Almost 12-years-old, my daughter Elena would generally prefer if I didn't talk to her friends, even when they are guests in my home. But last Sunday I managed to get in a few words with one of her new school friends, who had come over to work on a science project. A friendly and well-poised girl with writerly ambitions, she shared with me how she likes to make up scenarios of what the future will hold for her, her family and friends. "Like what?" I wondered...[more here]

*In Honor of National March Into Literacy Month, we've gathered some inspiration for you and your little bookworms: 1. Books of Wonder on World Read Aloud Day (March 7); 2. Bank Street Bookstore's great book tips for kids of all ages; 3. An NYC dad writes one of our favorite book blogs, One Potato, touting under-the-radar reads.   

*Speaking of reading, Kumon's Literacy Open House is this Saturday, March 3 at a bunch of participating locations around the city (like Gramercy Park), and will include games, readings with award-winning authors, prizes and refreshments. Here's your chance to find out the secret behind the organization's success--see our Q&A with Kumon!   

*The folks at diapers.com and soap.com have entered the toy game in a big way with the dandy website yoyo.com. We're impressed by its user-friendly toy finder and speedy delivery policies. In fact, the winners of the 2012 Toy Of The Year Awards (the TOTYs) were announced a few weeks ago! We love the idea of finding some tips from the TOTYs and then cruising over to yoyo.com for the goods.   

*If you have a child going to summer camp, here's a can't-miss event. Check out the Upper East Side's Love, Laura Gifts this weekend for custom clothing, labels, towels, shower shoes, laundry bags, games, photo albums and more. Sunday, March 4, 10am-4pm, lovelauragifts.com

*New mom, trendy and eco-friendly may seem like an impossible combination. But lifestyle company Gaiam has created responsible clothing that is beautiful and comfy. We adore the Handkerchief-Hem Tank & Ankle Legging combination. Separates under $100, gaiam.com 

*Soda shop-style cookies are as delicious as they sound. Kelsey Banfield's newly adapted recipe for cherry & cream cookies will have you all nostalgic, at Yummy Delicious.  

Best of (The Rest Of) The Web 

*Douglas Kennedy was arrested at a New York hospital for endangering the welfare of a child when he took his newborn son outside for a walk. Are these rules too harsh? (Fox News)

*Happy Leap Year! Find out what it's like being born on the most elusive day of the year. (Daily Mail)

For more of our favorite articles from the web this week, click here. 

*To celebrate the release of The Lorax movie, we're offering a special giveaway of five unique Dr. Seuss toys. From My Natural, a Brooklyn-based maker of eco-plush toys, these stuffed guys are completely non-toxic and good for newborns and children up to age 10. To enter, post on our Facebook page telling us about your favorite Dr. Seuss character. Then, send us an email and put "Dr. Seuss" in the subject line. Deadline is Friday, March 9.

*Jazz at Lincoln Center has just released its latest CD! WeBop: A Family Jazz Party takes a playful approach to classic jazz tunes and is appropriate for children of all ages. We're giving away five copies! To enter, send us an email and put "WeBop" in the subject line. Deadline is Friday, March 9.

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