An inverse relationship appears to exist between the prices of children’s classes around the city and the state of the economy. It seems as if many of the programs are getting pricier just as your financials are getting dicier. But as New Yorkers - natives and transplants alike - we’re nothing if not resourceful. There are plenty of good-quality, free activities to keep you and Junior entertained. Seek and you shall find.
Chic downtown newcomer Bundle is hosting free monthly children’s book readings and signings. Former Wall Streeter and Bundle boutique owner Allison MacCullough is working with the Society of Illustrators to bring in well-known and talented New Yorkers to share their work. Here’s the line-up, starting with an event this Thursday:
Betsy Lewin - Thu. 9/24 at 4pm. Lewin has been on the New York Times Best-Seller List. She’s a Caldecott Honoree (for Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type) and recipient of numerous awards. Lewin will be reading from her book Thump, Quack, Moo, the latest in the Click, Clack, Moo series.
Edel Rodriguez - Thu. 10/15 at 4pm. Rodriguez will share Sergio Makes a Splash and Sergio Saves the Game. Then he’ll conduct a drawing workshop where he’ll show kids how to draw Sergio. Hey, it’s a chance for your bundle of joy to learn to draw from a guy whose work is held by the Smithsonian.
Randall and Peter de Seve - Thu. 11/12 at 4pm. Artist Peter de Seve has created covers for the New Yorker and been published in nearly every major American magazine. He has also designed characters for animated feature films, including A Bug’s Life and Ice Age. Randall de Seve is the author of the best-selling Toy Boat. The de Seves will read from The Duchess of Whimsy, which will be released later this fall. Stay tuned to see if the husband-wife team behind this book will have the Duchess of Whimsy and the Earl of Norm become an item.
A bonus - attendees will receive a 15% discount at Bundle on reading days. The clothing store carries stylish lines such as Splendid, the vintage-inspired Acoustic as well as Velvet & Tweet at recession-friendly prices.
Bundle, 128 Thompson St., bet. Prince and W. Houston Sts., 212-982-9465, bundlenyc.com.

