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.

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.

EXPLORE
Butler’s Orchard’s 30th Annual Pumpkin Festival
What: Find the perfect pumpkin, see the rubber ducky derby, and make crafts.
Why: Pick up a pie or two, since everyone will want seconds.
When: Thru Oct. 31. Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 22222 Davis Mill Rd., Germantown (301-972-3299). Adults and children, $10; under 2, free.

WATCH
Egg & Spoon
What: Young theatergoers (ages 1-5) get a show just for them.
Why: Audience interaction keeps fidgeting down.
When: Thru Oct. 30. Tues.-Sat., 10:30 & 11:45 a.m.; Sun., 10:30 a.m.
Where: Imagination Stage, Christopher & Dana Reeve Studio Theatre, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda. Tickets at 301-280-1660 or online at imaginationstage.org. Adults and children, $10; lap seats for babies, $5.

Photo: Courtesy of Kids Can Press

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