We all know that some subjects are tough to explain to little kids with lots of questions or fears. So I was happy when I spotted a certain page in the Fall 2009 edition of Real Simple magazine’s special issue on family. This page suggested children’s books for specific topics. I wanted to pass some of the suggestions along to you, in case you or someone you know is in need of a children’s book that will help kids and parents deal with certain situations.

When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death, by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown

Good for: Explaining why someone dies, the rituals that might take place, and pretty much everything else there is to know about death.

Cost: $8

Sam Is Not a Loser, by Thierry Robberecht

Good for: Teaching sportsmanship in different game situations and showing kids that playing and not winning is more fun than never playing at all.

Cost: $12

The Berenstain Bears and the Sitter, by Stan and Jan Berenstain

Good for: Revealing just how much fun a night with a new babysitter can be, even if she seems really scary at first.

Cost: $4

We’ve linked each book jacket to the page on Amazon.com where you can go to get more info, read reviews by parents or order the book.

Click HERE to visit the Real Simple magazine website for more info on family-related topics.

On New Year’s Eve, join the family-friendly atmosphere at First Night Fayetteville, a celebration of the community and the arts from 6 to midnight on Dec. 31.

To help you welcome the year 2010, First Night offers music, theatre, dance, visual arts, puppetry, storytelling and magic.

Alcohol-free First Night is held at the Northwest Arkansas Mall. Click HERE to buy tickets, which are: $9 for adults, $4.50 for children ages 5-18, $4.50 for students with ID, $4.50 for seniors 55+ or you can buy a family package for $25 (2 adults and all the children in the family). Tickets can be purchased online, at the mall’s guest services or Collier’s Drug Stores.

We always love the “Imagination Station” where kids can create hats or masks. Then they get to wear them around and act silly! There’s also juggling, face painting, balloon art, clowns, Dance Dance Revolution, karaoke and Guitar Hero challenges, music and the countdown to 2010 with the “hog drop”.

First Night originated in Boston in 1976 as an alternative way to mark the passage of time and promote the appreciation of the arts.

See you there!

We moms tend to find out pretty early when one of our kids is a natural performer. Some start singing, dancing or putting on little “shows” for us at an early age. If you have a child who loves an audience, you’ll want to know about the new series of classes being offered by Rogers Little Theater.

It’s called RLT Spotlight Studio, and it’s designed for kids ages 6 through 18 (categorized by age group). Studio director Martina Peacock will work with instructor Dru Peacock Wiser to teach the afternoon classes. This mother-daughter duo, pictured right, is the same team that choreographs musicals presented as part of Rogers Little Theater’s “MainStage” series.

This is a great way to help your child build self-esteem and confidence while making new friends in a safe, creative environment.

Classes begin January 11th for the winter session and March 29th for the spring session. Each session will culminate with two performances on stage at Rogers Little Theater, which is right around the corner from the Spotlight Studio (located at 204 W. Walnut St. in Rogers).

“Our performance will be like a showcase of talent. Each class will perform their own vignette,” said Spotlight Studio Instructor Dru Peacock Wiser. “Spotlight Studio is where students take center stage. It’s for everyone, and it’s a training ground for the theater. Children in these classes will experience the full process of being in a show.”

The theme for the upcoming session is “Welcome to the 60’s,” incorporating material from familiar musicals like Hairspray, Grease and Hair.

• Winter session runs from January 11th through March 13th, with performances on March 12th and 13th at 7 p.m.

• Spring session runs from March 29th through May 22nd, with performances on May 21st and 22nd at 7 p.m.

There are classes available for kids interested in acting only (”Adventures in Acting” class), acting and dancing (”Show Stoppers” class), and for those interested in acting, dancing and singing (”Triple Threat” class).

Additional information, including the full class schedule, class descriptions, and registration forms are available at the Rogers Little Theater website. CLICK HERE to see it. Or call 479-631-8988 for more information.

Dear Andi,

I want to look “glamorous� on New Year’s Eve, but I am stuck in my old make-up routine. What do you recommend to make the night more special?

Dear Glamour-envious,

Back in the day, you could have piled on the glitter make-up, thrown on your shortest dress and felt as special as the night ahead of you, but, if you want a look that’s more glam than glitz, you might want to consider turning to the pros.

False eye-lashes are instant glamour, but can be a little intimidating to apply. The MAC counter at Dillard’s offers eyelashes for $13 and will adhere them to your lids for $8 (the cost of the glue, apparently).

If you really want to go all out, locally owned Glo Limited (479-571-4456) has special occasion make-up application available starting at $35, or you can just get a little oomph with an eyes, cheeks and lips application for $15.

Have the sitter come early and do something unexpected with your hair. If it’s normally curly, straighten it with a ceramic iron (if you don’t have one, someone you know does…try your friends for a loaner).  If straight hair is your daily look, add some curl with a 1� barrel curling iron. Pin the curls up and let them cool before shaking them out with a few head flips, just don’t let your date see you because flinging your head around like a maniac really zaps the glamour out of your image, fast!

Have a fabulous New Year’s Eve!

 Andi Douglas is a local mom of two and the ruling beauty queen at nwaMotherlode. E-mail your questions to her at mamas@nwaMotherlode.com and the answer may be featured in her weekly column.