Your kidlet loves books at bedtime. But if storytelling’s a snooze, you all lose. Local author Carol Casey (of the DearBaby series) offers these tips for keeping children engaged.

Stare Case
Peel your eyes from the page. Divide your time between looking at the book and looking at your child.

Be Unpredictable
Get into the spirit with varying voices and facial expressions. Have your tot identify familiar objects, colors, shapes, or emotions (i.e., ask,“Is that a happy or sad face?”).

You Choose, They Choose
Little ones often want to skip ahead or read the same page a few times in a row. Let them, but say, “Let’s read how you want to read and then let’s read how mama wants to read.”

Offer Casual Encouragement
Have a go-to place for books for whenever the mood strikes. Let your child “catch” you reading a book around nap time or before bed and prompt her to page through her own while you finish.

Read it and sleep, baby.

Carol Casey’s DearBaby series of board and picture books is available online at dearbabybooks.com.

RUMBLE
WeatherFest
What: The American Meteorological Society hosts the supersize science fair that teaches about the weather, climate, and other stormy stuff.
Why: Spark their interest.
When: Sun., noon-4 p.m.
Where: Georgia World Congress Center, 285 International Blvd., Downtown (404-223-4200).

SEE
Wild Ocean
What: Take an old cell phone to recycle and get free admission to this IMAX show exploring the relationship between man and the ocean.
Why: Ride the wave of excitement.
When: Fri.-Jan. 24. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m., 1, 3 & 5 p.m.; Sun., 1, 3 & 5 p.m.
Where: Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Rd., Midtown (404-929-6400).

EAT
Genki Noodles & Sushi
What: The resto’s latest location offers $5 munchkin meals (complete with a drink and ice cream) and a mesmerizing jellyfish tank.
Why: Watch the jellies while you fill bellies.
When: Sun.-Tues., 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Wed.-Sat., 11:30 a.m.-midnight.
Where: The Prado Shopping Center, 5590 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs (404-843-8319).

Photo: Courtesy of DearBaby Books