Young Writer Gives Kids Bottom Line On Money

According to 13-year-old Arthur Bochner, you are never too young to learn about business and make a buck. He teaches kids how to do both in his book, “The Totally Awesome Business Book for Kids” ($10.95, Newmarket Press).

“This book is not for nerds or math whizzes, although if you are one, that’s good too,” says Bochner. “This is a book about money for kids.”

The book begins with the Big Picture: a comprehensive look at finances in language kids will understand. Chapters cover business structures, corporations and partnerships and business ethics.

In Part Two, Bochner discusses 10 important business skills including budgeting, marketing and networking.

Part Three outlines 20 creative business ideas from the tried-and-true lemonade stand to some very inventive “waste-management” businesses.

The book is peppered with jokes, checklists and games, making it an enjoyable and quick read for kids ages, 10 to 17.

To order, call (800) 669-3903.

Babies learn through play

Observers of toddlers know from experience that a favorite toddler activity is to watch other toddlers play. Young children are intrigued by play. They learn from it.

Warner Home Video incorporates this idea into a new series of three videos, “Babies At Play,” geared to youngsters up to 4 years old.

These videos have no plot, simply engaging music and babies playing, singing and learning. The three titles are: “On a Fun, Rainy Day” (37 minutes); “Under a Blue, Blue Sky” (39 minutes); and “In Their Favorite Places” (39 minutes).

Each video is $14.95 and includes an activity book with supplemental games and play ideas. It’s available through larger video stores.

Visionary volunteers needed

The Children’s Museum of Spokane is targeted to open in 1997 providing an environment to stimulate the intellectual and creative potential of children through interactive learning.

A committee has formed with the goal of opening a hands-on children’s museum in downtown Spokane with exhibits using play to enhance children’s knowledge of the arts, cultures and the world around them.

The target audience is children up to age 10, their families and teachers.

For more information on this project or to donate time, finances or ideas, call (509) 245-3586.

Better than an apple

Here’s a great book to give to your child’s teacher as a birthday, Christmas or thank-you gift.

“Never, EVER, Serve Sugary Snacks on Rainy Days” by Shirley Raines is “The Official Little Instruction Book For Teachers of Young Children” ($6.95, Gryphon House).

When asked for advice on the teaching profession, Raines (a teacher herself) has plenty to say. In the resulting book, she gives gentle reminders (“Speak softly, but enthusiastically. If you get loud, the children get louder”); words of truth (“Everyone wants to play the drums”) and inspirations (“Always have a song in your heart”).

Light, funny and filled with wit, the book will warm the hearts of teachers on their easy days and serve them a dose of humor for the difficult ones. To order, call (301) 595-9500.