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.

CREATE
Picasso Family Festival
What: Tour the new Picasso exhibit, watch performances, and more.
Why: Up-and-coming cubists make their own masterpieces.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Seattle Art Museum, 1300 First Ave. (206-654-3100). Adults and teens, $23; children under 13, free.

EXPLORE
Open Barn
What: Weave through the hay maze, see animals, and take a pony ride.
Why: A perfect fall getaway for city slicker kids.
When: Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Willows Edge Farm, 18505 51st Ave. SE, Bothell (425-402-6781). 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: Every weekend 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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