FAMILY : Display of Award-Winning ‘Smoky Night’ Book Opens

Eve Bunting’s child’s-eye view of the 1992 rioting in Los Angeles titled “Smoky Night,” has provoked controversy with its publication as a children’s book, but that didn’t prevent it from winning this year’s prestigious Caldecott Medal for its stunningly rendered illustrations.

David Diaz’s original artwork for the book--bold acrylic paintings and photographic collage frames made up of everything from cloth scraps and cereal to cardboard and pottery shards--will be on display at the Storyopolis bookstore and art gallery, beginning with a gala opening on Friday. The exhibit will also feature the artist’s handmade books, ceramics and editorial and book cover art.

Diaz and Bunting will be on hand for the kickoff event. Bunting will read from the book, and a discussion about the controversy surrounding it will be led by children’s book expert Michael Cart, who will also host a Q & A with both the author and the illustrator.

* Storyopolis, 116 N. Robertson Blvd., Plaza A, between Beverly Boulevard and Third Street, Friday. 6:15 p.m.: mariachi music; 6:30 p.m.: Q & A; 7:30 p.m.: “Smoky Night” reading. (310) 358-2500.

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On the Move: Pop these videos into the VCR and no one will be left on the couch. They’ll be too busy moving to the beat in the “Miss Christy’s Dancin’ ” home video series for big and little girls and, yes, boys too.

Even parents can learn some cool moves in “Miss Christy’s Dancin’ Jazz,” as professional dance instructor and choreographer Christy Curtis leads a group of youngsters in fun-to-do basic steps and simple combinations.

Curtis offers encouragement with the ever-cheerful, slightly hoarse vocal lift of an aerobics instructor, guiding her studio class and viewers through exercises and routines, but she’s not cloying and she presents the moves clearly, with enough slow repetitions to enable novices to catch on in fairly short order--especially with the rewind button at the ready.

Care is taken with each well-produced video to fit the needs of its audience. The jazz, tap and ballet videos are for ages 7 and up (and for energetic moms and dads). “Miss Christy’s Dance Adventure” is a little of everything for ages 2 to 6, with easy-to-understand, imaginatively taught jazz, tap and ballet-style movements presented in beach, farm and lily pond settings.

* “Miss Christy’s Dance Adventure,” “Miss Christy’s Dancin’ Jazz,” “Miss Christy’s Dancin’ Ballet,” “Miss Christy’s Dancin’ Tap”: Peter Pan Video, $12.98, available at national video retailers. Information: (201) 344-4214.