September 29, 2008

Cause and Effect

Sprig Adventure Series Toys

Flashy toys with lights and sound effects: good. Buying not-so-earth-friendly batteries with which to power them: not good.

Make kids work for their fun with Sprig Adventure Series vehicles. They’re constructed of recycled wood and reclaimed plastic and run on pure manpower.

When an energetic child pushes a model, a generator is activated — which powers lights, songs, and stories. Plug-in characters with LED-lit hats connect into the rigs and tell different tales. There’s also a smaller series of pump-action vehicles.

No work? No reward. Just like the real world.

Available at The Toy Shop of Concord, 4 Walden Street, Concord (978-369-2553). To see styles, go to sprigtoys.com.

RESEARCH
Parent Talk’s Fourth Annual Preschool Information Fair
What: Meet representatives and get the lowdown on local preschools.
Why: Be teacher’s pet.
When: Thurs., 7-9 p.m.
Where: Newman Elementary School, 1155 Central Ave., Needham.

WRITE
The Pen’s Majesty
What: Learn to scrawl with a quill pen, just like in the 18th century.
Why: It’s the write thing.
When: Sat., noon-4 p.m.
Where: Old State House Museum, 206 Washington St., Downtown Crossing (617-720-1713).

LISTEN
From the Top
What: Watch a live taping of the hit NPR program featuring America’s best young classical musicians.
Why: Music to your ears.
When: Sun., 2 p.m.
Where: New England Conservatory, Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St., Back Bay (617-585-1260).