12 Children’s Books That Taught You Everything You Needed to Know

Molly Griffin
Mar 03, 2015

Reading is such an important skill, and not just because it’s the foundation of a strong education. Books are also where so many of life’s lessons can be gleaned. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson once compiled a list of his top eight must-read books for any intelligent adult to understand the western world, ranging from the Bible to Gulliver’s Travels. So, what about kids? We decided to put together an equivalent reading list for youngsters — stories, fables and poems that will prepare them for the challenges and wonders of the world. Here are 12 books that tackle some of life’s most important subjects, such as individuality, diversity, growing older and the environment.

1. The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh ($23): He may be a silly old bear, but Pooh packs a lot of wisdom in the Hundred-Acre Wood. These are the stories that led to the more parent-friendly Tao of Pooh. One of our favorite pieces of advice: “If the person you are talking to doesn’t appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear.”

2. Matilda ($6): The lovely protagonist of this Roald Dahl classic isn’t just gifted magically — although that’s the entertaining part — she’s also gifted intellectually, which makes this a fantastic story for growing minds.

3. The Lorax ($8): Undoubtedly more than one Dr. Seuss novel will end up in your house, but make sure this is one of them. It deals with respecting the environment, something that’s going to be an important issue when your little genius is older.

4. A Chair for My Mother ($7): Dr. Tyson suggests The Wealth of Nations for grownups to learn about economics, so for a young companion we suggest this picture book about a girl and her family working hard and saving up money for a big purchase.

5. Little Blue and Little Yellow ($7): These two little dots combine to make the color green, but the story goes far beyond basic color mixing, with morals about the influence of others and cultural and racial diversity.

6. Harriet the Spy ($6): This is more than a brilliant coming-of-age novel; it’s a lesson in what happens when you tell it like it is — both the good and the bad.

7. The Giving Tree ($12): How can you pick just one Shel Silverstein? Kids are sure to love his silly poems, but The Giving Tree is the one whose message will become more and more poignant throughout life. Really. *sob*

8. Wonder ($10): Bullying is a terrible problem that every child encounters in one way or another. In protagonist Auggie’s case, it’s his physical appearance that his classmates can’t get over. His desire to be seen for more than his facial differences is something all kids need to read about.

9. A Wrinkle in Time ($6): For older kids that are starting to get into sci-fi, this ‘60s novel explores not just space and time, but also themes of good and evil, conformity and individuality, knowledge, family and love.

10. The Little Prince ($9): While Dr. Tyson says Machiavelli’s The Prince is a must-read for adults, we’d much rather kids didn’t learn about “the ends justifying the means” for a long, long time. By comparison, this French novella is a beautifully translated story with themes of open-mindedness, imagination and what it’s like to be a grownup.

11. Aesop’s Fables($3): There are some lessons we all need to learn (and be reminded of) throughout life: slow and steady wins the race, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, sour grapes, etc. The moral of the story is, make sure your kids know their fables.

12. Harry Potter ($52): There are many, MANY reasons why these books became as popular as they did, and it’s not just the magic. Good vs. evil, life and death, the value of friendship, love conquering all… if only we had a Time Turner and could experience these stories as kids all over again.

What kids’ book has had the most profound effect on you or your children? We want to hear your favorites in the comments!

Fall's Buzziest New Thriller Is Already Available To Stream

While I've been keeping up with all the buzz surrounding Demi Moore's The Substance, and definitely understood it was THE feminist movie of the fall, I remember opening X in mid-October, seeing an unhinged photo of Margaret Qualley as Monstro Elisasue, and thinking to myself, Wow, apparently I do not know what this movie is about.

If you're in the mood for a new, edgy horror movie that you can watch anytime of year, then do I have good news for you: The Substance is streaming now! Here's everything you need to know about the flick, including how to watch it this weekend because it will definitely make a great Halloween movie.

  • The Substance is streaming now, but it's also still available to see in theaters following its September 20 release date.
  • The movie follows an actress supposedly past her prime who takes matters into her own hands with a powerful serum called The Substance.
  • The cast includes Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid.

Where can I watch The Substance 2024?

The Substance Release Date

The Substance is streaming on Mubi and is available on Fandango at Home. You can also see the movie in theaters now. The Substance premiered on September 20.

What is The Substance movie about?

Mubi

The Substance Plot

In Coralie Fargeat's new movie, Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) is a used-to-be A-lister who's horrified when studio head Harvey (Dennis Quaid) fires her from her own fitness TV show. (The audacity!) When she learns about The Substance, a new drug that promises youth and beauty, she immediately buys in.

A single injection and suddenly she's Sue, a twenty-something (played by Margaret Qualley) who's exactly what Hollywood is looking for. There's just one rule: you can only spend a week in each body at a time or things go very, very wrong.

Who's in the cast?

Mubi

The Substance Cast

The cast of The Substance includes all-star names like Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid.

What is the meaning behind The Substance?

Mubi

The Substance confronts all the different pressures placed on women: to look young, to act mature, to constantly reinvent yourself. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, writer-director Coralie Fargeat explains how Margaret's Monstro Elisasue "represents the monstrous part that we try to hide so much because we feel that we can't adapt or fit."

The end of the movie, in which (spoiler!!) Elisabeth basically melts into a pile of flesh on top of her Hollywood Walk of Fame star, frees her from any and all expectations. "It’s the first moment where she’s able to love herself. It’s the moment she sees herself and it’s not disgust, but in fact it’s as if she’s seeing her true self for the first time," Coralie says. "There’s self-indulgence, tenderness. It’s the first time she looks at herself in the mirror and doesn’t criticize herself. She decides, okay, I’m going to go out there, this is me, I have my right to have my place in the world."

Wondering what to watch next? Check out the 10 New November Movies We've Been Waiting All Year For!

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Dunkin’s Official Holiday Menu Has Something Starbucks Doesn’t

The holidays are slowly approaching, and thank goodness, because it means all of the yummy fast food holiday menus are on their way. If you can’t get enough of a seasonal drink (perhaps a little peppermint action), listen up: Dunkin’s holiday menu for 2024 was just officially announced!

After rumors about the Dunkin’holiday menu for 2024 had been swirling around online, the Dunkin' Instagram account just confirmed a lot of the drink and snack predictions for the lineup, and they look extra good.

Plus, one of Dunkin's menu items is filling the void in my heart from a missing drink on the Starbucks rumored holiday menu. Hint: it involves toasted white mocha!

The Dunkin’ holiday menu for 2024 is speculated to drop on November 1, six days before Starbucks’ rumored holiday menu will hit. Scroll on to see everything joining the Dunkin’ menu!

When will the Dunkin' holiday menu for 2024 drop?

Meredith Holser

According to some menu leaks and rumors surrounding the Dunkin' holiday menu, a new lineup of drinks and snacks will become available starting November 1, 2024.

The famed foodie account, @markie_devo, broke the news about the Dunkin' holiday menu leak first.

Does Dunkin' have holiday cups?

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A post shared by Dunkin’ (@dunkin)

Yes, Dunkin' has holiday cups! They'll be available on November 1, once the holiday menu drops. The coffee chain posted a sneak peek of the holiday cup design on their Instagramon October 31. It appears the Dunkin' holiday cups have designs of donuts, peppermint candies, ornaments, and more. The color scheme is mostly white, orange, and pink!

Drinks On The Dunkin' Holiday Menu 2024

Dunkin'

NEW! Holiday Cookie Signature Latte

This festive new latte is made with brown sugar cookie and toasted almond syrups and topped off with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and a scoop of cookie butter crumbles. Sounds like a totally sippable dessert to me!

Dunkin'

NEW! Brown Sugar Cookie Oat Iced Chai Latte

Allegedly only available to order through the Dunkin' app, the Brown Sugar Cookie Oat Iced Chai Latte sounds like it'll combine brown sugar cookie syrup with oat milk and chai to usher in the holiday season. Based on previous menu offerings, you should be able to get this drink iced or hot.

Dunkin'

Peppermint Mocha Latte

The Peppermint Mocha Latte is a classic when it comes to the Dunkin' holiday menu, so I'm not surprised it's returning this year. This bev features peppermint and mocha syrups, espresso, and milk, topped with a hefty serving of whipped cream, mocha drizzle, and hot chocolate powder. Bring it on!

Dunkin'

Toasted White Chocolate Latte

No shade to Starbucks, but their rumored holiday menu for 2024 kind of broke my heart when I saw the Toasted White Mocha from years past wasn't coming back. Luckily, Dunkin' is filling the void with their Toasted White Chocolate Latte: a sweet, white chocolate-filled sip topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and cinnamon sugar topping!

Dunkin'

White Hazelnut Bark Coffee

Available hot or iced, this coffee is prepped with a Dunkin' toasted white chocolate swirl, hazelnut flavoring, and cream. Any seasonal drink that has nutty notes wins in my book!

Dunkin'

Spiced Cookie Coffee

Another reported "in-app only" drink joining the Dunkin' holiday menu, the Spiced Cookie Coffee will likely also be available to order hot or iced. I expect this bev to taste just like a snickerdoodle cookie!

Dunkin'

Cookie Butter Cold Brew

I am so excited about this cold brew drink coming back for the holidays at Dunkin'. The Cookie Butter Cold Brew is made with brown sugar cookie syrup and topped with cookie butter cold foam and a scoop of cookie butter crumbles for extra crunch. Stay tuned, because there's a sweet snack joining the menu to match!

Dunkin'

Toasted White Chocolate Coconut Cold Brew

This rumored app-exclusive cold brew will include notes of white chocolate and coconut – I need it now.

Dunkin'

Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate

This anticipated app-only sip nixes the expected espresso for a very chocolatey (and peppermint-y!) effect.

Snacks + Food On The Dunkin' Holiday Menu 2024

Dunkin'

NEW! Hash Brown Brisket Scramble

Dunkin' has tested a number of breakfast Scrambles over the years, which is why I'm not totally shook by this food item coming to the holiday menu for 2024. This iteration will feature hash browns, scrambled eggs, shredded brisket, smoked cheddar cheese, poblano peppers, caramelized onions, and of course, a rich Texas queso.

Dunkin'

NEW! Almond Croissant

The holiday menu will also bring the Almond Croissant to Dunkin's breakfast lineup. It's a butter croissant filled with chopped almonds!

Dunkin'

Cookie Butter Donut

Yep – I need this in my belly ASAP. The Cookie Butter Donut is packed with a cookie butter filling, slathered with maple-flavored icing, then dipped in a delish speculoos cookie topping (tastes just like Biscoff cookies)! Sweet treat, anyone?

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the official Dunkin' holiday menu once it drops!

This post has been updated.

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11 Binge-Worthy New November Shows We're Already Obsessed With

More times than not, I often find myself perusing the various television show options on Netflix, Hulu, Max and other streaming services, desperately trying to find a new TV show to watch, but to no avail. Luckily, a new month is right around the corner, which means there are a handful of new binge-worthy shows that have yet to be released and will certainly keep us all entertained. Whether you’re looking for an enticing new drama (like Peacock’s The Day of the Jackal) or a returning series (like Outer Banks Season 4 Part 2 on Netflix), here are 11 must-watch television shows coming out in November 2024. And make sure you're caught up on the 9 New October TV Shows We’ve Been Waiting For All Year!

'Love Is Blind: Argentina' — On Netflix November 6

Mayra Ortiz/Netflix

Prepare to re-enter the pods because Netflix’s Love Is Blind is headed to Argentia! Back in January of this year, Netflix confirmed Argentina would be the next destination for the popular dating show, with Wanda Nara and Darío Barassi serving as hosts. And did we mention this latest adaptation is set to premiere one week after the Love Is Blind season 7 reunion? Say less.

Love Is Blind: Argentina will be hosted by Wanda Nara and Darío Barassi.

'The Day of the Jackal'  — On Peacock November 7

Peacock

Based on the 1971 classic novel by author Frederick Forsyth, The Day of the Jackal is a new thriller series thatfollows an skilled assassin named “The Jackal” (Eddie Redmayne), who makes a lucrative living by “carrying out hits for the highest fee,” per the show’s official synopsis. But after his latest kill puts British intelligence officer (Lashana Lynch) on his heels, they begin "a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase across Europe, leaving destruction in its wake.” Honestly, you had us at Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch.

The ensemble cast of The Day of the Jackal features Eddie Redmayne, Lashana Lynch, Úrsula Corberó, Charles Dance, Richard Dormer, Chukwudi Iwuji, Lia Williams, Khalid Abdalla, Eleanor Matsuura, Jonjo O’Neill, Nick Blood, Sule Rimi and Florisa Kamara.

'Outer Banks' Season 4 Part 2 — On Netflix November 7

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

The treasure hunt is far from over! As the Pogues embark on a new journey to uncover the long-lost treasure of the infamous Blackbeard, their future is riddled with so much uncertainty. Last time we saw the OBX crew was in the Outer Banks season 4 part 1 finale, which left Sarah and Pope trapped in a crypt with no possible escape, John B. and Cleo battling it out with Lightener, and JJ discovering he’s been a Kook all along (!!!).

With so many unanswered questions and a myriad of challenges plaguing the Pogues' latest endeavor, it’s hard to know what comes next for the friend group. But no matter what, they will always have each other. #P4L.

Outer Banks season 4 part 2 will feature members of its main cast, including Chase Stokes, Madelyn Cline, Madison Bailey, Jonathan Daviss, Rudy Pankow, Carlacia Grant, Drew Starkey and Austin North.

'Citadel: Honey Bunny' - On Prime Video November 7

Prime Video

Before Priyanka Chopra’s Nadia Sinh became the lethal assassin we know and love, her parents—Honey and Bunny—first crossed paths years prior. While working as a stuntman, Bunny recruits down-on-her-luck actress Honey for a dangerous side gig. As their past threatens to catch up to them, Honey and Bunny vow to protect their daughter, Nadia, and keep her out of harm’s way.

Serving as a spinoff to Prime Video’s Citadel, this upcoming action-packed series is set to star a bunch of new faces, including Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Varun Dhawan, Emma Canning and Sikandar Kher.

'Bad Sisters' Season 2 — On Apple TV+ November 13

Apple TV+

Following the unexpected death of their parents and Grace's abusive husband, all eyes are, once again, on the Garvey sisters, who appear more guilty than ever. As secrets from their past threaten to resurface, the siblings must navigate the lies and suspicions that could upend their lives as they know it. Take it from us: This dark comedy is an absolute must-watch.

Bad Sisters season 2 brings back Sharon Horgan, Anne-Marie Duff, Eva Birthistle, Sarah Greene and Eve Hewson as the Garvey sisters in addition to newcomers Fiona Shaw, Owen McDonnell, Thaddea Graham, Deirdre Mullins, Lorcan Cranitch, Liz Fitzgibbon and Justine Mitchell.

'Cobra Kai' Season 6 Part 2 — On Netflix November 15

Netflix

Pack your bags, fellow students, because Miyagi-Do is catching a flight to Barcelona, Spain, to compete in the Sekai Taikai tournament! The stakes have never been higher for our favorite dojo, which is something the Cobra Kai co-creator Jon Hurwitz wanted to convey in this final installment of the Karate Kid sequel series.

While talking with Tudum, Hurwitz shared that the second half of season six will be the “most combustible” throughout the show’s run. He added, “You get to meet new, exciting characters and take all of our combustible characters, and you get to see karate outside of the Valley. How are they going to handle the pressure? How are they going to handle being in the most intense karate fight of their lives while it’s not harmonious between them?”

'Dune: Prophecy' — On Max November 17

Attila Szvacsek/HBO

10,000 years before we meet Timothee Chalemet’s Paul Atreides and Zendaya's Chani (and before they meet each other), two Harkonnen sisters are fighting tooth and nail to save the future of humanity. As war and political discord threatens everything they know, they turn their "unassuming" women's school into the powerful Bene Gesserit.

The amazing Dune: Prophecy cast includes Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Jodhi May, Mark Strong, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Josh Heuston, Chloe Lea, Jade Anouka, Faoileann Cunningham, Edward Davis, Aoife Hinds, Chris Mason, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Camilla Beeput, Jihae, Tabu, Charithra Chandran, Jessica Barden, Emma Canning, and Yerin Ha.

'Interior Chinatown' — On Hulu November 19

Mike Taing/Disney

Meet Willis Wu, a struggling background character trapped inside a police show who dreams of a life beyond waiting tables in Chinatown. However, his life takes a turn for the worse when he accidentally witnesses a crime and the police turn to him for help. Soon, Willis uncovers an underground conspiracy and learns how his family’s past ties into everything in this November TV show inspired by Charles Yu's award-winning novel of the same name.

Interior Chinatown stars Jimmy O. Yang, Ronny Chieng, Chloe Bennet, Sullivan Jones, Lisa Gilroy and Diana Lin.

'Cruel Intentions' - Premiers on Prime Video on November 21

Jasper Savage/Prime Video

Based on the 1999 film starring Reese Witherspoon, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe and Selma Blair (and inspired by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ 1782 Les Liaisons Dangereuses), this reboot follows a new generation of two upper-class step-siblings named Catherine Hook and Lucien Valmont, who practically run Manchester College’s Greek scene. When a hazing incident threatens to eradicate all fraternity and sorority activities on campus, they devise a plan for Annie Grover, daughter of the Vice President of the United States — who also happens to be enrolled at the university.

Prime Video’s Cruel Intentions stars Sarah Catherine Hooks, Zac Burgess, Savannah Lee Smith in addition to Sara Silva, John Harlan Kim, Khobe Clarke, Brooke Lena Johnson and Sean Patrick Thomas, who (fun fact!) portrayed Ronald in the original Cruel Intentions film.

'The Sex Lives of College Girls' Season 3 — On Max November 21

Katrina Marcinowski/HBO Max

Is it getting hot in here, or is it just us? The Sex Lives of College Girls is back with a third season, and based on the trailer, it appears that this installment is gearing up to be quite…steamy! Though Kimberly (Pauline Chalamet), Bela (Amrit Kaur), Leighton (Reneé Rapp) and Whitney (Alyah Chanelle Scott) are returning for another semester at Essex College, the college roommates will soon have to figure out a new living situation. Yes, that’s right: Back in July 2023, Rapp announced that she will leave the show after season three.

At the time, Rapp shared on social media: “College Girls moved me out to LA and introduced me to some of my favorite people. 2 and a half years later—it’s given me y’all and this community. Thank you Mindy, Justin and everyone at Max for believing in me. A lot of queer works gets belittled — but playing Leighton has changed my life. I love who I am 10x more than I did before knowing her. I hope she gave y'all a little bit of that too. She's such a tiny part of the representation but even the tiny parts count. I wouldn’t be half the person I am without her and y’all. I’m so excited for this season and I can’t wait for you to see what we have coming for her and the girls.”

We’re going to miss you, Leighton :(

The Sex Lives of College Girls season 3 stars Pauline Chalamet, Amrit Kaur, Reneé Rapp, Alyah Chanelle Scott, Devin Craig, Ruby Cruz, Michael Provost, Roby Attal, and Mitchell Slaggert.

'Based on a True Story' Season 2 — On Peacock on November 21

Colleen Hayes/Peacock

Who’s ready for round two of Peacock’s Based on a True Story? This time around, Ava and Nathan Bartlett are trying to navigate their lives as new parents. As they try to leave Matt (AKA “The Westside Ripper”) and their podcast days behind them, there's a new serial killer wreaking havoc across Los Angeles. And being the true crime-obsessed fan that she is, Ava's already on the case and she has her first suspect: Matt, who also happens to be her sister’s new fiancé.

Can Ava and Nathan uncover the identity of the new killer before they strike again? Or will they soon become the murderer’s next target? Well, we do know one thing: November 21 can’t come soon enough.

Based on a True Story season 2 stars Kaley Cuoco, Chris Messina, Tom Bateman, Liana Liberato, and Melissa Fumero.

Which new November TV show are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments and get the latest weekend watch updates on our weekend newsletter. While you're at it, We Know You Know The 3 Beverage Rule. Here's The 3 TV Show Rule.

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