No family trip to Washington, DC, would be complete without reading Corkey Hay DeSimone's Cherry Blossom Friends. It not only tells the history of the cherry trees gifted from Japan, but also focuses on the history of the monuments and buildings in the nation's capital. Children from 4-12 years of age will become experts about the capital city's history. The author will sign copies of her book outside the American History Museum's gift shop.

On the National Mall, 1400 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC. Click here for more info.