BOOKS OF WONDER & CUPCAKE CAFÉ
Literate kids and cupcake enthusiasts of all ages mingle at the space shared by Books of Wonder and Cupcake Café. The café has sweet stuff all day, every day (they’ve got some of the best icing in town) — while the bookstore has story time Sundays at Noon (appropriate for ages 3-7). There’s simply nothing better than being able to depend on a weekly story followed by a massive sugar rush. Life is good!
Want to take a book home for some story time, any time? “My Princess Boy” is a nonfiction picture book (words by Cheryl Kilodavis) about a four-year-old boy who happily expresses himself by enjoying “traditional girl” things. For info, visit myprincessboy.com. For signed copies, visit the store!
Books of Wonder owner and founder Peter Glassman enthusiastically recommends (for ages 3-7), “Children Make Terrible Pets” by Peter Brown (about a little girl bear who finds a little boy and decides he’d make a great pet). “Archvillian” by Barry Lyga (for ages 8-12) is about a kid who gets super powers — and an enemy to go along with them. For teenagers (12, 13 and up), Richard Peck’s “Three Quarters Dead” involves a girl who speaks to the dead through text messages.
Books of Wonder is located at 18th St. (btw. Fifth & Sixth Aves.). Call 212-989-3270 or visit booksofwonder.com. Cupcake Café, at the same address, can be reached at 212-465-1530 (visit cupcakecafe.com).
ANGELINA BALLERINA: THE MUSICAL
Everyone at the Camembert Academy is all aflutter because a special guest is coming to visit. Angelina and her friends are excited to show off their hip-hop, modern dance, Irish jig and ballet skills — but will Angelina get that moment in the spotlight she’s hoping for? Based on characters from the PBS series, this show is appropriate for ages 3-12. Through Feb. 19, Sat. at 1pm & 3pm and Sun. at 1pm. At the Union Square Theatre (100 E. 17th St. btw. Union Square East and Irving Place). For tickets ($39.50-$65), call 1-800-982-2787 or visit ticketmaster.com. Also visit angelinathemusical.com.
MARK TWAIN:
A WONDERFULLY FLAT THING
This modern twist on Mark Twain’s short story “A Fable” finds Twain and his animal friends on a journey of self-discovery and magic. Puppets, dance, music and interactive video are the new tricks that help bring this old writer into the modern age. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Sat., Jan. 15 at 11:30am, 2:30pm & 5pm and Sun., Jan. 16 at 11:30am & 2:30pm. At the 14th Street Y’s LABA Theatre (344 E. 14th St. btw. 1st & 2nd Aves.). For tickets ($15), call 212-780-0800 or visit.14StreetY.org/AWFT.
PRESCHOOL PLAY
AND STORIES & SONGS
A new session of “Preschool Play” has been added: This program, for walking toddlers, invites you to join other children, parents, and caregivers for fun interactive play, art, and theme days. Thursdays, Jan. 20-March 24, from 1:30-3:30pm. The fee is $175 for 10 weeks (siblings: $100). At “Stories & Songs,” a variety of musicians perform child-friendly music and teach each week. Movement, dancing and shakers add to the fun. It takes place Mondays, Jan. 10-April 25 (except 1/17 and 2/21) as well as on Wednesdays, Jan. 12-April 13. Space is still available in 40-minute classes: the 9:30-10:10am class for children 6-14 months — and the 12 noon-12:40pm class for mixed ages (6 months to 3.5 years). There is a $231 fee for 14 weeks (20% discount for siblings). Both events take place in the Meeting Room at the Verdesian (211 North End Ave., btw. Warren & Murray, in Battery Park City). For info or to register, call 212-267-9700, ext. 366 or 348. Visit bpcparks.org.
THE NEW YORK CITY POLICE MUSEUM
The Junior Officers Discovery Zone is an exhibit designed for ages 2-10. It’s divided into four areas (Police Academy; Park and Precinct; Emergency Services Unit; and a Multi-Purpose Area), each with interactive and imaginary play experiences for children to understand the role of police officers in our community — by, among other things, driving and taking care of a police car. For older children, there’s a crime scene observation activity that will challenge them to remember relevant parts of city street scenes; a physical challenge similar to those at the Police Academy; and a model Emergency Services Unit vehicle where children can climb in, use the steering wheel and lights, hear radio calls with police codes and see some of the actual equipment carried by The Emergency Services Unit. At 100 Old Slip. For info, call 212-480-3100 or visit www.nycpm.org. Hours: Mon. through Sat., 10am-5pm and Sun., noon-5pm. Admission: $8 ($5 for students, seniors and children. Free for children under 2.
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF THE ARTS
Explore painting, collage and sculpture through self-guided arts projects. Open art stations are ongoing throughout the afternoon — giving children the opportunity to experiment with materials such as paint, clay, fabric, paper and found objects. Regular museum hours: Wed.-Sun., 12-5pm; Thurs., 12-6pm (Pay as You Wish, from 4-6pm). Admission: $10. At the Children’s Museum of the Arts (182 Lafayette St. btw. Broome & Grand). Call 212- 274-0986 or visit cmany.org. For group tours and visit, call 212) 274-0986, extension 31.
DEAR EDWINA
This heartwarming show about the joys and frustrations of growing up has our spunky heroine (advice-giver extraordinaire Edwina Spoonable) sharing her wisdom on everything from setting the table to making new friends. That it’s done through clever, catchy and poignant songs makes the experience enjoyable and engaging for kids who know what Edwina’s going through as well as adults who remember what it was like. Through Feb. 25 at the DR2 Theatre (103 E. 15th St.). For tickets ($39), call 212-239-6200. For groups of 10 or more, call 646-747-7400. Visit dearedwina.com for additional details and full playing schedule.
GAZILLION BUBBLE SHOW:
THE NEXT GENERATION
Three years into its run, the Gazillion Bubble Show welcomes creator Fan Yang’s 20-year-old son into the family business. We’re promised that “Bubble Super-Star” Deni Yang will elevate this already spectacular experience to new heights of bubble blowing artistry). The open-ended run plays Fri. at 7 p.m., Sat. at 11am, 2pm and 4:30pm and Sun. at noon and 3pm. 75 minutes, no intermission. For tickets ($44.50 to $89.50), call 212-239-6200 or visit www.telecharge.com. Visit gazillionbubbleshow.com.
