Atlanta Parent November Issue

Atlanta

PARENT

The Top Children’s Books of 2015

November 2015 / atlantaparent.com

15 Ways to

Like Us on FACEBOOK

Entertain Kids at Thanksgiving

THANK YOU!

for another successful Atlanta Parent Family Festival

BENEFICIARIES:

Atlanta Parent Magazine would like to thank our special friends:

SPONSORS:

Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates, Atlanta Track Club, Caricatures by Fitzroy, Chick-fil-A of Northlake Festival, Chris Lawery Photography, Circus Camp, Clowning 4 You, DeKalb County Fire and Police Departments, DeKalb County Sanitation, Fun-Fare, Home Depot, Honest Tea, GoGo squeeZ, Little Red Barn Mobile Petting Farm, Parrot Productions, Pollo Tropical, Sam’s Path Mobile Petting Zoo, Scaly Adventures, Two Men and a Truck, Yule Forest, and all our volunteers and entertainers.

For information on next year’s Family Festival, contact Jordan Lisvosky 678-222-1911 or jlisvosky@atlantaparent.com www.atlantaparent.com

Sandy Springs/ Lawrenceville-Suwanee

DAY CAM P S

O VE R N I G H T C A M P S

Lawrenceville Open House Nov. 14 10am-12pm

S U M M ER P R O G R A M S

Presented by

2 016 Atlanta Parent Magazine, providing Atlanta families with camp information for over 30 years.

January 23

Saturday, 11 am - 4 pm North Point Mall Alpharetta

February 13

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March 5 & 6

Saturday, 11 am - 4 pm Sunday, 1 - 5 pm Perimeter Mall Atlanta

To exhibit or for info call Jordan Lisvosky at 678-222-1911 or JLisvosky@atlantaparent.com • atlantaparent.com 4 Atlanta Parent November 2015

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Inside 32 November

YEARS OF ATLANTA PARENT

Vol. 32/ Number 11

Departments

Features 12

14

Giving, Not ‘Gimme’

8 Publisher’s Note

Raising generous, compassionate kids in a “gimme” world is a challenge.

These steps will put them on the path to philanthropy.

10 News You Can Use 58 For the Fridge

Words of humor & wisdom

Family Fun Guide

Thanksgiving, Re-imagined

Try one of these 15 holiday traditions to keep kids engaged and entertained, from a pumpkin pie playdough recipe to a handprint turkey table runner.

18

37 Not-to-Miss Events

38

Read, Read, Read!

Don’t miss out on some of 2015’s top titles. Use Atlanta Parent’s guide for the best books for toddlers to teens.

Eating Out: My Parents’ Basement

39 Playground:

Kenwood Park

40 Searching for the Queen of Sheba at Fernbank

Museum of Natural History

41 Center for Puppetry Arts

31

just kids:

42 Exhibit: Bodies at Atlantic Station

You Might Be a Special Needs Family, If …

Learn about the daily challenges parents of children with special needs often encounter.

Magazine Association of the Southeast

2013 Award Winner atlantaparent.com

43 The Secret Doors of Decatur 44

November Calendar

51

Holiday Calendar

Like us on Facebook; facebook.com/ AtlantaParentMagazine November 2015 Atlanta Parent 5

PUBLISHER Liz White

lwhite@atlantaparent.com

ASSOCIATE Laura Powell PUBLISHER lpowell@atlantaparent.com

BUSINESS Amy Smith DEVELOPMENT MGR asmith@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Carolyn Haushalter EXECUTIVE chaushalter@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Candy Stirling EXECUTIVE cstirling@atlantaparent.com

SPECIAL EVENTS & Jordan Lisvosky

DIGITAL SALES jlisvosky@atlantaparent.com

CONTRIBUTING Amanda Miller Allen EDITOR

CALENDAR Hayley Markowitz EDITOR calendar@atlantaparent.com

Does your child have ASTHMA?

EDITORIAL Sheri Taylor-Emery

ART DIRECTOR creative@atlantaparent.com

PRODUCTION Robin Mintz

OPERATIONS Caroline Ward MANAGER cward@atlantaparent.com

Take part in a Clinical Research Study!

MARKETING MOM Felicia Barman

Consider joining a research study at Emory University / Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to improve asthma treatments for African Americans/Blacks.

Sign Up For Our e-Newsletter at AtlantaParent.com Like Us on FACEBOOK

To participate in this study, you must: Be 5-21 years old Have at least one grandparent of African descent Qualified participants will receive: Asthma medications Pulmonary evaluation Compensation for time and travel 6 Atlanta Parent November 2015

Alice Bruce | 404-712-1773 alice.bruce@emory.edu Shanneka Douglas | 404-727-7687 sdougl5@emory.edu

Atlanta Parent magazine is published monthly by Atlanta Parent, Inc., 2346 Perimeter Park Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30341.

Telephone 770-454-7599, Fax 770-454-7699.

Atlanta Parent magazine is available free of charge at more than 1,000 locations throughout the metro Atlanta area. First class subscription only $30 per year. Subscription orders must include check or money order made out to Atlanta Parent magazine.

Atlanta Parent magazine welcomes letters, articles, artwork and photographs from its readers and the community. Atlanta Parent magazine is not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials.

All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission.

© Atlanta Parent, Inc. 2015

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The Gift of Beauty ON THE

WEB

n RealMomNutrition.com On this website, you’ll find recipes your kids will love and straight talk from Sally Kuzemchak, a registered dietitian, mother of two boys and selfconfessed “picky eater” as a child. Kuzemchak admits to imperfection as a mom and meal planner and doesn’t pretend that getting kids to eat healthy meals is easy, but she offers some strategies to succeed more often than you fail.

n Streaksapp.com We all know how hard it can be to change habits, even if we have a compelling reason to do so. The Streaks app can be a motivator, whether you want to get to the gym more often or make five sales calls daily. You can see what remains undone at a glance, and starting a good “streak” encourages you to not be a slacker.

Like shedding a bad habit, developing a good one is easier if you take it one day at a time. Available for iPhone..

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Big or Small Save Them All November 2015 Atlanta Parent 7

Publisher’s Note

By Grey Seal Puppets of Charlotte, NC

Grey Seal Puppets

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Based on the classic television special Adapted by Jon Ludwig Directed by Tim Sweeney

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Memory Making Moments Thanksgiving Day, which seemed so distant in October, is almost here and it is time to get busy with holiday celebrations and gift buying. Some retailers are already piping in Christmas music, and Santa now arrives way before Thanksgiving.

Before we get caught up in a hectic schedule that leaves little time for fun with our families, let’s take a deep breath and think about what matters. Is it more important for our son and daughter to have everything on the wish list, or an afternoon with Mom and Dad doing something they’ll remember?

I was reminded about the importance of experiences in October, at Atlanta Parent’s 12th annual Family Festival. So many families came out to enjoy simple activities together – a ride on a camel or pony, a close encounter with an exotic reptile, storytelling, talented entertainers, costume dress-up on Trick or Treat Street, face painting, hunting for prizes hidden in hay, crown making, mask making, mini putt-putt and more. Toward the end of the festival, a few of us overheard a tiny voice saying, “Mom, this was the best day ever!,” as one little girl left, holding her mother’s hand.

That’s something to think about as we head into the end-of-the-year holiday rush. Is it more important to spend time with the kids making a batch of “Thanksgiving Thankful Rolls,” (page 14) or to have a perfect Thanksgiving Day menu? What about teaching our kids compassion and giving to those less fortunate (page 12) in this thanks-giving season?

When we think back on our holidays as children, we don’t remember the year the turkey and dressing was flawless or the crust perfectly flaky on the pumpkin pie. We remember family traditions and experiences – Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (televised live!), a game of tag with our cousins, the after-dinner hike to work off some of those calories, drawing names for Secret Santa, the wonderful day-after-Thanksgiving visit to the Georgia Aquarium when other Moms and Dads were fighting Black Friday crowds.

What memories will you make with your children this holiday season? We’d love for you to share them with us at facebook.com/ AtlantaParentMagazine.

Limited FREE Parking • MARTA Accessible

1404 Spring Spring Street Street NW NW 1404 Atlanta, GA 30309 Atlanta, GA 30309

Advance purchase is highly recommended as many shows sell out quickly.

Season supported in part by: Fulton County Board of Commissioners; the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs; and Georgia Council for the Arts through appropriations of Georgia General Assembly. GCA is a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Kermit the Frog © 2015 Disney. Gobo Fraggle © 2015 The Jim Henson Company. Gumby and Pokey © 2015 Premavision, Inc. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Hermy the Elf under licence to Character Arts, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

8 Atlanta Parent November 2015

How to Reach us: Telephone 770.454.7599

Email lwhite@atlantaparent.com

Fax 770.454.7699

Website www.atlantaparent.com

Snail Mail 2346 Perimeter Park Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30341

We welcome your views and comments. Letters that appear in the magazine may be edited for content and space.

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GET IN THE GAME AND LEARN SOMETHING TOO! More than 40 state-of-the-art interactive experiences and exhibits T.E.A.M.S™ Curriculum: A Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics and Science based program Located in downtown Atlanta near Centennial Olympic Park.

Free educational resources available at cfbhall.com/education-resources/ Contact us at groups@cfbhall.com or 404.880.4841 to book your field trip

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Sunday-Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Closed: Christmas and Thanksgiving Day

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November 2015 Atlanta Parent 9

News You Can Use

by Hayley Markowitz

Too Much Fast Food?

34.3

percent of U.S. children ages 2-19 who eat fast food daily.

12

percent who get more than 40 percent of their calories from fast food.

13.1

percent of non-Hispanic white children who consume fast food daily

13.9

percent of non-Hispanic black children who consume fast food daily Source: National Center for Health Statistics.

Pledge to Play with Your Kids The Toy Industry Association has launched the Genius of Play campaign to raise awareness about the developmental benefits of play, and parents can sign up and pledge to play with their kids. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children spend at least 60 minutes daily in open-ended play.

Parents can pledge seven hours a week for play to help reach the goal of one million hours’ of pledges. Once the goal is met, TIA will donate more than $10,000 to The Toy Bank nationwide. To tlearn more, visit thegeniusofplay.org

Getting Ready for Black Friday About a third of shoppers purchase most of their holiday gifts by Nov. 1, but most don’t. Some 140 million consumers will shop in stores or online during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, according to the National Retail Federation. Plan ahead, and don’t spend all your budget on Friday. Some retailers may offer better deals on Cyber Monday. The best deals tend to be on electronics, appliances, toys and travel.

Make a Child Smile on Christmas Day Make a difference and pack a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child. The organization has delivered gift-filled shoeboxes to more than 124 million children affected by war, poverty, natural disasters, and other crises in more than 150 countries and territories. Boxes will be collected Nov. 16-23. To learn more, visit samaritanspurse.org.

10 Atlanta Parent November 2015

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Two Teens Honored for Service Projects Mary-Pat Hector of Lithonia and Evan Barnard of Johns Creek, both 17, are among the top 15 winners of the 2015 Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes.

The prize honors kids making a positive difference to people or the planet, and each winner receives a $5,000 award to support their service work or higher education.

Mary-Pat created Think Twice, a billboard campaign with graphic ads that encourage teens to think twice before picking up a gun. She placed 35 Think Twice billboards around Atlanta in 2014, and has spoken to more than 200 groups in 30 states about gun violence. She also is youth cochair for Cities United, a group of 38 mayors working on the issue.

Evan builds Braille nature trails to improve access to the outdoors for adults and children who are visually impaired.

Braille trails include guide ropes and Braille signage to allow the visually impaired to experience nature on their own.

Evan uses donated materials and organizes volunteers to work on the trails and raises money to purchase Braille signage. For more about the Barron prize, visit barronprize.org.

MEMBERS HAVE MORE

FUN atlantaparent.com

National Adoption Observance National Adoption Awareness Month in November calls attention to the more than 400,000 children in foster care waiting to find permanent families.

Almost half of all adoptions are private, 40 percent are through foster care and the rest are through international adoption.

Learn more at nationaladoption-month.adoption.com.

Science at Hand Day

Saturday, Nov. 7 Hands-on science adventures.

Winter Wonderland Celebration Days Saturdays, Nov. 21 – Dec. 19 Holiday-themed programs for all ages.

Weekend Wonders

Drop-in programs, including live science shows, animal encounters and more.

Visit FernbankMuseum.org to plan your visit.

Join today and visit the Museum for free.

November 2015 Atlanta Parent 11

How to Raise a Giver in a “Gimme” World

by Janeen Lewis

Most parents hope their children will become altruistic individuals, but kids are constantly bombarded by messages from the media that scream the opposite – that pursuing one’s own luxury and comfort leads to happiness.

How do parents tune out the mantra of “gimme” and replace it with a spirit of generosity? Try these steps to put your child on the path to philanthropy. n Model

a Life of Giving

“Children are watching all the time and you need to ‘walk the walk,’” says Ellen Sabin, author of The Giving Book: Open the Door to a Lifetime of Giving. “There are dozens of things that you can do every day to demonstrate giving. When kids see parents doing those things, they want to do them, too.”

Sabin wrote the book about giving as a gift for her 6-yearold niece, Leah.

“It was a recipe for a happy life,” Sabin says. “I was hoping to show her she was powerful and could change the world around her and that it feels good to do that.” n Take

Care of the Environment

One simple way to teach children to give is to teach them to be kind to the earth. Start a recycling program at your child’s school or pick up trash together. Grow a garden in your backyard or volunteer to work in a community garden. Donate some of the produce you harvest to a local soup kitchen. You will help others in need and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.

Recently my children and I volunteered during an annual waterway cleanup. When we cleared a creek of litter with other helpers, it made an impression on my son, Andrew, 8, who felt a sense of accomplishment in helping keep a habitat clean for creek life. Now he wants to adopt a stream to help monitor the quality of waterways in our community. n Adopt

a Charity Annually

Sabin suggests that family members choose a charity together to support each year. “Join an annual walk for autism, cancer, or any other charitable cause,” Sabin says. “When you are at the dinner table talking, decide how you want to spend your philanthropic dollars together.”

Since children often connect with helping animals, consider a charity walk that benefits pet rescue or animal adoption.

Another idea would be to participate in Heifer International’s “Read to Feed,” a program in which an individual child or a group of children find financial sponsors and then read a designated amount. The money they earn goes to Heifer International to provide education, tools and livestock to feed millions of families around the globe (learn more at Heifer.org).

12 Atlanta Parent November 2015

atlantaparent.com

n Donate

Your Time

While it is important to donate money whenever we can, it is also important to give our time to help others. Take your children with you when you volunteer at a local homeless shelter, food drive, animal shelter, or school fundraiser, and deviate from your own schedule to do something special with your child sometimes. Children pick up on our subtle clues as to what is important, and that is how they will invest their time as they grow into adults. n Keep

It Simple

When I consider all of the people and organizations that need help, I often feel overwhelmed. But teaching children to help others includes more than donating time and money.

Let someone in front of you at the grocery check-out line or let other drivers go first in a crowded parking lot. Smile and say please and thank you to restaurant servers, store clerks, mail carriers and trash collectors. I tell my children how much those employees improve our lives. Always look for opportunities to model kindness and compassion, and children will do the same. n Give

All Year

Last year during the holidays, I did my annual sweep, looking for cans of food that had sat in the pantry for months and clothes that were ready for Goodwill. As I did this, it occurred to me that more than consciously meeting someone’s need, I was treating giving like an afterthought.

I realized that if I really wanted my children to have giving spirits, I needed to give year round and enlist their help.

Now my children and I pick out some non-perishable food at the grocery routinely and put it in the cart. Then we take it to a church that has a food pantry. Every season we go through outgrown clothes and toys and they help choose what to give away. We talk about who might be a good recipient for the items and where we should take them.

I want my children to understand that giving to others is a way of life, not just something we do once a year.

Every day there are opportunities to give. Choose one of them and start down the road of lifelong giving with your child. c Janeen Lewis, of Smyrna, is a freelance journalist and mom of two who has a heart for feeding the hungry and helping clean up litter in her community.

10 1

Rake leaves, mow grass or get the mail for a neighbor in need.

2

Send care packages to a relative or friend who is away at college or in the military.

3 4 5

6 atlantaparent.com

Easy Ways to Light a Spark of Compassion in Kids

7

Volunteer at an animal shelter or pet store that sponsors pet adoption.

Help clean up after, care for and feed the pets.

8

Let your child choose a charity. Then let them earn money for household chores and donate the money to the cause.

9

Fill clear storage bags with items such as socks, hand warmers, change, a bottle of water, lip balm, and contact information for food banks and shelters. Pass the bags out your vehicle window to the homeless at intersections.

Visit your local nursing home and read to a resident.

Take a meal to a new mom.

Contact your local parks and recreation department to find out about volunteer events that keep your community’s parks and waterways clean.

Participate as a family.

Start a lemonade stand or have a yard sale and donate your earnings to charity.

the holidays, 10 During invite a friend who is alone or lives far from relatives to a family gathering.

November 2015 Atlanta Parent 13

15

Ways to Entertain Your Kids on Thanksgiving Day

by Alyssa Chirco

By creating a few new family traditions, you can keep kids busy and entertained on Thanksgiving Day – and even teach them a thing or two about gratitude. Whether you’re celebrating with just your family or expecting a houseful of relatives, plan some of these fun activities that kids of all ages can enjoy.

Watch a Thanksgiving Day Parade The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York is always televised live on Thanksgiving morning. Other cities televise their parades on local stations.

Make homemade butter Kids can do this all by themselves. Add heavy whipping cream and a bit of salt to a glass jar, put on the lid and then shake, shake, shake.

Gradually, the mixture will thicken and you’ll start to see a mass of butter inside. Flavor the butter if you like with fresh herbs, cinnamon or honey, and then serve with Thanksgiving dinner.

Make Pumpkin Pie Playdough Homemade Pumpkin Pie Playdough is easy to make, smells divine and can keep kids busy for hours. Make a batch ahead of time, and on Thanksgiving Day supply kids with rolling pins and cookie cutters to create their very own masterpieces.

Pumpkin Pie Playdough Recipe

Create a Handprint Turkey Table Runner

When kids cover their hands in fabric paint and press their handprints onto a plain white table runner, they’ll create a festive Thanksgiving centerpiece. Let them draw or paint legs and beaks on the handprints to turn them into “turkeys.” Add new handprint turkeys to the same runner every year.

14 Atlanta Parent November 2015

1 cup flour ½ cup salt 1 cup water 2 teaspoons cream of tartar 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves) ½ teaspoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon vegetable oil orange gel food coloring paste (or red and yellow food coloring drops)

Combine flour, salt, cream of tartar and spices in a medium nonstick saucepan.

Add oil, water and food coloring.

Whisk until smooth.

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 3-4 minutes.

You will know your playdough is finished when it begins to pull away from the sides and form a ball in the center of the pan.

Remove from heat and allow playdough to cool slightly. Once cool, knead on a flat surface for about a minute.

For an even stronger scent, you can knead more cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice into the dough at this time.

Store in an airtight bag or sealed container for up to a week.

atlantaparent.com

Start a Gratitude Journal

Go Pumpkin Bowling

Pass around a pen and a notebook and ask family members and guests to write down five things they are thankful for. Give younger children crayons so they can draw pictures of things that make them happy.

This activity creates a wonderful family keepsake, especially if you add to the notebook year after year.

Set up plastic bowling pins on your lawn or floor and let kids use small pumpkins (about 4 to 6 inches in diameter) as bowling balls. Hand out prizes for strikes and spares.

Bake a batch of “Thanksgiving Thankful Rolls” Start by having children write down things they are thankful for on small strips of paper. Next, prepare a baking sheet as directed for your favorite crescent rolls.

Have kids add one strip of paper to the middle of each piece of dough, and then roll up and bake according to the recipe (making sure no paper is sticking out or it will burn).

Play a game of touch football Watching football may be a Thanksgiving Day tradition, but active kids are likely to prefer playing the actual game.

Teach them the rules, divide them into teams and then send them outside to play.

For more family fun, encourage the adults to join too.

Set out coloring pages, word searches and mazes Buy Thanksgiving-themed activity books at a craft or school supply store or look online to find pages you can print at home. Set these out at a kids’ table with pencils, markers and crayons.

Take a family nature hike Before dinner, take the kids outside to enjoy the crisp November air. Collect acorns, leaves and sticks for future craft projects and work up an appetite for the Thanksgiving meal to come.

Set up a scavenger hunt Divide kids into teams and have them search for a list of Thanksgivingthemed items like candy corn, apples, cranberries, feathers, oven mitts, a turkey baster and more. The team that finds all the items first wins.

Pay a tween or teen to chaperone If you’re having a large holiday gathering where lots of children will be present, consider paying one of the older kids to entertain the younger ones.

Have them play board games or read books. Tweens and teens appreciate the cash, and adults appreciate the extra help watching their kids.

Write letters to Santa Planning to shop on Black Friday?

If Santa visits your house, make it a tradition for kids to write letters to him on Thanksgiving so you know what to buy. After all, Christmas is just around the corner!

Write notes to relatives who live far away Have grandparents or other family members who live out of state and can’t visit for Thanksgiving? Encourage kids to write notes letting them know how much they are missed. Or use an application like Skype so everyone can video chat face-to-face.

Assign responsibilities Kids love to feel like they are contributing in a meaningful way.

Even young children can take coats from guests as they arrive. Ask older children to refill drinks or help in the kitchen by washing dishes and loading the dishwasher.

atlantaparent.com

November 2015 Atlanta Parent 15

Seven Family Games for all the Turkeys at Your Thanksgiving 4 3

5

2

6

1

7

by Pam Molnar

Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to gather – up until dinner is over, that is.

When their bellies are full, the men retire to watch football, the kids scatter to empty rooms and the women are often left with kitchen duty. Avoid the after dinner segregation and keep them together with these seven Thanksgiving games and activities.

1 2

Leaf Blower Split the group into two teams. Each team needs to blow a leaf from Point A to Point B using a straw in a relay race style.

The next player will blow it back from Point B to Point A until everyone has had a turn. First team to finish wins.

3

Stuffed Turkey

4

Toss & Tell

I was So Hungry This memory game is a fun way to get the party laughing. The players sit at the table or in a circle. The first player starts, “I was so hungry that I ate a juicy drumstick for Thanksgiving.” The next person adds something like, “I was so hungry that I ate a juicy drumstick and a mound of mash potatoes for Thanksgiving.” Keep repeating and adding until the whole party is stuffed.

16 Atlanta Parent November 2015

Wrap a piece of candy in brown box tape. Continue to wrap the tape in a ball, adding additional pieces of candy as you go. The size of the ball will depend on how many players and candy you have. (This is a great way to use up the rest of your Halloween candy.) To play, place the ball in the center of the table. Using a pair of dice, each player takes a turn rolling for doubles. If you get doubles, you can start unwrapping the ball to get candy for as long as it takes the next player to get doubles. The ball is then passed to that player and so on until the ball is completely unwrapped.

All players sit in a circle. Start by tossing a small turkey stuffed animal or small football to a player and ask a question like, “Who do you think will make it to the Super Bowl this year?” or “What is your favorite memory from elementary school?” This multigenerational game will be a hit! atlantaparent.com

5 6 7

Dress the Turkey Select a volunteer from the family to be the turkey. Using brown crepe paper streamers, wrap up the turkey until he is covered. Decorate the turkey with a yellow beak, feet and colorful feathers made from construction paper or foam sheets. Don’t forget your camera!

Pass the Cranberries Using a turkey baster, pick up a cranberry and bring it to a bowl on the other side of the room.

The first team to pass all their cranberries from one bowl to the other is the winner.

Fill your Plate This is a two part game. Use free printables of Thanksgiving meal items – drumstick, cranberries, potatoes, stuffing, corn and pie. Have the kids color and cut out their dinner items.

When everything is colored, pass out a paper plate to each player. The game is a spin off of the Cootie game, but instead of building a bug, we are filling our plate. Assign each meal item with a number and each time a player rolls the die, he gets to put that item on his plate. Whoever fills their plate first is the winner.

Emotional Well Baby Checkups

Looking for more games to play with your family? Try these: l Taboo: try to get your team members to guest the word on your card without using specific keywords. Look for holiday versions online. l Pictionary: a drawing version of the classic Charades game. Use Thanksgiving terms to complete your holiday theme. l Spoons: a simple card game for kids or adults. Try to find four of a kind while passing cards from player to player.

The last one to grab a spoon is out. l Trivial Pursuit: there are so many versions of this classic party game. Include some of your own family or Thanksgiving trivia for an added challenge. l Dominos: match dotted tiles in a variety of domino games like Mexican Train. Simple enough for the kids.

Challenging enough for the adults. l LCR: a simple dice game played with chips or coins.

Roll the dice to see if your chips will go to your left, right or into the center pot. Last player standing wins the pot. l Apples to Apples: a judge from each round will decide which object card matches best with the communal descriptive card. This game is available in a variety of versions, including a Jr. version.

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November 2015 Atlanta Parent 17

Atlanta Parent Magazine’s

Best Books of 2015

Looking for the next great book to share with your child? We reviewed books that will capture your child’s attention and launch them into a love of reading. We present this year’s top picks, from infants to teens.

Babies to Toddlers n Who’s Hungry?

by Dean Hacohen & Sherry Scharschmidt (Candlewick Press, ages 0-3, $9.99) Parents will want to keep this cute “flip the flap” book handy during mealtimes to encourage even the pickiest toddlers to eat up. The simple illustrations feature a variety of animals like bunnies, seals, monkeys, and more, and toddlers can turn it into a game by peeking under each flap to learn what each animal enjoys munching on. Bon appetit! – Felicia Barman n Hoot! Hoot!

by Sebastien Braun (Nosy Crow, ages infant to 3, $8.99) Who, who is that hiding in the tree? This sweet book for small babes has charming, layered illustrations. The big flaps are fun to lift, and babies will surely love learning about the silly sounds of furry and feathered friends! – Sherry Crawley n Guess What? Sweets and Treats

by Yusuke Yonezu (Michael Neugebauer Publishing, ages 1-3, $11.99) This fun board book will keep kids guessing. It looks like orangeand-white candy, but is it? Lift the flap and you’ll find two colorful clown fish. A lollipop turns into a chameleon on a twig. Your kids will squeal in delight. – Amanda Allen

18 Atlanta Parent November 2015

atlantaparent.com

n How Penguin Says Please

by Abigail Samoun and Sarah Watts (Sterling Children’s Books, ages 1-3, $6.95) Penguin learns to say “please” in seven languages in this charming board book, as she travels to France, Russia, Egypt, India, China, Japan and Argentina.

– AA n Whose Tools? and Whose Trucks?

by Toni Buzzeo and Jim Datz (Abrams Appleseed, ages 2-4, $9.95 each) Fair warning: if you have a truck- or toolobsessed kid, good luck getting them to part with these cute, sturdy board books.

These little volumes would be a great accompaniment to a toy truck or tool kit – and you might even learn a term or two!

– SC n Vegetables in Underwear

by Jared Chapman (Abrams Appleseed, ages 2-5, $14.95) When it’s time for your toddler to leave diapers behind, pick up this book and giggle about underwear, the underwear for Big Kids and the underwear for babies (oh, wait – that’s diapers). Baby Corn, Baby Carrots and Baby Beets are stuck in diapers, but grown up vegetables get to wear underwear. – AA n Happy in Our Skin

by Fran Manushkin and Lauren Tobia (Candlewick Press, ages 2-5, $15.99) This beautifully illustrated rhyming book begins, “Look at you! You look so cute, in your brand-new birthday suit. This is how we all begin, small and happy in our skin.” Children learn that skin of all hues is beautiful and how wonderful it is to have it – “it keeps the outsides out and your insides in.” – AA

Pre-K to Elementary School n Bernice Gets Carried Away

by Hannah E. Harrison, (Dial Books for Young Readers, ages 3-5, $16.99) We’ve all had bad days, including Bernice the cat, who feels neglected at her friend’s birthday party. As she grabs a bunch of balloons from the party and is whisked away into the sky, the detailed illustrations help show how she sees things from a different perspective. Like many of us, she realizes that things aren’t so bad once you develop a positive attitude, and she is able to spread some cheer among friends. – AA

atlantaparent.com

n Your Alien

by Tammi Sauer and Goro Fujita (Sterling Children’s Books, ages 3 and older, $14.95) This sweet story tugs at the heartstrings as a little boy discovers a friendly alien in his backyard. They become inseparable friends, and they enjoy helping each other discover new things on a daily basis. As time goes by, the little boy must figure out why his alien is suddenly sad, and we learn the hard lesson that sometimes when you love something, you must set it free. – FB n Spectacular Spots

by Susan Stockdale (Peachtree Publishers, ages 2-6, $15.95) Spots are a thing of beauty in this gorgeous picture book of spotted creatures ranging from ornate butterflies with “eyespots,” to cheetahs and jaguars with their bold, distinctive markings. This nonfiction book serves as a guide to explain how spots actually help animals blend in with their surroundings to help ensure their survival. Readers will enjoy the fun matching game at the end to identify which spots belong to each animal. – FB

n Find Momo Coast to Coast

by Andrew Knapp (Quirk Books, ages 3 and older, $14.95) Get ready to love Momo! Photographer Andrew Knapp and his border collie Momo are Instagram stars. In this incredible hideand-seek book, the pair tour the United States and Canada in a vintage orange Volkswagen van. Knapp photographs Momo hanging out in well-known tourist spots and off-the-beaten path destinations.

Good luck – it is awfully hard to find the adorable black and white pup in many of these shots! I see this book being a staple in the “keep the kid quiet on a road trip” stack! – SC n Finders Keepers

by Keiko Kasza (Penguin Young Readers, ages 3-5, $16.99) A squirrel’s red hat, carried by the wind, goes on a journey and is put to other uses by the critters that acquire it, who all exclaim, “Finders, keepers!” When the squirrel finally reclaims his hat, readers are in for a delightful surprise. – AA n Daylight Starlight Wildlife

by Wendell Minor (Penguin Young Readers, ages 3-7, $17.99) Bright, clear illustrations of familiar animals and descriptive, flowing text makes this book of “compare and contrast” a good addition to any child’s library. Butterflies fly by day, luna moths flutter by night. Children will be enchanted while learning about creatures as they move between dark and light. – SC n The Wonderful Things You Will Be

by Emily Winfield Martin (Random House, ages 3-7, $17.99) Wondering what the future holds for our child is a universal truth of parenthood. Will he be kind? Will she change the world? This lovely book ends with the answer parents feel in our hearts: I’ll love you, whoever you grow up to be. A great gift for expecting or new parents! – SC Cont’d on page 20

November 2015 Atlanta Parent 19

Best Books of 2015

n Home

by Carson Ellis (Candlewick, ages preschool-3, $16.99) A fun read with beautiful illustrations, Ellis guides us through different types of homes, including a house in the country, an apartment, a wigwam, her own home, and even a big shoe.

Children are sure to enjoy exploring each of these homes, and the message that home is a place of joy and comfort. – Kevin Powell

n My Bike

by Byron Barton (Greenwillow Books, ages 3-7, $16.99) When Tom hops on his bike to go to work, he passes by the usual – people, cars, buses.

You start to wonder, though, when he rides by monkeys, elephants, lions and tigers to get to his destination. Can you guess where he works? Colorful illustrations bring the words to life. – AA

n Butterfly Park

by Elly MacKay (Running Press Kids, ages preschool and older, $16.95) A young girl has trouble adjusting to life in a new, big city. She misses the sounds of birds and crickets, and the fluttering of butterflies from her old home. She wants to create a butterfly garden, but she needs the help and ingenuity of her new friends and neighbors to make the garden happen. MacKay’s radiant illustrations communicate a love for nature and community parents and kids will enjoy.– KP

n Get Out of My Bath!

by Britta Teckentrup (Nosy Crow, ages 3-7, $15.99) Ellie the elephant is making waves in her bath until a crocodile joins her, then a flamingo and a tiger – and then it starts to get so crowded, she wants everyone out! This beautifully illustrated book is a fun read that invites children to shout with Ellie, “Get out of my bath!” – AA

n Last Stop on Market Street

by Matt de la Pena (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, ages 3-5, $16.99) On the way to the Market Street stop, CJ wonders to his grandmother why they have to wait in the rain, why he doesn’t have an iPod, and why they ride the bus and don’t have a car.

Readers are in for a pleasant and heartwarming surprise as Pena’s text and Robinson’s illustrations show the special connection that grandparents have with their grandchildren as great listeners and a voices of guidance.– KP n This Is Sadie

by Sara O’Leary and Julie Morstad (Tundra Books, ages 3-7, $17.99) Sadie has an imagination big enough for two children and she uses it all day, every day, building boats and castles and pretending she’s part of all the stories and books she reads.

Sadie’s story reveals the wonder of books to kids who are just starting to explore them. – AA

20 Atlanta Parent November 2015

n The Nonsense Show

by Eric Carle (Penguin Young Readers, ages 3-7, $18.99) This legendary author does it again with a truly entertaining book about things that make no sense at all. We see snakes with two tails, mice chasing cats for a change, birds and fish swapping habitats, and more silly scenarios.

Readers will enjoy the playful, colorful imagery while suspending belief. This book encourages dialogue for children to come up with even more preposterous things long after the story is over!

– FB n Don’t Think About Purple Elephants

by Susan Whelan and Gwynneth Jones (EK Books, ages 4-7, $17.99) When Sophie is in bed at night and everything is quiet, she’s plagued by “what if” worries and can’t get to sleep. For instance, “What if she forgot her lunch and had nothing to eat at school?” Her family tries to help but nothing works until her mother tells her, “Don’t think about purple elephants.” – AA n Bulldozer’s Big Day

by Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, ages 4-7, $17.99) It’s bulldozer’s birthday and he hopes to celebrate with his construction site buddies, but they’re all busy at their jobs. He thinks nobody cares about his special day until the construction whistle signals it’s quitting time. – AA n Pete the Cat and the Bedtime Blues

by James Dean (Harper Collins, ages 4-8, $17.99) My son would read the telephone book if Pete the Cat were on the front. The colorful paintings of Georgia artist James Dean, as in all the Pete the Cat books, steal the show in this new tale. Pete the Cat is ready to hit the sack, but his friends aren’t ready yet. Find out how Pete gets them to go to sleep. Add it to your Pete collection! – SC

atlantaparent.com

n A Pig in a Wig

by Emma A. Virjan (HarperCollins, ages 4-8, $9.99) This book is really silly. And that’s exactly what kids will love about it! There’s this pig, and it’s in a wig, and then it’s on a boat … and then things start to get crowded.

With bold illustrations and a catchy sentence structure, emerging readers will have fun with this simple book of ridiculous rhyme. – SC

n We Forgot Brock!

by Carter Goodrich (Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, ages 4-8, $17.99) Phillip and Brock are best friends who do everything together. The thing is, no one can see Brock except Phillip because Brock is imaginary. As we play along with Phillip, our hearts ache when he loses his beloved imaginary friend at an amusement park. All hope seems lost until another little girl and her imaginary friend display the strong power of friendship to try to reunite the two. – FB

n Gwendolyn Grace

by Katherine Hannigan (Greenwillow Books, ages 4-8, $17.99) Parents with babies and young children at home will identify with this adorable story featuring a precocious alligator named Gwendolyn Grace who just can’t seem to play quietly while her baby sibling takes a nap. Children will giggle at the crazy antics that Gwendolyn Grace comes up with, like swimming in the “ocean” of her bathtub, playing dress-up with her dog, “sledding” down her staircase, and more. As it turns out, she just can’t wait for the baby to wake up so that they can make joyful noise together. – FB Cont’d on page 22

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November 2015 Atlanta Parent 21

Best Books of 2015

n Trombone Shorty

by Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews and Bryan Collier (Abrams Books for Young Readers, ages 4-8, $17.95) Readers can’t help but be inspired by this true story about a young boy living in New Orleans named Troy who earns the nickname “Trombone Shorty” after finding a broken trombone twice his size. He is determined to make beautiful music with his new instrument, and he even catches the attention of Bo Diddley during a big concert.

Hard work, practice, and determination pay off for Trombone Shorty. – FB

22 Atlanta Parent November 2015

n Gordon Parks: How the Photographer Captured Black and White America

by Carole Boston Weatherford and Jamey Christoph (Albert Whitman & Co., ages 5-8, $16.99) Starting out with a used camera that cost $7.50, celebrated photojournalist Gordon Parks exposed the racial and class divide in our segregated nation. This book shows children there is power in using art to illustrate and draw attention to the lives of everyday people, and that anyone can create dialogue that leads to change if we are brave enough to do it. – SB

n Chu’s Day at the Beach

by Neil Gaiman and Adam Rex (HarperCollins Publishers, ages 4-8, $17.99) It starts off as a typical fun day at the beach for the lovable panda bear Chu and his family until ... achoo! Chu’s larger-than-life sneeze manages to split the sea in half, causing upheaval for all the sea animals and beachgoers.

Young readers will delight in coming up with antics to get Chu to sneeze again to fix this dilemma. – FB

atlantaparent.com

ATLANTA COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

‘A small school... with a big heart’ n Tulip and Rex Write a Story

by Alyssa Satin Capucilli and Sarah Massini (Katherine Tegen Books, ages 4-8, $17.99) It’s quite the adventure for a little girl named Tulip and her trusty dog sidekick, Rex, as they embark on a “word walk” throughout the city. They cleverly use their surroundings to find words to write down in Tulip’s notebook, and their vivid imaginations help them come up with the perfect ending to their short story. – FB n The Thing About Spring

by Daniel Kirk (Abrams Books for Young Readers, ages 4-8, $16.95) Everyone’s excited that winter is drawing to a close, and spring is quickly approaching – everyone except the skeptical Rabbit, that is. It takes all of Rabbit’s forest friends, including Mouse, Bird, and Bear, to point out all of the wonderful things the spring season has to offer. Readers can relate to the many reasons that Rabbit will miss winter until they realize that spring is actually full of pleasant surprises. – FB n Two Girls Want a Puppy

by Ryan and Evie Cordell and Maple Lam (Harper Collins, ages 4-8, $17.99) When two sisters really want a puppy, they set out to show their father that they’re responsible enough to care for a fourpawed family member. They take care of a neighbor’s dog and research why people are healthier and happier with pets, and discover than eight million dogs in shelters are looking for a home. – AA n Cat & Bunny

by Mary Lundquist (Blazer+Bray, ages 4-8, $17.99) Cat and Bunny are best friends and they do everything together until Bunny invites others to play with them. Cat feels left out and alone until he makes a new circle of friends.

– AA

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Cont’d on page 24

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November 2015 Atlanta Parent 23

Inspiring Students WITH THE PASSION TO

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Best Books of 2015 n A Fine Dessert, Four Centuries, Four Families, One Delicious Treat

by Emily Jenkins and Sophie Blackall (Random House, ages 4-8, $17.99) The dessert is Blackberry Fool and the story follows the dessert’s preparation through four generations of families, from its start 300 years ago in England. With each generation and more modern appliances, preparation becomes easier but the dessert’s appealing taste doesn’t change. – AA n What About Moose?

By Corey Rosen Schwartz, Rebecca J. Gomez and Keika Yamaguchi (Simon & Schuster, ages 4-8, $17.99) Moose has a poor understanding of teamwork when he and his animal friends start to build a treehouse. He barges in and takes over, hollering orders – until he makes one demand too many, and his friends work together to get him out of a jam. – AA n Itty Bitty Kitty

by Joan Holub and James Burks (HarperCollins Publishers, ages 4-8, $17.99) Every parent braces themselves for when their young child asks for a pet, and Ava’s parents are no exception. When Ava begs for a cat but doesn’t get the answer she wants, she takes matters into her own hands and smuggles a tiny kitty cat into her home. No one suspects a thing until Itty Bitty Kitty isn’t so little anymore! This hilarious story and colorful illustrations show us that pets can actually end up playing important roles in our families. – FB

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24 Atlanta Parent November 2015

Call for D

n Rappy the Raptor

by Dan Gutman and Tim Bowers(HarperCollins Publishers, ages 4-8, $17.99) Rappy the Raptor doesn’t miss a beat as he raps and rhymes throughout this catchy story. We can’t help but giggle as we learn through whimsical rhyme just how Rappy developed such a unique skill from the time he was born. Young readers learn that we all have individual talents that make us special. – FB n Counting Lions: Portraits from the Wild

by Katie Cotton and Stephen Walton (Candlewick Press, ages 5 and older, $22) The incredibly detailed illustrations in this large-form counting book immediately catch your eye. Poetic lines about rare and beloved animals like gorillas, tigers and macaws, have a quieting effect as you read them; the subtle and simple rhythm is captivating. This is a special book, and it can be the beginning of important conversations about how we value the life of all creatures and the role we each play in caring for their future of our planet and all who inhabit it. – SC

atlantaparent.com

n Animal Supermarket

by Giovanna Zoboli and Simona Mulazzani (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, ages 5-8, $16) At the Animal Supermarket – where mice, cows, elephants, monkeys, foxes and many more animals shop – you’ll only find healthy foods, no ice cream, cookies or chips. The frozen food section was shut down and turned into a meadow where bees carry their baskets from flower to flower. This subtle message is beautifully illustrated with a quiz at the end – what does each animal eat? – AA

atlantaparent.com

n Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast

by Josh Funk and Brendan Kearney (Sterling Children’s Books, ages 5-8, $14.95) Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast overcome all obstacles in the fridge – a broccoli forest, potato mash mountain, a chili lagoon and even a bean avalanche – in their race to beat each other to the remaining drop of syrup.

But maybe friends shouldn’t behave this way? – AA

n Feet, Go to Sleep

by Barbara Bottner and Maggie Smith (Alfred A. Knopf, ages 5-8, $16.99) Fiona has had a long day at the beach, but she thinks she’s not ready to go to sleep until she starts remembering her day. She starts with her toes that gripped her flip-flops on the way to the beach and works her way up her body to her brain that still caught up in the day – that’s when she realizes she’s really tired and sleepy. – AA

Cont’d on page 26

November 2015 Atlanta Parent 25

Best Books of 2015 Trending with Tweens and Teens Atlanta Parent asked Little Shop of Stories in Decatur to choose books that tweens and teens are excited to read and are recommending to their friends.

Ages 10-14 n The Last Dogs series

by Christopher Holt (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) In this fast-paced adventure series, a group of dogs band together to discover the mystery behind the sudden disappearance of all the humans they’ve ever known. n League of Seven

by Alan Gratz (Starscape) In an alternate America of 1875, the world has never used electricity, because to do so is to waken enormous monsters lying beneath the earth. But someone has experimented too much with electricity, and now only the legend of a powerful league of seven young heroes can stop these evil beasts from destroying civilization as we know it!

n Nimona

by Noelle Stevenson (Harper Teen) This graphic novel is the story of what happens when the villainous Lord Ballister Blackheart takes on a sidekick, Nimona, who shows him that he’s not as blackhearted as many think, and that the heroes of the kingdom are not so heroic after all.

26 Atlanta Parent November 2015

n Star Wars: The Princess, The Scoundrel, and the Farm Boy

by Alexandra Bracken (Disney Lucasfilm Press) n Star Wars: So You Want to Be a Jedi?

by Adam Gidwitz (Disney Lucasfilm Press) n Star Wars: Beware the Power of the Dark Side!

by Tom Angleberger (Disney Lucasfilm Press) These three books are adaptations of the original three Star Wars movies. What’s really great about these books is that they don’t feel like movie tie-ins at all. Instead, the writers (all three are top notch kids-lit authors) have crafted inventive and delightful re-imaginings of those stories we think we know so well.

atlantaparent.com

Ages 12-16 n Everything, Everything

by Nicola Yoon (Delacorte Press) Maddy is allergic to everything, a girl living in a bubble, and she’s about to risk everything when Olly moves in next door. But their daring adventure will upend more than her heart, it will shatter everything she’s ever know about her world. n Six of Crows

by Leigh Bardugo (Henry Holt and Co.) In the fantasy city of Ketterdam, young criminal mastermind Kaz Brekker puts together a team of spies, thieves, and other outcasts to pull off one impossible heist from the most powerfully guarded prison in all the land, where the price of failure is war! n The Hunted

by Matt de la Pena (Delacorte Press) Shy takes a job on a cruise ship, hoping for some cash and a fun summer at sea, but when the most massive earthquake ever recorded sends a tsunami that destroys his summer dreams, it’s all he can do to survive, adrift on a raft with the girl who wouldn’t normally give him the time of day. n March

by John Lewis, Andrew Ayden and Nate Powell (Top Shelf Productions) A stirring and surprising memoir of the childhood and young adult life of Congressman John Lewis, including a vivid and eye-opening look at the early days of the civil rights movement, done in a graphic novel format. c

atlantaparent.com

November 2015 Atlanta Parent 27

BOOK

BITS

Teaching a child to love reading lays the foundation for a successful life – in a career and for life-long learning and adventures without leaving a comfortable armchair.

Here are some ideas to help parents get started.

Reading Festival Offers Fun Day With Great Books

Book It!, Kindle Books Join Forces

The Family Reading Festival, one of the highlights of the Book Festival of the MJCCA, entertains and educates children ages 6 months to 6 years with crafts, storytime, puppets and more.

The festival, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 15 at 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody, will include five crafts connected to the books Hanukkah is Coming, Joey and the Giant Box, Meg Goldberg on Parade, Hare and Tortoise Race Across Israel, and Family Ties. The Atlanta Hawks cheerleaders, Rabbi G and the Shabbat Dinosaur also will make appearances.

Pre-ordered tickets are $10 for MJCCA member children and $13 for nonmember children; parents and children under age 6 months are free. Day-of-event tickets are $16.

The Book Festival of the MJCCA is Nov. 5-22, with more than 40 authors and speakers, including Mitch Alborn, Arlene and Alan Alda, Judy Blume, Alan Dershowitz, Ted Koppel and Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Find out more at atlantajcc.org/bookfestival.

Book It!, a program started by Pizza Hut in 1984 to reward kids for reading, is offering free or discounted Kindle books though a new partnership with Amazon.

Two children’s books may be downloaded for free, You Are (Not) Small by Anna Kang and Christopher Weyant and Secrets of the Book by language arts teacher Erin Fry. Other books will be discounted 50 percent.

For access, visit bookitprogram.com/ amazon.

Also in 2015, Book It! will continue to challenge principals to be examples for literacy, asking them to choose one day to read, all day long, from the first bell to the last during National Young Readers Week Nov. 9-13. Students and families can also watch a new story each day during National Young Readers Week compliments of Book It! and One More Story, an online library of the best classic and contemporary children’s picture books. Find out more at pizzahut.com/bookit.

More than 14 million students participate in the program each year.

Pick a Card, Learn to Read Beginning readers who have trouble recognizing and remembering sight words might benefit from The Reading Game, a new memory card game that teaches Dolch and High Frequency Sight Words.

The game uses a fast action memory card game that teaches five words at a time, and these words are reinforced with picture flashcards with simple phrases. After repeated play, kids will be able to read an accompanying storybook unassisted.

For more about the game, visit thereadinggame.com.

Books, By the Numbers

$102.2 billion

Revenue from book sales worldwide

$29 billion

Revenue from book sales in the United States

One Stop for Reading, Art During open studio time at Splash on Literacy in Alpharetta, parent and child can choose age-appropriate books to read, then imagine and create art based on the story.

The $18 fee includes art materials. The studio also offers art classes by age group.

For more information, see splashonlit.com.

28 Atlanta Parent November 2015

328,000

Number of new book titles published annually in the United States

1,971

Number of independent bookstores in the United States Source: Statista.com

atlantaparent.com

25 Can’t Miss Stories

for Family Reading and Movie Time

by Cindy Hudson

T

he best family films appeal to two or sometimes even three generations, and often, the key to finding these movies is looking for a great book the movie is based on.

It’s fun to read the book first as a family, then watch the movie together.

Comparing the two and noting any differences help kids develop skills in critical analysis, something they will almost certainly be asked to do in school.

This list of 25 titles, grouped by age, will get you started. These stories have intergenerational appeal, so teens are likely to enjoy the book/movie combos for younger kids too.

Ages 6 to 8 n Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White/

movies from 2006 and 1973

n The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

by L. Frank Baum/movie from 1939 n How to Train Your Dragon

by Cressida Cowell/movie from 2010 n Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs

by Judi Barrett/movie from 2009

n Nanny McPhee: The Collected

Tales of Nurse Matilda by Christianna Brand/movie from 2005 Cont’d on page 30

atlantaparent.com

November 2015 Atlanta Parent 29

25 Can’t Miss Stories Ages 8 to 13 n Matilda by Roald Dahl/movie from 1996 n Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen/

movie from 2010

n Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine/

movie from 2004

n The Secret Garden by Frances

Hodgson Burnett/movie from 1993

n Holes by Louis Sachar/movie from 2003 n Treasure Island by Robert Louis

Stevenson/Muppet Treasure Island movie from 1996 n The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion,

the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis/movie from 2005

n Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie/movie from

2003, Disney version from 1953

n Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine

Paterson/movie from 2007

n The Invention of Hugo Cabret by

Brian Selznick/Hugo the movie from 2011

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Ages 14 and older n To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee/

movie from 1962

n Millions by Frank Cottrell Boyce/

Is your school missing?

Make sure our parents know about YOU. Advertise in Atlanta Parent’s January Education issue.

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30 Atlanta Parent November 2015

Deadline: Nov. 10

movie from 2004

n Divergent by Veronica Roth/

movie from 2014

n The Giver by Lois Lowry/

movie from 2014

n Stardust by Neil Gaiman/

movie from 2007

n The Hunger Games by Suzanne

Collins/movie from 2012

n The Perks of Being a Wallflower

by Stephen Chbosky/movie from 2012

n The Book Thief by Markus Zusak/

movie from 2013

n War Horse by Michael Morpurgo/

movie from 2011

n Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

by Jesse Andrews/movie from 2015 c

atlantaparent.com

just kids

A quarterly focus on Special Needs

All children are special, but that word “special” assumes a new dimension when it is paired with the word “needs.”

“Special needs” may mean challenges beyond what any parent expected, but unexpected joys, too. Every family’s experience is unique but certain things are universal. Perhaps you will recognize yourself, or someone you know here.

You Might Be a Special Needs Family if …

by Sue LeBreton … if you feel you’re spending more time talking to doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists or speech therapists, than to your friends. … if, when the caller ID display indicates your child’s school is calling, you know the subject is not the latest fundraiser. … if every outing must be planned with more precision than a military operation and you have a backup plan for your backup plan. … if your bookshelves are overflowing with books whose titles are filled with acronyms such as: ADHD, OCD, ODD, ASD, CP, LD. … if planning and preparing a gourmet dinner for the Queen of England seems like child’s play compared to navigating the food and behavior issues at the table. … if you are so experienced with tantrums that a child needs to approach the sound level of a jet engine to truly get your attention. … if you have had to excuse yourself or forcibly remove your child more times from a store or restaurant than the average security guard escorts people out in a career. … if you spend more time and energy securing a sitter than most Fortune 500 companies invest in finding a CEO. And still, you rush home because you are uncertain they are qualified Cont’d on page 32

atlantaparent.com

November 2015 Atlanta Parent 31

just kids

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• Pre-K–8th • Small group instruction • Therapeutic Support • Hands-on Academics • Project Based Learning

Susan N. Schriber Orloff, OTR/L, FAOTA Director, Occupational Therapy

… if you know more about your company’s health plan than the Human Resources department. … if you dream about a night of undisturbed sleep, even while you are asleep. … if your patience has expanded beyond what you ever dreamed possible, yet on some days even the patience of Mother Teresa is still not enough.

• Over 35 years experience • 2006 Georgia OT of the Year

770-394-9791

www.childrens-services.com

FULTON COUNTY SCHOOLS IS HERE TO HELP FAMILIES… For any child age 3 or older, the school system can evaluate for a suspected disability, at no cost.

• DIAGNOSTIC AND EVALUATION SERVICES • SPEECH/LANGUAGE THERAPY • SPECIALIZED COMMUNITY-BASED AND SCHOOL-BASED EDUCATION We serve students with disabilities such as developmental delays, speech/language delays, autism spectrum disorders, hearing and vision impairments, orthopedic impairments who are three to five years of age and reside within the Fulton County School District.

It is the policy of the Fulton County School System not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability in any employment practice,educational program, or any other program, activity, or service.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 470-254-0402 OR VISIT WWW.FULTONSCHOOLS.ORG

32 Atlanta Parent November 2015

… if you can laugh at what others see as a disaster, knowing that this too shall pass, and this too could have, and has been, worse. … if some days you do more coaching than an entire NFL or NHL’s team staff combined. … if you often worry about siblings feeling left out and cannot find a formula to divide your scant 24 hours a day fairly (but you keep trying). … if you feel like throwing a huge party to celebrate that your child has made a friend or been invited to a play date or birthday party.

Finally, others see what you know: that your kid, despite his or her challenges, is terrific. c atlantaparent.com

“AN EXCEPTIONAL “AN SCHOOL FOR EXCEPTIONAL SCHOOL FOR EXCEPTIONAL EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS” STUDENTS”

The mission of The Bedford School is to maximize the potential of students with learning differences and develop foundations for success.

770-774-8001

5665 Milam Rd. Fairburn www.thebedfordschool.org Organizations

For more information, call Dept. of Special Education at 404.802.1690 or 404.802.1699

“An Exceptional School for Exceptional Students”

“An Exceptional School for Exceptional Students”

ations

(GISA) Georgia Independent School Association (AAAIS) Atlanta Area Association Independent of Independent Schools (GAPSEC) Georgia Association ociation of Private Schools for rea AssociationExceptional Children (AAC) Atlanta Athletic Riding Conference Therapeutic nt SchoolsQuality Directed byAtlanta SLP certifi ed (APAC) Private Hippotherapy ia Association inAthletic Conference PATH-I Center est. 2002

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AN EXCEPTIONAL SCHOOL FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS EXCEPTIONAL

SCHOOL FOR EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS

hools forgreenacresonline.com www.ittsforchildren.com SB 10 Approved 770-517-5154 Children At Cumberland, we strive to GOAL Scholarships provide each student the instruction etic Conference Cumberland Academy of Georgia and opportunity needed to reach ta Privatetheir full potential. We pledge to help 650 A Mt. Vernon Hwy NE, Atlanta GA 30328 each student discover their talents www.cumberlandacademy.org nference and discipline themselves to admissions@cumberlandacademy.org maximize their potential.

404 835 9000

we strive to Where kids are capable, connected, considerate nt the instruction & creative eeded tochildrenstherapygroup.net reach www.cloverleafschool.org We pledge to help 678-858-4777650 A Mt. Vernon Hwy NE, Atlanta GA 30328 404-474-3904 ver their talents www.cumberlandacademy.org hemselves to admissions@cumberlandacademy.org 404 835 9000 r potential.

Cumberland Academy of Georgia

PLEASE

College prep and vocational College prep andacademics vocational school for students in grades four to twelve for and grades post graduate academy designed 4-12 with Autism, Asperger’s, ADD, ADHD and other and postgraduate students with high learning challenges. functioning Autism, Asperger’s, ADD, 650 A Mt. Vernon Hwylearning NW, Atlanta, GA 30328 ADHD and other differences. cumberlandacademy.org 650-A Mt. Vernon Hwy NE • Atlanta 30328 404.835.9000 www.cumberlandacademy.org 404-835-9000

RECYCLE

College prep and vocational school for stud in grades four to twelve and post graduat with Autism, Asperger’s, ADD, ADHD and ot learning challenges.

650 A Mt. Vernon Hwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30

atlantaparent.com

cumberlandacademy.org November 2015 Atlanta Parent 33 404.835.9000

just kids f.y.i Muppets Encourage Understanding of Autism Sesame Street’s first Muppet with autism, Julia, has joined the cast, a move the producers hope will promote understanding and awareness for kids and families who are coping with the disorder.

The initiative, Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children, includes an app, online videos and a downloadable storybook that explain what autism is like from the perspective of an autistic child. Find out more at autism.sesamestreet.org and sesameworkshop.org.

‘Once Upon a Holiday’ Dance Celebration

The ABCs of interacting with autistic kids, according to researchers:*

A B C

Always be patient. Autistic kids can get stuck on a game or activity and be unwilling to follow cues of their playmates.

A group of talented dancers with Down syndrome will be performing alongside professional members of SIDEWAYS Contemporary Dance Company in “Once Upon a Holiday” Nov. 21-23.

The dancers who make up the Foster-Schmidt Dance Company are selected during auditions from dancers who take lessons at the Foster-Schmidt Dance Academy for Down Syndrome in Roswell.

SIDEWAYS, formed in 2006, does contemporary dance programs across the Southeast.

The performances will be at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Roswell.

For more information or tickets, visit atlantadancecentral.com.

Be observant. Make sure you know the types of activities the child enjoys, then get them involved in structured play.

Communicate in different ways. Sometimes kids with autism can’t verbalize their emotions so try to find different ways to interact.

*Source: The Nisonger Center at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Find Therapists Your Family Can Trust Caring for your children with special needs depends on finding excellent health care specialists.

Atlanta Parent’s list of Mom-Approved Health Care Professional are providers our readers trust with their children’s treatment, in the areas of speech, cognitive and physical therapy.

Visit atlantaparent.com/ healthprofessionals to start your search for the best practitioners.

Free Coloring Pages from Popping Wheelies Apply for a Free Beamz Music System Families who have kids with special needs are eligible to apply to Project Maestro for a free Beamz Music System.

Project Maestro, a joint program of the nonprofit Share Your Blessings and Beamz, will give away $400,000 worth of music systems in the next six months to families and schools.

To apply for a system, visit share-your-blessings.org/apply-fordonation; to donate to Project Maestro, visit share-your-blessings. org/indiegogo-project-maestro.

34 Atlanta Parent November 2015

Parents can download free coloring pages that include drawings of kids with disabilities from Popping Wheelies artist Sue Nuenke.

Nuenke started drawing children in wheelchairs for her son Chris, who had Duchenne muscular dystrophy, in 2007.

Free color images and stickers are also available on her website, poppingwheelies.net.

– Amanda Miller Allen

atlantaparent.com

Spotlight on Special Needs Resources The Atlanta Public Schools

The Bedford School

he Atlanta Public Schools Department of Special Education offers comprehensive special education services children from birth through age 21 years through Child Find. Child Find is a component of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that requires all states to identify, locate, evaluate and refer all children with disabilities. Children from birth to age three with disabilities will be referred to the appropriate agencies for services.

All referrals are considered confidential, and services are provided at no cost to the family.

Atlanta Public Schools Child Find services can open a window of hope for a brighter future for infants and toddlers who are at risk of developmental delay. A free, appropriate, public education with a full continuum of services is available to all eligible children. If you know a child who may have a problem with learning, speech, vision, hearing, or who has physical, cognitive or health impairments, please encourage his or her parents and/or guardians to contact the Department of Special Education at 404.802.1690 or 404.802.1699 for more information.

he Bedford School is located on Milam Road in Fairburn, Georgia. The school serves children with learning disabilities in grades1-9. Students are grouped by skill levels in classes of 12 or less. At Bedford, students receive the proper academic remediation,as well as specific remedial help with physical skills, peer interaction and self-esteem. Students must be diagnosed professionally as having specific learning disabilities.

The Bedford School is based on the idea that every human being should have the opportunity to become the very best person possible. For the child with the learning disability, this is difficult without proper intervention. The goal of the school is to help each child maximize his potential through a combination of teamwork, structured materials, organized activities and a dedicated staff. Extracurricular activities include basketball, soccer, volleyball and track and field. A four-week summer program is available through Squirrel Hollow, where children can receive tutoring in the areas of Language Arts, Math and written expression in a camp-like setting. The summer program is open to students in grades 1-9 who need an academic boost.

For more information, call Betsy Box at 770-774-8001 or visit the website at www.thebedfordschool.org.

T

Porter Academy

P

orter Academy is dedicated to educating children Pre-K through 8th grade by utilizing individualized programs that are appropriate to each student’s developmental level and learning style. If one technique is not proving effective for a particular child, then the teachers will try alternative techniques until they find one that works. The team of teachers, therapists, and administrators work together to develop academic abilities, foundational abilities (e.g, processing skills, attention, motor skills), and self-esteem.

Porter Academy utilizes 1) small homerooms grouped by socialdevelopmental level, 2) assessments to determine academic and developmental level, 3) individualized academic programs, 4) small group instruction of core academics to ensure comprehension, 5) integration of project based learning, multi-sensory techniques, and well established academic programs to engage students and enhance learning efficiency, 6) social guidance and intentional character development, and 7) therapeutic support (speech/ language therapy, occupational therapy, and music therapy) within a group setting.

“This is the first environment which has enabled my daughter to be successful in so many ways. She knows herself that she is learning and improving academically.” – Porter Academy Parent For more information, call 770-594-1313 or visit the website www.porteracademy.org.

atlantaparent.com

T

The Stardust Project and Equine Assisted Therapy

R

iver Run Equestrian at Huntcliff has become known for not only its boarding and training programs, but also The Stardust Project. River Run is committed to providing Atlanta’s best Therapeutic Riding program. Therapeutic riding uses equine-assisted activities to improve the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of people with disabilities. It is beneficial in the areas of health, education, sports, and recreation and leisure. Worldwide, thousands of individuals with special needs have experienced the rewarding benefits of horseback riding. River Run Equestrian creates interesting and clear lessons that will motivate the student and enhance progression. For some students, therapeutic riding is an essential part of recovery and management of many disabilities. River Run has witnessed the miracles that can occur with the bond between horse and human.

Leslie Olsen is Director of Therapeutic Riding at River Run Equestrian. She has been a registered nurse for 28 years, specializing in pediatrics. Leslie is a PATH and EAGALA certified instructor and founder of Atlanta Horses for Heroes.

Please visit stardustproject.org to read testimonials from families who have experienced life change!

Special Advertising Section

November 2015 Atlanta Parent 35

Family Fun Guide * Eating Out

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Exhibits

n

Playground

Not-to-miss events for November

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Calendar

t Puppe !

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Cinderella

Cinderella

Family Festival

Clifford the Big Red Dog

Fox Theatre Nov. 3-8. Tues.-Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m.

Woodruff Arts Center Nov. 8. Noon-5 p.m.

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Nov. 13. 6:30 p.m.

Explore featured works of art, stroller tours, drop-in art making, storytime, a movie and more with the High Museum of Art, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Alliance Theatre. Activities from 1-4 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta.

404-733-4400. Free. high.org

Everyone’s favorite big red dog headlines a live musical performance. Clifford and Emily Elizabeth embark on a journey to Birdwell Island to meet up with their friends and learn to share Clifford’s BIG ideas: sharing, playing fair and working together.

2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta. 770-916-2800.

Tickets, $17-$47. cobbenergycentre.com

This Broadway musical presented by Rodgers and Hammerstein has the pumpkin, the glass slipper, and the masked ball, of course, but with a surprising new twist. 600 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta.

404-881-2100. Tickets, $30-$135. foxtheatre.org/ cinderella

atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

November 2015 Atlanta Parent 37

Family Fun Guide My Parents’ Basement

22 N. Avondale Rd., Avondale Estates 404-292-4607 myparentsbasement.squarespace.com Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-Midnight Self-described as a “nerdy Cracker Barrel” and “Your friendly neighborhood comic book bar,” My Parents’ Basement is the newest restaurant in downtown Avondale Estates. The concept is one of a kind: a combination comic book store plus restaurant and bar. n What’s on the menu: You’ll find an interesting and delicious twist to typical family dishes, including Crunchy Black Eyed Peas ($4), Foot-Long Pimento Cheese Toast ($7) and Grilled Kimcheese ($10), an amazing combination of kimchi and Emmental cheese. The CBJB, which stands for Cashew Butter, Strawberry Jam and Bacon ($9), is the signature dish. This spin on a traditional sandwich was a favorite at our table.

Kid menu items include the Junior Burger, Grilled Cheese, Shrimp Tacos and Chicken Fingers and Fries, all in the $7 range. Dessert is the “Ice Cream Truck Selection” ($3), which includes rotating flavors from your childhood like Bomb

EATING OUT

Pops and Choco Tacos. When possible, MPB uses locally sourced foods like bacon from next-door neighbor Pine Street Market, Springer Mountain Chicken, and kimchi from Simply Seoul. n Why parents like it: We enjoyed the laidback atmosphere, including the outdoor patio, and friendliness of the staff. We allowed our two daughters, Natalie (9) and Kate (7), to purchase a comic book and we were excited to see them showing interest in a different type of publication.

Anything that encourages reading gets our approval! n Why kids like it: The comics store, of course!

Kids can browse through the different titles with the help of a sales person. We learned that each Wednesday is “New Comic Release Day.” It is a great day to stop in and check out what is new. There are also other activities at MPB, such as a free arcade cabinet and on some days, corn hole toss games on the patio.

– Jennifer Joyner

Last Chance for

CORN MAZES! Take a hayride, stroll through ears of corn and see farm animals. Here are the closing dates for a few locations. For more information visit atlantaparent.com.

Buford Corn Maze: Through Nov.15 Burt’s Farm: Through Nov. 10 Cagle’s Family Farm: Through Nov. 15 Jaemor Farm Market: Through Nov. 8 Southern Belle Farm: Through Nov. 1 The Rock Ranch: Through Nov.7 Uncle Bob’s Tricky Crop Maze: Through Nov. 8

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Children’s Museum Re-opens!

On Dec. 12, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta opens its doors for a new experience. Discover two additional hands-on permanent exhibits, a new 3,000 square foot mezzanine level, enhanced existing galleries and a permanent performance space for the Museum’s Imaginators.

Opening day festivities include a parade, ribbon cutting ceremony, photo opportunities and so much more. Tickets go on sale Nov. 16. childrensmuseumatlanta.org/new-adventure

38 Atlanta Parent November 2015

Family Fun Guide

Uncle Shuck’s: Through Nov. 22 Washington Farms: Through Nov. 1

atlantaparent.com

Playground: Kenwood Park, Fayetteville You want to work out. The kids want to go to the park.

Where can you go? The answer is Kenwood Park, the largest park in Fayette County, with 172 acres of play space! n Features: The park has so many features it is hard to decide where to start. In the playground area, it has two sets of playing equipment, for younger and older kids, although the children run back and forth playing on both sets.

A beautifully shaded and paved trail is another option.

The .9-mile trail allows the most beautiful views of nature. It is great for the family that wants to exercise together.

A track circles the soccer field, and you’re able to run, fly kites or play all types of field activities. Swinging benches around the track are for catching a cool breeze and keeping an eye on the children.

The best attribute about this park is that there is always space to do an activity. Throw the tricycles, balls, kites and skates in the car or bring nothing – there’s plenty of play equipment. If you want to run back and forth on a field while doing sack races or run while the kids ride their wheels, this is the park for you! n Amenities: On the grounds are basketball, tennis and sand volleyball courts; a track; a soccer field; a .9-mile trail; pavilions and picnic areas; geocaching with several locations throughout the park. Plenty of parking is available. Everything is accessible by paved walkways. The rest rooms and water fountains are clean and well placed throughout the park. n Location: Ga. Hwy. 279, Fayetteville. Sunrise to sunset.

For information, call 770-716-4320.

– Tracy Joyner

atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

November 2015 Atlanta Parent 39

A Queen,

If You Go

a Kingdom and a Magical Time at Fernbank

Searching for the Queen of Sheba Fernbank Museum of Natural History 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta 404-929-6300; fernbankmuseum.org n Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. Through Jan. 3. n Admission: Adults, $18; children 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free.

M

any people have heard of the Queen of Sheba. But do you know who she was? Where she lived? When she reigned? To find out, my husband and I took our 13-year-old twin daughters and their 9-year-old friend to Fernbank Museum’s Searching for the Queen of Sheba exhibit.

With lights dimmed low, the exhibit transported us to a mysterious land. An ancient map showed us we were in the Kingdom of Saba (current day Yemen in South Arabia) and a large time line put us between 950 BCE to the third century.

It’s worth noting that the exhibit is heavy on text so be prepared to read to younger children.

Although scholars haven’t yet proven the queen existed, cartoon-like paintings from Ethiopia depicting stories about her and snippets from three different religious writings gave us more insight.

To show what her kingdom may have

resembled, alabaster fragments from ancient thrones were displayed and a reproduction of a South Arabian throne sat on a multitiered pedestal. My daughter Allison asked, “You mean the Queen of Sheba had to sit on that hard thing all the time?”

We learned the Kingdom of Saba’s prosperity stemmed from its location on the Incense Road. Used in perfumes and medicines, incense was loaded onto camels traveling across the Arabian Peninsula. A collection of limestone incense burners also recounted the importance of these aromatics in religious rituals.

The exhibit showcased the region’s art, language and architecture through artifacts – some over 2,000 years old – and I found the details in the carvings awe-inspiring.

The girls’ favorite part was the group of large stone inscriptions. At first they couldn’t imagine life without pencils or paper, but soon they were trying to translate the ancient

alphabet into our own. “That looks like the letter ‘E’,” I overheard the 9-year-old saying. All three especially enjoyed the gift shop at the conclusion where they could smell the various incense sticks for sale.

Parents will love exposing children to ancient treasures while children will enjoy imagining life in a different time period.

– Rebecca Ruffin Leffler

Child Models We’ve booked kids for $2,000 per day and more, others at $50 - $60 per hour.

Could your baby, toddler or kid be one?

Atlanta, New York, LA

404-636-1974

www.williamreynoldsagency.com 40 Atlanta Parent November 2015

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Puppet Mania!

“The most sophisticated people I know – inside they are all children,” puppeteer and Muppets creator Jim Henson once said. Perhaps that explains why the Center for Puppetry Arts has become an Atlanta treasure for kids and adults, and continues to expand, with the grand opening of the Worlds of Puppetry Museum on Nov. 14.

The Museum

Opening Day

The 7,500-square-foot permanent exhibit space will include:

Festival activities all day, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., with timed admission to the museum every 30 minutes.

n Global Collection gallery highlighting puppetry in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. n The world’s most complete collection of Henson’s puppets, including Kermit, Miss Piggy and the other Muppets. n Interactive exhibits that include Henson’s office and TV studio, a shadow puppet wall, playing with rod marionettes, and a creature workshop with fabric swatches and googly eyes.

n Walk-around characters including Sockly, the center’s mascot n Puppeteers with hand-and-rod style puppets n Surprise celebrity puppet appearances n Create-A-Puppet Workshops n Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer puppet show, noon and 2 p.m. n Food trucks Buy tickets in advance to assure you’ll get in. Two ticket options: $10.50 museum only; $20.50 allinclusive, for puppetry show, timed-entry to the museum, and the Create-A-Puppet Workshop.

Don’t miss the most famous reindeer of all!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Nov. 12-Dec. 27.

Kids will love seeing the beloved Christmas story come to life. The show is based on the television clay animation feature, Rudolph Saves Christmas, with his bright and shiny nose and his friends including Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius and the Abominable Snow Monster. Tickets, $20.50-24.50; younger than 2, free.

atlantaparent.com

If You Go

Center for Puppetry Arts 1404 Spring St., Atlanta; 404-873-3391; puppet.org n Hours and Tickets: Tues.-Fri., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Check the website for ticket prices to individual shows.

– Hayley Markowitz

Family Fun Guide

November 2015 Atlanta Parent 41

The Wonders

I

of the Body REVEALED

f you are looking to satisfy a curiosity about what’s inside the human body, then Bodies is the perfect place!

My 14-year-old, who’s taking biology this fall, and my 6-yearold loved this exhibit. My oldest thought it was “awesome” the way they preserved and exhibited the human body and its parts. I thought it was an amazing way to jump-start his studies in biology this fall.

We all appreciated the logical path the exhibit followed as it took us on a journey through the body’s sections, from the skeletal system to the respiratory system.

The exhibit contains preserved bodies and other parts of the body. The coolest things to my kids were the posed bodies engaged in everyday activities and the entire circulatory exhibit. My 6-yearold’s favorite part of the tour by far had to be the use of the hand-held speakers to explain the exhibits (he really enjoyed matching and inputting the numbers on the wall into the speaker).

Parents, please note that all of the bodies are anatomically correct.

Initially I worried about how my young son would react during the tour, but he loved it! He was engaged and excited during the entire 45-minute self-guided tour. A special moment we shared was in the reproductive exhibit. There we discussed what he, big brother and baby sister looked like inside my belly as they grew.

– Melissa Williams

If you go Bodies: The Exhibition Atlantic Station 265 18th St., Atlanta 404-496-4274; premierexhibitions.com n Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m. n Cost: Adults, $24; ages 5-11, $16; ages 4 and younger, free. Audio Guides, $5. Book tickets online and save $2 per ticket.

STORM THE

CAPITOL

Sunday, November 22, 2015 Come join the rebel forces in storming the Capitol for a full day of activities in celebration of the world premiere of Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2.

Swan House at Atlanta History Center was one of many Georgia set locations used during the filming of the Hunger Games movies.

Our Massage $10 off Specialties: your first prenatal • Pregnancy

massage when you

• Postpartum mention Atlanta • Fertility Parent • Neuromuscular

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Roswell location coming soon

AtlantaHistoryCenter.com/CapitolTours

www.pregnancymassage.com

42 Atlanta Parent November 2015

Family Fun Guide

678-462-2173

atlantaparent.com

The Secret Doors of Decatur

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nleash your imagination, gas up your car and head over to Decatur to take your kids on a scavenger hunt to find fairy doors!

These doors were designed and placed by 24 artists of the Secret Doors of Decatur project. The organizer, Larry Holland, is a Decatur-based artist who was inspired by fairy doors in other cities worldwide.

Funded by a seed grant from the Decatur Arts Alliance, the project is meant as a way to ease Decatur into public art. Several business owners and local leaders agreed to display a fairy door, and families can find 31 fairy doors in the community (more might be added soon).

My daughter and I set out to find as many of them that we could. Most are in places of interest around Decatur, such as the Wylde Center and McKoy Pool. My daughter and I both immediately fell in love with the fairy doors, and she asks me often to take her to find a new one (or revisit her favorites). Seeing her face light up when she finds a new fairy door is priceless!

Do the doors actually open? Holland says they do not, “Except maybe after midnight!”

What to take with you: A camera, this magazine, a pen and parking money. To find out more, visit secretdoorsdecatur.com.

– Cindy Imlay

Three Scavenger Hunts Decatur Square Walking Tour (1 hour) n Eddie’s Attic, 515 N. McDonough St. n Worthmore Jewelers, 117 E. Court Square n Brickstore Pub, 125 E. Court Square n Beaded Paisley, E. Court Square n Community Bandstand, on the Square Oakhurst Driving/Walking Tour (30 minutes) Drive from Sugar Creek Garden to Mojo Pizza; park and walk the rest. n Sugar Creek Garden, 118 Second Ave. n Mojo Pizza, 657 East Lake Dr. n Kavarna, 707 East Lake Dr. n Universal Joint, 906 Oakview Rd. n The Solarium, 321 W. Hill St.

My Favorite 8 Driving Tour (1 ½ hours) These are the doors my daughter likes to revisit. n The Marlay, 426 W. Ponce De Leon Ave. n Sushi Avenue, 308 W. Ponce De Leon Ave. n Worthmore Jewelers, 117 E. Court Square n Decatur Visitor Center, 113 Clairemont Ave. (Inside)* n Decatur Visitor Center, 113 Clairemont Ave. (Outside) n Wylde Center, 431 Oakview Rd. n The Solarium, 321 W. Hill St. n McKoy Pool, 534 McKoy St. * Please note that the Decatur Visitor Center is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

This secret door is crocheted, so that is why it made this list.

Photos by Cindy Imlay/Atlanta Parent Magazine

Nominate today!

ATL ANTA PARENT’S

MOM-APPROVED

DENTISTS

Tell us about your favorite dentist or dental practice by Nov. 30.

Go to www.atlantaparent.com/nominatedentist. atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

November 2015 Atlanta Parent 43

Calendar

November S M T W TH F S

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Visit our Calendar at atlantaparent.com for calendar updates and ongoing events and attractions in Atlanta.

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Events may be canceled or changed after our deadline.

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Submit your family-friendly Calendar event at least 8 weeks prior to the event by visiting atlantaparent.com/event/submit.

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Please call the event beforehand to confirm dates and times.

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VIKING RE-ENACTMENT

classes Mommy and Me Preschool Program.

Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Different activities each week. Nov. 5, 12, 19 and 29. 10 and 11:30 a.m. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw.

770-427-2117. Recommended for ages 3-5. Adults, $7.50; ages 4-12, $5.50; 3 and younger, free.

Toddler Thursdays. High Museum of Art. Create masterpieces to compliment the museum’s current exhibits. Ages 2-4. Nov. 5, 12, 19 and 26. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4400. Free with admission. Adults, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; 5 and younger, free.

Toddler Time. Georgia Aquarium. Introduction to marine life, see costumed characters, story time, craft activities and a snack.

Ages 0-3. Nov. 2. 10-11:30 a.m. 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta. 404-581-4000. Advance registration required. One adult/child pair, $16. Does not include Aquarium admission.

Home Depot Kids Workshop. All locations.

Learn tool safety while building a fire truck for fire safety month. Nov. 7. 9 a.m.-noon.

Homedepot.com. Ages 5-12. Free.

Second Thursday Program. Southeastern Railway Museum. Parents and tots program includes circle time, an activity and craft.

Ages 1-4. Nov. 12. 10:30 a.m.-noon. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-495-0253. $7 per child, one adult free, additional adult, $8.

Build and Grow Clinics. Lowes. Clinics teach kids to build wooden crafts. Free apron, goggles and merit patch. Nov. 14. 10 a.m.

Visit lowesbuildandgrow.com for locations.

800-445-6937. Pre-register. Free.

Crafts at Lakeshore Learning. Lakeshore Learning. Make a different craft each week.

Every Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 4287 Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-578-3100. Free.

Drop-In and Draw. Gas-Art Gifts at North DeKalb Mall. Make a different project each week. Anytime between noon-3 p.m. Sat. and Sun. 2050 Lawrenceville Hwy., Decatur.

404-801-4926. $5.

INK Craft Weeks. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids. Enjoy different themed crafts each week. Check inkfun.org for schedule and times. $1 with museum admission. Mon.Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., 1-5 p.m. 999 Chestnut St., Gainesville. 770-536-1900.

Mon.-Sat., $8; Sun., $6.

Saturday Morning Art Classes. Vinings School of Art. Drawing, painting or pottery classes. Supplies included. Ages 2-13. Every Sat. 10 and 11 a.m. 1675 Cumberland Pkwy., Smyrna. 678-213-4278.

Pre-register. $15, siblings $12.

44 Atlanta Parent November 2015

Barrington Hall NOV. 7-8. 10 A.M.-5 P.M. The life of a Viking comes alive as The Sons of Loki present aspects of Norse, Saxon and Norman culture. Demonstrations include Viking encampment, clothing, weapons, armor, craftsmanship, leather craft, shield making, wood carving, storytelling, fighting, camp life skits and more. 535 Barrington Dr., Roswell. 770-640-3855. Free admission.

exhibits Los Trompos. High Museum of Art. See the Spinning Tops, featuring more than 30 three-dimensional, larger than life tops in all colors throughout the Sifly Piazza. Through Nov. 29. Tues.-Thurs. and Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. noon- 5 p.m. closed Mon. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4400. Free.

Toys: The Inside Story. Tellus Museum.

See and learn the simple mechanisms commonly found in toys and your own toy-like combinations of gears, pulleys, linkages, cams and circuits. Through Jan. 4. Mon.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700.

Adults, $14; ages 3-17, $10; ages 2 and younger, free.

Resettling in America: Georgia’s Refugee Communities. David J. Sencer CDC Museum.

Explore the challenges of resettlement and the resiliency of refugees living in metropolitan Atlanta as they build new lives, identities, and a sense of community. Through Dec. 31. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 1600 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-639-0830.

Free.

Seriously Silly: the art & whimsy of Mo Willems. High Museum of Art. Explores the illustrations by the best-selling children’s book artist and author.

Through Jan. 10. Tues.-Thurs. and Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m.- 9 p.m., Sun. noon- 5 p.m. closed Mon. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4400.

Adults, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; 5 and younger, free.

Searching for the Queen of Sheba. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. This exhibit brings together ancient artifacts from Yemen, contemporary Ethiopian artwork, archaeological reconstructions and modern media to explore the mystery of this legendary queen. Through Jan. 3.

Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Adults $18; ages 3-12, $16; 2 and younger, free.

Aquanaut Adventure: A Discovery Zone.

Georgia Aquarium. Educational journey through the Aquarium’s upper levels while completing a series of entertaining challenges. Sun.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 225 Baker St., Atlanta.

404-581-4000. Admission price depends on date of visit. Adults, $38.95; ages 3-12, $32.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

Family Fun Guide

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Calendar Full Throttle: Evolution + Design of the Motorcycle. Tellus Museum. Learn all about vintage motorcycles, sidecars and mopeds from 1930s-1970s. Through March 27. Mon.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-6065700. Adults, $14; ages 3-17, $10; ages 2 and younger, free.

Anne Frank in the World: 1929-1945. Parkside Shopping Center. Learn about the life of the Frank family in Amsterdam. Includes replica of Anne’s room. Tues.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. noon-4 p.m. 5920 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs. 770-206-1558. holocaust. georgia.gov. Ages 10 and older, free.

movies Jerusalem. Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Take a closer look into the Old City and the Holy Land. Opens Nov. 6. See fernbankmuseum.org for show times. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404929-6400. IMAX tickets: Adults, $13; ages 3-12, $11; ages 2 and younger, free.

Wonders of the Arctic. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Enter the world of ice and snow, where polar bears live, huskies howl and narwhals dive through the waters. Through Feb. 11. See fernbankmuseum.org for show times.

767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6400. IMAX tickets: Adults, $13; ages 3-12, $11; ages 2 and younger, free.

atlantaparent.com

LEARN AND EXPLORE! SCIENCE AT HAND DAY Fernbank Museum of Natural History NOV. 7. 10 A.M.-2 P.M. Get the chance to learn what it is like to be a scientist and explore different scientific fields. Enjoy hands-on activities like making edible chemistry, building structures to withstand simulated earthquakes and so much more. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6400. Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org DISCOVERY DAY Tellus Museum NOV. 14. 10 A.M.- 5 P.M. Calling all tinkers, creators and makers for a day of STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art Math) fun with demonstrations and handson activities by Darlington Robotics, Kell Robotics, R2 Builders, Georgia Highlands College and Atlanta Maker Faire. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700.

Adults, $14; Ages 3-17, $10; ages 2 and younger, free. tellusmuseum.org

Family Fun Guide

November 2015 Atlanta Parent 45

Calendar

SALUTE A VETERAN Take a day to learn about the contributions and sacrifices of service men and women.

nature Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb. Panola Mountain State Park.

Explore the tree canopy using ropes and harnesses. Registration required.

Nov. 21. 1 and 3 p.m. 2600 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801.

Ages 8 and older, $15; Parking, $5.

Feeding Time. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Join a naturalist for an indepth look at one of the resident animals as the Wildlife Dept. feeds them. Every Tuesday and Saturday.

4 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell.

770-992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free.

special events Family Fun at the Woodruff Arts Center. As part of CREATE ATL, activities include art making, interactive musical story times, composers-in-training sessions, instrument making, drop-in acting classes and more. Every Sun., Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. noon-5 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-7334200. Free.

THE WALL THAT HEALS Pemberton Place, 121 Baker St. NW, Atlanta NOV. 5-8. 8 A.M.-8 P.M. Learn about the Vietnam War and the era surrounding the conflict. The traveling exhibition features a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. and is around 250 feet in length. vvmf.org/twth V.E.T.S. STORYTELLING Callanwolde Fine Arts Center NOV. 8. 3-5 P.M. Bring families, children and grandchildren to hear veterans from all branches of services over the past 70 years as they share experiences through storytelling by the Southern Oder of Storytellers and Callanwolde.

980 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404872-5338. Free. callanwolde.org Don’t miss Atlanta Veterans Day Parade through Downtown. Nov. 7. 11:11 a.m.

This year is dedicated to the Vietnam War Veterans. gavetsdayparade.org

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Family Fun Guide

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Calendar Day of the Dead. Atlanta History Center. Enjoy storytelling, crafts and authentic Mexican food and entertainment. See a display of altars honoring lost family and friends that are decorated with flowers, favorite foods and beverages. Nov. 1. Noon-5. 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta.

404-814-4000. Free admission day.

Model Railroad Days. Southeastern Railway Museum. The museum will be a stop on the Piedmont Pilgrimage, the Piedmont Division NMRA annual tour of model railroads. Nov. 7-8. 10 a.m. -5 p.m. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-495-0253. Adults, $10; ages 2-12, $7; ages 1 and younger, free.

Maker Faire Atlanta. Metro Atlanta Barnes and Nobles. See live demonstrations, learn to create and build, and enjoy technology with a twist. Nov. 6-8. See barnesandnoble.com for location and times. Free.

Family Reading Festival. Marcus Jewish Community Center. Enjoy kid’s author talks, readings, and overall celebration of reading at this annual book festival. Nov. 15. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody.

678-812-4005. Parents, free; children, in advance, $13; at the door, $16.

Teen Arts Night. City Center. Teens can bring instruments, poetry, artwork and short stories to share. Includes a slice of pizza and a soda. Nov. 6.

6-8 p.m. 8534 Main St., Woodstock. 678-494-4251. Ages 12-15, $5.

Storm the Capitol. Atlanta History Center. Come join the rebel forces in storming the Capitol for a full day of events in celebration of the world premiere of Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2. Nov. 22. 1-8 p.m. 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Tickets, $21-26.50.

History Tours. Piedmont Park. Learn about Piedmont Park’s history and the city of Atlanta. Saturdays through Dec. 11 a.m. Meet at the Green Market Info booth near 12th St. park entrance. Piedmont Park. 404-875-7275.

Free.

Frosty Joy!

Head over to Stone Mountain Park and see the “Laser Lawn” turned into a winter wonderland. Zoom down the 400-foot hill all together in a family-sized tube, or go at it alone as a single rider. Visit the Snow Zone area where younger kids can tube, build the ultimate snowman and create snow angels or throw snowballs.

Nov. 21-Feb.28. Snow pass, $28; Parking, $15. stonemountainpark.com

storytelling Storytime by the River. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Join the volunteer librarian as she uses books, puppets and songs to share stories about nature. Ages 3-5. Nov. 4. 10:30-11:30 a.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; 2 and younger, free.

atlantaparent.com

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November 2015 Atlanta Parent 47

STORM THE CAPITOL

Calendar Tadpole Tales. Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Preschoolers will enjoy a story with a Fernbank educator along with an activity or song. Nov. 21.

11:30 a.m. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300.

Free with admission. Adults $18; ages 3-12, $16; 2 and younger, free.

Atlanta History Center NOV. 22. 1-8 P.M. Come join the rebel forces in storming the Capitol in celebration of the world premiere of Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2. See past Hunger Games movies, hair and makeup demonstrations, participate in costume contest, see the Swan House transformed in to District 12 and much more. The Swan House was one of the Georgia set locations used during the filming of The Hunger Games movies. 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta.

404-814-4000. Tickets, $21-$26.50.

Storytime at Little Shop. Little Shop of Stories.

Thurs. nights kids can come in pjs for milk and cookies. Tues. 11 a.m., Thurs. 7 p.m., and Sun. 3 p.m. 133 A East Court Sq., Decatur. 404-3736300. Free.

Children’s Storytime. FoxTale Book Shoppe.

Storytimes are followed by dance and songs.

Every Sat. 11 a.m. 105 E. Main St., Woodstock.

770-516-9989. Free.

Wren’s Nest Storytelling. The Wren’s Nest.

Ramblers host storytelling each Sat. 1 p.m.

1050 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta.

404-753-7735. Adults, $8; ages 4-12, $5; ages 4 and younger, free. Price includes storytelling.

theater The 3 Little Pigs & More. Center for Puppetry Arts. Fantastic folk tales from around the world come to life with a menagerie of zany characters! Featuring the Frog Prince, Three Billy Goats Gruff and the Three Little Pigs.

Through Nov. 8. Thurs.-Fri., 10 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Sun. 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-8733391. Ages 2 and older, $16.50.

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48 Atlanta Parent November 2015

Family Fun Guide

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DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING High Museum NOV. 27. 10 A.M. TO 9 P.M. Take a carriage ride around the Woodruff Arts Center, explore galleries, enjoy art-making, live music, Alliance Theatre for the Very Young performances of Play the Play with Cat the Cat, demonstrations by members of the Georgia Renaissance Festival and more. Activities from 1-8 p.m.

1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta.

404-733-4400. Included with admission. Adults, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; ages 5 and younger, free. high.org

The Sleepy Hollow Experience. Serenbe Playhouse. Come to the Serenbe Stables to enjoy this classic spooky story. Through Nov. 8. Wed.-Sun., 8 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. late show 10:30 p.m.

9065 Selborne Ln., Chattahoochee Hills. 770-463-1110. Adults, $25; lap sitters, free.

beyond atlanta First Friday Night Concert Series.

Hancock Park, Dahlonega. Bring friends, family and lawn chairs and listen to entertaining bands. Nov 6. 6:30 p.m. North Park and Warwick Streets, Dahlonega. 706-482-2707. Free.

National Pumpkin Destruction Day. The Rock Ranch. Bring your pumpkins and watch all the ways it can be destroyed from monster trucks to airplanes. Nov. 7. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 5020 Barnesville Hwy., The Rock. 706-647-6374. Admission, $15; ages 3 and younger, free.

Savannah Children’s Book Festival. Forsyth Park.

Celebrate the joy of reading and the magic of storytelling at this annual festival that includes more than 60 authors and illustrators. Nov. 14.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Drayton St., Savannah. 912-6523600. Free.

Historic Trolley Tour. Downtown Augusta. Take the Lady Liberty Trolley for a kid-friendly ride to see some of Augusta’s most famous homes and the Augusta Canal. Hear a historical story and head to the James Brown exhibit at the Augusta History Museum. Saturdays. 1 p.m. 560 Reynolds St., Augusta. 706-724-4067. Pre-register. $12 per person, includes admission to the museum. c

What Do We Do?

Page Turners’ specializes in literacy activities for elementary-aged students.

We effectively communicate the importance and pleasure of reading to even the most indifferent students through:

1.

After-school book clubs for students

2.

School-wide and communityinvolved Read-a-Thons where students can experience reading in a fun and engaging way while interacting with community role models and leaders from a broad spectrum of businesses and professions; and

3.

Book donation drives to provide books to underprivileged and deserving students.

If you’d like Page Turners Make Great Learners, Inc. to host your next school Read-a-Thon, please contact FeFe Handy at fefehandy@ptmgl.com.

Implementing Innovative Learning www.pageturnersgreatlearners.org Pumpkin Destruction Day at The Rock Ranch

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Family Fun Guide

November 2015 Atlanta Parent 49

Win prizes for the family!

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Purchase tickets online at JMichaelCakes.com Family Fun Guide

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HOLIDAY CALENDAR Atlanta has it all for the holidays! Strap on a pair of ice skates, sing and dance under the twinkling light displays, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and share your wish list with Santa.

Holiday Events Macy’s Pink Pig. Lenox Square Mall. Atlanta’s famous pig train takes families for a life-sized storybook ride. Open through Jan. 3. Nov. hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., 12-6 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving. 3393 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-233-6767. $3,ride.

Stone Mountain Christmas. Stone Mountain Park.

More than two million lights and over a dozen performances and activities. Nov. 7-Jan.3. Visit stonemountainpark.com for times and prices.

U.S. Highway 78 E, Stone Mountain. 770-4985690. Adults, $29.95; ages 3-11, 24.95; ages 2 and younger, free. $15 parking.

Holiday in the Park. Six Flags. More than one million LED lights, Christmas trees and Santa Claus in all his glory with holiday themed attractions. Nov. 21-Jan. 3. Visit sixflags.com for schedule. Admission, $63.99; children under 48”, $43.99; ages 2 and younger, free.

Winter Wonderland Celebration. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Enjoy a special day celebration with cultural and holiday themed performances, crafts, games and more in honor of the holiday special exhibition.

Nov. 21 and 28. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Included with museum admission. Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free.

Winter Adventure. Lake Lanier Islands.

Lanier World transforms into a miniwonderland with new carnival rides, play snow area, mini golf and more. Nov. 20Feb.15. 5-10 p.m., including holidays.

7000 Holiday Rd., Lake Lanier Islands.

770-932-7200. Admission, $25-35; 42" and taller; $10-25, 41" and under.

Mighty Mo. Fox Theatre. Sing, dance, see a snow fall in celebration of the first time the theatre opened its doors. Advance purchase recommended. Nov. 29.

4 p.m. 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta.

855-285-8499. Free.

Ice skating Olde Town Conyers Pavillion. Indoor/ outdoor rink in a botanical setting. Nov. 14-Feb. 9. Visit icedays.com for hours.

949 S. Main St., Conyers. 706-237-9796.

Adults, $10; ages 7 and younger, $8.

Skate rental included.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

Astor Holiday Rink at St. Regis Atlanta.

Twinkling lights, holiday melodies, hot cocoa and s’mores. Nov. 21. Mon.Fri., noon -9 p.m.; Sat. and Sun.10 a.m.-9 p.m. 88 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-563-7797. Reservations recommended. Adults, $30/hr.; ages 15 and younger, $18/hr.

Fox Theatre Nov. 25 and 27.

7:30 p.m.

I

t is a Cirque show, Broadway musical and holiday spectacular all in one. See over 300 costumes, 20 acts and 30 artists from all around the world. 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 855-2858499. Tickets, $45$65. foxtheatre.org

Atlantic Station. A 10,000-square-foot, open-air ice skating rink. Opens Nov. 21. Daily at 3 p.m. 17th St., Atlanta. 404410-4010. Admission, $13; ages 5 and younger, $10.

Centennial Olympic Park. Skating in downtown. Sessions run 90 minutes.

Nov. 21-Jan. 10. Visit centennialpark. com for hours. 265 Park Ave., Atlanta.

404-222-7275. $12/person including skate rental.

The Rink at Park Tavern. Heated tent, state of the art sound system and rinkside dining. Nov. 28-Feb. 18. Mon.-Fri. 4:30 p.m.-midnight. Sat. and Sun., 10:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. 500 10th St. NE, Atlanta.

404-249-0001. $15-20, all day skate.

Cont’d on page 52

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November 2015 Atlanta Parent 51

HOLIDAY CALENDAR The Nutcracker Let the season of dancing snowflakes, sugar plums and nutcrackers begin! l Urban Nutcracker. Riverside EpiCenter. Go back to the 1940s on Atlanta’s historic

Auburn Avenue and enjoy a different take on the classic production of the Nutcracker presented by Ballethnic Dance Company. Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 20-21, 8 p.m.; Nov. 2122, 2 p.m. 135 Riverside Pkwy., Austell. 404-762-1416. Ages 14 and older, $40; ages 13 and younger, $30. l The Nutcracker. Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Follow Clara through a dream world of

battling mice and dancing sugarplums in this production presented by Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance and the Roswell Dance Theatre. Nov. 27-Dec. 6. View tysod.com for show times and Dec. dates. 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-998-0259. Tickets, $10-$65. l The Hip Hop Nutcracker. Fox Theatre. A new spin on a classic includes a cast of

a dozen dancers, a DJ and a violinist. Choreography by the artistic director of a Brooklyn hip-hop crew to Tchaikovsky’s famed score. The dance work celebrates love, community and the magic of New Year’s Eve. Nov. 28. 2 p.m. 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 855-2858499. Tickets, $25.50 -$75.50. l The Nutcracker. Jennie T. Anderson Theatre. Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre

presents the beloved story with a surprise around each corner. Nov. 27. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 28.

2 and 7:30 p.m. 548 South Marietta Pkwy. Marietta. 678-287-9020. $10-25.

Coming in December: l The Nutcracker. Infinite Energy Theatre.

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre show filled with dancing, music and even Sugar Plum fairies offering the audience treats and sweets.

Dec. 4-20. Visit infiniteenergycenter.com for event schedule. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth.

770-237-0046. $18-35. l The Nutcracker. Jennie T. Anderson

Theatre. Presented by The Georgia Ballet.

Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 5. 1:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 6. 1:30 and 5:30 p.m. 548 S. Marietta Pkwy. SE, Marietta. 770-528-0881. $15-38. l The Nutcracker. Fox Theatre. The

Atlanta Ballet’s presentation of the holiday classic. Dec. 11-27. Check foxtheatre.org for times. 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-8812100. Tickets start at $20.

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Family Fun Guide

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Avalon on Ice. Lace up your skates and glide on the ice. Nov. 22-Jan. 24. Mon.-Fri., 3:30-10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sun., noon-7 p.m. 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 770-7651000. Admission, $12-18, includes skate rental.

Light and Tree Displays Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Nearly one million bulbs light up the garden with Orchestral Orbs, Glittering Galaxy, Radiant Rainforest and Model Trains. Nov. 14-Jan. 9. 5-10 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Thurs.-Sun. Adults, $26; ages 3-12, $20; Mon.-Wed. Adults, $23; ages 3-12, $17.

Winter Wonderland. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. This exhibit features twinkling a lights, variety of cultural ornaments and emblems that recognize the diversity of celebrations, holidays, traditions and events around the world. Nov. 20-Jan. 10. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Included with museum admission. Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free.

Magical Nights of Lights. Lake Lanier Islands.

Drive through holiday lights, plus a Holiday Village with carnival rides, skating, roasting marshmallows and the chance to visit with Santa. Nov. 20-Jan. 3. 5-10 p.m., including holidays. 7000 Holiday Rd., Lake Lanier Islands. 770-932-7200. Per person charge.

Adults, $17-28; ages 5-12, $10-17; ages 4 and younger, free.

The Lighting of Avalon. Avalon. 30-foot Christmas tree lighting and the evening culminating in a parade heralding the arrival of Santa Claus. Nov. 21. 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta.770-765-1000. Free.

Holiday in Lights. Centennial Olympic Park.

Thousands of lights decorate Centennial Park.

Nov. 21-Jan. 10. 7 a.m.-11 p.m. 265 Park Ave., Atlanta. 404-223-4412. Free.

Light Up Dunwoody. Farm House. Watch the lighting of the tree at 5:45 p.m. and bring your camera for pictures with Santa. Nov. 22. 3-6 p.m. 5455 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. Dunwoody. 770-817-8100. Free.

Cont’d on page 54

ON SALE NOW! NOV 28, 2:00PM • THE FOX THEATRE Avalon on Ice

atlantaparent.com

foxtheatre.org • the Fox Theatre Ticket Office • 855-285-8499 Family Fun Guide

November 2015 Atlanta Parent 53

HOLIDAY CALENDAR Hop Aboard for a Memorable Journey!

Take a train ride this holiday and feel as if you were going to the North Pole. l The

Polar Express

Tennessee Valley Railroad

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Nov. 13-Jan. 3. Departure times at gsmr.com A 75-minute round-trip train ride with Santa Claus. Includes warm cocoa, carols and a treat while reading along to the story.

226 Everett St., Bryson City, NC. 800-872-4681. Adults, $42-76; ages 2-12, $28-$52; ages 23 months and younger, $0-$20. l North

Pole Limited

Tennessee Valley Railroad Nov. 20-Dec. 26. Departure times at tvrail.com A round-trip journey to the “North Pole”, featuring storytelling, light refreshments, cookies and a visit with Santa. 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN. 423-894-8028. Ages 1 and older, $27; Ride in Santa’s private car, $48.

54 Atlanta Parent November 2015

Want a ride closer to home? l Day

with Santa

Southeastern Railway Museum Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19. Breakfast, 9 a.m.; Lunch, noon; Polar Express, 3:30 and 6 p.m.

Enjoy a craft, hayride to the train platform with Santa and a train ride. Choose between breakfast or lunch with Santa or enjoy hot chocolate and cookies with Santa on the Polar Express experience. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-4762013. Each event individually ticketed. Breakfast and Lunch, $18 each. Polar Express, $25. Ages 2 and younger, free.

Family Fun Guide

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Classified Pages Party The Lighting of Atlantic Station. Atlantic Station. More than 250,000 lights, plus Santa visits, kids’ activities and a magical snowfall. Nov. 21. Activities during the day, followed by the tree lighting after dark. 17th St., Atlanta. 404-410-4010. Free.

Kid’s Party

Entertainment • Great Costumes • Cartoon Characters • Princesses • Superheroes • Face Painting • Balloon Tying • Clowns • Magic

Macy’s Great Tree Lighting. Lenox Square Mall. Lighting of Atlanta’s largest tree. Nov. 22. 7 p.m. 3393 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta.

404-233-6767. Free.

Lighting of the Great Tree. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Music and entertainment in the gazebo, a parade, photos with Santa, dance teams and kids’ activities. Nov. 26. 5:30-8:30 p.m. 185 West Crogan St., Lawrenceville.

770-822-5450. Free.

Gift of Lights. Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Millions of twinkling lights, including glowing versions of Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman. Nov. 27-Dec. 30. Sun.-Wed., 6-9 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat., 6-10 p.m. 1500 Tara Place, Hampton. 770-946-4211. $15-20 per vehicle.

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Holiday Market. Due West United Methodist Church. More than 40 vendors sell holiday creations, children’s gifts, jewelry and gift baskets. Nov. 7. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 3956 Due West Rd., Marietta. 770-427-3835. Free.

Holiday Craft Market. Pinckneyville Park Community Rec Center. Handmade gifts, pottery and décor, plus activities for kids and raffle prizes. Nov. 7. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross.

678-277-0920. Free.

Cont’d on page 56

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Holiday Fair. Waldorf School of Atlanta. Shop in the artist market, candle dipping, jump rope making and face painting. Nov. 7. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 711 S. Columbia Dr., Decatur. 404-3771315. Free admission; activities extra.

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Family Fun Guide

November 2015 Atlanta Parent 55

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Elegant Elf Marketplace. Lake Forest Elementary School. More than 70 vendors with crafts, home decor, children’s goods, artistic creations, food and more. Nov. 7-8.

Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

5290 Sandy Springs Cir., Sandy Springs.

770-552-1665. Adults, $5, ages 10 and younger, free.

Holiday Craft Classes. Area Michaels Stores.

Make a different craft weekly, including a wish list ornament and a felt stocking critter.

Nov. 7 and 14. 10 a.m.-noon. 30-minute sessions, every half hour. Visit michaels.com for locations. Ages 3 and older, $2; includes supplies.

Holiday Bazaar. Medlock Bridge Clubhouse.

Items at every price level for checking off shopping lists. Nov. 11. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. 10150 Groomsbridge Rd., Johns Creek. 404-644-3760. Free.

Holiday Festival. Dunwoody United Methodist Church. More than 120 artisans, kids’ zone and pony rides. Nov. 13. 5-8:30 p.m. Nov. 14. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 1548 Mt. Vernon Rd., Dunwoody. 770-394-0675. Free.

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Holiday Marketplace. St. Pius X High School.

More than 150 artisans featuring jewelry, pottery, paintings and other handmade items. Nov. 21. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 2674 Johnson Rd., Atlanta. 404-636-3023. Admission, $3.

Theater We come to you! Miniature farm animals & a pony to ride.

• Birthdays • Fieldtrips • Church Productions • Pony Carousels

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A Christmas Carol. Alliance Theatre. A musical performance of the classic story. Nov. 19Dec. 24. Visit allianacetheatre.org for show times. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-7335000. Tickets $14-55.

A Christmas Carol. Infinite Energy Theater.

Join The Susan Chambers Dance Company for a new twist on a classic story. Nov. 24.

11 a.m. and 7 p.m. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770-626-2464. $19-27.

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Cirque Dreams Holidaze. Fox Theatre. It is a Cirque show, Broadway musical and holiday spectacular all in one. Nov. 25 and 27. 7:30 p.m. 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 855285-8499. Tickets, $45 -$65.

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56 Atlanta Parent November 2015

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Center for Puppetry Arts. Rudolph is back with this faithful adaptation of the holiday story. Nov. 12-Dec. 27. Show times vary. 1404 Spring St. NW, Atlanta. 404-873-3391. Ages 2 and older, $20.50-24.50.

Christmas at Biltmore. Biltmore Estate.

Holiday décor of the main house, plus live music, visits with Santa, gingerbread house workshops and evening candlelight tours.

Nov. 6-Jan. 10. Asheville, NC. Dates and pricing vary. Visit biltmore.com for details.

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The Polar Express. Great Smoky Mountains.

A 75-minute round-trip train ride with Santa Claus visit. Includes warm cocoa, carols and a treat while reading along to the story. Nov. 13-Jan.3. Departure times at gsmr.com. 226 Everett St., Bryson City, NC. 800-872-4681.

Adults, $42-76; ages 2-12, $28-$52; ages 23 months and younger, $0-$20.

Lights of the South. Hayride through more than five million lights, plus a lighted Christmas tree maze, roasted marshmallows, Mrs. Claus’s kitchen and pictures with Santa. Opening Nov. 20. 6-10 p.m. 633 Louisville Rd., Grovetown. 706825-6441. Adults, $8.95; ages 4-17, $5.95; ages 3 and younger, free.

Holiday Gingerbread Village. Augusta Museum of History Rotunda. Local bakers display gingerbread creations of historic structures of the Augusta area. Nov. 19-29.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 22 and 29. 1-5 p.m.

560 Reynolds St., Augusta. 706-722-8454.

Adults, $4; ages 6-18, $2; ages 5 and younger, free.

Fantasy in Lights. Callaway Gardens. Drive through more than eight million twinkling lights and a garden decorated for the season. Nov. 20-Jan. 2. Opens at 6 p.m.

Hwy. 27, Pine Mountain. 800-225-5292.

Adults, $19-$28; ages 6-12, $9.50-$13; ages 5 and younger, free.

North Pole Limited. Tennessee Valley Railroad.

A round-trip journey to the “North Pole”, featuring storytelling, light refreshments and an appearance by Santa. Nov. 20-Dec. 26. Departure times at tvrail.com. 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN. 423-8948028. Ages 2 and older, $27; Ride in Santa’s private car, $48.

Festival of Trees. Unicoi Lodge. Beautifully decorated trees throughout Unicoi Lodge.

Nov. 25-Dec. 12. 1788 Hwy. 356, Helen.

706-878-2201. Free admission; Parking, $5.

The Nutcracker. Imperial Theatre. Dance Augusta brings the holiday tale to life.

Nov. 27. 7 p.m.; Nov. 28. 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.; Nov. 29. 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. 749 Broad St., Augusta. 706-722-8341. $17-40. c

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November 2015 Atlanta Parent 57

e h t r o f fridge Thanksgiving dinners take 18 hours to prepare.

They are consumed in 12 minutes.

Half-times take 12 minutes.

This is not coincidence.

Erma Bombeck

58 Atlanta Parent    November 2015

atlantaparent.com