Once upon a time, a wee lass asked for a bedtime story. Her mom fumbled. And mumbled. And her story fell down. Luckily, local picture book artist Maria van Lieshout was waiting in the wings with some tips for telling a better tale.

1. Keep it simple. Opting for just a few characters and plot twists will help listeners stay focused.

2. Use familiar visions and symbols (e.g., “The castle sits on Bernal Hill.” “The dragon ate the princess’s beloved Crocs.”)

3. Make it participatory. Ask tots to guess what happens next. Stay on your toes and pick up their threads.

4. Get into character. Pull out the stops on goofy faces; muster a French accent for the bad guy (hamminess scores).

5. Focus on the experience, not the story. Tent out under the covers. Even if the story falls apart, you can give good snuggle.

No doubt, you’ll all be happy ever after.

San Francisco artist Maria van Lieshout’s new book, Peep!, is available online at amazon.com.

MAKE
Petit Appetit: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
What: A one-stop cookbook for easy, organic snack and party eats from Petit Appetit founder Lisa Barnes.
Why: Foodies come in all sizes.
When: Tomorrow we dine.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

PROBE
Outdoor Exploratorium: Experiments in Noticing
What: Hands-on science and art installations use wind, waves, and the urban waterfront to educate and delight.
Why: Look and do touch.
When: Opens Fri.
Where: Twenty free sites along the Fort Mason shoreline.

SEE
John Lanchbery’s The Tales of Beatrix Potter
What: Rare screenings of The Royal Ballet’s costume extravaganza featuring mice and pigs en pointe.
Why: Mrs. Tig’s got the moves.
When: Tues., 8 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.
Where: Cameo Cinema, 1340 Main St., St. Helena. Tickets online at cameocinema.com.