Getting the Kids Pumped Up for School

“Come with me and you will see / What the first day of school will be.” Irene Smalls has written “Beginning School” (Silver Press) and it’s out this month, just in time to help parents and children make the often difficult transition from home to school. The story follows Alicia on her first day of kindergarten as she learns about field trips, picnics and cultural holidays.

Also this week, “Mister Rogers Neighborhood” will be devoted to preparing young children for their first day of school. Monday through Friday on PBS. Check local listings for air times.

EVENTS:

SATURDAY

* Travelers Aid Society of Long Beach and Orange County presents the 12th annual “Long Beach Renaissance Arts Festival.” This two-day event, both Saturday and Aug. 25, will have traditional feasts, knights in battle, dancing gypsies and games for children. Come in costume. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Tax-deductible tickets at the gate are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors 55 and older, and $4 for children 5-12. Children under 5 get in free. Advance adult tickets are $7. Rainbow Lagoon Park in Long Beach, between the Hyatt Regency Hotel and the Convention Center on Shoreline Drive; (310) 438-9903.

* The Los Angeles Children’s Museum presents “Grandparents.” The Reader’s Theatre Project will perform live at noon and 2 p.m. (Repeated at the same times on Aug. 25.) $5 per child 2 and older. 310 N. Main St., Los Angeles; (213) 687-8801.

*

Aug. 25

* The Education Department of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art is presenting “Story Circus,” a three-ring romp through folk tales, fables and poetry. Flights of Fantasy Story Theater performance takes place 12:30-1:15 p.m. Afterward there will be a craft workshop from 1:30-4:15 p.m. Members, free; otherwise, adults, $6; seniors and students, $4; children 6-17, $1; children 5 and younger, free. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; (213) 857-6175.

* This family roundup appears on Sundays. Items to be considered should be mailed 3 1/2 weeks before the event to Aaron Davis, The Family File, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053. Fax: (213) 237-4712.