Blog
Books We Loved: Ocean Adventures and an Imaginative Princess
07.06.26
I don't typically review children's books on Greer's OC, but when two beautifully written and illustrated books arrived recently, I couldn't resist sharing them. Better yet, I had the perfect test audience: my grandchildren.
The first, Ocean Superheroes by Gabrielle Raymond McGee, takes kids on an underwater adventure while teaching them about the amazing creatures that help keep our oceans healthy. From tiny plankton to whales, the book introduces young readers to real-life ocean heroes and shows how even small actions can make a difference.
My grandchildren were fascinated by the ocean facts and colorful illustrations, and I loved that they were learning while having fun.
Learn more or order Ocean Superheroes here: ocean-superheroes
The second book, The Paper Princess by Elisa Kleven, is a charming classic that is back in print this month. When a gust of wind carries away a handmade paper princess before she's finished, she sets off on an imaginative adventure of her own.
The illustrations are beautiful and full of detail, and the story is sweet, creative and engaging. It sparked plenty of conversation and kept my grandchildren turning the pages to see what would happen next.
Both books were a big hit at our house. If you're looking for something special to read with your children or grandchildren, I highly recommend adding these to your bookshelf.

Blog
Pacific Symphony Unveils Star-Studded 2026-27 Pops Season
07.01.26
Pacific Symphony has announced its 2026-27 Pops Series, featuring a lineup packed with Broadway stars, holiday favorites, iconic film music and internationally acclaimed performers. Curated by Principal Pops Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez, the season includes performances by Idina Menzel, Cody Fry and Pink Martini, along with original productions celebrating James Bond films, sci-fi movie music and a concert presentation of Chicago.
The season opens Nov. 6 and 7 with Tony Award-winning Broadway star Idina Menzel, best known for originating the role of Elphaba in Wicked and voicing Elsa in Frozen. Holiday favorite Cody Fry returns Dec. 18 and 19 for his orchestral Christmas performances after multiple sold-out appearances with the symphony.
Pink Martini All-Stars takes the stage Feb. 19 and 20 with Thomas Lauderdale joined by Ari Shapiro, Edna Vazquez and Jimmie Herrod for an evening blending pop, swing and international music influences. March 12 and 13 brings “Clouds in My Coffee: The Music of Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Carly Simon,” celebrating the legendary singer-songwriters with symphonic arrangements of their classic hits.
“The Music of Bond, James Bond” arrives April 16 and 17 at Segerstrom Hall with iconic themes from the famous spy franchise and a pre-concert casino experience. On May 7 and 8, “Sci-Fi Showdown: A Galactic Journey” will feature music inspired by beloved science fiction films and television series. The season concludes June 4 and 5 with “Chicago: The Musical – In Concert,” bringing the Broadway favorite to life with full orchestra.
“All performances are designed to create experiences audiences cannot stream or replicate anywhere else in Orange County,” Lopez-Yañez said in the announcement.
Concerts take place at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall unless otherwise noted. Pops subscriptions are available now, including seven-concert and customizable four-concert packages.
For more information, visit Pacific Symphony.
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from the blog
- 07.24.26 – Winter Fest OC Kicks Off Christmas in July Sale
- 07.23.26 – VIII by Selanne Unveils Summer Tasting Menu
- 07.17.26 – Voluspa Brings Luxury Home Fragrance to Irvine Spectrum Center
- 07.16.26 – Alisal Ranch Marks 80 Years with a Summer of Celebration
- 07.14.26 – VEA Newport Beach Debuts Chef Angelo Sosa Summer Menu
- 07.13.26 – One Night, Five Courses, and a Top Chef Canada Champion at Balboa Bay Resort
- 07.13.26 – Amorelia Cocina Artesanal Brings the Flavors of Michoacán to Laguna Beach
- 07.13.26 – Via Lido Plaza Hosts Stars, Stripes & Summer Celebration July 17-18
- 07.12.26 – Casa Romantica’s Summer Lineup Features Concerts, Movies and Family Fun
- 07.08.26 – A True Full-Circle Moment: Artist Brothers Use ChatGPT to Help Create Bonita Canyon’s 50th Anniversary Mural
- 07.07.26 – IVI Vision Pops Up at Rails in Fashion Island
- 07.06.26 – Join Me at the Costa Mesa Historical Society Speakers Program
- 07.06.26 – Books We Loved: Ocean Adventures and an Imaginative Princess
- 07.01.26 – Pacific Symphony Unveils Star-Studded 2026-27 Pops Season
- 06.30.26 – What’s New at VOX Kitchen South Coast Plaza
- 06.29.26 – Selanne Steak Tavern Celebrates 10 Years of Wine Spectator Recognition
- 06.26.26 – Segerstrom Center’s Y2K-Inspired Movie Mondays Return This Summer
- 06.25.26 – Summer Nights on the Lawn at VEA Newport Beach
- 06.18.26 – Sushi Ii Pairs Up with Brooklyn Kura for a Sake-Focused Omakase Night
- 06.17.26 – Say “I Do” on a Working Avocado Farm in Temecula
More Daily Doses
- 07.24.26 – LJ’s Lounge Brings Soul-Infused Dining and Music to Triangle Square
- 07.19.26 – Inside Reecess, Newport Beach’s New Wellness Destination
- 07.16.26 – Good Together House: Laguna Beach’s Home for the Extraordinary and Unexpected
- 07.14.26 – Life Time Opens Resort-Style Athletic Club in Brea
- 07.14.26 – Flea Style Brings Its Hat Bar Concept Home to Laguna Beach
- 07.13.26 – Gordon Ramsay Opens The Carnaby at Downtown Disney
- 07.08.26 – Noble Ace Debuts in Laguna Beach’s Historic Heisler Building
- 07.05.26 – Pageant of the Masters Returns to Laguna Beach With ‘The Greatest of All Time’
- 07.05.26 – Earl of Sandwich Opens New Flagship at Downtown Disney
- 06.30.26 – A Blissful Japanese Head Spa Experience at Invita Costa Mesa
- 06.28.26 – Fourth of July in Orange County: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday
- 06.26.26 – ‘Gala of the Stars’ Returns to Segerstrom for 17th Year
- 06.23.26 – Del Mar’s 2026 Summer Racing Season Opens July 17
- 06.19.26 – Sherman Library & Gardens Introduces Hazeltine’s and New Afternoon Tea Experience
- 06.17.26 – BURN Opens First OC Location in Newport Beach
- 06.14.26 – The Curated Life Brings French Charm to Laguna Beach
- 06.12.26 – Father’s Office Chef Sang Yoon Debuts Tiny’s Burger at South Coast Plaza
- 06.10.26 – Live on the Lawn Returns to Fashion Island This Summer
- 06.08.26 – SEASON Makes Dinner Planning Easy
- 06.07.26 – Wild Fork Hosts World Cuts Sampling Events in OC
