website and Amazon. It is also available at major US retailers such as Target and Walmart. To find the nearest retail location near you, refer to NATPAT’s store locator.

The adorable New York Times bestselling Valentine’s Day pig Cupig is back for a holiday adventure in CUPIG SAVES CHRISTMAS!

Perfect for fans of How to Catch Santa Claus, Little Blue Truck's Christmas, and The Crayons' Christmas, CUPIG SAVES CHRISTMAS is a hilarious and sweet Christmas adventure set with clever rhyming text and comically expressive art.

Cupig loves love. She loves love more than chilly hands love fuzzy gloves. On a chilly December night, Cupig receives an urgent call from a sick and sniffly Santa Claus. After thorough instruction, she's ready to fill in for Santa Claus and don the red hat and suit. But when delivering presents proves to be harder than she thought, Cupig will have to learn about the real meaning of Christmas if she's going to fix her mistakes and save the day!

This is a game-changer!   All Around. Easiest. Every day. The 360° design allows you to rotate the seat toward you, then rotate to rear-facing or forward-facing for an easy in-and-out experience, every day!

If you’ve ever bent awkwardly or twisted around trying to buckle a toddler into a car seat, the Chicco Fit360 ClearTex definitely brings parent-friendly features that aim to reduce that strain. The seat rotates a full 360° with one hand, allowing you to start in a face-to-face position (so you’re on the door side) and then swing into rear facing or forward-facing mode. It also uses Chicco’s LeverLock™ self-tensioning system for easy, secure installation, complete with level indicators and multi position recline. The ClearTex® fabric is flame retardant free and GREENGUARD Gold certified, offering lower chemical emissions and excellent comfort. There are convenient touches like a magnetic chest clip, a flex forward crotch buckle, harness adjustments, and buckle pockets for cleaner strap storage. Key specs & amenities include: • Rear facing: 4–40 lbs, up to 43″ tall; Forward facing: 26.5–65 lbs,
up to 49″ tall. • 15 position headrest, 2 crotch buckle positions, dual RideRight™ level indicators. • Two dishwasher safe cup holders and machine washable seat pad. • Dual layer protection with steel reinforced frame and EPP energy absorbing foam. Parents praise the rotating mechanism as “life changing” for loading kids without back strain, and the installation system as among the easiest. The seat feels premium and comfortable. Downsides? It’s heavier and bulkier than some models, which could be a factor in smaller cars. Best for families who value safety, convenience, and eco-friendly materials—and who have enough vehicle space to handle its size. For those, the Chicco Fit360 ClearTex offers a top-notch balance of design, safety, and daily usability.

Parents are you looking for practical, natural solutions to support your kids with attention challenges including creating routines, calming rituals, etc. ZenPatch is a natural, scent-based sticker that results in calm and concentration.

ZenPatch uses child-safe essential oils like mandarin, bergamot, and cedarwood to regulate emotions like stress and anxiety for up to 8 hours, perfect for achieving a steady, focused calm all day long. ZenPatch is a natural, safe, drug-free ways to support focus and emotional regulation. 

 Website: https://www.natpat.com/products/zenpatch-mood-calming-stickers

Once Again’s organic spreads and snacks . Crispy gluten-free graham crackers and sandwiches, plus creamy nut/seed butter squeeze packs (including allergy-friendly sunflower butter), are rich in satiating plant protein and fiber. The sustainable products’ powerful nutrition, taste and texture beautifully complement a colorful tray of kid-friendly favorites like sliced fruit, mini chocolate chips and marshmallows. Each are crafted as close to homemade as possible with clean, high-quality ingredients - there’s nothing artificial here!

This fall, footwear isn’t just about fashion , it’s about fandom. Ground Up, the footwear brand redefining trend-driven shoes through the lens of beloved characters and cultural icons, is stepping into Fall 2025 with a line-up that fuses runway-ready trends with cult-favorite characters, delivering shoes kids, teens, and adults will be buzzing about (and begging for) all season.

Think combat boots with cartoon charm, cowboy boots with playful twists, Mary Janes gone gothic, and horror-inspired streetwear sneakers that look straight out of a collectible drop. Ground Up is blurring the line between trend and pop culture, creating a footwear moment that speaks directly to style and fandom.

Combat Boots Take Over Kids’ Fashion

Combat boots are the must-have kids’ silhouette of the season – and Bluey & Bingo are making them more fun than ever. These Bluey Toddler Girl License boots blend fall fashion edge with childhood whimsy, proving that even the toughest silhouettes can still be playful.

The Bluey & Bingo boots feature full-color character artwork, and lace charms that add extra customization, while the combat boot silhouette ensures durability for everyday wear. (Girls, US sizes 7 – 12, $19.98)

Expert Tips on Car Safety for Families

By Josh Dilts, Chicco Senior Product Manager – Car Safety

As September marks Baby Safety Month, it’s an important reminder for parents and caregivers to prioritize child safety on the road. Throughout the month, people nationwide have been raising awareness and holding activities around safe travel practices, from car seat safety to essential precautions for trips with little ones.

This year, Chicco collaborated with AAA, to launch the Family Road Trip Safety Hub. The hub is designed to provide parents with practical tips and expert guidance for keeping children safe in the car, no matter the distance.

As a Senior Product Manager for Car Safety with Chicco, my mission is to empower parents with knowledge and confidence by helping them stay up to date on evolving travel regulations, car seat safety recommendations, and best practices for safe travel. Here are Chicco and AAA’s top road safety tips to help ensure every trip with your kids is a safe one.

• Double-Check Car Seat Fit: Before getting on the road, check your child’s weight and height to confirm their car seat is still the right fit. It’s recommended to keep children rear-facing for as long as possible, to maximize your car seat. We always encourage parents to take their time and delay transition to the next car seat stage, and never skip to booster stage. Always check your car seat’s manual for height and weight guidelines. Chicco offers a car seat guide to help you choose the right option for your child’s current stage.
• Know State-Specific Safety Laws: Planning your route is not just important for directions, but for understanding varying safety laws along the way.  While all 50 states require car seat use, each has different regulations for car seats, booster seats, and seat belts for children.  Stay informed on the states you’ll be traveling through with a comprehensive look at the car seat guidelines here. 
• Ensure Proper Car Seat Installation: Even if your car seat is the right fit, it still needs to be installed securely. Try the ‘inch-test,’ by gripping the seat at the belt path and pull it from side to side and front to back. If it moves more than one inch in any direction, reinstall it to ensure a snug fit. Chicco offers online resources to help with car seat installation – and always check your car seat’s manual. Local car seat checks offered by fire departments and AAA can help too.

For more tips on safe driving, road trip prep and tips for alternative methods of travel, visit the Family Road Trip Safety Hub, and feel confident in your family’s road safety this month and all year long.

About the Writer

Joshua Dilts is a passionate advocate for child passenger safety, serving as the Senior Product Manager for Car Safety at Chicco. A father of three, Josh’s real-life experience provides continued inspiration and motivation for creating solutions that make it easier for families to travel safely with car seats.

*Conducted in June 2025 on behalf of Chicco, Pollfish obtained a sample of 1,000 U.S. parents with children 0-10 living at home.

Waiting for Max: A NICU Story (The Collective Book Studio, Oct. 21, 2025), a tender and imaginative new picture book by debut author Emily Rosen and illustrated by Esther Diana.

One in ten babies in the U.S. will spend time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, yet few children’s books reflect this reality—especially from the perspective of siblings waiting at home. Waiting for Max fills this important gap, following big sister Louise as she navigates the confusing wait for her baby brother to come home from the NICU. Inspired by Emily’s own experience when her son Max spent 16 days in the NICU, this is a warm, hopeful story that helps children process uncertainty, change, and love through the lens of imaginative play.

With its relatable narrative, charming illustrations, and reassuring tone, Waiting for Max will resonate with families, educators, and medical professionals alike. Emily is also donating a portion of proceeds and copies of the book to NICU hospitals and nonprofit organizations nationwide—extending its impact beyond the page.