Curious George Saves the Day

The Jewish Museum of New York is now hosting an exhibit: Curious George Saves the Day, interprets this lovable iconic monkey's knack for savior to be symbolic of the actual safeguarding of his creators as they fled  war-torn Paris in the 1940's with their first manuscript in their suitcase. This exhibition delves into the life and works of Margret and H.A. Rey, and tells the story of their narrow escape from Nazi-occupied Europe; their belongings being searched at the border, and upon being found with these wonderful children's illustrations being allowed to pass through and eventually arrive in the United States. Featuring close to 80 original drawings and telling a story of escape and encounter through the curious little monkey, this exhibit will likely delight both adults and children. If I were in the greater New York area - I would definitely stop by for a visit. This exhibit is open now through August, check it out!

Here's a little peek at some of those originals:

Diamond in the Concrete Jungle

For those of you living in New York - you must make this your next rendezvous! When innovative mom, Tracy Stewart couldn't find an inspiring place to take her two kids - she opened her own! Moomah - a rustically chic modern, creative playscape for kids; a relaxing, beatific space for mom. Nestled in the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan, Moomah aspires to bring kids to connect, discover, nourish, and create. Don't get thrown off by the cafe, which obviously is not of the kosher fare, skip that - and check out the rest of this wonderful zone: Piratepalooza music circles (with original moomah tunes), Gloga Classes (glow-in-the-dark yoga!), DIT (Do-It-Together, as opposed to DIY) tables - where you can select an art project to do with your kids, and receive all the materials and how-to etc. They even have their own mascot/super hero dubbed "SuperTryer" - who encourages all the kids to try new things! Stewart says the goal is to provide all the fun without setup and cleanup. Yes, there are moms sitting in the corners on the sofa sipping their lattes alone - but Stewart encourages moms not to think of Moomah as a baby-sitting service, there are enough of those in NYC - connect with your child and appreciate the joy that comes with it...