If you are pregnant or a new parent and have some questions like “what is a doula?”, “how bad is this labor pain going to be?” to “do I need a carrier and how do I know which one?”- count yourself lucky! All those questions and more will be answered this Monday night at a workshop held at Birth Day Presence. Extra bonuses? You will get to meet other parents in the neighborhood and you just might win a new bouncy seat or a gift certificate to chic maternity store Bump Brooklyn.

So, stock up on a power shake and bring your partner along for a night that will soothe your anxieties and answer some of those burning questions you have.

Belly Basics 101
6:15 Arrival, snacks and drinks
6:30 “Infant Massage: The Wonderful Benefits of Loving Touch” with Charlotta Anderson of Bundle of Bliss
6:50 “Baby Wearing Demystified: Demos & Benefits” with Adriane Stare of Caribou Baby
7:20 “What is a doula Q&A?” with Jada & Anna, co-owners of Birth Day Presence
7:35 “Bond with your Baby through Movement” with Dan Rindler of Child’Space NYC.
7:55 “The Do’s & Don’ts Of Exercise During & After Pregnancy” With personal trainer Zoe Levine of The Thriving Body
8:15 “3 Pain Relief Techniques for Labor: A glimpse of what you’ll learn in Childbirth Class” with Jada and Anna, co-owners of Birth Day Presence
8:30 Raffle* including a mamaRoo bouncy seat ($200 value) and a $50 Gift Cert to Bump Brooklyn. (*You must RSVP to doulas@birthdaypresence.net in order to attend the event and to enter into the raffle; no walk-ins. Pls let us know how you heard about the event.)

Details:
Mon, Jan 30 from 6:15-8:45p.
Birth Day Presence Studio Park Slope
182 8th Avenue, Parlor Floor (btwn Garfield and 1st Street) 11215
You must RSVP to attend and be entered into the raffle by emailing doulas@birthdaypresence.net
No Walk-Ins will be accepted.

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You might have noticed that the Friday singalongs and music performances have been sparse, as of late. We have too- and are sad about the lack of Friday music events. Anyone out there care to start one up?! Nonetheless, the rest of the weekend looks great! Show your kids American Indian traditional dance and music when the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers come to town. They have 5 performances this weekend, so you plenty of opportunities to catch one. If you love the author and illustrator, Peter H. Reynolds, like we do, you can’t miss the Lolli-Pops concert where he will create original artwork during an orchestral performance.  And, let’s celebrate winter!  Mil’s Trills Winter Bash at Littlefield will feature not only their music but face painters, mimes and puppets!

^{All Weekend}

Thunderbird American Indian Dancers’ 37th Powwow
The oldest Native American dance company in New York, the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers, puts on a show of dances, stories and traditional music to benefit college funds of Native American students. Popular segments include the Hoop Dance, the Caribou Dance and the Jingle Dress Dance. Friday at 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday 3 pm and 8 pm.
For more info, go here.

Saturday January 28^th

10:00 am: Lolli-Pops Concerts: Carnival of the Animals
French composer Camille Saint-Saens’s Carnival of the Animals gets a storybook touch thanks to Peter H. Reynolds, author of the Judy Moody series. Reynolds makes original artwork during the performance, conducted by Daniel Meyer. Little audience members leave with a complimentary coloring book. Also 11:30am and Sunday 1pm, 2:30pm
For more info, go here.

1:00 pm: Chinese New Year at the Sky View Center
Ring in the Year of the Dragon at the Sky View Center! Among the many festivities will be traditional lion dance, singing, martial arts, music and a Chinese fashion show.
For more info, go here.

1:00 pm: Saturday Family Programs: CarnegieKids presents The Wiyos
The Wiyos transport us back to the 1920s and ’30s by inviting kids and adults alike to holler, stomp and sing along to old-time American folk music. This Brooklyn-based trio captures the vintage spirit of the era by drawing on blues, ragtime, spirituals, and Appalachian jug-band music.
For more info, go here.

2:00 pm: Lunar New Year Dance Sampler
Take your ballerinas on a footloose trip through Asia’s vibrant traditions as the Flushing Town Hall presents a variety of dances from Korea, China, Taiwan, Thailand, India and the Pacific Islands. All ages.
For more info, go here.

3:00 pm: Mil’s Trills Winter Bash
Attention parents, toddlers and infants: Bring your blankets, shakers and rattles to the second annual Mil’s Trills Winter Bash at Littlefield! This interactive affair not only features a full orchestra concert but also lots of kid fare, including a ukulele lullaby performance, face painters, mimes and puppets.
For more info, go here.

Sunday January 29^th

11:00 am: PJ Library Pajama Party Kick-off Event
To celebrate the kicking off of a Jewish family engagement program that sends free Jewish children’s literature and music to families across America, PJ Library will be hosting a special pajama party day of live music with the Mama Doni Band, crafts, story time, lunch and even sundaes.
For more info, go here.

11:00 am: Erin Lee and the Up Past Bedtime Band
This trio of New York City musicians addresses the challenges of childhood through a mix of drums, bass, electric violin and laugh-out-loud lyrics. Children will be out of their seats and dancing in no time—it’s the perfect way to wear out before naptime!
For more info, go here.

1:00 pm: Tu B’Shvat Winter Garden Festival
Celebrate Jewish Arbor Day by learning about your cultural roots. Festivities include genealogy workshops, family-tree making, flower planting, food demos, music and “green” tours of the synagogue.
For more info, go here.

1:00 pm: Suzuki Winter Festival Concert at Roulette
Biannual Suzuki Festival Concert featuring student snsembles of guitar, violin, viola, piano, cello, and bass.
For more info, go here.

2:00 pm: Japan’s New Year’s Celebration
Ring in 2011 with some cultural revelry. Festivities include live taiko drumming and lion dancing, as well as kite-making activities, traditional games and storytelling.
For more info, go here.

2:00 pm: Hot Peas ‘N Butter
Local favorite Hot Peas ’N Butter takes the stage for a fun, multicultural performance. Expect plenty of interaction during tunes that bring together jazz, R&B, folk, rock and Afro-Caribbbean sounds.
For more info, go here.

2:00 pm: Jazz for Kids
Introduce your kids to the joys of jazz at the Jazz Standard’s weekly Sunday brunch program. The Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra, made up of talented youngsters between the ages of 11 and 18, provides the music, while your family chows down on a barbecue brunch from Blue Smoke.
For more info, go here.

2:00 pm: Brooklyn Philharmonic presents: Deborah Buck
Brooklyn Philharmonic concertmaster and violinist Deborah Buck is joined by pianist Molly Morkoski in a recital featuring music by Brahms, Szymanowski, and Grieg.
For more info, go here.

(Many thanks to TONY Kids, Prospect Heights Patch, NY Metro Parents, and Mommy Poppins for listing info!)

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Hot Peas 'N Butter will be in Brooklyn this Sunday!

Can you believe the last weekend in January is upon us? It has been quite a month with awesome events and this weekend, the fun continues. Sweetness! This weekend, “Magic! The Amazing Max and The Box of Interesting Things” is still going strong. Have you seen it yet? Read our review below and book your tickets! You will not be disappointed. Not only will there be a lovely show at Littlefield this Saturday, but there is also a free dance class at Dancewave and other entertaining activities. On Sunday, all roads will lead to Campus Road… Hot Peas ‘N Butter will be performing at The Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn College’s performing arts center. Don’t forget to visit our calendar and Music Listings for more events. Have a great weekend!

ONGOING

Friday, January 27th — March 10: various times
Magic! The Amazing Max and The Box of Interesting Things
Magician Max Darwin makes objects appear out of thin air, as the laws of physics are defied, and miracles are performed inches from spectators’ faces. This isn’t a show that you ask, “How did he do that?” It’s not that Max doesn’t do great tricks, he does. It’s that the show is so focused on the hijinks of Hamlet the mind-reading pig and the silliness of coins appearing out of every bodily orifice, that the audience doesn’t have time to focus on the head-scratching things Max performs. The magic is just the sideshow to a very entertaining and engaging performance. Our full review is here.
Details: The Amazing Max and The Box of Interesting Things, in an open-ended Off-Broadway run.  Manhattan Movement & Arts Center  248 W. 60th Street, NYC (between Amsterdam and West End Avenues)
Performances: Saturdays and Sundays at 4:30pm.
Tickets: The Amazing Max is performed at the MMAC Theater located in the  Magic Carpet Rides (VIP seating) $49.50, regular general admission tickets $29.50. Tickets are available at  www.telecharge.com or by phone at 212-239-6200 or 800-432-7250.

Saturday, January 28th — Sunday, January 29th: 2pm and 4pm
The Piccolini Trio in Circus In A Trunk
A trio of clowns arrive Canal Park Playhouse excited to see a circus show… that never happens. Bummer, right? Not quite. The trio then decide to perform the show themselves, pulling together a funny performance out of an antique trunk. The Piccolini Trio combine contemporary and classic European style clowning for a performance replete with music, acrobatics, physical comedy, juggling, pantomine, and poetic whimsy.
Details: Canal Park Playhouse. 508 Canal Street between Greenwich and West Street. Tickets: $20 (a pre or post-show Pre Fixe brunch is available for an additional $8 in advance and $10 at the door). For tickets or more information, call OvationTix at 1-866-811-4111 or visit their website.

Saturday, January 28th — Sunday, January 29th: 11am
The Little Rascals
Head over to the Canal Park Playhouse to see Our Gang, also known as The Little Rascals! This was a hit this fall and we’re sure that it’ll be just as good, if not better. Enjoy the exuberant shenanigans of Spanky, Alfalfa, Buckwheat, Darla, Froggie and the rest of the gang screened in the Canal Park Playhouse theater.
Details: Canal Park Playhouse. 508 Canal Street between Greenwich and West Street. Tickets: $9. (a Pre Fixe brunch is available before or after the screenings for an additional $8 in advance or $10 at the door. For tickets or more information, call OvationTix at 1-866-811-4111 or visit www.canalparkplayhouse.com.

Friday, January 27th – Sunday, February 26th: various times
The Berenstain Bears LIVE!
We are so excited about the “beary” good show that will be held at the Marjorie S. Dean Little Theatre! In The Berenstain Bears LIVE! in Family Matters, our favorite Bear Country citizens come to life on the Off-Broadway stage. In addition to teaching life lessons during the show, there will be a mini dance party and face painting afterwards. It’s going to be “bear”mazing! We have all seen it a couple of times and it’s super cute for the kids.
Details: Marjorie S. Dean Little Theatre. 10 West 64th Street and Central Park West. Tickets start at $34.95. 866.811.4111.

Friday, January 27th – Tuesday, January 31st: various times
Polar Express 4D at Central Park Zoo, the Bronx Zoo, and New York Aquarium
The amazing Polar Express is making stops this Holiday Season at the Central Park Zoo, the Bronx Zoo, and the New York Aquarium. It is sure to be a great time and will play at the Central Park Zoo through January 31, 2012.
Details: 718.220.5100

Friday, January 27th — Tuesday, January 31st: various times
ElectriCity: Powering New York’s Rails Exhibit
Your kids will love this highly interactive exhibit at The New York Transit Museum. Who are we kidding?! You’ll love the exhibit too! Originally designed by the Liberty Science Museum, this exhibit allows kids to touch, feel, and see for themselves how the subways and buses work. Hands-on activities will have the little ones capturing light with a solar panel and operating a model train with a hand-cranked motor.
Details: Boerum Place and Schermerhorn St. Phone: 718.694.1600. Click here to visit the website.

Friday, January 27th – Saturday March 31st from 10am – 5pm
Secrets of Circles Exhibit at Brooklyn Children’s Museum
There’s no doubt about it, circles are everywhere! The “Secrets of Circles” exhibit at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum features 18 different interactive activities that explore the nature of this simple, but amazing shape. From building mechanical contraptions to using a compass to draw awesome glow-in-the-dark circles, this fun exhibit provides a great way for math and science to come to life. This is going to be a crowd-pleaser, for sure, and will definitely give new meaning to “the wheels on the bus go round and round.”
Details: Brooklyn Children’s Museum   45 Brooklyn Avenue  Brooklyn, NY 11213  718-735-4400 www.brooklynkids.org

ALL WEEKEND

Friday- Sunday, January 27 – 29
Wuthering Heights
We have all read about the doomed relationship with Heathcliff and Catherine but what you haven’t seen is the Dutch stage production of it. Winner of the Gouden Krekel Award (Golden Cricket Award) for best Dutch theater production for young audiences in 2010, Wuthering Heights was deemed one of the 10 highlights of the 2009-10 theater season by the Dutch Theatre Festival 2010. Performed on a spare set that evokes the tempestuous nature of the moors, this contemporary stage adaptation exposes the timeless nature and inescapable power of the Emily Brontë classic love story. Recommended for ages 13 to adult
Details: January 27 – 29  Friday at 7pm, Saturday at 2pm and 7pm, Sunday at 3pm  The New Victory Theater
Tickets: Theater-goers who buy tickets for three or more New Vic shows qualify for free Membership benefits, including up to 35-percent savings with tickets as low as $9.  Full-price tickets for individual productions are as low as $14 each. To purchase tickets online, visit NewVictory.org, and to purchase by phone, call 646-223-3010.  The New Victory Theater box office (209 West 42nd Street) is open Sunday and Monday from 11am-5pm and Tuesday through Saturday from 12pm-7pm.

FRIDAY JANUARY 27th

Friday, January 27th at 6:15pm
Family Movie Night at The Moxie Spot
Still stumped on how to enjoy Family Friday Nights after a long week? Head on over to The Moxie Spot, a family-friendly restaurant and play space for a fun Friday night film screening. Kids will eat for free when you purchase an entrée from the dinner special after 5:30pm. Now that what we call “family friendly.”
Details: The short feature begins at 6:15pm. The longer feature begins at 6:45pm. 81-83 Atlantic Avenue (at Hicks Street). 718.923.9710

SATURDAY JANUARY 28TH

Saturday, January 28th from 11am — 12pm
FREE Heroes and Tricksters Class at Dancewave
At Dancewave’s Spring Semester Open House, Blue Man Group member, Peter Musante, will take this class on a full-body exploration of character-driven physicality and play. How? By using fun group exercises inspired by various dance and physical theater approaches, while allowing the students to unleash their creativity.
Details: 45 Fourth Avenue at Dean Street. Ages 7-10. Registration required: RSVP@dancewave.org

Saturday, January 28th at 3pm
Mil’s Trills Winter Bash 2012: Meet the Orchestra at Littlefield
Get ready for an exciting celebration of music for babies, kids, and the entire family! Amelia Robinson and her electric ukulele present a symphony of musical guests in the Mil’s Trills Philharmonic premiere. Here’s your chance to meet the instruments of the orchestra — french horn, flute, sousaphone, upright bass, violin, trumpet and more! Plus… there will be special guest appearances including Puppetry Arts, face painters, circus performers, and a recital by parents/graduates of the Mil’s Trills Fall 2011 Ukulele Workshop.
Details: Littlefield — 622 Degraw Avenue between 3rd and 4th Avenues. (R train to Union Street). Tickets: $10/advance, $15 per adult at the door, kids under 4 years old are FREE. Seating begins at 3pm, show begins at 3:30pm. Bring your blankets, shakes, and ukuleles. Visit the website for more information or to book tickets.

Saturday, January 28th at 12:30pm and 2:30pm
Puss in Boots at Puppetworks, Inc
If your child is a fan of the movie, then they will love this too! Now is the chance for them to find out what happens to this little kitten when he is given a pair of boots that turns out to be… wait for it… magical! This adorable tale will leave your child feeling enchanted, to asy the least.
Details: 338 6th Aevnue at 4th Street. Tickets: $7/child, $8/adult. Registration is suggested. Call 718.965.3391 or email puppetworks@verizon.net to reserve your tickets!

Saturday, January 28th at 1:00pm
The Wiyos Concert at The Brooklyn Central Library
What better way to get your entire family up and moving and grooving than with The Wiyos? Grab your most stylish fedora and let this band take you back to the 1920′s and 30′s during the FREE, interactive CanergieKids concert at The Brooklyn Central Library. The children will be in 45-minutes of glory, falling in love with the guitar, banjo, kazoo, and harmonica.
Details: 10 Grand Army Plaza. FREE and open to all. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, January 28th at 11am
Chinese New Year Fun at Apple Seeds
If you have yet to celebrate The Year of the Dragon, then this FREE event is totally for you. Michele Wong McSween, author of the “Gordon and Lili” book series will do an engaging book reading and guests from Mandarin Tree House will entertain children with fun theme-related activities.
Details: 10 West 25th Street, NYC. FREE for all. Ages 5 and under. For more information, contact hello@appleseedsnyc.com or visit the website.

Saturday, January 28th at 11am
Kids Story Time at Greenlight Bookstore
Grab the kiddies and head to Saturday Story Time, which typically features authors and illustrators of picture books and/or neighborhood performers reading stories. At times, there may even be crafts! A totally entertaining Saturday morning? We think so!
Details: Geared towards kids ages 3 – 8 years. Open to the public, but on a first come, first served basis. 686 Fulton Street (at South Portland). Phone: 718. 246. 0200. Website: http://greenlightbookstore.com/storytime

Saturday, January 28th at 2:30pm
Art Works at The Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Visit the Totally Tots area with your little ones to see what’s in store for that budding Picasso!
Details: 145 Brooklyn Avenue. 718. 735.4400. Ages 5 and under.

Saturday, January 28 from 1-4 pm
Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration at the Winter Gardens
Celebrate the most popular Chinese holiday with gravity-defying acrobatics, festive musical ensembles, costumed folk dancers, and of course the lion dance! Young audiences learn traditional techniques of paper cutting, dough figurines, face painting, and calligraphy.
Arts & Crafts: 1–2:30pm (balcony)
Performances: 2:30–4pm (stage)
Details: World Financial Center’s Winter Garden. See Map.

Saturday, January 28th from 10:30am — 11:30am
Story Time with Carol and Friends
Carroll Garden folks, weekly story time has never been so good! The Friends of Carroll Garden Library present, “Story Time with Carol and Friends” so head on over to join in on the educational fun. PLEASE NOTE: This week, Story Time will feature a special guest — Edgar, the piglet! He loves meeting new kids, weighs 11 pounds, and his favorite food is pig chow. Kids will love meeting and petting him!
Details: All ages welcomed. FREE for all. 396 Clinton Street. For more information, contact:friendscglibrary@gmail.com or visit their website.

Saturday, January 28th from 11am — 12pm
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Brooklyn is absolutely wonderful, but sometimes there is a reason to leave the borough. This is one of those reasons. Head over to St. Luke’s Theatre to become mesmerized by “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” the first in C.S. Lewis’s classic series, The Chronicles of Narnia. In this creative adaptation, two actors play eight characters, both human and animals, and they take the audience along as they travel to Narnia and bring mythical creatures to life.
Details: Ages 6 and up. 308 West 46th Street. Tickets: $35.00. For more information, visit the website.

SUNDAY JANUARY 29TH

Sunday, January 29th: 11:30 am- 4 pm
Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival
The Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & New Year’s Day Firecracker Ceremony was founded in 1999 to provide New york’s Chinese American community with a large scale celebration on par with those in San Francisco and Los Angeles. In recent years it has suppressed it, the event has grown into a New York City-wide affair and New York’s biggest winter tourist attraction, luring thousands of visitors from all over the United States and the world.  With the dog parade 5 years ago and 4 years ago the Pig race, 2- colorful float, 20 antique cars, 200 cultural performers & 3000 marchers participating making the parade more exciting. Last year, a record 500,000 spectators flooded the streets of Chinatown to welcome the year of the Rabbit.  A truly pan-Asian spectacle, the Parade features cultural performers and organizations from all across Asia, including China, Korea, Japan, Vietman, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and Hispanic & American dancer, bands and cultural floats.
Details: The parade starts at 1 pm. The parade starts at Little Italy and goes through the main streets of Lower Manhattan/Chinatown (Mott, Canal, Bowery, Chatham Square, East Broadway, Eldridge, Hester, Forsyth  & Grand St.) and ends at the Lower East Side on Grand St by Sara Roosevelt Park.  Cultural Festival & Booth: Sara Roosevelt Park (Canal & Forsyth St) One block from major subway system, next to Manhattan Bridge, close by Brooklyn Bridge & Holland Tunnel and nearby all out of town buses, and surrounded by major market place.

Sunday, January 29th at 2:00pm
Hot Peas ‘N Butter at Brooklyn College’s Performance Arts Center
Things are about to get HOT! The children’s musical group Hot Peas ‘N Butter, combines an interactive and invigorating approach to performance with multicultural music, blending jazz, R&B, folk, rock, and Afro-Carribean tunes that’ll have the little ones dancing in the aisles. Oh, and you may want to dance as well. Fun, right?
Details: 2900 Campus Road. All ages welcomed. Tickets: $7.00. Contact 718.951.4500 or visit the website for more information.

Sunday, January 29th beginning at 12pm
Brooklyn Lunar New Year Parade
Head to Sunset Park and celebrate all that is awesome about Chinese New Year. Sponsored by the Brooklyn-Chinese American Association, this parade will be an unforgettable one filled with appearances from community luminaries and cultural performances. The possession will end at 61st Street and Eight Avenue.
Details: Begins at 8th Avenue and 50th Street. FREE for all.

Sunday, January 29th from 6:00pm — 9:00pm
Family Bingo Night at The Moxie Spot
What a lovely way to end the weekend! Eat, drink, play, and win big! (Well, hopefully.) There will be little prizes for the little kids, who, by the way, can eat for FREE with the purchase of any dinner entree or dinner special. Yum!
Details: 81 Atlantic Avenue. Ages 4 and up. Contact 718.923.9710 or visit the website for more information.

Sunday, January 29th at 11am
Baby Stories and Singalongs at Greenlight Bookstore
Babies and toddlers under 3 years old will be highly entertained with stories, songs, and interactive play as the children’s performers Miss Nina, Jon Samson, and Vered take turns keeping them busy.
Details: Geared toward ages 3 years and under. Open to public, but on a first come, first served basis. 686 Fulton Street (at South Portland). http://greenlightbookstore.com/storytime

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Post tags: berenstain bears live show, brooklyn childrens museum, brooklyn college theatre, canal park playhouse, canal park playhouse little rascals, central park, chinese new year, chinese new year celebrations, chinese new year parade nyc, dancewave, electricity, event for kid in brooklyn, family friendly events, greenlight bookstore story, kids story time at greenlight bookstore, littlefield, lunar new year parade, moxie spot, puppetworks, singalongs in brooklyn, storytime at carroll gardens library, storytimes in brooklyn, sunset park, the amazing max and the box of interesting things, the little rascals, the new victory theater, the new york transit museum, the piccolini trio, theater for kids in nyc, there berenstain bears, things to do with children, transit museum in brooklyn

The one time I went to a Gustafer Yellowgold concert, there were parents there that looked like regular rock band groupies. One father, who stood next to me in the back, sang all the songs about Gustafer, the small yellow cone-headed fellow, while his kids squished into seats up front. One mom and her daughter twirled and danced the entire concert: I’m sure that child went to bed early. It’s not like a Gustafer Yellowgold concert is totally rocking; it’s more like a trippy, mellow journey where the regular world is suspended for just a bit and a new world takes its place: one where a  plushie yellow being can interact with humans and work out issues with its odd friends- all backed up by animated, wacky graphics.

Gustafer Yellowgold is back in NYC again, and this time backed up by the orchestral sounds of The Chelsea Symphony on Saturday, February 11th and 12th. I’m sure it will change the indie-rock feel of the past shows, but  just how, I don’t know. It should be a pretty interesting event.

Before you go, you might want to know a bit about Gustafer so you can acclimate yourselves to his odd world. Created by illustrator/songwriter/performer Morgan Taylor, Gustafer is a small creature who came to Earth from the Sun. He has a knack for finding himself neck-deep in absurd situations as he explores his new life.

Giveaway!
We are giving a family 4 pack of tickets to the Sunday, February 12th show at 4 pm). To enter, please leave a comment either here or on Facebook and tell us why you want to go to this show. You can enter as  many times as you like! The contest will end February 1st at midnight. The winner will be chosen on random.org and notified on the 2nd via Facebook and in the comments section here.

Here are some reviews for their past shows:

• Time magazine called Gustafer’s creator, , a “star of kindie rock.”
• Entertainment Weekly praised “…the most infectious original songs.  It’s like tapping into some pleasure center in the brain- both adult and kid…absurdly appealing,”
• The New York Times declared, “The show is a cross between ‘Yellow Submarine’ and Doctor Seuss.”
• The Chicago Tribune enthused, “Gustafer Yellowgold has made kids’ music so cool that teenagers and ultra-hip bands such as Wilco want to get in on the act … a shiny blend of pop art and pop tunes.”

Details:
Gustafer Yellowgold
Saturday, February 11th at  11 a.m.; Sunday, February 12th at  4 p.m.
Peter Jay Sharp Theatre at Symphony Space,  2537 Broadway at 95th St,, NYC
Tickets:
$25 adults; $15 children under 12.   (Members $21 adults; $13 children)   212-864-5400.   http://www.symphonyspace.org

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Post tags: concert, giveaway, gustafer yellowgold, gustafer yellowgold in nyc, music events, review of gustafer yellowgold, symphony space, tickets to gustafer, win tickets

Let’s just say that investigating and applying for schools in NYC is like crossing a raging river. (I’m trying to be optimistic here). Don’t despair! There are bridges for you so you can get to the other side of the process without losing your mind.  Insideschools.org is throwing you a rope and hosting a free event for parents about kindergarten and elementary school admissions.

Join Clara Hemphill, the staff of Insideschools, and other experts with answers to your questions about:

• what to look for in an elementary school
• how and when to register
• gifted and talented programs
• special education
• English as a second language
• charter schools

This event is co-sponsored by The New York City Council.  Invited guest: City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn.

Details: Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m
Theresa Lang Community & Student Center
55 W. 13th St. (between 5th & 6th Aves), 2nd floor
Admission is free but you must RSVP, email centernyc@newschool.edu.

Insideschools.org is a project of the Center for New York City Affairs at The New School.  This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the David L. Klein, Jr. Foundation and The New York Community Trust.

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Post tags: brooklyn, charter schools, dual language programs, education in brooklyn, english as second language, Gifted and Talented Programs, how to apply for elementary, how to apply for kindergarten, inside schools event on feb 7, nyc, nyc publich schools, public schools in brooklyn, seminars, special education, special education programs, what to look for in an elementary school, when to register for elementary school in nyc, workshops

Who wouldn’t want to raise a good sleeper?! Imagine this: a full night’s good sleep for you and your partner…. and upon waking, you find you have a cheery baby who has also had a good night’s sleep! Not that she is making any promises, but Dr. Janet Kennedy (aka the NYC Sleep Doctor), will give you the steps on making that a real possibility during her new workshops at Tribeca Parenting.

If you start early with helping your baby grow into a good sleeper, you may avoid the struggle of sleep training later on. When our youngest, Willow, was 5 months, I got mono and needed major sleep. Willow was doing that “baby thing” of waking up from her naps after 45 minutes and though she was exhausted, she couldn’t get back to sleep. I would rock her in the glider before trying to transfer her to the co-sleeper and then wahhh! she woke up the moment I tried to put her down. I ended up just sleeping with her in the glider for days on end. I called the NYC Sleep Doctor to help dig us out of the sleeping abyss we had fallen into.

Dr. Kennedy taught me methods to help Willow soothe herself back to sleep. We learned everything from recognizing her favorite sleep positions and sleepy signs to establishing a good schedule to get some control over our sleep patterns. It helped tremendously and when Willow eventually learned ways to get herself back to sleep, I made my own way back to recovery.

Here is the scoop on the 2 hours clinics that will be taught at Tribeca Parenting locations in Park Slope, Williamsburg, Fort Greene, Tribeca and the Upper East Side. The one in Fort Greene starts this Tuesday (January 24th).

How to Raise a Good Sleeper:
For expectant parents and parents of babies 0-12 months

You will learn:

• The basics of infant sleep patterns
• How to make sure your child is well rested
• Soothing techniques for fussy babies
• How to help your child learn to put herself to sleep
• How to avoid excessive crying
• How to address sleep problems as they arise
• … and how to keep the whole family well rested!

No single method fits every family’s needs, just as there is no one way for infants to sleep. Let’s get away from sleep advice that doesn’t work for you, and we’ll find real, productive solutions for your family. Taught by Dr. Janet Kennedy, the NYC Sleep Doctor, these workshops will teach you to get more and better sleep for both you and your baby.

Details: $75 per couple. Please feel free to bring your baby! See Schedule and Register. If you do a phone registration they are offering our readers a $10 discount if you mention “A Child Grows”. (646) 863-4500

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Post tags: classes at tribeca parenting, crying it out, dr janet kennedy, fort greene, help your baby go back to sleep after waking from nap, how to get your baby to sleep, janet kennedy, not doing crying it out, NYC sleep doctor, parent coach in Brooklyn, park slope, reviews of tribeca parenting, sleep consultant in brooklyn, sleep doctor, sleep dr, sleep help in brooklyn, sleep seminar in brooklyn, tribeca, tribeca parenting, upper east side, williamsburg

Could you say overreacting on my part?! Here we are at Ft. Greene Park

Snow! The forecast from weather.com is: “Through 3pm: Intermittent snow, sleet and/or freezing rain will change to a few snow showers around noon.  About one inch of additional snow through 2:30pm.” All to say, that means we may have great snow for sledding!

Our sleds are perched at our front door, snowpants washed and laid out…. all in hopes of a fabulous day of sledding! See you out there!

Here are some of the best sledding hills:

NYC:

• Pilgrim Hill in Central Park (5th Ave and 72nd Street)
• Riverside Park on the Upper West Side (beware of “Suicide Park” at Riverside Dive and 91st Street- it’s meant for adults and older kids). Instead head to Riverside Drive and 103rd Street.

Brooklyn:

Fort Greene/Clinton Hill:

1. Fort Greene Park
   There are about 4 sides to the hill so it never gets too crowded.
   1. The small hill nearest to the Willoughby entrance off Myrtle is small and best for the littlest in your family. The slope ends in a nice snow field where others are building snowmen and trekking to and from the playground. However, there is a lampost to watch out for but it is often surrounded by hay bales to protect sledders.
   2. The steepest area is at the top of the hill by the monument- on the stairs- yes, on the stairs. If there is enough snow, the 3 sets of stairs leading up to the monument from Myrtle Ave are covered. The “run” is to down all 3 sets of stairs. There is a plateau at the end of each one so that if you are able, you can stop yourself from going all the way down to the bottom. Otherwise, be prepared for a hair-raising ride.  This is not a hill for the faint of heart- many adults won’t go down it, but kids ages 4 years and up do go down with their parents nonetheless (including ours). I went down the first slope with my 2 year old and stopped at the bottom there so that we didn’t go all the way down. You may snowboarders here too!
   3. There is a hill on the backside of the park that leads to Myrtle Ave which is a nice hill- not as steep and yet still a good one.
   4. The most popular hill is by the tennis courts.  It’s a nice wide slope and so multiple sleds can go down at the same time. There are some obstacles to avoid: lampost, tree and recycling area. The park usually covers these with hay bales to prevent injuries.
      By Public Transportation:  Subways: C to Lafayette, G to Fulton, R,Q, B to DeKalb Avenue,  2, 3,4, 5, D, N to Atlantic Avenue. Buses: B38, B52, B25, B26. Sleds are usually available at the dollar store on Myrtle Ave.

Park Slope:

1. The Nethermead- Picnic House area
   This favored location in Prospect Park has great sledding hills and can get crowded. The best hills are next to the picnic house. For the hills by the picnic house, enter at Prospect Park West and 3rd Streets and head southwest along West Drive. 
   By Public Transportation: (MTA map) • F Train to 15th St./Prospect Park station • 2 or 3 Train to Grand Army Plaza station • B-68, B-69 or B-75 Buses to Prospect Park West and 9th St.
2. The Long Meadow Slope- Tennis House Area
   This nice hill, next to the tennis house is a popular spot. Head to 9th Street, off of Prospect Park West, then walk towards the interior of the park and cross West Drive to the Long Meadow.
   By Public Transportation : (MTA map) • F Train to 7th Ave station or 15th St./Prospect Park station • 2 or 3 Train to Grand Army Plaza station • B-68, B-69 or B-75 Buses to Prospect Park West and 9th St.
3. Vanderbilt Playground
   The sledding hill is across from the playground and right above the lake. It isn’t too steep or crowded. Head to Prospect Park Southwest and Vanderbilt, and head towards Prospect Park Lake. This location is right off of Prospect Park Southwest, so it’s good for little ones as it’s not too far of a hike into the park.
   By Public Transportation : F Train to 7th Ave. Station or the 2 or 3 to Grand Army Plaza Station.
4. Maryland Monument
   Enter at Prospect Park Southwest and 16th Street and proceed across to Wellhouse Drive. The slope is by the bridge and is pretty steep. It’s better for school aged kids. There are stairs there to aid in climbing the slope.
5. Breeze Hill
   Plog NYC alerted us to their fabulous steep sledding spot and their sledcam proves it! They say, “for parents on the east side of Prospect Park, there’s a nice steep sledding spot called Breeze Hill. It’s north of the Concert Grove past the Oriental Pavilion. Walk up the hill and point your sleds south towards the Wollman Rink. It’s lightly trafficked and short but fairly steep. Best for kids eight and above.”
   By Public transportation: Q or B train to Prospect Park station. Walk down Lincoln Road towards the park. Keep walking in the same direction and you can’t miss it.

Sunset Park:

1. Sunset Park
   This hill is not long, but relatively steep. It’s not overcrowded and if you need a sled, you can buy one at the hardware store across the street.  The hill is easily climbable for a 4 year old. You might find some kids snowboarding down the hill even.
   Enter at 41st/44th Street and 5th Ave.
   By Public Transportation : R to 45th, N/D to 36th, B63 to 42nd.

Bay Ridge:

1. Owl’s Head Park in Bay Ridge.
   Head to Shore Parkway, Shore Road, Colonial Road and 68 Street.  MAP
2. There is a hill at Shore Rd and 97th.
   Enter from 97th and go right down the ramp and you will see a big hill. It may be somewhat steep for young kids.

Brooklyn Heights:

1. The dog park by Harry Chapin Playground is a great spot with a nice slope.
   Head to Columbia Heights between Cranberry and Middagh Streets. You can buy a sled at the hardware store on Court/Livingston. MAP

Dumbo:

1. Clumber Corner is a nice sloping corner as its name suggests. From the photos I have seen of it, this is on my MUST SLED list this winter!
   It’s located near the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) and at the corner of Washington Street and Prospect St. Dumbonyc.com has a great photo of it. The slope is steep enough that makes it fun and slopes toward Washington Street which has parked cars, so it’s not dangerous. MAP
   By Public Transportation : F to York Street, 3 blocks down York, left on Washington St 1 block
   A or C to High Street, Cadman Plaza East, go under the Brooklyn Bridge
   which is the corner of Washington and Prospect.

Don’t have a sled?

Try these quickie makeshift sleds to make your kids scream with delight:

• A metal garbage can lid turned over (the best really)
• Find an old tire (you can buy them from tire shops- and there’s one by the G stop at Fulton St. in Fort Greene near the park)
• A cookie sheet
• Cardboard box (the more creases it has, the more you will slow down, to make it faster, wrap it in a garbage bag)
• I saw some kids using recycling bags for great effect!

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Archival Gold DVDs

In my other life or increasingly, my former life, I was a photographer. So, I get asked a lot about how to store digital photos.  Since so many of us are taking digital photos of our children, I thought this might prove of interest to you.

Here is what I do:

I make 2 backups of everything. EGADS! (I know, I know). But, I do. In fact, if I were really smart I would have 3 backups (which is what I am going to recommend to you).

1. I have a dedicated hard drive for my photos. Hard drives go bad though so you can’t depend upon this as your only storage. Case in point, I lost one of my photo hard drives a few months ago. Thankfully, Mac Concierge recovered all my data for a very fair price.
2. Secondly, I copy all the images to archival gold DVDs. The Archival Gold are supposed to be able to store your images for more than 100 years. Don’t forget a Safe Pen for writing on the DVDs. Regular pens or markers can destroy a DVD or CD due to their solvents and alcohols.
3. What I should do- but don’t….is have an online backup system like iPhoto, Migratr or any of the reasonably priced online storage systems.

Happy Shooting!

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Post tags: archival gold, archival gold dvd, dvd safe pen, photo storage, safe pen, storing photos

Nothing beats the cold more than a good movie and snuggling up to your …..baby, toddler or little kid!  If you love classic movies  and want to share them with your child in an actual theatre, then head out to the popular series Big Movies for Little Kids. This series, begun by two mothers, is meant to be totally casual: no one minds if your child bursts into tears or runs into the aisles. In fact, it’s downright expected.  Just make sure you arrive early as it often sells out. The Winter Season begins this Monday and debuts with favorite film, The Phantom Tollbooth.

The series is for ages 2 years and up at Cobble Hill Cinemas for $7 a ticket. All walkers need tickets and can be purchased ahead of time at www.cobblehilltheatre.com.

This Monday, Big Movies for Little Kids is serving up one of my childhood favorite books and films, The Phantom Tollbooth.  Animation master Chuck Jones made this children’s classic book come alive on the screen for all of children of the 70′s. (1970; USA; rated G; color animation; 90 minutes)
Upcoming Movies:

This Monday, January 23rd, Big Movies for Little Kids is serving up one of my childhood favorite books and films, The Phantom Tollbooth. Animation master Chuck Jones made this children’s classic book come alive on the screen for all of children of the 70′s. (1970; USA; rated G; color animation; 90 minutes)

Monday, February 13th, 4pm
BALTO

Monday, February 27th, 4pm
BUSTER KEATON SHORTS

Monday, March 12th, 4pm
PIPPI LONGSTOCKING

Monday, April 23rd, 4pm
CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG

Monday, May 7th, 4pm
BARBAPAPA

Monday, May 21st, 4pm
SHAUN THE SHEEP

Monday, June 4th, 4pm
SECOND ANNUAL STUDENT FILM FESTIVAL

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Post tags: big movies for little kids, Cobble Hill Cinemas, cobble hill theatre, movie series for brooklyn kids, movie series for parents in brooklyn, the phantom tollbooth

Brrr… it’s cold out there! It’s official, winter is here in full force and with these cold temperatures, it’s easy to want to stay indoors while sipping hot cocoa. As appealing as that may sound, we simply cannot have our fabulous Brooklynites stuck inside with cabin fever. And so, we’ve rounded up the best activities to get you out of the house to embrace winter and make it nothing but glorious. This is the final weekend to visit the Math Midway exhibit that we’ve been raving about since, like, last year. Be sure to check it out if you haven’t done so. For all of you foodies or parents of budding foodies, the Kids Food Festival will be in Bryant Park this weekend. There will be lots of tips and tricks for establishing healthy eating habits as well as live performances so we’re sure it’ll be a good event. If you think Sunday will be the day to stay home, think again. There are such entertaining events going on, including the New York Transit Museum’s special day planned for families with children with special needs. How will you choose just one event?! Don’t forget to visit our calendar and Music Listings for even more events. As always, have a glorious and fun-filled weekend!

ONGOING

Friday, January 20th — Sunday, January 22th
Math Midway at Liberty Science Center
This fabulous exhibit makes math fun for all ages from babies all the way up to adults. Try a square-wheeled bicycle, hang out with magnetic monkeys, or check out mind-bending mirrors. This show debuted at the World Science Festival Fair in Washington Square in 2009, and even in its smaller capacity there, it dazzled visitors. This interactive exhibit is fabulous fun worth a trip to New Jersey for – stay for an Imax show or one of the other permanent exhibits. The exhibit runs through January 22, 2012. It’s highly recommended.
Details: Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard. Jersey City, NJ 07305

Friday, January 20th — March 10: various times
Magic! The Amazing Max and The Box of Interesting Things
Magician Max Darwin makes objects appear out of thin air, as the laws of physics are defied, and miracles are performed inches from spectators’ faces. This isn’t a show that you ask, “How did he do that?” It’s not that Max doesn’t do great tricks, he does. It’s that the show is so focused on the hijinks of Hamlet the mind-reading pig and the silliness of coins appearing out of every bodily orifice, that the audience doesn’t have time to focus on the head-scratching things Max performs. The magic is just the sideshow to a very entertaining and engaging performance. Our full review is here.
Details: The Amazing Max and The Box of Interesting Things, in an open-ended Off-Broadway run.  Manhattan Movement & Arts Center  248 W. 60th Street, NYC (between Amsterdam and West End Avenues)
Performances: Saturdays and Sundays at 4:30pm.  
Tickets: The Amazing Max is performed at the MMAC Theater located in the  Magic Carpet Rides (VIP seating) $49.50, regular general admission tickets $29.50. Tickets are available at  www.telecharge.com or by phone at 212-239-6200 or 800-432-7250.

Friday, January 20th – Saturday March 31st from 10am – 5pm
Secrets of Circles Exhibit at Brooklyn Children’s Museum
There’s no doubt about it, circles are everywhere! The “Secrets of Circles” exhibit at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum features 18 different interactive activities that explore the nature of this simple, but amazing shape. From building mechanical contraptions to using a compass to draw awesome glow-in-the-dark circles, this fun exhibit provides a great way for math and science to come to life. This is going to be a crowd-pleaser, for sure, and will definitely give new meaning to “the wheels on the bus go round and round.”
Details: Brooklyn Children’s Museum   45 Brooklyn Avenue  Brooklyn, NY 11213  718-735-4400 www.brooklynkids.org

Friday, January 20th – Sunday, February 26th: various times
The Berenstain Bears LIVE!
We are so excited about the “beary” good show that will be held at the Marjorie S. Dean Little Theatre! In The Berenstain Bears LIVE! in Family Matters, our favorite Bear Country citizens come to life on the Off-Broadway stage. In addition to teaching life lessons during the show, there will be a mini dance party and face painting afterwards. It’s going to be “bear”mazing! We have all seen it a couple of times and it’s super cute for the kids.
Details: Marjorie S. Dean Little Theatre. 10 West 64th Street and Central Park West. Tickets start at $34.95. 866.811.4111.

Friday, January 20th – Tuesday, January 31st: various times
Polar Express 4D at Central Park Zoo, the Bronx Zoo, and New York Aquarium
The amazing Polar Express is making stops this Holiday Season at the Central Park Zoo, the Bronx Zoo, and the New York Aquarium. It is sure to be a great time and will play at the Central Park Zoo through January 31, 2012.
Details: 718.220.5100

Friday, January 20th — Tuesday, January 31st: various times
ElectriCity: Powering New York’s Rails Exhibit
Your kids will love this highly interactive exhibit at The New York Transit Museum. Who are we kidding?! You’ll love the exhibit too! Originally designed by the Liberty Science Museum, this exhibit allows kids to touch, feel, and see for themselves how the subways and buses work. Hands-on activities will have the little ones capturing light with a solar panel and operating a model train with a hand-cranked motor.
Details: Boerum Place and Schermerhorn St. Phone: 718.694.1600. Click here to visit the website.

Saturday, January 21st — Sunday, January 29th: 2pm and 4pm
The Piccolini Trio in Circus In A Trunk
A trio of clowns arrive Canal Park Playhouse excited to see a circus show… that never happens. Bummer, right? Not quite. The trio then decide to perform the show themselves, pulling together a funny performance out of an antique trunk. The Piccolini Trio combine contemporary and classic European style clowning for a performance replete with music, acrobatics, physical comedy, juggling, pantomine, and poetic whimsy.
Details: Canal Park Playhouse. 508 Canal Street between Greenwich and West Street. Tickets: $20 (a pre or post-show Pre Fixe brunch is available for an additional $8 in advance and $10 at the door). For tickets or more information, call OvationTix at 1-866-811-4111 or visit their website.

Saturday, January 21st — Sunday, January 29th: 11am
The Little Rascals
Head over to the Canal Park Playhouse to see Our Gang, also known as The Little Rascals! This was a hit this fall and we’re sure that it’ll be just as good, if not better. Enjoy the exuberant shenanigans of Spanky, Alfalfa, Buckwheat, Darla, Froggie and the rest of the gang screened in the Canal Park Playhouse theater.
Details: Canal Park Playhouse. 508 Canal Street between Greenwich and West Street. Tickets: $9. (a Pre Fixe brunch is available before or after the screenings for an additional $8 in advance or $10 at the door. For tickets or more information, call OvationTix at 1-866-811-4111 or visit www.canalparkplayhouse.com.

ALL WEEKEND

Saturday, January 21st and Sunday, January 22nd from 10am — 6pm
Kids Food Festival at Citi Pond, Bryant Park
Do you have a budding foodie kid on your hands? Or are you simply trying to encourage healthy eating habits? Or are you a foodie? If you answered “yes” to these questions, then this is the event for you. In and all around Citi Pond, kids will have the opportunity to learn about nutrition, healthy eating habits, and how to combat obesity. They will also be able to learn from top chefs like Sam Talbot, Jehangir Mehta, and David Burke, as well as check out popular musical acts like Kimmy Schwimmy and Joanie Leeds at the performance stage. Talk about fun and educational!
Please note: Admission is free, but most events are $25/child, with free admission for up to two accompanying adults.
Details: Citi Pond at Bryant Park. 42nd Street at 6th Avenue, NYC. All are welcomed. Telephone: 201. 503. 1333. Visit the website to see the entire lineup of events and performances.

Saturday, January 21st and Sunday, January 22nd 11am — 5pm
Beam Camp Presents The Brooklyn Inventgenuity Festival
Head on over to the Invisible Art Dog Center for Brooklyn’s Third Annual Inventgenuity Festival! Presented by Beam Camp, a New Hampshire summer camp for the applied arts, technology, and collaboration, this event will be a hit with tweens and teens. The festival will explore dis/assembly with two days of hands-on workshops and on-going collective projects led by expert makers, unmakers, and re-makers of sound, electricity, food, and all kinds of objects. See our detailed post abut the weekends events here.
Details:  The Invisible Art Dog Center. 51 Bergen Street. Ages 7-16. Free admission with a $5.00 workshop material fee. Registration is required. Contact: brian@beamcamp.com. Visit the website for more information.

FRIDAY JANUARY 20TH

Friday, January 20th at 6:15pm
Family Movie Night at The Moxie Spot
Still stumped on how to enjoy Family Friday Nights after a long week? Head on over to The Moxie Spot, a family-friendly restaurant and play space for a fun Friday night film screening. Kids will eat for free when you purchase an entrée from the dinner special after 5:30pm. Now that what we call “family friendly.”
Details: The short feature begins at 6:15pm. The longer feature begins at 6:45pm. 81-83 Atlantic Avenue (at Hicks Street). 718.923.9710

Friday, January 20th from 6:30pm — 8:00pm
Pajama Gloga Yoga at Karma Kids Yoga
Now here’s my idea of a pajama party! Kids will be thrilled to wear their favorite pajamas to this special class at Karma Kids Yoga. After a fantastical yoga adventure, there will be a story and yummy smelling foot rubs. And what better way to end such a class than with milk and cookies? Yum! This is such a lovely way to end a tough (and cold) week. Not to mention that the kiddies will be thrilled to party in their pajamas!
Details: 104 West 14th Street, 2nd floor. Price: $20/child. Ages 4-7. Please call to reserve a space: 646.638.1444. Visit the website for more information.

SATURDAY JANUARY 21ST

Saturday, January 21st at 11am
Kids Story Time at Greenlight Bookstore
Grab the kiddies and head to Saturday Story Time, which typically features authors and illustrators of picture books and/or neighborhood performers reading stories. At times, there may even be crafts! A totally entertaining Saturday morning? We think so!
Details: Geared towards kids ages 3 – 8 years. Open to the public, but on a first come, first served basis. 686 Fulton Street (at South Portland). Phone: 718. 246. 0200. Website:http://greenlightbookstore.com/storytime

Saturday, January 21st at 2:30pm
Art Works at The Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Visit the Totally Tots area with your little ones to see what’s in store for that budding Picasso!
Details: 145 Brooklyn Avenue. 718. 735.4400. Ages 5 and under.

Saturday, January 21st from 1:00pm — 2:00pm
Lunar New Year Celebration with Jin Jin the Dragon
Brooklynites, it’s looking like The Brooklyn Public Library is THE place to celebrate Chinese New Year. Based on her years of professional experience as an international ringmaster, Grace Chang will showcase magical illusions, puppetry, dance and acrobatics. One word: wowsa! Grace will be celebrating the year of the dragon with Jin Jin, the star of her “Jin Jin, the Dragon” book series. This is a great way for both kids and adults to embrace the Chinese culture while learning about unity and tolerance.
Details: Grand Army Plaza. FREE for all. Ages 4-10. Contact: cek316@gmail.com. For more information, visit the website.

Saturday, January 21st: time TBA
Celebrate the Chinese Zodiac
The Year of the Dragon begins on Mon, Jan. 23rd and is considered the most auspicious year of the Chinese Zodiac. Join Michele Wong McSween, a fourth generation Chinese American, as she reads from her beautifully written and illustrated Gordon & Lili books. Make your very own Gordon & Lili paper doll and take home a special Chinese New Year treat.
Details: Smoochie Baby at 110 Berry Street b/w N7th & N8th in Williamsburg  tel. 718.384.3340

Saturday, January 21st at 1:30pm
Your Attention, Ladies and Gentlemen
All aboard!!! The New York Transit Museum is teaching children all about the history of the subway’s announcements surrounded by the vintage cars on the platform level. Afterward, head on over to the Technology Lab where children can become the conductor and create an announcement of their own! Be prepared to hear a lot of, “And the next stop is…” or “Stand clear for the closing doors.” You’ll love it, though!
Details: Corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street. FREE with Museum admission. Ages 5 and up. Telephone: 718.694.1792. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, January 21st at 7pm
The Jazz Division Class Performances
Now’s your chance to head to the Brooklyn-Queens Conservatory of Music Concert Hall to see what the Jazz students have been up to… for FREE. The students will be performing various selections from their jazz repertoire.
Details: 58 7th Avenue. FREE. All are welcomed. Telephone: 718.622.3300. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, January 21st from 11am — 12pm
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Brooklyn is absolutely wonderful, but sometimes there is a reason to leave the borough. This is one of those reasons. Head over to St. Luke’s Theatre to become mesmerized by “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” the first in C.S. Lewis’s classic series, The Chronicles of Narnia. In this creative adaptation, two actors play eight characters, both human and animals, and they take the audience along as they travel to Narnia and bring mythical creatures to life.
Details: Ages 6 and up. 308 West 46th Street. Tickets: $35.00. For more information, visit the website.

Saturday, January 21st from 10:30am — 11:30am
Story Time with Carol and Friends
Carroll Garden folks, weekly story time has never been so good! The Friends of Carroll Garden Library present, “Story Time with Carol and Friends” so head on over to join in on the educational fun.
Details: All ages welcomed. FREE for all. 396 Clinton Street. For more information, contact:friendscglibrary@gmail.com or visit their website.

SUNDAY JANUARY 22ND

Sunday, January 22nd beginning at 10:00am
Special Day for Special Kids at the New York Transit Museum
Families with children with special needs or disabilities: this is YOUR day at the Transit Museum! Along with Extreme Kids, this event will feature tons of fun activities for children with special needs, including a family art project, music and play, and “The Great Subway Search” scavenger hunt. Families with children with special needs will have exclusive access of the Museum from 10am — 11am. How’s that for a Sunday morning?
Details: Corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street. Admission is free from 10-11am, after which the Museum will welcome special needs families along with the general public and special needs families will get a 50% discount. Telephone: 718.694.1823. Visit the website for more information.

Sunday, January 22nd at 10:00am
Little Dragon Chinese New Year Celebration at Mini Jake
Are you ready for the Year of the Dragon?! Lango’s Kids Dragon Chinese New Year Celebration is sure to be a blast! There won’t be fireworks. Bummer. But there will be lots of crafts, Chinese name writing where you can actually learn to write your name in Chinese, and dancing. Score! Plus, the event is FREE. Double Score!
Here’s a rundown of the days’ events:
10:00 craft and story time (REGISTRATION REQUIRED*)
11:00 sample Lango Mandarin class
11:30 Chinese folk dance performance
Details: 178 North 9th Street. All are welcomed. FREE admission. Telephone: 718.782.2005. Visit the website for more information.

Sunday, January 22nd at 3:00pm
Mario the Magican at Space on White
Abracadabra! This Sunday, join Mario the Magician at NYC’s Space on White for an inventive and highly interactive magical performance for the young and young-at-heart! Part retro, part rock and roll, Mario is an artist and inventor who creates his own props. Seating is limited so it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance.
Details: 81 White Street. Ages 3-11. Tickets: $10/child, $20/adult. Telephone: 917.605.0662. Visit the website for more information.

Sunday, January 22nd at 11am
Baby Stories and Singalongs at Greenlight Bookstore
Babies and toddlers under 3 years old will be highly entertained with stories, songs, and interactive play as the children’s performers Miss Nina, Jon Samson, and Vered take turns keeping them busy.
Details: Geared toward ages 3 years and under. Open to public, but on a first come, first served basis. 686 Fulton Street (at South Portland). http://greenlightbookstore.com/storytime

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