Statement of the Problem: Subjects desire to use paints (many of which have toxins such as lead, cadmium, formaldehyde) in at-home art projects; also exhibiting increasingly vivid vocabulary (see: fuchsia, ecru, and persimmon).

Hypothesis: Ecofriendly Glob paints will fill the requirements with flying colors.

Materials: Made in California, the water-based pigments are sourced from organic fruits, herbs, and veggies, and are naturally aromatic (red smells like pomegranate, yellow like lemon verbena).

Procedure: Materials start in powder form. Mini mixologists can experiment with: smelling and guessing the origins of the pigments, predicting the final colors (there are some surprises), mixing them with water, and playing with intensity (watercolor, finger paint, or tempera-like) by adding more pigment or water.

Results: Subjects visibly pleased. (“Mommy, look, today I mixed red and blue — magenta!”)

Conclusion: Problem solved.

Available at Aldea Ninos, 1017 Valencia Street, between 21st and 22nd Streets (415-874-9520 or aldeababy.com); Perch, 654 Chenery Street, between Diamond and Castro Streets (415-586-9000 or perchsf.com); Paxton Gate’s Curiosities for Kids, 766 Valencia Street, between 18th and 19th Streets (415-252-9990 or paxtongate.com); online at globiton.com, $12-$30.

LISTEN
Madeline at the White House
What: A free reading and book signing with John Bemelmans Marciano, grandson of Madeline’s creator, to celebrate a new adventure in the series.
Why: The smallest goes to Washington, D.C.
When: Thurs., 4 p.m.
Where: A Great Good Place for Books, 6120 LaSalle Ave., b/t Moraga Ave. & Mountain Blvd., Oakland (510-339-8210).

SAIL
Opening Day at Treasure Island Sailing Center
What: Free fam-friendly sailboat and kayak rides, paddleboard demos, and a BBQ lunch to celebrate.
Why: A different kind of season’s greeting.
When: Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: 698 California Ave., b/t Aves. H & N, bldg. 112 (415-421-2225). BBQ lunch, $3/person, $10/family of four.

PLAY
Glen Park Festival
What: A free village street fair with music, crafts, food, bounce houses, and a fire engine tour to benefit neighborhood children’s charities.
Why: A festivus for the rest of us — with kids.
When: Sun., 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Where: Diamond St., b/t Bosworth & Chenery Sts.

Photo: Courtesy of Glob Natural Paints