Chicago's Iconic Bridges

Ask any visitor to Chicago what they remember most and you’ll get a slew of answers, but a few consistently top the list:

1. The Lakefront

2. Chicago Architecture

3. Chicago River Drawbridges

This image from our “C is for Chicago” book highlights the fantastic Chicago River and the moveable bridges. These bridges span the river, connecting the Loop to the Near North Side. There are 18 moveable bridges from Lake Shore Drive and the lakefront to the east winding through the city and the South Branch of the Chicago River to Congress Parkway.

One of the unique features of Chicago’s bridge network is the CTA El Trains runs across the Wells Street Bridge. When the bridges are up, even the El Train has to wait!

For more information about Chicago Bridges and Chicago architecture, check out The Chicago Architecture Foundation’s site here.

What’s your favorite feature of Chicago’s downtown?

Make Way For Ducklings in Any Season

In our book “B is for Boston”, the letter D is dedicated to the famous ducklings that live in the Public Gardens.

A page from the book “B is for Boston”

“Make Way For Ducklings” by Robert McCloskey

The Caldecott Winner children’s picture book is a classic in Boston and worldwide. It tells the story of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard, who want to make their home in the Public Garden Lagoon. They want to be near the swan boats, which they mistake for real birds.

The story is well-known, and culminates in Mrs. Mallard leading her eight ducklings across busy streets into the Public Garden.

Mrs. Mallard Leads Her Ducks

Based on the beloved classic “Make Way For Ducklings” by Robert McCloskey, the bronze ducklings that live in the garden were created by Nancy Schön and installed in the garden in 1987.

Mrs. Mallard and her brood.

Can you name all her ducklings? Here’s a hint: they all rhyme!

It’s easy: Just remember JKLMNOPQ! Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack!!

People love to dress them up and celebrate them every Mother’s Day with a parade! We 💖 the ducklings and we 💖Boston!

Giving Tuesday:

Before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us - even in this less than normal time, Giving Tuesday is a great opportunity to offer up resources for organizations that are devoted to helping others. Donate money - they always need that! Or time. Or our favorite, books.

Since Day 1, Dry Climate Studios has been dedicated to promoting literacy in the United States, especially in the cities and regions we write about with love. We have partnered with Donor’s Choose and donate a portion of all of our sales to their extraordinary organization.

Donors Choose is exactly that: You, as the donor, get to choose where your contribution goes. We specifically look for literacy programs in underserved areas. Sometimes we fund books, sometimes we fund cozy reading nooks for kids to get comfortable and cozy down with a good read.

Always, the teachers and their students send us thanks! It’s such a wonderful way to stay connected with these students! We encourage you to check out Donors Choose This year, more than ever, those teachers need your help!

There are so many fantastic literacy programs in the United States right now, and we’re happy to report that we’ve been able to send books to a couple of them.

The Pajama Program and Children’s Book Project San Francisco are two great organizations that we have recently delivered books to so they can distribute to kids who can’t readily get their hands on books. They foster the idea that reading is not only a way to help children thrive, but reading to and with children create a special bond.

This Giving Tuesday take a moment out of your day and support these or any number of worthy organizations that strive to make life better for those around us.

President-tail Dogs

When Joe and Jill Biden move into the White House next year, they will bring their two German Shephards, Champ and Major.

Stephanie Gomez/Delaware Humane Association, via Associated Press

The Bidens adopted Major from the Delaware Humane Association in 2018. They got Champ from a breeder in 2008. Major Biden is not the first shelter dog living in the White House. Lyndon Johnson had a mutt named Yuki. Johnson’s daughter Luci found Yuki at a Texas gas station. Yuki was known as the “Singing Dog.”

Photo courtesy of the Presidential Pet Museum

In our book “W is for Washington, DC” one of the most favorite images is a grid of some of the most famous Presidential Dogs. It is available to purchase as an 11 x 14 print, ready for framing. If you know someone who loves dogs, and loves US history, it’s the perfect gift! Click Here to purchase!

All the President’s Dogs

Living History for Kids in the Great State of Texas!

Texas history is more than just the Alamo. Here are some great off-the-beaten-track ideas for kids of all ages!

The DR Pepper Museum, Waco

Dr. Pepper is a Texas invention, and the Dr. Pepper Museum is a great stop for anyone who loves the soda. Invented by a pharmacist at the soda fountain of the corner pharmacy, Dr. Pepper has been beloved be Texans and beyond for over 100 years!

The Texas Prison Museum, Huntsville

The Texas Prison Museum offers a look at many sides of prison life in Texas, including one of Bonnie and Clyde’s guns. Other exhibits include a capital punishment exhibit, inmate art exhibit and an exhibit featuring prison hardware. It’ll keep you on the straight and narrow!

The Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum

The name says “museum” but it’s so much more fun than that! Here you can get a feel for what it was like living in Texas in the late 19th century. There’s a blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, jail, and much more to explore!

Seattle in the Autumn - A Secret Pleasure

If you’re lucky enough to be able to get to Seattle in the fall, here are some things that are must-see stops for you and your family.

Seattle Japanese Garden

With over 3 acres of winding paths, charming bridges and woodland animals, this is a fantastic place to catch the fall colors at their best!

Snoqualmie Falls

Head out to Snoqualmie Falls and catch the colors of fall alongside the incredible falls. The surrounding area is beautiful and makes a great day trip from Seattle.

SNOHOMISH PUMPKIN PATCHES

There are a ton of great pumpkin patches in Snohomish County and gorgeous fall scenery all around. When you’re picked your pumpkin and had some cider, take a hike around Centennial Trail.