Sleep twitches, a weird, joyful kids book, and more

I grew up and went to college in Louisiana. Exactly three days after I graduated, I loaded my Toyota Echo, popped the Killers into the CD player, and drove to Washington, DC. Thus I began my adult life in a place featuring something new to me: Four distinct seasons, including consistently cold winters. 

Twentyish years later, winters still feel a little novel and fun. And actual snow? What a rare treat! 

And then, by mid-February, there comes a moment when I am over it. I resent the closet space I give to my coats. I start hammering out spring break plans and turn my attention to personal appearances I’ve let slide while cozying up and hunkering down. That moment arrived for me this Tuesday, with the call that the next day would bring yet another school cancellation due to snow and ice.

This year, that moment coincided with a news cycle that makes me want to go back in my burrow and logoff for at least six more weeks. I’ve been especially grateful this week for the fun diversions brought to my attention by my Vox colleagues: on books and TV, on socializing, on smart financial moves, plus a podcast and a video answering questions I didn’t even know I had. May they warm your heart as well.

—Natalie Jennings, managing editor, audio and video

A weird, joyful kids book

Reporter Anna North, who writes Vox’s Kids Today newsletter, says Owl at Home by Arnold Lobel (of Frog and Toad series fame) is helping her get  through the winter with her kids, 2 and 6.  It’s “about the joy of an inner life, something that can flourish even with little input from the outside. All Owl needs is the moon, a kettle, some weird ideas about tea and sadness, and a cozy bed… and he can create a whole world,” Anna writes.

White Lotus and the three poisons 

An hour-long escape to a sunny Thai beach feels a bit on the nose this week. But I am soaking in the show’s return for a third season and all the coverage of it, including this super smart recap from Alex Abad-Santos. If you prefer your escapism on pages, Constance Grady has book recommendations, including Rick Steves’s travel memoir.

🎧 Why do we twitch in our sleep? 

I’ve always been unsettled by the moments I wake myself up by jumping for no clear reason, but never so unsettled that I want to figure out why rather than just going back to sleep. Fortunately, neuroscientist Mark Blumberg didn’t just roll over on this one: He delved into what seems like a minor question, and produced some pretty big findings about how the brain and body interact. He spoke to Noam Hassenfeld for this week’s Unexplainable. 

📹 How de-aging in the movies got so good

I’ll have whatever Tom Hanks is having in Here in my spring self-care regime. 

The best financial advice for Gen Z 

I really could have used the simple framework in this piece by Tatiana Walk-Morris when I was embarking on that post-college life. I still found it helpful, given another thing top of mind this time of year for me is not procrastinating on my tax returns financial planning.

Easy habits for a better social life

With warmer weather comes fewer excuses for opting out of social events. Reporter Allie Volpe has some easy strategies, based on a new book, for making the most of the new and renewed connections you’ll foster, just as soon as spring springs.

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