Earth Day is approaching and there are some events this weekend to get you in the mood (e-cycling, free trees, eco-day).  There are also plenty of fun movies to check out as Big Movies for Little Kids continues and the NY Int’l Children’s Film Festival debuts this weekend.  Into acrobatics? Check the skateboarders out at the Gowanus Grind or the acrobats at Lincoln Center or the Brooklyn Center fr the Performing Arts.  There is plenty more to do, but these are the highlights and my event picks:

Highlights this weekend:

• The Lorax and the Man Who Planted Trees

• Be Green Kids’ first consignment event in Brooklyn

• Recycle your E-Waste and pick up some free trees in Fort Greene

• Park Slope Amory is hosting YMCA Healthy Kids Day with games, inflatables and tons more.

• Gowanus Grind is a cool way to teach your kids to skateboard, watch competitions and do some art.

• NY Int’l Children’s Film Festival is debuting their weekly kids movies this weekend

• Gustafer Yellowgold is performing at Symphony Space

• The Bronx Zoo has gigantic books you can walk through, readings and performances all weekend

• Last weekend to catch the tap dance trio at the New Vic- and we reviewed it

• Watch the Little Orchestra Society in a concert with flying aerialists

• Catch the Chinese Acrobats of Hebei at the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts

Buy Tickets in advance to:

Saturday, April 17, Sunday, April 18 and Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25: Brooklyn Lyceum and Mainspring Collective bring you ‘The Secret Garden…of Monsters!’ When bratty orphan Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle at Misselthwaite Manor, she has no idea what MONSTROUS adventures lie in store for her! The Evil Sorcerer Zorlan Morlan is up to his old tricks again- this time entering Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic novel “The Secret Garden” and turning its heroine- Mary Lennox- into A MONSTER! Only 12-year-old Benjy Bleeglehorn, and her dashing sidekick Bravo, have the power to turn Monster Mary Lennox back into a little girl- by helping her make The Secret Garden come to life! Monster Literature is an action-packed and hilarious live theater series that celebrates great works of children’s literature that kids can read NOW.
Details: Showtimes and Specifics: Sat April 17th – 12:30pm and 2pm Sun April 18th – 12:30pm and 2pm Sat April 24th – 12:30pm and 2pm Sun April 25th – 12:30pm and 2pm Running time: 35 minutes. For ages 5 yrs and up, and adults too! All Tickets $5/each Official website:www.monsterliterature.com.

Monday, April 19th: 4 pm: The Lorax and the Man Who Planted Trees
To usher in Earth Day (April 22^nd) Big Movies presents two celebrated, animated films about our fragile environment:  Dr. Seuss’s THE LORAX and the Academy Award-winning film by Frederic Back, THE MAN WHO PLANTED TREES.  THE LORAX chronicles the plight of the Truffula Trees, and the Bar-ba-loots, Swomee Swans and other fantastical beings that lived among them (USA; 1972; not rated; color animation; 25 minutes) Based on the beautiful short story by Jean Giono, The Man Who Planted Trees tells the story of a lone shepherd’s effort to re-forest a decimated valley in the foothills of the Alps over the course of four decades.  Narrated by Christopher Plummer (Canada; 1987; not rated; color animation; English narration; 30 minutes). If you haven’t been to Big Movies for Little Kids, this is a really fun event to do. Two moms program the monthly event that happens on Mondays at 4 pm.  It seems to sell out a lot so either buy advance tickets that are available directly at the cinema’s box office (after 1pm daily).
Details: Cobble Hill Cinemas is located at 265 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231 (718) 596.9113To secure a seat, tickets may also be purchased on-line: www.cobblehilltheatre.com.  For info on each movie go to: http://bigmoviesforlittlekids.blogspot.com

Thursday, April 22: 6-10pm: PS 132’s First Annual Spring Gala
The PTA Executive Board and Spring Gala Chairs cordially invite parents and caregivers  to PS 132’s First Annual Spring Gala Auction at Giando on the Water on the corner of Kent and Broadway.  The Spring Gala Auction will be a fun night out for adults only and a great opportunity to mix, mingle, and make merry with the talented administration, staff, teachers, and parent body of PS 132, located at 320 Manhatta Ave. in Williamsburg, a high performing Title I school and housing the Gifted and Talented Program for District 14. Tickets to the Spring Gala Auction are $35/person and include a full dinner, wine, beer, and that amazing view of the Manhattan skyline from Giando’s. Details: To purchase your tickets, simply go to our Spring Gala Auction site and click on “Purchase Tickets.”

April 24, 25 and May 15, 16: NY Theater Ballet for Children
NYTheater Ballet’s hour-long ballets for children began in the 1980s when Diana Byer commissioned Keith Michael to create The Nutcracker. It proved so popular among family audiences that other ballets were developed to meet the demand. This innovative concept grew into NYTB’s current Once Upon a Ballet series. To date, NYTB has presented miniaturized versions of Cinderella, Carnival of the Animals, and The Firebird. Other works for the series are The Alice-in-Wonderland Follies and Mother GOOSE!. Perfect for ages 3-12. Upcoming performances: Carnival of the Animals & The Firebird – April 24, 25, 2010. Sleeping Beauty - May 15, 16, 2010.All performances held at the 400 seat, family-friendly Florence Gould Hall. Details: New York Theatre Ballet  30 East 31st Street, 5th Floor New York, NY 10016. http://www.nytb.org/2009-10-once-upon-a-ballet-series/?preview

Saturday and Sunday, April 24^th and 25th: NY Int’l Children’s Film Festival
NY Int’l Children’s Film Festival is now launching weekly screenings at 11:00am every Saturday & Sunday at IFC Center. The Year-Round program kicks off this weekend with the East Coast Premiere of A SHINE OF RAINBOWS, starring Aidan Quinn (Legends of the Fall) and Connie Nielsen (Gladiator), on Saturday and Sunday, April 17, 18, 24 & 25. Details: TICKETS & INFO: GKIDS.COM OR 212-349-0330. The IFC Center is located at 323 Avenue of the Americas at 3rd St.

Saturday April 24th, 10 am-11:30 am: Setting Limits
Are time-outs without losing your temper possible? Are bribes always a bad thing? This popular talk “Parenting Talk on Setting Limits Without Getting Your Buttons Pushed” focuses on how to keep your cool while setting clear, firm and direct boundaries with spirited children. Alice Kaltman of Family Matters NY will be offering the talk , in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn.
Details: Cost is $15 per participant. Space is limited, advanced reservation is required. Exact location will be shared with registered participants. So save your seat ASAP by e-mail or phone: 917. 509. 9531.

May 7-23, 2010: PaGAGnini at the New Victory
Mozart, Chopin, Pachelbel – and even U2 – take on a new tenor when performed by Armenian virtuoso Ara Malikian and company in Yllana’s award-winning, music/comedy show PaGAGnini, from May 7 through May 23, 2010 at The New Victory Theater. With hilarious twists on symphonic treasures and modern melodies alike, this wordless concert is a delightful marriage of music and comedy.  What starts out as a serious classical concert soon turns into hilarious chaos when the maestro loses control of the mischievous quartet.  Winner of the Best Show at the 2008 Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Moerser Comedy Prize at the 2009 International Comedy Arts Festival, PaGAGnini’s interpretations are simply ingenious.
Details: Tickets for members cost $24.50 (orchestra), $17.50 (mezzanine) and $8.75 (balcony).  Tickets for non-members cost $35 (orchestra), $25 (mezzanine) and $12.50 (balcony). Buy them online at www.newvictory.org

Sat, May 15, 2010, 10:30am—12:30pm: BAMfamily Book Brunch: LaChanze and Brian Pinkney
A star of both stage and screen, Tony Award-winning actress LaChanze brings her talent to the world of children’s books with Little Diva. Together with illustrator and Caldecott honoree Brian Pinkney, she has created a picture book that celebrates the importance of family bonds, hard work, and dreaming big. Following a continental brunch, LaChanze will read from the book and sing the original Little Diva song. The event will conclude with a book signing. Recommended for ages 4—8
Details: BAMcafé  $15 for adults; $10 for children 15 and under (includes brunch, tax, and tip). Part of BAMfamily

July 21- July 25: Walking with Dinosaurs at Radio City
We went to this last year with our 2.5 year old. It was definitely too intense for him. We took him in and out of theater as he expressed wanting to leave and then wanting to go back in. We sat way way in the back so it didn’t feel as scary, but these life-sized dinosaurs are very realistic not only in size, but in sound. I would recommend it for ages 4 or 5 years up (depending on your child).  “Dinosaurs once again roam the earth in a spectacular theatrical arena show,  based on the award-winning BBC Television Series. Internationally renowned designers have worked with scientists to create 15 life-size dinosaurs, including the terror of the ancient terrain, Tyrannosaurus-rex! Be amazed and thrilled as the greatest creatures ever to walk the earth return before your eyes. It’s a dazzling 10 million pound arena spectacle of unprecedented size and quality set to captivate young and old alike. Marvel at the story of their 200 million year domination of life on earth. Watch them walk. Hear the roar. Be there as they fight for survival and supremacy. From the ripple of their skin to the glint in their eye, you will know the dinosaurs really have returned! So make sure you have your seat to see the return of the dinosaurs!”
Details: Tickets range from $35 to 99. http://www.radiocity.com/events/walking-with-dinosaurs-708.html

Event Picks:

********Ongoing Exhibits and Shows:

Though August 1: Curious George Saves the Day Curious George, the beloved, irrepressible monkey of children’s book lore, is famous for his ability to “save the day.” Interpreting the role he played in safeguarding his own creators in times of danger as symbolic, this exhibition delves into the remarkable lives and works of Margret and H. A. Rey. The couple fled Paris in 1940 with a Curious George manuscript in their suitcase. During a tense inspection of their belongings by a border official, children’s illustrations were found and they were allowed to continue on their way, eventually reaching the United States. Featuring nearly eighty original drawings and preparatory dummies for Margret and H. A. Rey children’s books and documentation related to their escape from Nazi-occupied Europe, the exhibition will examine the parallels between the obstacles the Reys faced and the drawings that may have saved their lives.
Details: The Jewish Museum at 1109 5th Ave at 92nd St, New York NY

Through April 26: Tim Burton Exhibit at MOMA You remember the films Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985), Beetlejuice (1988), Batman (1989), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Batman Returns (1992), The Nightmare Before Christmas, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), right? Well, film director Tim Burton has an exhibit at MOMA that explores the full range of his creative work, tracing the current of his visual imagination from early childhood drawings through his mature work in film. It brings together over seven hundred examples of rarely or never-before-seen drawings, paintings, photographs, moving image works, concept art, storyboards, puppets, maquettes, costumes, and cinematic ephemera.  The gallery exhibition is accompanied by a complete retrospective of Burton’s theatrical features and shorts, as well as a lavishly illustrated publication. Details: If you plan to see the exhibition Tim Burton (November 22, 2009–April 26, 2010), please be aware that gallery occupancy is limited. Timed tickets to enter Tim Burton are suggested on weekdays and required on all weekends and holidays. Timed tickets guarantee entrance to the exhibition at the time designated on the ticket, and carry no extra charge. This ticket also permits you to all other Museum galleries, exhibitions, and films. To purchase timed tickets for Tim Burton, simply select a specific date and time when you purchase your admission ticket online. Adults $20 Seniors  (65 and over with ID) $16 Students (full-time with current ID) $12 Children (16 and under) Free.  http://www.moma.org/

Through Sept 2nd: Lizards and Snakes: Alive! and Butterflies and Journey to the Stars at the American Museum of Natural History
Just think: 60 plus lizards and snakes in the flesh! Your tots will probably love this exhibit with opportunities to “spy” the reptiles in their habitat.  Enter the lovely (and warm) exhibit of the live butterflies in the Butterfly Conservatory for an escape from winter. See the all-new Space Show “Journey to the Stars”, narrated by Whoopi Goldberg and travel 13 billion years into the past, when the first stars were born.  The Silk Road is a new exhibit I haven’t seen yet- but might be worth a look. Details: Adults: $16 Children (2-12): $9 Central Park West at 79^th Street. http://www.amnh.org/

Ongoing thru August: Prospect Park’s Carousel is open!
This is one of our favorite spring/summer activities. The carousel is sweet and $2 a ride- not cheap but manageable.
Details: Open thru April 6th: 12-4 pm and then on Saturdays and Sunday ONLY April 10-May 30: 12-5 pm. In June: Thurs-Sunday 12-5 pm and until 6 pm in July and August. In Prospect Park at Flatbush Ave at Empire Blvd. $2 a ride. ProspectPark.org

Event Picks:

Friday, April 16th:

April 16th, April 17, April 18th: Be Green Kids’ first consignment event in Brooklyn
The event will take place at  Brooklyn Artists Gym, New and gently used items are resold from parent-to-parent. You can be both a buyer and/or consign with them and take home 60-75% of your profits. Check out the details at their website at www.begreensale.com (Registration closes April 7th!). April 15 – 18, 2010.
Details: Brooklyn Artists Gym 168 7th Street, Brooklyn, NY (in same bldg. as Apple Support Store around the corner from Lowes)

The story of a little boy who simply can’t fall asleep, and the adventures he encounters on his quest for slumber. Join Jake, along with Mary and Amy, as they meet a lion, a dragon, a giant, and discover how fun and easy YAWN POWER can be! The play runs through May 23.
Details: General tickets are $20 for adults and $8 for children. Premium tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children. Tickets can be purchased online at www.tadatheater.com or by calling (212) 252-1619 x 128. 15 West 28th Street, 3rd Floor 212-252-1619

Saturday, April 17th:

Saturday, April 17: 10 am – 4 pm: Recycle your E-Waste
Bring e-waste (working and non-working computers, printers, TVs, VCRs, printers, scanners, mice, AV equipment, phones and PDAs) to a recycling collection at Habana Outpost, South Portland and Fulton, this Saturday, April 17, 10-4.  Sponsored by Habana Outpost and the Lower East Side Ecology Center.
Details: Habana Outpost - 757 Fulton Street  Fort Greene, Brooklyn 11217

Saturday, April 17: 10 am – 3 pm: Free Trees
The Grow a Tree in Brooklyn  — is a Free Trees event is this weekend, Saturday and Sunday 10-3 at Fulton and Grand Avenue. Trees are available on a first-come, first-serve basis so come early to get your pick. This just in… confirmation of species expected to be available:-Dogwood -Hawthorne -Pink Cherry -Purpleleaf Plum -Flowering Pear – The Brooklyn Botanic Garden will be on hand to provide tree care information – The Brooklyn Brownstone Garden District will be talking about what to plant once your tree is in the ground – Select Fulton Street merchants are providing special offers and discounts to everyone who “adopts” at tree- And “Greene Fort Greene & Clinton Hill”, a program of the Fort Greene Association (FGA), will have information on a range of environmental issues and how you can make an impact right now!
Details: www.greenfgch.org www.faballiance.org

Saturday, April 17: 10 am – 3 pm: Bounce into Healthy Kids Day
The new YMCA Sports Complex at Park Slope Amory is hosting YMCA Healthy Kids Day which will include 5 giant inflatable amusements (including the Mini Obstacle Course, Giant Slide, Tiger Bounce and Rock Wall). Live Musical performances by popular children’s bands including Rolie Polie Guacamole and Louie Maranda. A Family Olympics with events for family members of every age. Get Messy Art Class where families will paint masterpieces using fresh fruit and vegetable juices. A nutritionist to talk to families about eating a well balanced diet. A faux summer camp, complete with campfire and craft table. Healthy Kids Day ® activities will also be taking place at all 19 branches of the YMCA of Greater New York and at YMCAs throughout the Tri-State Area. A family ticket is available but not required for entrance to the event at the new YMCA Sports Complex. More information is available at http://www.ymcanyc.org/armory-sports-complex/armory-sports-home/healthy-kids-day/
Details: All free. YMCA Sports Complex at Park Slope Armory at 361 15th Street, between 7^th and 8^th Avenues, Brooklyn, New York 11215

Saturday, April 17: 12- 5 pm: Gowanus Grind (raindate is the 18^th)
Head to Thomas Green Park to check out the grind rails and half pipes that will be temporarily installed to make this a skateboarder’s heaven. (This summer, permanent ones will be installed by the Tony Hawk Foundation- see Dog Town Z Boys movie).  There will be a skate contest, clinics and freeskate, live music, games, food and art. Taiji/qugong from 1-2 pm, art activities from 2-4 pm.
Details: Thomas Greene Park is at 3^rd Ave between Degraw and Douglass. www.friendsofdouglassgreenepark.org.

Sat, Apr 17: 11 am: Gustafer Yellowgold
We are HUGE fans of Gustafer in our household. Created by singer/songwriter Morgan Taylor, minimally animated illustrations of Gustafer Yellowgold and his friends are accompanied by Taylor’s catchy original story-songs for a truly remarkable and memorable multimedia experience.”…a cross between ‘Yellow Submarine’ and Dr. Seuss, filtered through the lens of the Lower East Side.” -Time Out New York Kids
Details: Symphony Space: Peter Jay Sharp Theatre. Adults $25, Day of Show $27, Members $20; Children $15, Day of Show $17, Members $10. Buy tickets here.

Saturday, April 17: Bronx Zoo puts on a show
Over the course of the 13-weekend extravaganza, renowned children’s authors from notable publishers and will be hosting special story-time readings of their books at the Asia Plaza Theater.  Families will be able to meet their favorite children’s book authors and listen to them read their new and classic works then head over to New York Life’s Main Stage on Astor Court for live entertainment by some of the top-rated children’s entertainers.  And don’t forget about the legendary Bronx Zoo animal entertainers.  Families can introduce their babies to the newest members of the Bronx Zoo family – the baby mandrill, Gertrude, in Congo Gorilla Forest; Ares, the new baby Coquerel’s Sifaka in the Madagascar! exhibit; and the new Galapagos tortoises in the Reptile House. Kids can walk through larger-than-life pages of real books including The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle at the Butterfly Garden and Alphabet by Matthew Van Fleet at the Reptile House.  At the Bear Overlook, walk through the new children’s book, Moon Bear, by Brenda Z. Guiberson and award-winning illustrator, Ed Young and enjoy a wild ride with Wild About Books by Judy Sierra at Astor Court.
11am, 1pm – Wild Asia Plaza: Author appearance and reading of The Purple Kangaroo (Simon & Schuster). Read by author/actor/comedian, Michael Ian Black. The monkey narrator in this humorous picture book guarantees that he can read your mind. What begins as a simple request to imagine the most spectacular thing in history turns into the story of a roller-skating, bubble-blowing purple kangaroo searching for his dear friend Ernesto on the moon.
11:30am, 1pm – New York Life’s Main Stage: Performance by Radio Disney Road Crew: featuring contests, your favorite music, and prizes.
Pop-up book creator Matthew Reinhart will read and demonstrate his latest creation, The Jungle Book, and will reveal some of his pop-up book magic so everyone can make pop-up books at home.
Details: The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Adult admission is $15, children (3-12 years old) $11, children under 3 are free, seniors (65+) are $13. Parking is $12 for cars and $16 for buses. The Bronx Zoo is conveniently located off the Bronx River Parkway at Exit 6; by train via the #2 or #5 or by bus via the #9, #12, #19, #22, MetroNorth, or BxM11 Express Bus service (from Manhattan that stops just outside the gate.) To plan your trip, visit www.bronxzoo.com or call 718-367-1010.

Saturday, April 17: 12- 3 pm: Puppet Time
Kids will create puppets of themselves and imaginary characters!  Our puppet design is inspired by the South Asian tradition of “Wayang Kulit”, decorative rod puppets that have magical silhouettes. Inspired by artwork in BRIC’s exhibition, A Wild Gander: Artists from the South Asian Women’s Creative Collective. This free, drop-in event is appropriate for all ages. Led by Angela Earley, a professional artist and educator working with BRIC Contemporary Art Education in Brooklyn public schools.
Details: BRIC Rotunda Gallery  33 Clinton Street between Pierrepont & Cadman Plaza  Brooklyn, NY 11201  718.875.4047
http://www.bricartsmedia.org/contemporary-art/public-programs/family-days
Located in Brooklyn Heights, BRIC Rotunda Gallery is a short walk from the 2,3; 4,5; M; or R trains at Court Street/Borough Hall; or the A, C trains at High Street.

Through April 18th: Math Midway at New York Hall of Science
Experience math in cool new ways: take a smooth ride on a square-wheeled tricycle, create one-of-a-kind drawings using the mechanical harmonograph, compose a tune with the organ function grinder or attempt to solve one of the tricky math puzzles. While there, check out their great Preschool Place. It has great interactive exhibits with plenty of space for parents and kids
Details: New York Hall of Science 47-01 111th Street, Queens, NY 718-699-0005 www.nysci.org

Saturday, April 17^th: 12- 6 pm: Earth Day Expo at Habana Outpost
Habana Outpost opens for the summer season so you can get your grilled corn (with cheese) and other yummies while enjoying a lot of environmental fun. There will be a Kids’ Corner, film, workshops and a fashion show at 3pm by Scrapkins.
Details: Habana Outpost - 757 Fulton Street  Fort Greene, Brooklyn 11217 

Saturday, April 17^th: Brooklyn Children’s Museum
BCM has a new exhibit opening this weekend: Japan and Nature: the exhibit encourages investigations of how people living in Japan today understand nature through special seasonal and everyday environments and family activities.
Zen Garden: 11:30, for 6 and up: Join us in a calming discussion about the Zen Buddhist practice of cultivating Japanese rock gardens, and create your own living work of art to take home for future meditations!
Pollination Sensation: Celebrate Sakura: 1:30 pm: for 6 and up: Come find out what the buzz is all about by joining us in the greenhouse and exploring flowers from the inside out.
Artworks: 2:30 pm: for 5 and under: Visit the Totally Tots Art Studio and see what activity is in store for your young Picasso.
Details: At the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Prospect Lefferts

April 17, April 18th: Be Green Kids’ first consignment event in Brooklyn
The event will take place at  Brooklyn Artists Gym, New and gently used items are resold from parent-to-parent. You can be both a buyer and/or consign with them and take home 60-75% of your profits. Check out the details at their website at www.begreensale.com (Registration closes April 7th!). April 15 – 18, 2010. (Special New & Due Event: Thursday, April 15th, 6:00pm-8:00pm (Goody Bags * Door Prizes * Samples)
Details: Brooklyn Artists Gym 168 7th Street, Brooklyn, NY (in same bldg. as Apple Support Store around the corner from Lowes)

Saturday, April 17 and Sunday, April 18: Time Step- tap dance trio My 3.5 year old son and I went to this last week. The opening number was stunning and magical to the children.  The dancing syncopation is fantastic and it really is special to see 3 tap dancers really in tune with eachother. The rest of the show is about “stepping through time” as the 3 dancers go from being old to remembering their glory days. I found the storyline got tired after awhile, and my son definitely didn’t follow it.  However, the 6 year olds and up did and laughed and thought it was all a lot of fun. They are innovative in their take on rhythm and I appreciated that. Time Step “fuses the tap stylings of Astaire and Kelly with the comedy of Chaplin and Keaton to tell the tale of three hilarious hoofers.  Through tap dance, they evoke the world of classic movie musicals with a story that shuffles between past and present, juxtaposing the characters’ performances from their youth with their later-in-life attempts to relive their heyday.” The show is best for kids aged 6 years and up.

Details: Tickets for members cost $24.50 (orchestra), $17.50 (mezzanine) and $8.75 (balcony).  Tickets for non-members cost $35 (orchestra), $25 (mezzanine) and $12.50 (balcony). Buy them online at www.newvictory.org

Now through May 9: Brooklyn Botanic Garden – Hanami – Cherry Blossom Season
Hanami is the Japanese cultural tradition of viewing each moment of the cherry blossom season, from the first buds to the pink blossoms that fall like snow.  Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s peerless collection of more than 200 Japanese flowering cherry trees—the most diverse array outside Japan—creates an explosion of blossoms in the spring. Come stroll under the beautiful cherry esplanade during Hanami.  Visitors can also take a free Seasonal Highlights Tour (Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m.) focusing on the ethereal beauty of BBG’s Japanese plant collections and specialty gardens.
Details: For hours and admission information visit www.bbg.org.

Saturday, April 17th: 10am – 5 pm: Brooklyn Flea
The Flea will stay in the Williamsburg Savings Bank on Sundays and return to their outdoor location at the Ft. Greene school yard of Bishop Loughlin on Saturdays. There will no longer be a flea market in DUMBO, because as Brownstoner posted, ” construction along Water Street has created too many potential headaches for a regular market underneath the Brooklyn Bridge this year.” Location of Brooklyn Flea at Ft. Greene market.

April 17, April 18: 101 Dalmatians Musical at Radio City “Led by the creative team of Jerry Zaks (La Cage Aux Folles, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Everybody Loves Raymond), B.T. McNicholl (Spamalot, Billy Elliot, Cabaret) and Dennis DeYoung (founding member of the rock group Styx, The Hunchback of Notre Dame), The 101 Dalmatians Musical will transport audiences to a slightly topsy-turvy, exciting, and altogether fantastic reality that gives grand license for song, dance and spectacle in a one-of-a-kind show that will leave everyone cheering.”

Details: Tickets range from $35-99. http://www.radiocity.com/events/101-dalmatians-410.html

Saturday, April 17th: 11:00am and 1:00pm: Happy Concerts for Young People
Soaring music, flying aerialists, and tumbling athletes perform a dazzling display of airborne marvels. Champion Athletes In Training from The Wendy Hilliard Foundation join AntiGravity and The Little Orchestra Society in a concert that flies through the air! “Aerialists, Athletes and Arpeggios” with Dino Anagnost, Conductor at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center

Details: Ticket information: $10 to $50. The Little Orchestra Society at 212-971-9500 or the Avery Fisher Hall Box Office at 212-721-6500 or buy tickets online at www.littleorchestra.org.
Avery Fisher Hall: 1941 Broadway at 65th Street, New York City *Age Range: children ages 6 to 12

Saturday, April 17, Sunday, April 18: Brooklyn Lyceum and Mainspring Collective bring you ‘The Secret Garden…of Monsters!’
When bratty orphan Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle at Misselthwaite Manor, she has no idea what MONSTROUS adventures lie in store for her! The Evil Sorcerer Zorlan Morlan is up to his old tricks again- this time entering Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic novel “The Secret Garden” and turning its heroine- Mary Lennox- into A MONSTER! Only 12-year-old Benjy Bleeglehorn, and her dashing sidekick Bravo, have the power to turn Monster Mary Lennox back into a little girl- by helping her make The Secret Garden come to life! Monster Literature is an action-packed and hilarious live theater series that celebrates great works of children’s literature that kids can read NOW.

Details: Showtimes and Specifics: Sat April 17th – 12:30pm and 2pm Sun April 18th – 12:30pm and 2pm Sat April 24th – 12:30pm and 2pm Sun April 25th – 12:30pm and 2pm Running time: 35 minutes. For ages 5 yrs and up, and adults too! All Tickets $5/each Official website:www.monsterliterature.com.

Saturday, April 17th: 10:30 AM: Storytime at Greenlight Bookstore
Spend a winter morning at Greenlight Bookstore in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn in the back of their store. It’s a cute way to meet other families and browse for yourself!
Details: 686 Fulton Street  Brooklyn, NY 11217-1699  (718) 246-0200.  Seating is first come, first served. Closest subways are the C to Lafayette, G to Fulton, or any train to Atlantic/Pacific; click here for a map. Fort Greene.

Sunday, April 18th:

Sunday, April 18: 10 am- 3 pm: Free Trees TREES All SOLD OUT
The Grow a Tree in Brooklyn  — is a Free Trees event is this weekend, Saturday and Sunday 10-3 at Fulton and Grand Avenue. Trees are available on a first-come, first-serve basis so come early to get your pick. This just in… confirmation of species expected to be available:-Dogwood -Hawthorne -Pink Cherry -Purpleleaf Plum -Flowering Pear – The Brooklyn Botanic Garden will be on hand to provide tree care information – The Brooklyn Brownstone Garden District will be talking about what to plant once your tree is in the ground – Select Fulton Street merchants are providing special offers and discounts to everyone who “adopts” at tree- And “Greene Fort Greene & Clinton Hill”, a program of the Fort Greene Association (FGA), will have information on a range of environmental issues and how you can make an impact right now!
Details: www.greenfgch.org www.faballiance.org

Now through May 9: Brooklyn Botanic Garden – Hanami – Cherry Blossom Season
Hanami is the Japanese cultural tradition of viewing each moment of the cherry blossom season, from the first buds to the pink blossoms that fall like snow.  Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s peerless collection of more than 200 Japanese flowering cherry trees—the most diverse array outside Japan—creates an explosion of blossoms in the spring. Come stroll under the beautiful cherry esplanade during Hanami.  Visitors can also take a free Seasonal Highlights Tour (Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m.) focusing on the ethereal beauty of BBG’s Japanese plant collections and specialty gardens.
Details: For hours and admission information visit www.bbg.org.

April 18: 101 Dalmatians Musical at Radio City “Led by the creative team of Jerry Zaks (La Cage Aux Folles, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Everybody Loves Raymond), B.T. McNicholl (Spamalot, Billy Elliot, Cabaret) and Dennis DeYoung (founding member of the rock group Styx, The Hunchback of Notre Dame), The 101 Dalmatians Musical will transport audiences to a slightly topsy-turvy, exciting, and altogether fantastic reality that gives grand license for song, dance and spectacle in a one-of-a-kind show that will leave everyone cheering.”

Details: Tickets range from $35-99. http://www.radiocity.com/events/101-dalmatians-410.html

Sunday, April 18: Bronx Zoo puts on a show
Over the course of the 13-weekend extravaganza, renowned children’s authors from notable publishers and will be hosting special story-time readings of their books at the Asia Plaza Theater.  Families will be able to meet their favorite children’s book authors and listen to them read their new and classic works then head over to New York Life’s Main Stage on Astor Court for live entertainment by some of the top-rated children’s entertainers.  And don’t forget about the legendary Bronx Zoo animal entertainers.  Families can introduce their babies to the newest members of the Bronx Zoo family – the baby mandrill, Gertrude, in Congo Gorilla Forest; Ares, the new baby Coquerel’s Sifaka in the Madagascar! exhibit; and the new Galapagos tortoises in the Reptile House. Kids can walk through larger-than-life pages of real books including The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle at the Butterfly Garden and Alphabet by Matthew Van Fleet at the Reptile House.  At the Bear Overlook, walk through the new children’s book, Moon Bear, by Brenda Z. Guiberson and award-winning illustrator, Ed Young and enjoy a wild ride with Wild About Books by Judy Sierra at Astor Court.
1am, 1pm, 3pm – Wild Asia Plaza- Author appearance and reading of The Jungle Book (Simon & Schuster)
Read and demonstrated by author/pop-up expert, Matthew Reinhart. A graduate of the Pratt Institute, Matthew Reinhart is the highly acclaimed author of Animal Popposites, The Ark, Cinderella, and The Jungle Book, His pop-up career began while working with Robert Sabuda on books like The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and The Movable Mother Goose, before breaking into the world of pop-ups on his own. Matthew lives in New York City.
11:30am, 2pm – New York Life’s Main Stage- Musical performance by Gigi® and the Lend Me a Hand Band®. A highly acclaimed, interactive family band that keeps families singing, laughing & dancing with a variety of musical styles, puppets & floats. The inter-generational family band led by multi-award winning singer, Gigi® received National Recognition as Finalists in the  2008 Children’s Music Web Awards for both Best Album and Best Song for Pre-Schoolers, for their Movement & Merriment CD. The group was the Featured Children’s Band this past year at “Sunoco’s Welcome Americafest” 4th of July celebration in Philadelphia, PA.  Gigi was also a recipient of a grant from Meet the Composer, National Endowment for the Arts and NY State Council for the Arts for her work in Children’s Music. For more information visit Websites: www.gigiband.com .
Details: The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Adult admission is $15, children (3-12 years old) $11, children under 3 are free, seniors (65+) are $13. Parking is $12 for cars and $16 for buses. The Bronx Zoo is conveniently located off the Bronx River Parkway at Exit 6; by train via the #2 or #5 or by bus via the #9, #12, #19, #22, MetroNorth, or BxM11 Express Bus service (from Manhattan that stops just outside the gate.) To plan your trip, visit www.bronxzoo.com or call 718-367-1010.

Sunday, April 18: Brooklyn Lyceum and Mainspring Collective bring you ‘The Secret Garden…of Monsters!’ When bratty orphan Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle at Misselthwaite Manor, she has no idea what MONSTROUS adventures lie in store for her! The Evil Sorcerer Zorlan Morlan is up to his old tricks again- this time entering Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic novel “The Secret Garden” and turning its heroine- Mary Lennox- into A MONSTER! Only 12-year-old Benjy Bleeglehorn, and her dashing sidekick Bravo, have the power to turn Monster Mary Lennox back into a little girl- by helping her make The Secret Garden come to life! Monster Literature is an action-packed and hilarious live theater series that celebrates great works of children’s literature that kids can read NOW.

Details: Showtimes and Specifics: Sat April 17th – 12:30pm and 2pm Sun April 18th – 12:30pm and 2pm Sat April 24th – 12:30pm and 2pm Sun April 25th – 12:30pm and 2pm Running time: 35 minutes. For ages 5 yrs and up, and adults too! All Tickets $5/each Official website:www.monsterliterature.com.

Sunday, April 18th: NY Int’l Children’s Film Festival
NY Int’l Children’s Film Festival is now launching weekly screenings at 11:00am every Saturday & Sunday at IFC Center. The Year-Round program kicks off this weekend with the East Coast Premiere of A SHINE OF RAINBOWS, starring Aidan Quinn (Legends of the Fall) and Connie Nielsen (Gladiator), on Saturday and Sunday, April 17, 18, 24 & 25. DIRECTOR Q&A FOLLOWING APRIL 17 & 18 SHOWS
Details: TICKETS & INFO: GKIDS.COM OR 212-349-0330. The IFC Center is located at 323 Avenue of the Americas at 3rd St.

Every Sunday – 10am-12pm: Weeding and Seeding at the Urban Meadow
Starting a couple Sundays ago, community members have been out at the Urban Meadow (on the corner of President and Van Brunt) pulling weeds, planting plants and trees, cleaning up, and helping with general site maintenance. There is still more to be done! Come out this weekend (or any Sunday in April) and help get the Meadow ready for the season’s great upcoming events. Events on the horizon include: Folk festival, Jazz concerts, a kids concert, free yoga classes, and much more. More details here.

Sunday, April 18: Time Step- tap dance trio
My 3.5 year old son and I went to this last week. The opening number was stunning and magical to the children.  The dancing syncopation is fantastic and it really is special to see 3 tap dancers really in tune with eachother. The rest of the show is about “stepping through time” as the 3 dancers go from being old to remembering their glory days. I found the storyline got tired after awhile, and my son definitely didn’t follow it.  However, the 6 year olds and up did and laughed and thought it was all a lot of fun. The group is innovative in their take on rhythm and I appreciated that. Time Step “fuses the tap stylings of Astaire and Kelly with the comedy of Chaplin and Keaton to tell the tale of three hilarious hoofers.  Through tap dance, they evoke the world of classic movie musicals with a story that shuffles between past and present, juxtaposing the characters’ performances from their youth with their later-in-life attempts to relive their heyday.” The show is best for kids aged 6 years and up.

Sunday, April 18^th: Brooklyn Children’s Museum
BCM has a new exhibit opening this weekend: Japan and Nature: the exhibit encourages investigations of how people living in Japan today understand nature through special seasonal and everyday environments and family activities.
Zen Garden: 11:30, for 6 and up: Join us in a calming discussion about the Zen Buddhist practice of cultivating Japanese rock gardens, and create your own living work of art to take home for future meditations!
Pollination Sensation: Celebrate Sakura: 1:30 pm: for 6 and up: Come find out what the buzz is all about by joining us in the greenhouse and exploring flowers from the inside out.
Artworks: 2:30 pm: for 5 and under: Visit the Totally Tots Art Studio and see what activity is in store for your young Picasso.
Details: At the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Prospect Lefferts

Sunday, April 18th: 10am – 5 pm: Brooklyn Flea
The Flea will stay in the Williamsburg Savings Bank on Sundays and return to their outdoor location at the Ft. Greene school yard of Bishop Loughlin on Saturdays. There will no longer be a flea market in DUMBO, because as Brownstoner posted, ” construction along Water Street has created too many potential headaches for a regular market underneath the Brooklyn Bridge this year.” Location of Brooklyn Flea at Ft. Greene market.

Sunday, April 18, 1:30pm- 3 pm: Raising a good sleeper
Dr. Janet Kennedy of NYC Sleep Doctor will teach you the fundamentals of raising a good sleeper from birth and answer your questions about this all-important issue. Topics will include: the basics of infant sleep patterns, how to make sure your child is well rested, 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 more. Details: Gumbo   493 Atlantic Avenue (bet. Nevins & Third) Brooklyn 11217   718-855-7808.  $45 single, $70 couple. Register now!

Sunday, April 18, 3:30 – 5:30 pm: Solving Toddler Sleep Issue
Dr. Janet Kennedy of NYC Sleep Doctor will will discuss methods for handling transition to toddlerhood and instilling healthy sleep habits that will last your child a lifetime. Topics will include: Transitioning from crib to bed;
Early wakings; Night wakings and wanderings; Bedtime routines; Ending bedtime battles; Tantrums and negotiations; Sharing a room with a new or older sibling; …plus plenty of time for Q & A! Details: Gumbo   493 Atlantic Avenue (bet. Nevins & Third) Brooklyn 11217   718-855-7808. $60 single, $90 couple.  Class size will be limited. Register now!

Sunday, April 18: Play’s the Thing: New Victory Animal Act
With Elephant taking the stage from April 23 – May 2, New Vic teaching artists lead an exploration of the animal world through theater and puppetry at this sign-up event for ages 4 and older.
Details: Times: at 1:30, 2:30 & 3:30pm
Children’s Museum of Manhattan (212 West 83^rd Street, Tisch Building)

April 18th: 3 pm: Chinese Acrobats of Hebei
This world class troupe from Hebei combines gravity-defying acrobatics with the discipline of martial arts.
Details: Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts 2900 Campus Road Brooklyn, NY 718.951.4500 http://www.brooklyncenteronline.org

Monday, April 19th:

Monday, April 19th: 4 pm: The Lorax and the Man Who Planted Trees
To usher in Earth Day (April 22^nd) Big Movies presents two celebrated, animated films about our fragile environment:  Dr. Seuss’s THE LORAX and the Academy Award-winning film by Frederic Back, THE MAN WHO PLANTED TREES.  THE LORAX chronicles the plight of the Truffula Trees, and the Bar-ba-loots, Swomee Swans and other fantastical beings that lived among them (USA; 1972; not rated; color animation; 25 minutes) Based on the beautiful short story by Jean Giono, The Man Who Planted Trees tells the story of a lone shepherd’s effort to re-forest a decimated valley in the foothills of the Alps over the course of four decades.  Narrated by Christopher Plummer (Canada; 1987; not rated; color animation; English narration; 30 minutes). If you haven’t been to Big Movies for Little Kids, this is a really fun event to do. Two moms program the monthly event that happens on Mondays at 4 pm.  It seems to sell out a lot so either buy advance tickets that are available directly at the cinema’s box office (after 1pm daily).
Details: Cobble Hill Cinemas is located at 265 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231 (718) 596.9113To secure a seat, tickets may also be purchased on-line: www.cobblehilltheatre.com.  For info on each movie go to: http://bigmoviesforlittlekids.blogspot.com

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