Cheap Bowling in Cumming!

Well, we don't have "Kids Bowl Free" in Cumming, but Stars and Strikes is offering $.97 games between 9-11 a.m. this summer! That's per person, per game and doesn't include shoes. They have locations in Dacula and Dallas, too.

Monday Reviews - Lollipop Toy Shop

The Lollipop Toy Shop just past the outlets in Dawsonville is a little different from your average toy story. They have lots of their bigger toys out of the package and set up so your child can try them out before you buy. When we got our younger son a Step 2 climbing toy for his first birthday, we took him there first so you we could see what he really liked and what was appropriate for his age and size. It's also a good place to go before Christmas to get an idea of what toys really captivate your children.

You can shop online, but it's really fun to go there - you'll have a hard time getting the kids to leave! Since it's right next to the outlets, you can wind up at Lollipop after you've had time to check out the bargains.

Lollipop also has an inflatables play area right next door called Jumpin' Safari. They host a lot of birthday parties, but they have open play times every week. Check the website for times.

Lollipop Toy Shop

130 Industrial Park Road
Dawsonville, Georgia 30534

706.216.2032

Hours: M-Sa 10:00-6:00
Su: 12:00 - 5:00

Father's Day Poem

On the Beach at Night - Walt Whitman


ON the beach, at night,

Stands a child, with her father,

Watching the east, the autumn sky.


Up through the darkness,

While ravening clouds, the burial clouds, in black masses spreading,

Lower, sullen and fast, athwart and down the sky,

Amid a transparent clear belt of ether yet left in the east,

Ascends, large and calm, the lord-star Jupiter;

And nigh at hand, only a very little above,

Swim the delicate brothers, the Pleiades.


From the beach, the child, holding the hand of her father,

Those burial-clouds that lower, victorious, soon to devour all,

Watching, silently weeps.


Weep not, child,

Weep not, my darling,

With these kisses let me remove your tears;

The ravening clouds shall not long be victorious,

They shall not long possess the sky—shall devour the stars only in apparition:

Jupiter shall emerge—be patient—watch again another night—the Pleiades shall emerge,

They are immortal—all those stars, both silvery and golden, shall shine out again,

The great stars and the little ones shall shine out again—they endure;

The vast immortal suns, and the long-enduring pensive moons, shall again shine.


Then, dearest child, mournest thou only for Jupiter?

Considerest thou alone the burial of the stars?


Something there is,

(With my lips soothing thee, adding, I whisper,

I give thee the first suggestion, the problem and indirection,)

Something there is more immortal even than the stars,

(Many the burials, many the days and nights, passing away,)

Something that shall endure longer even than lustrous Jupiter,

Longer than sun, or any revolving satellite,

Or the radiant brothers, the Pleiades.

What's Happening: June 19-20, 2009

What's Dad doing on Saturday, June 19? Getting a free milkshake at Chick-fil-A! Go to any of the Atlanta area locations with your kids and receive a free milkshake. And if you've never had one of Chick-fil-A's shakes, you are going to be pleasantly surprised! They're delicious and very ice-creamy: none of that chemical-filled airy sodium-spiked nonsense that McDonald's serves.

Looking for more fun things to do with Dad? Read this post!

Roswell Storytelling Festival - Children's Hour on June 19

The Roswell Magnolia Storytelling Festival runs from Friday, June 19, to Saturday, June 20. The full festival requires registration and features both storytellers from across the country who will spin tall tales, folk tales, and mysteries for the participants.

There is one time slot for children, and it's free! From 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Friday, children can hear stories in the tent at Bulloch Hall. It should be h*o*t, so bring water because you can't buy refreshments at the Hall.

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Decatur Beach Party

Can't get to the beach this summer and miss the feeling of sand between your toes? The city of Decatur, GA (in DeKalb County) has a unique and fun fundraiser for their downtown improvement projects. Every summer they throw a street beach party, trucking in 60 tons of sand. The square downtown turns into a beach for this annual event.

This week's party is June 19 from 5 p.m. to midnight. You can dance in the streets to the beach music from the live band and eat beach food. Activities include children's boardwalk games, face painting, wading pools in the sand, and more. Adults $6.50 in advance (click on logo above); $10 at the gate; children 12 and under, free (limit two children per paying adult). No coolers, glass or pets allowed.

After the party, you can take the sand home with you for your own sandbox!

Thanks to Decatur Mom, who says get there right at 5:00 p.m. to get a good space, and bring lots of water!

Outdoor Films

From quarries to parks to swimming pools*, there's no shortage of places to watch a movie outside this summer. Many locations have family-friendly showings.

Screen on the Green

Spread out your blanket on Great Lawn in Centennial Park and see a great film. On Thursday, June 18, introduce your kids to Home Alone, and on Thursday, June 25, see a classic 80's movie decided by the viewers: either Ghostbusters, Big, or The Princess Bride.

Georgia Movies in the Park

Northside Hospital sponsors this festival, which comes to parks all over north Atlanta. There's lots of fun before the films: face-painting, carnival games, inflatables, and concessions. The films are free - bring low-backed lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. In most cases, they don't release the film titles ahead of time, but here is a list of locations. Click on the link above to find more information, including showtimes.

June 27 - Heritage Park in Canton, GA

July 18 - Newtown Park in Johns Creek, GA

August 7-8 North GA Film Fest at the Forsyth Fairgrounds in Cumming, GA

August 1 - Heritage Park in Canton, GA

August 15 - Ocee Park in Johns Creek, GA

August 21 - Rock Creek Sports Park in Dawsonville, GA

Oct 3 - Newtown Park in Johns Creek, GA

Movies Under the Stars

Mall of Georgia's Village Pavillion is home to live music and kid-friendly films every Saturday night this summer. The list below has the dates, the band names, the band performance times, and the film.

June 13
The Woody’s
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Kung Fu Panda

June 20
High Cotton
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Back to the Future

June 27
Pete Whitfield
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Inkheart

July 4
Mike Rogers Band
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Johnny Rockbridge
4:00pm – 6:00pm
Lifeforce
6:30pm – 8:30pm

Independence Day

July 11
The Ron Johnsons
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Shrek the Third

July 18
Legend
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Second Hand Lions

July 25
Justin
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Princess Bride

August 1
The Woody’s
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Hoodwinked

August 8
Sister Jane
6:30pm – 8:30pm
No Movie will be showing this day

August 15
Legend
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Monsters vs. Aliens

August 22
Movie Only
At Dark
TBD

Good to know: You can buy food at the events or bring your own picnic, but no alcohol. Bring blankets and low-backed chairs. Don't forget bug spray!

*Seriously! Every Tuesday night this summer at the W Atlanta, swim with the beautiful people and watch a movie from the pool.

Father's Day Fun

June 21, 2009 is Father's Day! If Dad's dream Father's Day includes unfettered access to the recliner and the remote, you probably don't need these ideas. But if he sees the day as more than one of extreme rest, you have a lot of choices. Many locations around Atlanta are offering special discounts and activities to honor Dad.

Zoo Atlanta invites dads and kids to spend the night at the zoo in a special father-focused Nightcrawler on June 19. Here's what's happening: "Help our Zoo Atlanta keepers ensure that our Wetland Exhibit is a happy and healthy home for our wetland creatures - turtles, alligators, and many more. Use water samples, microscopes, and night vision scopes to search for viable biological indicators!".

This program is for kids 6 and up and costs $50 per person for members and $55 for non-members. It starts at 6:00 p.m. on June 19 and ends at 10:30 the next morning. You can register online.

Atlanta Botanical Garden wants you to bring Dad to the garden on Father's Day! He'll get in 1/2 price, and you'll all enjoy music, activities, carnival food, games, and a ride-on train. Don't miss the "dream car" show! The cost for Dad will be $7.50; other adults, $15; seniors and children 3-17, $12, and under 3, free.

Tanglewood Farms in Canton has free admission for dads all through the month of June, saving you $10. Click here for more information about the farm. Thanks, Susan!

Amicalola Falls in Dawsonville is hosting a Father's Day Feast in their Maple Restaurant. The cost is $19.95 for adults and$9.97 for children; under 5 are free. Afterwards, hike to the waterfall known as the "Niagara of the South" (it's a lot skinnier, but still lovely!). You could also pariticipate in these classes:

10:00 AM – BEAR FACTS
1:00 PM – CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE BIRD
4:00 PM – LEAF PRINTS

The American Girl store in Alpharetta is offering a "Date with Dad" on four different dates:

June 17: 5:30 p.m.
June 21: 4:30 p.m.
August 9: 4:30 p.m.
August 12: 5:30 p.m.

You'll have a meal together, make a memory book, and bring home a photo to remember your time together. This event is for ages 6 and up. It costs $30 per person, and you'll need to make reservations by calling 1-877-247-5223.

Here's something for Dad and his sons: Autrey Mill in Johns Creek is hosting a Father's Day Father/Son Campout from 10-noon on Saturday, June 20. They'll learn the basics of camping from how to make a fire to how to pick a campsite. The class ends with a hotdog and marshmallow roast. Cost: $20 plus $5 for each additional son. Register on the website at the link above.

Do you have any great Father's Day plans? Let me know in the comments!

Monday Reviews - Booth Western Art Museum

If you've never been to Cartersville, GA, you are missing the cultural capital of Northwest Georgia. I'm not trying to damn with faint praise; it's really quite amazing. From the Etowah Indian Mounds to Tellus Northwest Georgia Science Museum to the Booth Western Art Museum, you can explore space, geology, history, culture, and art.

The Booth Western Art Museum (called the Cowboy Museum by my boys) is an excellent value. The artwork - sculptures, paintings, movie set pieces - is accessible and interesting. Since it focuses on one general topic, you can introduce your children to concepts like impressionism, perspective, and surrealism more easily than in a larger art museum: it's easier to compare and contrast when the subjects have something in common.

After you've seen the exhibits (if your children act like, well, children, expect to be followed by a kindly but concerned museum employee*), head downstairs to Sagebrush Ranch, one of the very best children's centers I've seen in a museum. The hands-on activities will teach children the elements of art in a fun way. Even better are the opportunities for imaginative play. Kids can try on cowboy clothes, climb aboard a full-size horse (bring your camera!), make dinner in the chuck wagon, and take a rest on a rope bed.

*What? That only happens to my children??

Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Thursday - 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Sunday - 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Admission prices: Free the 1st Thursday of each month from 4:00-7:00
Adults: $8:00
Teens: $5.00
Children 12 and under: FREE

Good to know: If the weather is nice, you can eat outside in the courtyard. The museum cafe is open 10:30-3:00 on Tuesday-Saturday. I recommend you see the art exhibits first, then head to children's center; otherwise, your kids may not want to leave Sagebrush Ranch! You can check out a Saddlebag from the front desk for fun kid activities while at the museum.

Kids Meal Deals website

A few weeks ago I posted a list of restaurants in my area where kids eat free or cheap. Here's a website so you can search by zip code nationwide!

What's Happening - June 13-14, 2009

1. Jack Black says rocking ain't no walk in the park, but in Dunwoody on Saturday night - it literally is!

Dunwoody Nature Center has a family outdoor "school of rock" concert in the park at 6:00 p.m. Here's what they have to say:

"Bring your chairs, blankets, and picnics for a family-friendly evening of music in the meadow. Enjoy music in the park while the kids run from creek to meadow and enjoy a stroll on our trails while music wafts through the trees.

Paul Green School of Rock Music is the nation's premier performance-based rock music program. We'll have the students perform some classics and modern rock songs appropriate for all ages!"

Admission is free for Dunwoody Nature Center members and children 3 and under; all others pay $5.00. Call 770-394-3322 for more information.

2. Riverside Park in Roswell hosts "Back to the Chattahoochee River Race and Festival." The race starts at 9:00 a.m. at Garrard Landing (Holcomb Bridge Road) and ends at Riverside Park. With prizes like "best costume" and "best boat decoration," it would be fun to see the canoes and kayaks finish the race.

After the race from 10-2, enjoy live music, face-painting, and other fun activities. Kids should wear their swimming suits, because you'll have access to the park's new sprayground. Incidentally, that sprayground is very well-kept secret; I tried to find information on it for my splash fountain round-up to no avail! But the promotional info says you'll be able to use it.

3. What are you doing for National Fishing Week (June 6-13), hmmm? Georgia State Parks have lots of fishing rodeos for kids this weekend. Take a class - compete to catch the most fish - do a "fishy" craft: each location has different activities. Most of these parks are an hour or two drive from the Atlanta area, but if you decide to spend the night, some locations will let you sleep in a yurt!

4. Imagine It! Children's Museum has a new exhibit starting on Saturday: Come Play in the Shade!: Exploring Trees Inside and Out. It runs from June 13-September 13, 2009. To get my take on the museum, click here.

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5. You can still see the Wizard of Oz (with puppets!) at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center at 11:00 a.m.

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6. On Sunday afternoon, you can go to the family summer camps at Bass Pro Shops - 12:00-6:00 p.m.

Kids Bowl Free

I grew up with an obscure type of bowling called candlepin. The balls are smaller and you have three balls per frame. It's probably harder for children to knock down the pins (they are smaller, too), than those in ten-pin, but it's nice that little kids can pick up the balls by themselves!

Most likely in an effort to introduce bowling to the next generation, bowling centers around the country are offering 2 free games of bowling every day this summer. The program is called "Kids Bowl Free."

When you sign up on their website, you will receive coupons every week for your free games. You can also purchase a Family Pass for $23.95 which enables up to four named adults to play two games per day. Each center can make its own restrictions, so be sure to read the fine print carefully.

Unfortunately for us in north Atlanta, there are no locations close by. But those of you in Snellville, Marietta, Woodstock - or around the country - have at it!

Atlanta Motor Speedway - Thunder Thursdays

I'm not what you'd call a NASCAR fan, though I have been to Talladega! Before I went, a man in our church who's a huge NASCAR fan told my father-in-law, "Oh, she is going to see things . . . things she's never seen before!". And he was right! But that's another story.

I've heard that the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton is family-friendly and a fun place to watch a race. Starting in the beginning of June, they have a weekly series on Thursday nights called "Thursday Thunder." It's short track racing, meaning that the races are a quarter-mile. Each week of "Thursday Thunder" has fun events in addition to the racing. This week (6/11) there will be an antique and vintage car show, autograph session, and a kids' candy and coin scramble in the infield. Some of the activities change from week to week. One that caught my attention is the "Faster Pastor" race, where local pastors compete to win the speed title. (To my Northern readers: no, I'm not kidding.)

It's a pretty cheap night and worth checking out. Tickets are $5 for adults and $1 for children 6-11 (ages 5 and under are free) for each evening. Gates open at 6 p.m., heat races start at 6:15 p.m. and feature races start at approximately 7:50 p.m. The ticket office number is 770-946-4211.

Go Strawberry Picking!

One of our family traditions is strawberry picking - we go every year, usually in May. Strawberry season can stretch from late April to July 4 in Georgia, with the best picking from May to mid June. Here's the best website for finding pick-your-own farms: it lists all kinds of produce, not just strawberries. Be sure to search both the Atlanta area and North Georgia.

Why pick strawberries? Lots of reasons! They are cheaper than store-bought (even frozen), though not amazingly so. They taste better than purchased ones. Unlike many berries, strawberries are easy to pick: they are big and have no thorns. They are especially easy for kids to pick, since they are low to the ground. Picking strawberries makes memories your children will always treasure. Finally, what tastes better than a just-picked strawberry, warmed by the sun?
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Though there are many strawberry patches in Georgia, we go to two favorites. Washington Farms has locations in Loganville and Watkinsville (Loganville is the main one). They have lovely fields with lots of berries to pick. They are open 8:00-8:00 and closed on Sundays.

Dahlonega Vegetable Farm has an even more idyllic mountain-ringed setting. They don't have a website, but you can Mapquest the directions: 2650 Highway 19 N, Dahlonega, GA, 30533. Their phone number is (706) 867-9794.

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Part of our strawberry picking tradition is strawberry shortcake for dinner (yes, dinner!) on the day we pick strawberries. We did this when I was growing up, and I still remember how shocking and fun it was!

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You can also make the best jam in the world with your berries! Here's the recipe. Don't forget to freeze some: wash, pat dry, hull, and freeze in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Transfer to freezer bags.

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Good to know: I have some very important caveats about strawberry picking. 1. Always call first to be sure they have abundant berries. 2. Drought years produce better berries than rainy years. 3. Most farms only take checks or cash. 4. If you don't want to pay $1 for buckets, bring your own or at least bring tupperware to transfer your berries into for the ride home.

Roswell Cultural Arts Center Puppet Shows - Summer 2009

Roswell's summer tradition of puppet shows begins June 8! Every week through July 25, you and your children can see a different puppet show at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Show times are 10 a.m. Monday through Thursday, Fridays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday.

After the show, stick around for puppet-making workshops Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. only. The cost for children ages 2-12 is $4, $5 for adults and $3 for the workshop, ages 5 and over only.

Here's the list of shows:

The Wizard of Oz presented by Frisch Marionette Company June 8-13
Randel McGee and Groark presented by McGee Productions June 15-20
Pinocchio presented by Lee Bryan “That Puppet Guy” June 22-27
The Frog Prince presented by Bob Brown Puppets June 29-July 4
The Box? A Show of Feelings presented by Coad Canada Puppets July 6-11
The Legend of the Banana Kid presented by Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers July 13-18
Everybody Loves Pirates presented by Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers July 20-25

The puppet shows are very creative, with unusually constructed puppets and twists on familiar stories. Often, the puppeteers will pull the curtain at the end of the show to show the children how the puppet show works. Seating is general admission , so arrive early to sit up front. I've never had a problem buying tickets at the door.

Good to know: Just like any children's theater experience, these shows are loud! Children are talking, laughing, and sometimes crying. Older children may be frustrated trying to hear. All in all, though, it's a good way for children to be introduced to the theater without spending $25 on a show at the Fox that may be wasted on them.

Free Admission to Imagine It! - Tuesday, June 9, 2009

On the second Tuesday of each month this summer (June, July, and August), Target sponsors free admission at the museum from 1:00-8:00 p.m. This is a great savings, because the usual admission price is $11 each! The museum is for ages 8 and under.

Imagine It! is easy to get to - it's in the Centennial Olympic Park section of Atlanta, not far from World of Coke and the Georgia Aquarium.The museum has shows and storytimes throughout the day. The storyteller at Imagine It! is great; he gets the kids involved in the story and they are mesmerized.

Other learning zones are a water table, puppets in a tree house, a complicated plastic ball rollercoaster that kids can manipulate, a food section, a garden exhibit, painting and Moon Sand, and several other exhibits/play areas. My kids have a good time when we go, but the museum is a bit small. If you've been to children's museum in other cities, you may be surprised. However, the good thing about the small, open set-up is that it's easy to watch your children, even if they are at two separate exhibits!

Good to know: There aren't any restaurants within easy walking distance of the museum, unless you want to walk a few blocks to the CNN center, which has a huge food court. You are welcome to bring food into the museum; they have a large lunch area. There are vending machines and a limited-service Chick-fil-A as well.You can park in any one of a number of lots or parking garages around the museum. Prices vary, but I've usually paid $10 or under. You can also take Marta.

What's Happening: June 6-7, 2009

Summer weekends don't usually lack for things to do: trips to the pool, boat rides on the lake, birthday parties and cookout abound. But if you are looking for some family fun, check out these ideas!

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is highlighting its temporary (and very cool) dinosaur exhibit with 90 Days of Dinosaurs, which began in late May. Every day will have a dinosaur activity. Kids can collect dinosaur coins for participating in activities to keep or bring back to the Dinosaur Birthday Bash on August 22; the coins will enter them into drawings for prizes.

Saturday's activity is a dinosaur lab, and Sunday's is a "Bag of Bones" counting contest. Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for kids 3-12, and free for those 2 and under.

Georgia Aquarium is celebrating World Ocean Day with storytelling, arts and crafts, and activities throughout the aquarium. The events will continue through Monday (from June 6-8), which is actually World Ocean Day.

Admission is $26 for adults, $19.50 for kids 3-12, and free for kids under 2.

Bass Pro Shops has their Family Summer Camp from 12-6 on Saturday and Sunday. It's free!

If you'd rather be outside, check out Virginia-Highland Summerfest, which is supposed to be lots of fun. There's a music stage, artist fair, food, and Kidsfest. The festival runs from 10:00-6:30 on Saturday and 11:00-6:00 on Sunday.

Admission is free, but they take donations.

Bass Family Summer Camp

Here's something fun - and free! - to do on summer weekends! Bass Pro Shops has free family summer camps from May 30 - July 5 on Saturdays and Sundays from noon-6:00 p.m. The closest one to Atlanta is in Lawrenceville on Sugarloaf Parkway.
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Here's what the website says:

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"Every Saturday and Sunday stores will be offering FREE craft activities for the kids including decorating a fishing bobber, making key chains, designing their own birdhouse, creating plaster animal tracks and painting a souvenir wooden lure for Dad.

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The whole family will enjoy FREE outdoor workshops about hiking, camping and fishing basics. Other workshops include bird watching, archery, animal identification, plants & insects, and even how to make campfire S’mores. Kids will earn a FREE collectable pin for every workshop completed."

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Check out the summer camp link to find Bass Pro Shops' kids' website, which has games, puzzles, animal facts, and other fun stuff.

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Thanks, Debbie!

Summer Reading Programs for Kids

Reading is its own reward - but many companies offer an incentive to make summer reading all the more fun for your children. Educators say regular reading is the most important thing you can encourage to keep your kids' minds sharp. Even better, you can instill a life-long love of reading - and what's better than reading on the beach, in a hammock, or by the pool?

 
If you are interested in wonky, research side of children's reading, here's a great overview. Basically, study after study shows children from all backgrounds score higher on tests and show comprehension and vocabulary gains if they read 5-6 books during the summer. And you don't need to fill up your Amazon cart to reap the benefits: use of public libraries strongly correlates to school success and reading proficiency.

 

Libraries

  Most libraries have reading programs in the summer. Kids set a goal, track the number of books they read, and sometimes get a prize at the end. Libraries often have fun events for kids to supplement the reading programs. For example, Forsyth County's theme is "Be Creative @ Your Library." They have storytellers, puppeteers, and musicians scheduled to come, as well as special events for middle-schoolers and teens. 

  Click here to find links to Atlanta -area libraries.  

  Online Programs

Scholastic has an online program for kids ages 7-12 with quizzes, games, prizes, and competitions. Children are on teams, and the winning team at the end of the summer will get to choose which charity will recieve a donation from scholastic. Kids can earn extra points by taking quizzes and playing games, and they can enter to win books weekly.  

  There's a separate tracking program for families with children ages 0-7. 

  Don't miss the links for parents - they have great ideas about raising a reader, books kids love, parent/child book clubs, and more. 

  Sylvan's online program is a free motivational tool for kids in grades K-8. They can track their reading, take quizzes, and earn points and prizes. 

  Reading is Fundamental has a challenge that runs from April 1 -June 30. Kids log reading minutes and have the opportunity to win a trip to Disney World and other prizes. 

  Bookstore-based Programs

Barnes and Noble gives kids a free book once they have read eight books (they don't have to be purchased at B&N) and written about them in a reading journal. You can download the paperwork at the link, or you can go to Barnes and Noble to pick up a packet. The program runs from May 26 - September 7, 2009.  

  Borders/Waldenbooks has a program called Kids Reading Challenge! at their stores. Download the worksheet, track at least eight books, and bring the worksheet to Borders for a 50% off coupon. Dates for the program are May 26 - August 31, 2009. 

  Half Price Books isn't in Georgia, but I wish it were! With their Feed Your Brain promotion, kids age 12 and under can earn $3 gift cards for each week they read for 15 minutes per day. Dates are June 1 - July 31, 2007. 

  Other Incentives

Chuck E. Cheese has incentive calendars on their website, and one of them is a reading tracker. Once kids fill up the two-week calendar, they can bring it to Chuck E. Cheese for 10 free tokens. Incidentally, there are lots of other tracker calendars, including ones to help with thumb-sucking, pottytraining, manners, and homework! 

  Hebuddy is offering a free t-shirt when kids read 10 books this summer. Just track the books on the downloadable list, and mail it by August 9, 2009. In 2-3 weeks, your child receives a free t-shirt! 

  Many banks offer reading incentives; check with your local branch! 

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  Did I miss any programs that you know about? Please let me know in the comments!