Megan Fraedrich, Author at Cricket Media, Inc.

3 Free Stories for the First Day of School

Backpacks, sharp colored pencils, fresh new notebooks… it must be time to go back to school! Kids around the country are either preparing for the first day of school or have already started a new school year! To send them off in style, here’s three free stories for kids of all ages about kicking off […]

Spotlight on Trina Schart Hyman

If you mention the name ‘Trina Schart Hyman’ to anyone who read or worked on CRICKET Magazine in the 1970’s (and even many who didn’t), their eyes are sure to light up. The first art director of CRICKET, Hyman sadly passed away in 2004, but her magical artwork conjures up nostalgic memories in everyone who […]

The Best Magazines for Preschoolers

The world is a magical place for children under age 5. There’s so much to discover and imagine every day. The youngest kids have voracious minds, soaking up new information and ideas at an incredible rate. What better time to get them a subscription to a magazine that’s all their own? Waiting for their magazine […]

Time for Slime! Why Kids Love Slime (and How To Make Some!)

Even kids who don’t know how to make oatmeal know how to mix up a batch of slime. It’s a sensation with elementary schoolers and tweens, it’s found in most kids’ YouTube search histories, and it’s messed up kitchens all around the world! If you somehow have never encountered this craze, here’s your primer on […]

6 Unexpected Jobs That Use STEM Skills Every Day

Experts say that “STEM is the future.” Estimates show that around 80% of jobs in the future will require some skills in science, technology, engineering, and math. That might sound scary for kids who struggle with their times tables, but the truth is, STEM is already everywhere! An average ten-year-old’s knowledge of technology would be […]

Top Family-Friendly Outings In Chicago

Whether you’ve lived there your whole life or you’re visiting for summer vacation, Chicago is full of exciting things to do for all ages. Complete with museums, history, and a really great lake, there is something for everyone here. How do we know? Cricket Media’s publishing office is in Chicago! We asked editor Liz Huyck […]

5 Ways to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing!

“That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind!” Americans thrilled at the crackly sound of Neil Armstrong’s voice over their TV sets as he became the first person to walk on the moon. Fifty years later, that historic moment still symbolizes how science and technology can bring people together– or further […]

Best Magazines for Tweens

If you’re the parent of a tween, then you know that it’s not the easiest time in a child’s life. Between the ages of 9 and 13, kids go through a tremendous amount of changes physically, mentally, and even socially. What with moving up from elementary to middle school, going through dramatic growth spurts, taking […]

Fighting Fire With Fire: Meet a Fire Safety Officer

Wildfires are dangerous to nature, right? Every year, the news is filled with reports about raging wildfires damaging forests and forcing people to evacuate. More than 8,000 wildfires tore through California last year, burning more land than the entire state of Delaware. Fortunately, fire safety officers are on the job, working hard to protect nature […]

5 Beloved Illustrators Featured In Cricket Magazine

There’s something about great illustrations that stick with you for the rest of your life. Maybe you’ve seen a poster for a movie based on a favorite book and thought, “No, that isn’t right! The main character is supposed to look like THIS!” Or perhaps a cherry pie irresistibly reminded you of the gorgeous slice […]