Kids San Francisco - August 10, 2009

The F Words

Back-to-School Guide

Time to sharpen pencils, stack those books, and hide from teachers’ dirty looks. Mute the sting with school finds that conjure summer fun.

Feast
Top off lunch with a box of Fiddlesticks from Emeryville’s own Plum Organics. They’ll never suspect the gluten-free, fruity bites are made from garbanzo flour and whole grains (Whole Foods, 399 4th Street, between Folsom and Harrison Streets; 415-618-0066). Or campaign to bring Revolution Foods to your school. The Oakland-based kitchen dishes fresh, organic meals and snacks to lucky tykes and teachers around the Bay Area.

Feet
Lay the right foundation with Simple Shoes sustainable footwear. Now available in small sizes (4-10), the machine-washable ecokicks are tricked out with contrasting, protective toe caps and nonmarking outsoles (Kid Dynamo, 1481 Shattuck Avenue, between Rose and Vine Streets, Berkeley; 510-649-7446).

Foam
Remind them to share everything — except those germs. Jason Natural’s fragrant Kids Only hand soaps (The Real Food Company, 2140 Polk Street, between Broadway and Vallejo Streets; 415-673-7420) come in insta-sudsing pump bottles that make frequent hand washing child’s play.

Fancy that.

PREPARE
Annual Marin Family Well-Being & Safety Fair
What: The Mill Valley police, Elaina Serotte financial planners, and other local experts offer advice on child safety, family finance, and nutrition.
Why: Plan be.
When: Fri., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, at E. Blithedale Ave., Mill Valley. Info at 415-743-1010. R.S.V.P. online at elainaserotte.com.

LISTEN
Russian Animated Films Set to Live Music
What: Berkeley’s Gojogo World Music quartet accompanies a screening of shorts and hosts a Q&A for kids.
Why: They go beyond the tale.
When: Sun., 4 p.m.
Where: Community Music Center, 544 Capp St., b/t 20th & 21st Sts. (415-647-6015). Tickets online at gojogo.com.

DANCE
In the Kid Zone CD Release Party
What: Oakland-based island musician Asheba performs dance-along guitar and steel drum songs from his new album.
Why: It’s dee real t’ing.
When: Sun., 3 p.m.
Where: Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center, 1317 San Pablo Ave., b/t Gilman & Camelia Sts., Berkeley (510-525-5054).