Some bedtime books can be a real snooze, leaving you no option but to skip sentences, summarize paragraphs, and rush your way to the lullaby portion of the evening.

So when we picked up the 120-page In Front of My House, by Marianne Dubuc, we figured we’d all be out cold by page 50. But much to our surprise, the whimsical tale captured both the reader and listener’s attention.

The simple story takes you under the bed, into outer space, above a storm cloud, around the zoo — each page revealing a more surprising twist and turn than the last.

Our toddler was so enthralled by the adventure that by the third night she was adding her own sound effects and commentary to the journey. And that’s a real dream in any parent’s book.

Available online at amazon.com, $13.

NOURISH
Building Healthy, Tasty, Kid-Friendly Lunches
What: Get ideas for packing nutritious yet economic meals.
Why: He’ll be stoked to not see another PB&J.
When: Thurs., 7-8:30 p.m.
Where: Healthy Habits Kitchen, 36 Washington St., Wellesley. Register at 781-235-6325 or online at healthyhabitskitchen.com. Cost is $20.

SPLASH
Sense of Wonder Walk
What: Learn about critters that inhabit Waterfowl Pond by dipping in nets and scooping up mud (ages 3 and up).
Why: Don’t forget a slicker, since the class runs rain or shine.
When: Sun., 1-2:30 p.m.
Where: Mass Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield. Registration (required) to 978-887-9264. Adults, $9; children, $7.

WATCH
Little Red’s Most Unusual Day
What: Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf make appearances in the opera just for tykes.
Why: It clocks in under an hour to ward off squirming.
When: Sat., noon & 2 p.m.
Where: Seully Hall, The Boston Conservatory, 8 The Fenway, 4th flr. (617-912-9240). Admission is free.

Photo: Courtesy of Kids Can Press

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