Kids VT, July 2012
Vampires; Fairies and the Apocalypse: A Guide to Teen Reads; Canoeing the Winooski With Kids; How to Write and Draw a Graphic Novel
The Art Of… Graphic Novels
Back in the day, kids saved money to buy floppy comic books. Today, it’s graphic novels — a longer, more literary form of the genre. Like comics, graphic novels use a combination of dialogue and illustration to tell action-packed tales, sci-fi sagas or autobiographies. They might be funny, serious, sad or even poetic — which…
Shedding light on some myths and facts about sunscreen
Most parents know that sunscreen is as crucial for kids on a beach day as sun, sand and plastic shovels. But some still adhere to dated beliefs: The sun can cure acne; tanning booths prevent sunburns; and a solid base tan is healthy. All are untrue. This month, Dr. Lewis First, chief of pediatrics at…
Explore More
Summer is all about exploration. At the end of a long, action-filled day, who isn’t tempted to follow the sun as it drops below the western horizon? In mid-June, my family and I spent a few days at Burton Island State Park, wandering the grassy trails, skipping stones on the lake, listening to birds and…
Building a Terrarium
Terraria are small, simple and self-sustaining gardens that kids can keep in the house. They require little care, and they’re easy and inexpensive to build — especially in the spring and summer months, when it’s possible to collect most of the materials outdoors. The best part? These miniature gardens will flourish all year long, even…
The Because Project: Amy Cunningham
“I am a curious and avid reader because of Iris Keith, a great librarian.”
Paddle Power
“Ah, the mighty Winoosk!” my husband, Carlton, says with false bravado as he noses our Toyota 4Runner — laden with kids, canoe, life jackets, paddles and rain gear — off the Burlington Beltline, Route 127, and onto an unmarked road near Plattsburgh Avenue. For experienced paddlers, it’s easy to poke fun at this stretch of…
Book Review: Me … Jane
Librarian: Amanda Perry, Library Director, Winooski Memorial Library Book: Me … Jane by Patrick McDonnell Age range: preschool to grade 5. Perry’s summary: A young Jane Goodall, accompanied by her toy chimpanzee, Jubilee, spends her days exploring the outdoors and recording her observations of plant and animal life. Jane dreams of Africa, inspired by Tarzan…
Vermont Day-cations: Santa’s Village and the Billings Farm & Museum
If you live in Vermont, you don’t have to travel far for family-friendly summer fun. But, let’s face it, sometimes you want to. This summer, we’re asking our Kids VT contributors to visit some of our favorite destinations, both around the region and here at home. They’re writing about their adventures in our June, July…
‘1984 With Cute Boys’
A grown-up’s guide to the YA world of sexy vampires and rebels with a cause
When was your last night out with your partner? What did you do?
Michael Hinchman, Milton, driver, U.S. Postal Service Children: daughters Michaela and Jillian, 16; sons Josh and Griffin, 12 We just went out Tuesday night. That was probably the first time in a couple of weeks. It was a case of the boys had their eighth grade graduation ceremony, and then they had a dance after.…
