A Guide to the Best of Southern California : FOR KIDS : Pow! Bam! Kazowee!

Fearful that if you hear one more impassioned early morning plea from your children to watch “Cartoon Express” or “Muppet Babies,” you’ll do something truly crazed--like throw your beloved new mega-stereo, multichannel TV set out the window?

A visit to World of Pinatas may save the TV--not to mention the fragile psyche of the fruit of your loins-- and let you indulge your dream of smashing Garfield or Captain Planet to oblivion at the same time.

Not that owner and first-time businessman Daniel Gonzalez, 27, would approve of your motivation. He views it a bit differently: “Fun is our main concern.” Prices are low for a bout with your nemesis: A special order caricature can be yours in two weeks for $19.99. A bestseller is Chapulin Colorado , a famous Mexican cartoon character who happens to be a red bug.

Or you can buy from the store stock, $3.99 for small ones (about 36 inches tall) to $14.99 for large (about 54 inches). And be a hero by springing for one for the child’s next birthday party. After all, there’s nothing better than showing a group of kids how to whack the bejeebers out of one of the Ninja turtles or Mickey or Speedy Gonzalez or . . .

World of Pinatas, 9123 E. Valley Blvd., Rosemead; (818) 291-2842.