Letter from the Editor
By Gretchen Cook
Our cover story, Reading Between the Lions, is about a really neat television show filmed right here in Mississippi. It’s rare that Parents & Kids will feature a TV show, and rarer still that we’d suggest watching one. But this show has some redeeming qualities, namely that it helps prepare children for reading. (more)


Parent Points
Information about Mississippi water parks, YMCA teen summer camp, helmet safety, and suicide prevention month. (more)


Pick a Place
Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame
By Jennifer Wigginton
My husband and I aren’t all that much into sports…his idea of a perfect afternoon adventure would be heading out to the gun range for some target shooting, and while I enjoy a good baseball or football game, it’s not because of the actual sport. (more)


Archie Helps Mississippi Read
By Lauren Shapiro
Did you know that Archie and the Gang have visited Mississippi in an effort to foster literacy? Their "visit" to the state was part of our four-part series on Literacy Awareness in Mississippi. (more)


Being Ben's Mom
By Julie A. Chaffins
I looked in the rearview mirror and caught my breath. His brown hair was sticking straight up in places as he bent intently over the video game. His ears stuck out amidst his thin, pointed face. When had he grown up this much? Where had I been? I felt tears well up in my eyes and my throat get tight as a wave of love swept over me. (more)


Between the Lions: The Pride of Mississippi
By Sissy Lynn
These days, there are more TV shows than ever for young children. Many of them strictly entertain, while some attempt to be educational. But one show, PBS' Between the Lions, is actually making a difference in children's lives. And it’s shot right here in Mississippi. (more)


Read to Succeed
Reading is the key to your student's success.
By Carrie Bevell Partridge
Reading is the key to your student's success. This is an idea that educators do not seem to debate. In fact, they seem to agree emphatically and have much to say about the topic! Some of our local educators graciously took the time to answer some questions for us about the role that reading plays in our children's lives and future success. (more)


Scott's Toy Box
Snap and Switch Batman
By M. Scott Anderson
When growing up I had the “got to get them all” bug with action figures from my favorite TV shows or movies. I remember gazing at the Service Merchandise catalog planning out which Jurassic Park figure I’d beg my parents for next. (more)


Parents & Kids Magazine Calendar
May 2009
Family-oriented events and activities in Central Mississippi for May 2009. (more)