Who has time to read? We've rounded up the top stories you don't want to miss from the NYC media this week.

Toxic Toys. A PBS Now program talks about the dangerous chemicals in many plastic toys, not just ones from China. Watch the episode online.

Buy the NYC Toilet Map for only $2.50??”a must-have for the potty training years. ??”NewYorkology

This week, a toy and clothing swap, a contest to name the Riverside Park Hawks, a chance to meet Mo Willems, and a fun way to learn physics. All free. Plus some cool, off-beat activities and concerts worth the price. And don't forget the free Elf Tennis demo classes on Sunday.

I haven't done an archive post in a while and it's too bad, because looking back on the posts from last March there a ton of good ones. In fact, I just updated the POPULAR POSTS list over in the left sidebar with some new, great old posts like Useful Links for School Hunts, An Overview of the Preschool Admissions Process, and more.

But today's post is a great list of alphabet books. Unique, artistic alphabet books have become very trendy lately. These ones all celebrate the alphabet through urban environments:

Harbor Conservatory is proud of its 38 year history of helping children gain
a deeper appreciation of music, dance and theater through individual and
group instruction, special ensembles, public performances, master classes,
and faculty and guest artist recitals. The Conservatory serves beginning
students as well as though talented youngsters with professional
aspirations.

SUMMER PROGRAMS
3 Different programs - ideal for children and teens ages 6-19, Beginners &
Intermediate

MUSICAL THEATER INTENSIVE

This course is ideal for youngsters' 11-16 years of age, beginners and

Basketball City provides NY's most comprehensive youth instructional basketball programs all year round.

Summer camps - Beginning June 15^th 2009 through the end of August, at Hunter College. This year's camps include Walt "Clyde" Frazier, Five- Star, New York Knicks, and the Basketball City FUNdamental Camps. 

For boys and girls ages 7 -18.

Call (718) 786-4242 Or visit www.basketballcity.com for more information!

Check out more cool camps in our Summer Camp Guide!

Ballet Hispanico 2009 Summer Program for Children

PRE-SCHOOL SUMMER DANCE WORKSHOP (Ages 3-6)

SPAIN
Session 1: June 8-12

MEXICO
Session 2: June 15-19

EL SALVADOR
Session 3: June 22-26

PANAMA
Session 4: July 6-10

COLOMBIA
Session 5: July 13-17

ARGENTINA
Session 6: July 20-24

FEE: $285 per session
Registration begins Monday, February 2nd

This culturally enriching program offers two week-long sessions in which children are engaged in the arts and culture of topic. Daily activities include classes in Creative movement, costume and mask making, and Latin rhythm and drumming. Each 5-day workshop culminates in a studio performance for parents on the final Friday of each session. Daily snacks relevant to the culture of study will be provided. Students will be divided by age group (3/4 & 5/6).
Classes are held Mon-Fri, 9:00-11:45am.

For detailed scheduling information, please visit www.ballethispanico.org

Ballet Hispanico
167 West 89th Street (between Columbus & Amsterdam)
New York, NY 10024
P: 212.362.6710
F: 212.362.7809
www.ballethispanico.org

For more camp ideas, check out our Summer Camp Guide!

The first eco-friendly preschool in New York City Bilingual French Montessori & Bank Street

Our mission is to create a harmonious International environment, uniting children from various cultural backgrounds and working as a team within a relaxed positive atmosphere.

We give your child an opportunity to learn French as a second language from a young age. By combining both Montessori and Bank Street philosophies, your child will have an early start to a strong education.

We start teaching children about an eco-friendly way of life, giving them awareness for the future of their planet.

We contribute a unique service using education, psychology, communication, caring and nurturing with elements of creativity, play recreation, humor, enthusiasm, fun, and lots of love resulting in good self-esteem, independence, confidence and overall happiness!! That's why we call it The Little Paradise!!

The environment at Le Petit Paradis is mostly eco-friendly.

We use non-toxic cleaning products. Furniture and classroom materials are all recyclable. Tables and chairs are made from wood that is harvested from healthy forests done in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. The walls are painted with a NO or low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) which does not have toxins in it.

The floors are made of bamboo. The HV/AC system we installed is the new non-ozone depleting gas.

Light bulbs are fluorescent.

We start teaching children about an eco-friendly way of life, giving them awareness for the future of their planet.

Example: Polar bears are becoming extinct; the glaciers in Antarctica are melting because of warmer temperatures.

Physical Address: 1656 Third Ave, New York, NY 10128

Mailing Address: 305 E 24th Street, # 18 C New York,

NY 10010

Telephone: 646-262-6549 Fax: 212-696-4607

Email: christina@lepetitparadispreschool.com

Web site: www.lepetitparadispreschool.com

And for more great camp ideas, check out our Summer Camp Guide! 

The Big Swim
April 12, 2008
The Big Swim is a one-of-a-kind open swim meet where 1,000 New York City children ages 6-16 participate in a free day of competitive swim races. Each child experiences the excitement of a real race with starting blocks, officials, and a timed finish. Races are all supervised by lifeguards and swimming Asphalt Green aquatics staff. This event has been recommended to me by other parents who said that your child does not need to be an very strong swimmer to have a great time. The environment is not competitive and each child goes home a winner with a medal, a photo with Olympians, a t-shirt, and a goody bag.

The Big Swim takes place on April 12, 2008, but registration forms must be received by March 30th. For more information on the meet, call 800.NYC.SWIM (800.692.7946) or go to the website to register online.

Asphalt Green's The Big Swim
555 East 90th Street
New York, NY 10128

YMCA Splash Week
April 21-25, 2008
The YMCA of Greater New York is hosting a week of free swimming lesson during their Splash Week to promote water safety for kids and families. During Splash Week local YMCA branches will be offering free half-hour swimming lessons to anyone aged 3 and up. Yes, there will even be free adult swimming classes as well as lifeguarding classes for anyone who's dreaming of getting a job as a lifeguard this summer. You won't find any information about Splash Week online. You must visit or call your local YMCA branch to find out the schedule of classes, but if you don't know where the nearest YMCA branch is you can find it at the YMCA website. Participating branches can be found in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island.

If you're looking for swimming classes for read our swimming classes post. It includes mommy and me swimming classes and classes for older children as well.