Mooning over ‘Girl’

A stunning combination of artistry and prose, “Red Knit Cap Girl,” the first picture book by Red Hook, Brooklyn author-illustrator Naoko Stoop, is certain to become an instant classic.

Red Knit Cap Girl yearns to talk with the moon, and enlists the help of several equally adorable forest friends in pursuit of her dream. Ultimately the girl — and the 5-year-olds the book will most appeal to — reaps the reward by taking a moment to turn off the lights and noise, so that she can enjoy the natural world around her.

Stoop uses plywood as her canvas for the adventures of the child and her friend, White Bunny; the unexpected wood grain adds depth and whimsy to the illustrations. And we’re not the only ones to have been charmed — this book is the first of a series; we can’t wait to find out what the Red Knit Cap Girl will do next.

“Red Knit Cap Girl” by Naoko Stoop (Little Brown and Company), $15.99. www.lb-kids.com.

Play On! Studios

<p>Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games!</p> <p>Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun!</p> <p>Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show!</p> <p>During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

STEAM Camp at the Cathedral School

<div> <p dir="ltr">STEAM Camp at the Cathedral School is an innovative summer day camp that welcomes all children rising to Kindergarten up to Grade 6. Blending craft, engineering, and technology, projects are designed to spark wonder in all of our campers. Campers also learn to design and prototype at our Innovation Lab equipped with 3D printers, laser cutter, robots, and other maker tech. When they need a break, campers are just steps away from our AquaZone for some refreshing splashes and water slide fun.&nbsp;</p> </div> <div> <p dir="ltr">STEAM campers are curious. They want to be makers, inventors, and problem solvers. Summer is a great time to tinker, explore, and play. Combining inventive hands-on projects with summer outdoor fun on our beautiful 11-acre campus, STEAM Camp is an ideal experience for all children in NYC. Come have a creative, whimsical, and STEAM-y summer with us!&nbsp;</p> </div> <div> <p dir="ltr">Choose one or both of our sessions:</p> </div> <div> <p dir="ltr">Session 1: Living Green with STEAM: Sustainable Design &amp; Engineering</p> </div> <div> <p dir="ltr">Session 2: Maker Park Adventures: Circuits, Coding &amp; Robotics</p> </div>