For the creative genius in your child…
Winter is quickly approaching, and with it, the inevitable extra time inside either escaping the cold or quarantined with a cold. Although my kids can play inside for hours with their beloved toys, especially Legos, I always like to have a few tricks up my sleeve for when their toys no longer hold the same appeal. Whether it’s making an artistic masterpiece from recycled material or creating and playing their own board 
game, this extra time indoors is an opportunity to encourage a little creativity.
Next time you’re at Dallas Children’s Theater, check out the “Create Your Own Story” corner at the theater’s store. It’s filled with books and activities that help spark creativity through innovative means (and just might be the trick you need up your sleeve). Books like All About Me: A Keepsake Journal for Kids that inspires journaling using creative prompts. Or, my personal favorite, the card game Once Upon a Time where everyone gets the 
chance to be a storyteller. And, my kids would love The Create Your Own Pop-Up Books: it includes all the material you need to create a story with pop-up illustrations.
Visit the store while you’re at the theater enjoying Magic Tree House’s Holiday Musical A GHOST TALE FOR MR. DICKENS playing through December 23 or THE SNOWY DAY AND OTHER STORIES BY EZRA JACK KEATS playing through January 20. Both of these productions are likely to spark creativity in those young imaginations. For tickets, go to dct.org.
Written by Guest Mom Blogger, Jessica Colaw.
Magic Tree House‘s Holiday Musical: A GHOST TALE FOR MR. DICKENS
Book by Jenny Laird and Will Osborne
Lyrics by Randy Courts and Will Osborne
Music by Randy Courts
Based on Magic Tree House Merlin Mission #16: A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time by Mary Pope Osborne
MAGIC TREE HOUSE: A GHOST TALE FOR MR. DICKENS TYA is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows[dot]com
Now – Dec. 23
Ages 6 and up
Magic Tree House, the #1 bestselling chapter book series of all time, premieres this large-scale, holiday-themed spectacular in Dallas! Be among the first to see brother and sister duo, Jack and Annie, whisked back in time aboard their magical tree ride to the foggy streets of Victorian England. Their mission: to help the famous writer Charles Dickens overcome a terrible bout of writer’s block. With a little help from three ghost friends, Jack and Annie learn how charity and kindness can change the course of history. No “Bah Humbug” here…this musical is a fantasy adventure filled with wonderful songs and dances of the season!
Title Sponsors: Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District and Globe Runner SEO.
THE SNOWY DAY AND OTHER STORIES BY EZRA JACK KEATS
Adapted for the stage by Jerome Hairston
Based on the books by Ezra Jack Keats
Music by Victor Zupanc
Now – Jan. 20
Ages 3 and up
Oh, the magic of childhood! Follow Peter and his friends as they enjoy the excitement of a fresh snowfall, the delight of whistling for the first time, the awe in finding a special treasure, and the feelings of a first crush. Packed with humor and fun, this production combines wonderfully innovative shadow puppetry and live action to showcase Keats’ beautiful appreciation for diversity. In fact, his characters ultimately became an inspiration for Sesame Street! An adaptation of Whistle for Willie, Goggles!, A Letter to Amy, and the groundbreaking Caldecott Winner The Snowy Day, this uplifting story collection encourages us to play and live life to the fullest each day.
Note: There will be no performances of THE SNOWY DAY AND OTHER STORIES BY EZRA JACK KEATS between December 24, 2018 and January 3, 2019.
Produced in Collaboration with Soul Rep Theatre Company.
Title Sponsors: Southwest Airlines and Maroc “Rocky” L. Howard.