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.

CELEBRATE
Arbor Day
What: Catapult seeds into the air at the wildflower launch, hitch a ride on a hot air balloon, and more.
Why: Painting on live horses is bound to be a big hit.
When: Sat., 4 p.m.-sunset.
Where: Glenwyck Farms Park, 1601 Fair Oaks Dr., Westlake. Admission is free.

BOO
Pumpkins on the Prairie
What: Games, a bounce house, and outdoor movies.
Why: Take a camera for some very fall photo ops.
When: Thru Oct. 30. Today, 9 a.m.-sunset. Hours thereafter, Mon.-Fri., 1 p.m.-sunset; Sat. & Sun., 9 a.m.-sunset.
Where: Grace Avenue United Methodist Church, 3521 Main St., Frisco (972-335-2882). Admission is free.

VACCINATE
WellCheck Flu Shots
What: Say no to sick days with a visit to a mall pop-up clinic.
Why: Zip in and out when you reserve a shot online.
When: Thru Oct. 24.
Where: Locations online at wellcheck.com. Info at 888-659-3552. Cost is $28.

Photo: Courtesy of Kids Can Press

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