Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites Opens at Children's Museum of Atlanta!

Beloved children’s books will come alive as Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites opens at Children’s Museum of Atlanta on Saturday, January 15. Storyland provides imaginative, book-based experiences for children ages birth - 8 years old and models early literacy experiences to parents and other adult caregivers. The exhibit will continue through May 30, 2022.

Storyland transforms seven beloved and award-winning picture books – “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter; “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats; “Where’s Spot?” by Eric Hill; “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Numeroff; “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault; “Abuela” by Arthur Dorros; and “Tuesday” by David Wiesner. The exhibit transforms these classic stories into three-dimensional play and bi-lingual (English and Spanish) learning environments that highlight the six pre-reading skills defined by the Public Library Association and Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association: disposition to read, print awareness, letter knowledge, sound awareness, vocabulary, and narrative skills and comprehension.

Children explore literacy skills and concepts through imaginative, interactive experiences, and dramatic play. Families can immerse themselves in the world of “The Tale of Peter Rabbit”, one of the best-selling children’s books of all time, children explore Peter Rabbit’s world as they build vocabulary and narrative skills while searching for Peter’s lost belongings, harvesting vegetables and playing in Peter’s burrow.

Little ones can sharpen their narrative skills and vocabulary by delivering news from inside a TV and searching for hidden frogs in “Tuesday”, a story about a town mysteriously visited by flying frogs. Children are encouraged to reflect on their Storyland experience by creating a drawing inspired by the books and writing a caption, title or story. A digital Drawing Cam will capture the paper image and visitors can add it to an electronic gallery of other postcards for visitors to see and email it home as a souvenir of their experience.

Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites is presented by Target and Institute of Museums and Library Services, with support from Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s generous sponsors, including Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Fulton County Arts & Culture through the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs.

*Prioritizing the health and safety of the community, Children’s Museum of Atlanta is implementing COVID-19 restrictions on in-person workshops. The Museum will only offer in-person programs to schools with mask mandates. All in-person activities are dependent on the state of COVID-19.

To book a program, reservations must be made at least four weeks in advance. Virtual workshop costs start at $185 and supply box costs start at $15, with in-person pricing beginning at $220. To reserve or learn more, please visit childrensmuseumatlanta.org.

Annual Memberships provide the best value for guests and can be purchased online, in person and over the phone – providing families the gift of play and education through interactive, hands-on learning experiences all year long. Annual members receive unlimited, FREE timed entry for one year; discounted admission to select ticketed museum events, museum store purchases and parties and invitations to members-only exhibit sneak previews. All membership levels excluding the “Two of Us” level receive $5 admission coupons for guests.

ABOUT CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF ATLANTA

Children’s Museum of Atlanta is the only educational venue of its kind in Atlanta, presenting educational programs and exhibits designed for young children ages 0-8. The mission of Children's Museum of Atlanta is to change the world by sparking every child's imagination, sense of discovery and learning through the power of play. With learning zones consisting of bright, creative and hands-on exhibits, the Museum supports inventive play-based exploration and experiential learning focused on the whole child. Core competencies for literacy, math and science are promoted throughout all exhibits and programming in alignment with the state and national Core Performance Standards. Children’s Museum of Atlanta also offers memberships. For more information or to support Children's Museum of Atlanta, visit childrensmuseumatlanta.org or call 404.659.KIDS [5437].

Museum Admission: Online ticketing only is available at this time. Phone booking is available with ample notice and will be booked via online reservation. Members must pre-book and will be able to redeem their $5 voucher online. Babies under 12 months and members are admitted for free and must reserve their free ticket online prior to arriving at the Museum. All daily programs are included in price of admission. For more information regarding ticket and membership options, visit childrensmuseumatlanta.org.

Levi Lusko: If God Didn't Give it To You

 

"Prayer:  Father, rid me of my insecurity, inadequacy, and inferiority mentality.  Help me stay fresh, stay humble, and take risks over and over again." - Levi Lusko, take your life back 

*This post contains an affiliate link.  If you click on the link and make a purchase, Amazon will donate a small proceed to help support this website.  Thank you!

Levi Lusko Debuts New 40-Day Devotional

 

I love Levi Lusko.  I have enjoyed his speaking and preaching ever since he came to Passion City Church in Atlanta, my home church, a few years ago.  It was the first time I heard him speak.

Levi has a passion for life and, more importantly, the Gospel that few of us possess.  I mean that in the best way possible - he has boundless energy and a way of presenting the Gospel in a way that is exciting and yet obtainable all at the same time.

In case you haven't met Levi yet, let me tell you a little bit about him:  Levi Lusko is the founder and lead pastor of Fresh Life Church, located in Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, and Utah. He is the bestselling author of Through the Eyes of a Lion, Swipe Right, and I Declare War.  Levi also travels the world speaking about Jesus.  He and his wife, Jennie, have one son, Lennox, and four daughters: Alivia, Daisy, Clover, and Lenya, who is in heaven.

Levi and his wife Jennie have been through a lot in life.  If you have not read, "Through the Eyes of a Lion," you really must.  It is not until you read this book that you can fully understand the place where Levi and his wife now stand and how God has crafted and carried them to this point.

That's why I was so excited to find out that Levi was (finally) releasing a devotional book.  Levi has never written a devotional book before, and I was ready to dive in when it arrived*.

Let's start with the actual book itself - the physical appearance.  I love the look of this book.  As you can see from the image above, the book has a solid black cover with skinny-type font letters that resemble someone writing on a blackboard.  Inside, the pages are a nonglossy, rougher paper, which I actually really like.  The chapter beginning and ending pages are adorned with hand drawn images which add to the fun and artsy feel I can imagine Levi scribbling down or drawing while writing this book.

And speaking of chapters, let's digest how this new and nontraditional devotional is laid out.  I say nontraditional because the book is laid out and flows much like Levi himself -- often untraditional yet inviting us in to sit - captivated at what he is saying, leaning in to learn more about ourselves, our walk, and our Savior.

Each chapter starts out with a traditional devotional.  Where this new book deviates from tradition is what comes next.  Most devotionals are short.  A page or two at the most.  Levi's tend to be a bit longer.  Each day's devotional ends with a prayer and a set of questions to help you understand the day's teachings and how you can apply them to your life.

The publisher describes Levi's book this way:

"In Take Back Your Life, a blend of bestselling books Through the Eyes of a Lion and I Declare War, join Levi Lusko on an interactive journey to take back your life. With biblical truth and perspective, this step-by-step journaling process will help you:

• get out of your own way by learning to think right so you can live right
  
  
• find purpose by discovering that God will do great things with your imperfect progress
  
  
• learn that your pain is not an obstacle to being used by God but an opportunity to be used like never before.

Take Back Your Life is such a refreshing book!  So many times, we just read our devotion and then check it off our list.  Some devotions do have prayers at the end of them, but the questions in this book make it great for self-study, group studies, or an accountability partner.

Thank you Levi for releasing a devotional.  I've added your book to my morning routine of  Bible reading, and I enjoy the new twist it gives that special time.  So happy to add this book to my growing Christian book library!

If you would like to learn more about Levi's book, visit the Take Back website or it may be purchased through Amazon.

*Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC and HCCP for providing this prize for the giveaway and review.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Disney On Ice Partners with Atlanta Dream!

Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures and Renee Montgomery of the Atlanta Dream are hosting a “Read Like a Pro” event on Wednesday, September 25, at State Farm Arena. Kids from the Renee Montgomery Foundation – a nonprofit established to make a positive impact on the lives of both young and old through sports – will enjoy storybook reading from Montgomery and Disney On Ice performers as they learn the importance of education and reading.  There will also be special guest appearances from Disney characters and the Atlanta Dream mascot, Star.  In addition, the guests attending the event will be treated to tickets to Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures that evening! WHAT:                        Read Like a Pro Hosted by Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures and Atlanta Dream’s Renee Montgomery    WHEN:                       Wednesday, September 25 5:30 p.m. WHERE:                     State Farm Arena - Suite Level event space (Formerly “Center Club”) 1 State Farm Drive Atlanta, GA 30303

Discount Mags - HUGE Cyber Monday Sale!

Not to be outdone by another, Discount Mags also has a HUGE number of magazines on sale today for Cyber Monday.  Here is how their sale works:

• Pick any 3 magazines - $4 each
• Pick any 5 magazines - $18 for all five subscriptions
• Pick any 10 magazines - $3 each

You can't beat those prices for presents!  Remember, these are great gifts for friends and families living in assisted living homes, nursing homes, and senior centers as well!  It is always great to receive mail!

Happy shopping!

Hearst Magazines - All Subscriptions $1 (6-Months)

Just in time for Christmas and the holiday season!

Hearst Magazines has all it's magazines on sale for $1 for a six-month subscription.  I love to give these as gifts.  Perfect for everyone - kids, teens, parents, Grandparents, etc.!  Especially good for friends or family members in nursing homes, senior citizen centers, or Assisted Living Homes.

It is always nice to receive mail!

Happy shopping!

Magic Tree House! Children's Museum of Atlanta Final Weeks!

Feature exhibit that explores American history through time-traveling adventures closes January 16! Young explorers are invited to swing into adventure one last time before the Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s Magic Tree House® feature exhibit closes on Monday, January 16! Based on the best-selling children’s book series written by Mary Pope Osborne, visitors will branch out through three periods of American history including the first Thanksgiving, the Civil War, and life on the prairie circa 1870.  The 2,000-square foot literacy-based exhibit allows imaginations to grow as children explore history through three immersive environments featuring period costumes, props and more than 30 hands-on learning activities!

Books-A-Million Celebrated ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ Book Release with Largest Attended Event in Company History !

As a premier book retailing chain in the United States, Books-A-Million celebrated the official script book release of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Parts I & II,” the theatrical eighth installment of JK Rowling’s best-selling Harry Potter series, on Saturday, July 30, in its more than 260 locations across the country. Today, Books-A-Million management is pleased to announce the Harry Potter Midnight Release Party was the largest attended event in the company’s almost 100-year history! In addition to the book reveal at midnight, the magical evening featured Harry Potter trivia, Marauder’s Map scavenger hunts, wand crafts, costume contests, and more spellbinding festivities! “The release of ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ was not only the biggest book launch of the year, but it was also our most pre-ordered book since ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ debuted in 2007,” said Scott Kappler, Vice President of Marketing at Books-A-Million. “Saturday’s Harry Potter Midnight Release Party served as a true celebration of community, as generations of Potter fans came together for a literary phenomenon that has captivated the world for almost two decades, and we are honored to have been a part of the magic!” For Potter fans who were unable to attend the book release on Saturday, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Parts I & II,” as well as the complete Harry Potter book series, is now available in-store or online at www.booksamillion.com.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Nibbles Its Way to Puppetry!

Beloved Caterpillar Nibbles Its Way to Center for Puppetry Arts

Eric Carle Stories Brought to Life by Internationally Recognized Canadian Company

WHAT:      The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other Eric Carle Favorites by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia from Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada

                       

In their first appearance at the Center, Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia brings some of Eric Carle's beloved stories to life through the magic of blacklight and fanciful puppets. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” eats an amazing variety of foods on his path to becoming a beautiful butterfly, while high up in the sky “Little Cloud” playfully transforms into various shapes including a sheep, an airplane, a shark and more. Meanwhile, far below, “The Mixed-Up Chameleon” is bored with his monotonous life. In a trip to the zoo, he attempts to emulate the beautiful animals he sees before realizing that there is value in being his own unique self. This production is recommended for ages 3 and up.

To watch a trailer for the show, click here. To learn more about the award-winning Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, click here. This production is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Georgia Council for the Arts.

WHEN:     Aug 5 - 17, 2014

                  Tuesday - Friday: 10 a.m. & 12 p.m.

                  Saturday: 12 p.m. & 2 p.m.

                  Sunday: 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.

                       

WHERE:    Center for Puppetry Arts

1404 Spring Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30309

HOW:        Tickets are $9.25 (Members) and $16.50 (Nonmembers) and include performance, Museum admission and the Create-A-Puppet Workshop (or To-Go Kit). For more information, click here.

BUY TICKETS ONLINE AT WWW.PUPPET.ORG OR CALL 404-873-339.

 CREATE-A-PUPPET WORKSHOP

With the all-inclusive ticket visitors can also enjoy the Create-A-Puppet Workshop where they create their own Brilliant Butterfly Rod Puppet, or pick up a Create-A-Puppet To-Go Kit to continue the fun at home! The workshop can also be purchased separately for $5.75.

MUSEUM EXHIBITS

The all-inclusive ticket admits patrons to the Center’s Museum. Explore the Center’s permanent museum exhibit PUPPETS: The Power of Wonder, as well as the latest special exhibit Cinderella’s Tightrope: Adapted Childhood Tales.  And, don’t miss the display detailing the Center’s upcoming museum expansion to house the definitive Jim Henson collection. Museum admission can also be purchased separately for $8.25 (FREE for Members). Visit www.puppet.org/museum for more information.

# # #

The Center for Puppetry Arts is supported in part by: Fulton County Arts Council • City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs • Isdell Family Foundation • Aetna Foundation •The Wish Foundation Fund of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta • PNC •The Coca-Cola Foundation • WSB-TV Family 2 Family Project • YP • Regency Suites Hotel • For a complete list of the Center’s major supporters, visit www.puppet.org/about/sponsors.shtml.

Center for Puppetry Arts® is a unique cultural treasure – a magical place where children and adults are educated, enlightened, and entertained. Since 1978, the Center has introduced millions of visitors to the wonder and art of puppetry and has touched the lives of many through enchanting performances, curriculum-based workshops, and the hands-on Museum as well as Distance Learning and Outreach programs. Center for Puppetry Arts is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization and is supported in part by contributions from corporations, foundations, government agencies, and individuals. Major funding is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council. Major support is also provided by the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. The Center is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre; Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA/USA/ASSITEJ); and International Performing Arts for Youth (IPAY).The Center also serves as headquarters of UNIMA-USA, the American branch of Union Internationale de la Marionnette, the international puppetry organization.